Wedding dresses

From dress style and silhouette guides to stunning inspiration to money saving tips and tricks we help you find the perfect wedding dress for you, your wedding party and guests! Find everything you need to know about wedding dresses of every style and shape!

All Wedding Hair & makeup Wedding dresses Shoes & accessories Wedding attire

Fashion & beauty

Your Guide to A-Line Wedding Dresses

Learn everything you need to know about A-line wedding dresses and the details that make each one unique.

Fashion & beauty

Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths

From mini to monarch, this guide will help you learn about every wedding dress length and which one is right for you.

Fashion & beauty

How to Dance in a Wedding Dress + 11 Wedding Dress Options

You don’t have to sacrifice your dance moves for your dream dress. We’ll show you how to dance in a wedding dress with a train, so you can party all night long.

Fashion & beauty

Difference between A-Line and Ball Gown

Ball gowns and A-line dresses happen to be two of the most popular bridal styles on the market. Though they have some similarities, it’s worth learning their differences, so you can find a style that’s perfect for you and your big day.

Fashion & beauty

What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dress Trains?

Just like weddings and the couples who plan them, wedding dress train types come in all different styles. We’ll help you find the right one for you.

bridesmaid closes wedding dress for bride

Fashion & beauty

My Wedding Dress Doesn't Fit After Alterations. What Do I Do?

Whether your wedding dress is too short, too long, too tight, or otherwise doesn't fit, there's a solve. Here's what to do if your dress doesn't fit after alterations and what to tell your seamstress.

Fashion & beauty

13 Tips for Choosing Your Dream Wedding Dress

Find the wedding dress of your dreams with our round-up of the 8 best tips for wedding dress shopping—from who to bring to how to budget.

Fashion & beauty

23 Wedding Dresses Under $1000 For Every Bridal Style

Find the perfect wedding dress at the perfect price—no matter what kind of look you’re going for. Here are wedding dresses under $1000 for every wedding style.

Fashion & beauty

Should You Get a Second Wedding Dress for Your Reception? (+ 10 Dress Ideas)

We’re sharing the very best of second wedding dress ideas and how to decide if you want one in the first place.

Fashion & beauty

20 Black Wedding Dress Designers to Know

Looking to purchase your gown from a Black wedding designer? Check out some of our favorite designers with our latest article.

Fashion & beauty

Minimalist Wedding Dress Inspiration

Do you like simple over sparkle? In this blog post, we discuss everything to consider when looking for the minimalist wedding dress of your dreams!

couple outside destination wedding venue

Fashion & beauty

How to Fly With Your Wedding Dress and Suit

Take your wedding dress (or suit) to the skies with these practical tips for flying with your wedding attire.

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Find even more wedding ideas, inspo, tips, and tricks

We’ve got wedding planning advice on everything from save the dates to wedding cakes.

