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How to Make Your Wedding Dress More “You”: Wedding Dress Alterations to Match Your Style


Ah, wedding dress shopping; the magical moment when you find the one… almost. You try it on, twirl in front of the mirror, and your heart skips a beat. But then comes the inevitable: “I love this, but...” Maybe it’s the length. Maybe you want sleeves. Maybe you’re dreaming of extra beaded straps that give you the same sparkle as your fiancé’s eyes when they see you walk down the aisle. Whatever it is, there’s often something you wish was just a little bit different to truly make your dress yours. 

 

Well, at Lily’s Boutique, we hear this all the time, and we’re here to tell you that it’s totally okay to make your dress your own. In fact, it’s encouraged! At Lily’s, we know that there’s no shortage of ways to take a dress from “off-the-rack” to “custom couture”, which is why we offer a range of wedding dress alterations. So, whether you’re dreaming of a dress that sparkles or one with sleeves that give you a little extra coverage (without sacrificing the glam), we’ve got you covered. 

 

Adding buttons 

If there’s one thing that just cries “classic bridal elegance,” it’s a long line of buttons running down the back of your dress. And if your gown doesn’t come with them, then there’s no need to worry as it’s something we can easily add in. 

 

Some brides prefer just a few buttons at the top for a sweet and simple look, whilst others prefer that their buttons make a statement. Whatever your button preferences may be, we can add them seamlessly (pun intended), so they look like they were always part of the design. 

 

Plus, as an added bonus, buttons can be more than just decorative. If you choose functional buttons, they can also help shape and close the back of the dress, adding structure where needed. 

 

Adding sleeves 

Whether you’re getting married in the dead of winter and want to avoid frostbite, or you just want a little more coverage (or even more drama), adding sleeves is a fantastic way to change up the look of your gown. 

 

At Lily’s, we’ve built shoulders up, added fluttery cap sleeves, or gone all out with long lace sleeves that could make even Kate Middleton envious. If you can dream it, chances are we can sew it! And don’t feel confined to one style either, some brides opt for detachable sleeves so they can rock a sleeveless look for the reception while keeping it classic for the ceremony. 

 

Straps that dazzle 

Strapless dresses may be timeless, but not every bride feels comfortable in one. Or maybe you love the look, but want a little extra support and security – that’s where straps come in. Adding custom beaded straps or delicate lace straps can completely transform your dress. Not only will it help the gown feel more secure, but it’ll also add that extra “wow” factor, especially when the beads catch the light as you glide down the aisle.  

 

We’ve seen brides add thin spaghetti straps adorned with tiny pearls, or thicker straps with shimmering crystals. You can even get straps that cross in the back for a little extra detail. 

 

A little extra bling 

If you’re someone who believes that there’s no such thing as too much sparkle (you’re after our own hearts!), then let’s talk embellishments. Whether your gown is a little too simple for your taste, or you just want to go full glam, we can add beading, sequins, and crystals. You can even go all out and have a layer of sparkle fabric sewn into the underlayer of your skirt, so every time you move, you shimmer. 

 

Customising the fit 

While it’s fun to play with extras like buttons and beads, the most important alteration is making sure the dress fits exactly how you want it to. At Lily’s Boutique, we’ve tailored countless gowns to fit every body shape and size, making sure our brides feel as comfortable as they do beautiful. 

 

Need the bust taken in? No problem. The waist nipped? You got it. Hem a little too long? We’ll make sure you’re not tripping on the dance floor! Your dress should move with you, not against you, and we’ll make sure every seam hugs in all the right places so you can move, groove, and strike a pose for your wedding photos with ease. 

 

Speaking of hems, make sure you remember to bring your wedding shoes to your fitting. It might sound like a small detail, but it makes a world of difference. Your shoes determine how high the dress needs to be hemmed. Without them, you could end up with a gown that’s either dragging on the ground or hovering awkwardly above it. So, if you’re planning to rock those killer heels (or comfy flats — no judgment here!), bring them along. This way, we’ll make sure your hem is just the right length and your gown glides effortlessly as you walk. 

 

Don’t be afraid to get creative! 

The possibilities are endless when you decide to make your dress truly custom. And don’t worry about it being “too much” or breaking tradition; this is your wedding day, and if you want to walk down the aisle in a gown that’s uniquely you, then we’re here to make it happen. 

 

 

Book an appointment today and let's create your perfect wedding dress! 

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