The Dress Buying Guide

Step 1: Set your budget (the dress AND the alterations)

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Most people plan for the price tag and forget that nearly every dress needs some alterations. Decide on a total budget up front, then split it:

• The dress itself

• Alterations

• Accessories (shoes, undergarments, veil, jewellery)

Why it matters: two dresses with the same price can have very different alteration costs. A simple hem on a plain fabric is quick. A beaded, layered, or lace dress can take many more hours.

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Typical alteration prices at Gown & Grace:

Hem (simple, single layer)[$ 60/layer]

Hem (layered, lace, or beaded)[$ 150/layer ]

Take in or let out sides[$ 150]

Shorten straps[$ 75]

Bustle (wedding gowns)[$ 145+]

Add sleeves, straps, or a corset back[$ 150+]

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Every dress is different, so these are estimates. Book a consult for an exact quote.

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Step 2: Get the right size

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This is the most common place people go wrong.

• Order or buy for your largest measurement (bust, waist, or hips), not your smallest. A seamstress can take a dress in, but there often isn't enough fabric to let one out.

• Don't plan to lose weight to fit a dress. Bodies change, and a dress that's too small leaves very little room to fix.

• Get measured by a professional if you're ordering online or from a bridal shop. Sizing varies a lot between designers.

• Check seam allowances. If you can see or feel extra fabric inside the seams, there's room to adjust. If the seams are very narrow, there isn't.

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Step 3: The in-store fit check

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When you try on a dress, run through this checklist:

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Top half

• ☐ Shoulders and armholes: Do they sit comfortably and stay in place? 

• ☐ Bust: No gaping or pulling. Cups should sit right (they can be added, removed, or adjusted).

• ☐ Neckline: Does it stay where it should when you move?

• ☐ Back: Check for gaping or bulging at the zipper or lacing. Lace-up backs can adjust more than zippers.

• ☐ Straps: Can you raise your arms without the dress riding up or falling down?

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Waist and hips

• ☐ Waist: Does the waistline sit at your natural waist? This can be an expensive fix.

• ☐ Hips: Can you sit, walk, and dance comfortably?

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Length

• ☐ Hem: Try the dress on with shoes of the heel height you plan to wear. The more layers = the more it costs to hem.

• ☐ Train (wedding gowns): Will it need a bustle? How complex does it look?

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Move in it! Sit down. Raise your arms. Walk. Dance. Hug someone. If you can't do these in the dress, the fit isn't right yet.

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Step 4: How hard will this dress be to alter?

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Use this as a rough guide when you're deciding between dresses.

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Easier (usually quicker and lower cost)

• Hemming simple, single-layer skirts

• Taking in side seams on simple fabrics

• Shortening straps

• Adding boning

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Moderate (more time involved)

• Bustles

• Hemming layered skirts, lace, or heavy satin

• Taking in lace or beaded bodices

• Adding straps, sleeves, or appliques

• Replacing boning

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Complex (most time and cost)

• Changing the shoulders or armholes

• Resizing a structured or boned bodice

• Changing the neckline

• Reworking dresses with heavy beading or detailed lace patterns

• Letting out a dress with very narrow seam allowances

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If you're torn between two dresses, ask which one will be easier to alter. It can save you hundreds of dollars.\

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Step 5: Fabric and construction (why they affect cost)

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Lace Patterns: have to match up when taking in or hemming, which takes time.

Beading, appliques and sequins: Must be removed and reapplied by hand. Takes a lot of time.

Tulle and layered skirts: Many layers to hem. Light and beautiful, but time-consuming.

Chiffon and silk: Delicate and slippery. Needs careful handling.

Satin and heavy fabrics: Show every needle hole. Mistakes can't be hidden.

Boning and corset backs: Structured for a reason. Resizing takes expertise.

Built-in cups or lining: Can be adjusted, but add more layers to work through.

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Step 6: Questions to ask the shop before you buy

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• ☐ What's the return and exchange policy?

• ☐ Is the dress final sale?

• ☐ How much extra fabric is in the seams?

• ☐ If I need extra fabric or appliques, are they available to purchase?

• ☐ Is the sample size more than 2 sizes bigger r smaller than what I need?

• ☐ How long will the dress take to arrive (if ordering)?

Pro tip: If you're unsure, ask us! We're happy to talk through a dress with you before you buy.

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Step 7: Plan your timeline

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Alterations take time, and appointments fill up fast, especially in spring and summer.

For wedding & prom gowns

• As soon as you order: Book your alterations spot, even if the dress hasn't arrived.

• 3-4 months before the wedding: First fitting

• 6-8 weeks before: Second fitting

• 1-2 weeks before: Final fitting and pickup

(These are estimates- actual number of fittings may vary)

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For bridesmaid, MOB, etc

• 12 weeks before: Book your fitting

• 6-8 weeks before: First fitting

• 1-2 weeks before: Final fitting and pickup

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Need it faster? We offer rush service where available. [20% within 2 weeks, 50% within 1 week and 100% same day]

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Step 8: What to bring to your fittings

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• ☐ The shoes you'll wear (or the same heel height)

• ☐ The undergarments you'll wear with the dress

• ☐ Any accessories that affect fit (belt, shapewear, bra, petticoat)

• ☐ Hair accessories or veil if the dress will be styled with them

• ☐ A friend or family member who has a good eye (just one or two!)

• ☐ Photos of ideas you have, such as bustle styles or strap options

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Common mistakes to avoid

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1. Buying a dress that's too small and hoping to lose weight.

2. Falling in love with a dress without checking how it moves.

3. Not budgeting for alterations.

4. Waiting too long to book. Spots fill up!

5. Changing undergarments or shoes between fittings.

6. Taking too many opinions. Too many voices can make decisions harder.

7. Leaving the alterations for the last minute.

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Prom and grad dress tips

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• Buy early. Popular styles and sizes sell out.

• Think about how you'll dance and move in it.

• Consider hem length with your heels.

• Check the zipper and closure for strength. Prom dresses are often lightly built.

• Bring your shoes to every fitting.

• Bring a friend who can help with ideas, but stay true to what you love.

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Ready to book?

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Whether you're still shopping or you've already said yes to the dress, we'd love to help.

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Click here to book

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