\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n ","subtopicPage":{"articles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"your-guide-to-a-line-wedding-dresses","title":"Your Guide to A-Line Wedding Dresses","excerpt":"Learn everything you need to know about A-line wedding dresses and the details that make each one unique.","author":"Monica Mercuri","publishedAt":"2020-12-16T18:14:20.667Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6ytGBGhI9COTA02PT1fa97/d847cd961a392849dbb39e0277b4cc88/Hero_New__11_.jpg","altText":"bride in a-line wedding dress"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"Like finding true love, when you find the perfect dress for your wedding day, you just know. However, you may need direction in narrowing down all of the options, of which there is an endless array. One way to get started is by choosing the dress shape. \n\nThere are full-skirted ball gowns, sleek column sheaths, and everything in between. Then, there’s the classic A-line wedding dress silhouette that never goes out of style. A-line wedding dresses are defined as being fitted at the waist and hips and gradually flaring out in the formation of an A for the skirt.\n\nThe beauty of A-line [wedding dresses](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/bridal-dresses-gowns) is that they favor everyone, and there are multiple variations of the cut. Your preferred fabric, color, and embellishments, as well as the season of when your wedding will be held all help to determine your specific wedding dress style. An A-line shape creates a slimming silhouette, a well-defined waist, and an effortless look for any bride, which is why it’s remained one of the most popular [wedding dress trends](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) to date.\n\nStarting with a wedding dress staple makes it easier to add on elements that will elevate your choice and make it feel completely your own. A-line wedding dresses may be common, but the ways in which you can customize them makes each look extra special. \n\n![A-Line Wedding Dress Guide: Understanding the Basics | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3fAI3ChzDGuuLGNj7D1Hvi/0e235eb1b2c553955286ad261874a665/inline_Daniel_Visuals.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Daniel Visuals\n\n## Start With an A-Line Shape\nA-line wedding dresses have a shape that works well for all wedding dress lengths. Whether you’re envisioning a princess-style ball gown that reaches the floor, or a retro chic tea-length dress that hits right at your calves, the A-frame provides a prime shape for any added details that’ll make up your dream dress.\n\nOther silhouettes include trumpet and column wedding dress styles. [Trumpet wedding dresses](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/your-guide-to-trumpet-wedding-dresses) emphasize curves, and column wedding dresses embrace a minimal effect, but the A-line cut offers an in-between option of both. It’s fitted, it flares to follow a natural shape, and it appears just as beautiful when kept simple as it does heavily accessorized. \n\nOnce you’ve determined the A-line silhouette that will work best for you, you can build upon your wedding day look by getting inspiration from variations of straps, sleeves, and necklines. \n\n### Types of Straps\nThe type of straps will change the appearance of a dress even if they all start with the same A-frame. Do you lean toward spaghetti straps, thicker, banded straps, or no straps at all? Other options are the one-shoulder strap, or opting for sleeves and scrapping straps altogether, which opens up a whole other realm of possibilities. It comes down to how much coverage and support you’d like for the top of your dress, and how straps fit your overall vision. \n\n### Sleeves vs. Sleeveless\nFeminine, rustic chic wedding gowns often have flutter or capped sleeves, or full-length lace variations. Other A-line wedding dresses include half sleeves, off-the-shoulder sleeves, or no sleeves at all. Who knew that there were so many ways to alter the style of a standard A-frame? When deciding on sleeves or no sleeves, think about if you want to highlight your arms or minimize them instead.\n\n### Comparing Necklines\nThe details don’t stop with only the straps and sleeves, as the neckline changes the look, too. A sweetheart neckline effortlessly pairs with an A-line silhouette, whereas, a straight across neckline is more conservative, and a plunging neckline is on the more unconventional side. The good news is that no matter the preferred neckline, it will complement this standard wedding dress silhouette. \n\n### Choose Feel-Good Fabrics\nFabrics are another factor to keep in mind when customizing your wedding dress style. Based on your wedding destination and time of year, decide what type of fabric will feel best against your skin. Lighter fabrics, such as cotton and satin, are better suited for spring and summer weddings or destination weddings where the weather is warm. Alternatively, heavier, luxe fabrics, such as velvet or thick layers of tulle, are a go-to option for winter weddings and colder climates. \n\nSatin and silk are versatile fabrics. They drape along the natural flow of the body and exude elegance when worn as part of a formal ceremony look. Other lightweight fabrics include lace and chiffon, both of which emulate a whimsical aesthetic for a rustic, chic ceremony. While beautiful, these delicate fabrics easily snag, which makes them a better match for A-line wedding dresses of shorter lengths. \n\nThere’s less worry about shoes getting caught in a floor-length hemline, or jewelry accidentally catching the top of a bodice. On the other hand, thicker fabrics or designs with multiple layers often make up non-traditional [wedding dress styles](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) and provide a way to create a wedding wardrobe that will keep you warm, if you’re planning to get married outdoors when the weather is cooler.\n\nAfter deciding which type of fabric you prefer, the next decision is how traditional or modern you’d like to go in terms of color. Bridal white is the standard choice, but modern brides are going off script and embracing various shades such as cream, peach, and pale pink—or opting for the entirely opposite end of the spectrum and choosing colors such as marigold, burgundy, and even black as their wedding dress color of choice.\n\n### Go Classic or Modern With Color \nBy sticking with a standard model, A-line wedding dresses can be customized based on color. A classic choice is a stunning white gown with a strapless, sweetheart neckline and a skirt that sweeps the floor. However, all colors can be considered, based on the bride’s personality and fashion preferences. Brides who want to reinterpret white with another light shade may like the idea of a warmer tone such as ivory or a soft, pastel color. \n\nModern brides with a specific aesthetic in mind may want to reinvent the traditional wedding gown altogether and go for a statement primary color such as red or blue. Black is also en vogue, when historically it's been a color that’s been avoided during wedding ceremonies. Fortunately, there are no rules when it comes to what you wear for your wedding day. It’s about what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident. \n\nIf you’ve always dreamed of the fairylike, ethereal feel of a white bridal gown, there are several designs to choose from that will still make your look feel customized. If you want to go unconventional and choose an unexpected color, while still sticking with the standard A-line frame, that’s a beautiful option, too.\n\n### Add Embellishments to Personalize\nEmbellishments make a wedding dress pop. Lace overlays, sparkly waistbands, and crystal beading are a few ways to personalize A-line wedding dresses. For minimalistic sophistication, stick with soft, flowing fabrics and incorporate embellishments by adding a lace veil or sparkly stilettos. Sometimes, it’s the one standout accessory that completes a look. \n\nEmbellishments are also a way to incorporate personal touches, such as a ribbon as your “something blue,” a vintage heirloom pinned to the top of the gown, or an added piece, such as a faux fur stole, floral crown, or vintage headpiece. When your selection starts with the go-to A-line wedding dress structure, there are numerous ways to personalize it to match your unique style. \n\n![A-Line Wedding Dress Guide: Understanding the Basics | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/76snjuKNlPxEA0GZ8qDpYA/4a9023e87872945017817e5f69b9e759/inline_Jessra_Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Jessra Photography\n\n### Consider the Season as You Make Your Final Selection\nAfter you’ve gone through the basics of choosing the fabric, color, and embellishments that will adorn your gorgeous dress, another consideration is the season. Fashion for spring weddings differs from those held in the fall. This is also true for beach weddings compared to black-tie affairs. Choosing your dream wedding dress is one of the most important decisions, but selecting the venue is likely the first. \n\nVisiting venues will secure your wedding date and set the tone for all the details that follow. For example, if your destination is somewhere tropical, then a velvet, full-skirted wedding dress doesn’t quite match the aesthetic. The location and season guide what you’ll wear to keep you comfortable, coordinate with the backdrop, and stick with the mood that you want to create.\n\n### Sourcing A-Line Wedding Dress Inspiration \nFlipping through bridal magazines and researching bridal outfits online is part of the excitement of being engaged. When starting your search for dress styles, knowing the structure you want helps to narrow down your choices. Since the A-line wedding dress style is one of the most popular among brides-to-be, you’ll want to filter your selection by fabric, color, and dress adornments.\n\nWhen the day comes to try on dresses in person, bring a trusted friend or family member to help take pictures, zip up the backs, and talk through options with you. The feel of a dress may work, but the way it photographs may not and vice-versa. Keep your makeup and jewelry minimal so as not to distract from the actual look of the gown, and keep an open mind when shopping for your perfect dress. \n\nYour dream dress may include a style that you never thought you’d like before. Part of the fun is trying on various options and seeing which dresses flatter you the most. Brides who know what they want will hone in on their dress in no time and make shopping a cinch. For those who want to take time visiting different places, the sheer number of gorgeous dress styles may become overwhelming. \n\nRemember, simply start with a quintessential choice such as the A-line silhouette. From there, you can try on as many styles as you can handle until you find the one. \n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingBoutique"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Want your wedding dress to stand the test of time? You can't go wrong with a simple gown. Check out Zola's guide to beautiful, simple wedding dresses.","title":"Simple Wedding Dresses That Are Elegant and Timeless","slug":"simple-wedding-dresses-that-are-elegant-and-timeless","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2SjlWOaxslfaqQ1FB2Pzmr/3422d8d0544ed3158ea19873b4540f3d/Hero_New__12_.jpg","altText":"couple kisses at wedding "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Find out which silhouettes work best for wedding dresses for tall brides, and get a few styling tips as you prepare for your big day.","title":"Best Wedding Dresses for Tall Brides","slug":"best-wedding-dresses-for-tall-brides","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2ItOeEEyNwW801yHNnmjOH/219b24a3f981650d4261a9882131b6f9/hero_photodh.jpg","altText":"Tall bride"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"In search of the best wedding style for plus-size women? We have you covered with our comprehensive guide, filled with plenty of wedding dress tips and tricks.","title":"Best Wedding Dress Styles for Plus-Size Women","slug":"best-wedding-dress-styles-for-plus-size-women","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1zRmCiNgDkJjqu0JdbKVtM/e3ba796e85cc8bd72ece77eaec4fb053/hero_OnthetimesPhotography.jpg","altText":"Wedding Dresses for Plus-Size Women"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Explore Wedding Boutique","url":"https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:55.084Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths","title":"Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths","excerpt":"From mini to monarch, this guide will help you learn about every wedding dress length and which one is right for you. ","author":"Monica Mercuri","publishedAt":"2020-12-16T17:40:39.580Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/55Iq5qY6PCdyDTBPqZZBET/a8ccf28e7b6db6fa0d0e912845359c7a/hero_Socialartphotography.jpg","altText":"Long Wedding Dresses"},"heroCredit":"Socialartphotography","body":"Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. Who doesn’t love trying on beautiful gowns adorned with lace and embellishment, and layered with tulle and ruffles? Even if you think you already know the exact style and silhouette you want to wear on your wedding day, you never know how it will look and feel when it’s on. Minor details such as the fabric, weight, and train of the dress can have a major impact. And the wedding dress length, in particular, affects more than you think, from the dramatic effect of your walk down the aisle to your ability to dance in it. \n\nBefore you book appointments at every bridal shop in town and get your heart set on a certain [bridal gown](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/bridal-dresses-gowns), ask yourself what aspects of the dress are the most important to you and what you will be most comfortable in. To expand your knowledge of what’s out there and the bridal lingo used to describe it, we assembled a complete guide to wedding dress lengths. From shortest to longest, each wedding dress length is listed below with stunning examples of each. \n\n![Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/786BdyOe1EQcand7dqKk3L/2eacdae53d2ca5c3be36421f3991d0dd/inline_Konrad_Brattke_Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Konrad Brattke Photography\n\n## Mini\nA mini dress for a wedding. Why not? This fun wedding dress length will show off both your legs and your style. If it’s not what you want for the ceremony, you can always change into the fun-length frock for your reception and put on your party shoes to dance the night away. \n\nPhoto by Savannah Miller\nBouncy sleeves define this pretty mini and add coverage up top where it’s lacking below. \n\nPhoto via Floravere\nThis fun tank mini-dress is perfect for a garden party wedding or serves as the perfect getaway dress.\n\n## Knee-Length\nIf a mini dress hits a little too high on the thigh for your liking, but you love the idea of a short number, opt for a knee-length wedding dress. This gown length reads as lively and fun, yet classy and elegant. It’s the perfect wedding dress for a spring or summer wedding when showing a little leg will keep you cool, or for a destination elopement when you don’t want to travel with a big ball gown. \n\n## Midi\nIs a courthouse ceremony a la *The Wedding Planner* in order? Whether it’s just you two and the judge or a slew of friends and family are waiting outside, the midi-length wedding dress is the perfect choice for the courthouse. This wedding dress style can be form-fitting or shifty and is ideal for a chic and sophisticated bride who doesn’t want a big party dress. \n\n## Tea Length\nA [tea length wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-tea-length-wedding-dress) falls somewhere between the calf and ankle. These dresses used to exude a retro or vintage style, but have recently become more popular and taken on a whimsical and modern feel, so you’ll be able to find a dress in this length whatever your style. Typically [wedding dress styles](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) of this length feature fuller skirts that swing when you walk. \n\n## Full Length\nIf you want a dress that goes almost to the floor, but also shows off your shoes when you walk, a full-length wedding dress is the length for you. This wedding dress style falls an inch or two above the floor, which gives it a slightly retro, yet totally classic vibe. A cute pair of kitten heels or “something blue” shoes will pair effortlessly with this gown length. \n\n## Floor Length\nNot to be confused with full-length, floor-length hits the floor, but stops there. However, that doesn’t mean they lack any drama. Whether you opt for a sleek body-hugging silhouette or a full-skirted ball gown, floor-length gowns provide as much wow-factor as any other wedding dress without any of the fuss. If you don’t want to deal with a [wedding dress train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/train-or-no-train-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-wedding-dress-trains) or a bustle, floor-length gowns will be your bee’s knees. \n\n## High-Low\nFor better or for worse, popular fast fashion trends often translate into wedding dress trends. High-low hemlines fall on the better side of the line and have graced brides such as Whitney Port and Olivia Palermo—two of the most fashionable socialites. This wedding dress length allows you to have a big sweeping train and show off your shoes and legs. What’s not to love?\n\n## Chapel\nMoving on from floor-length gowns, we get into gowns with trains. The chapel length wedding dress is the shortest of wedding dress lengths with trains. This style falls four feet from the waist, or approximately two feet from the heel. It’s the most popular wedding dress length, because it provides the sweeping look that has become a signature to brides, but is also easy to manage and holds up in a variety of fabrics. \n\n## Semi-Cathedral\nJust beyond chapel length wedding dresses and before the dramatic cathedral length gowns, lies semi-cathedral dresses. If you didn’t know there was an in-between style, now you do, and now you’ll notice the length when you go to try it on. \n\n## Cathedral\nThe cathedral length is defined by a train that extends six or seven feet behind the bride. Given its name, this style is best suited for indoor settings such as a cathedral where the train will trail the bride in a beautiful way down the long aisle. While you can choose this dramatic style for an outdoor affair, be wary of any settings where it could get caught on sticks, stones, or steps. With a train of this length, your dress will collect anything in its path and drag it along with you. If you can avoid this scenario, nothing will give your walk down the aisle quite the effect that a cathedral-length dress can. \n\n## Monarch\nAlso called royal, this is the queen of wedding dress lengths. It’s long—really long. The train on a royal wedding dress can be anywhere from eight to 28 feet, or longer. The longest wedding dress train is miles long, so there’s really no cap to a monarch-length train, but of course, trains around 10 feet are far more common. If your venue is magnificent and has room for a wedding dress of this volume, and you have the strength to carry it behind you, by all means, embrace the longest of wedding dresses, and brace for astounding impact. \n\nNow, you’re ready to go shopping. With this handy guide at your fingertips, you’ll know just what your consultant is talking about when she asks, “Would you like to try a tea-length dress?” Every wedding dress length is beautiful in its own right and comes in a variety of styles, so pick the one that suits you, your venue, and your budget best. \n\n![Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3Is7BJgAh0D490OXB98Wpl/67f6182af4b18907fa0e80741a247a43/inline_VILDPhotography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // VILDPhotography\n","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Create height and lengthen your torso by learning about the best wedding dress styles for short women.","title":"Best Wedding Dress Styles for Petite Women ","slug":"best-wedding-dress-styles-for-petite-women","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1wvfZXKhOIUdokS2KaS9v8/c2716e9b88799fc4f3505ddf18457c36/hero_B._Jones_Photography.jpg","altText":"petite woman in wedding dress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Trumpet wedding dresses have a beautiful silhouette. Find out the ways in which you can customize this style and make it your own.","title":"Your Guide to Trumpet Wedding Dresses","slug":"your-guide-to-trumpet-wedding-dresses","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3T3gLjxcGSP9gAxX92D8jI/97c48d7522ec7e7ba3681f149cce9df4/Hero_New__14_.jpg","altText":"bride in trumpet gown"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn everything you need to know about A-line wedding dresses and the details that make each one unique.","title":"Your Guide to A-Line Wedding Dresses","slug":"your-guide-to-a-line-wedding-dresses","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6ytGBGhI9COTA02PT1fa97/d847cd961a392849dbb39e0277b4cc88/Hero_New__11_.jpg","altText":"bride in a-line wedding dress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:54.249Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-to-dance-in-a-wedding-dress-with-a-train","title":"How to Dance in a Wedding Dress + 11 Wedding Dress Options","excerpt":"You don’t have to sacrifice your dance moves for your dream dress. We’ll show you how to dance in a wedding dress with a train, so you can party all night long.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2020-12-16T19:00:29.844Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ovkNzYbit00ez3ide6OXA/77ea6d1d88208bc72fd9fd1ffffe3bd6/hero_Rebecca_Hicks_Photography.jpg","altText":"dancing with a wedding dress train"},"heroCredit":"Rebecca Hicks Photography","body":"Whether you have yet to go __[wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/bridal-dresses-gowns)__ shopping or have already decided on your dream dress, you don’t want to overlook this one thing in the wedding planning process: the train.\n\nThe train of your wedding dress can impact everything from how easy it is to walk down the aisle to how low you can get on the dance floor. But if your heart is set on a bridal dress with a long train, you don’t have to sacrifice your dance moves for your dream dress or vice versa—you just need to prepare a little.\n\nIf you’ll be donning a heavy __[wedding dress train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/train-or-no-train-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-wedding-dress-trains)__, we’ll show you what steps you need to take to ensure you can dance the night away in your perfect dress.\n\n![How Do You Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train? - Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5lwfWNywbmAdkgkfYOLAIF/9b3dbebf676c38c755be56a474f24bcf/inline_Faith_Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Faith Photography\n\n## How to Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train\n\n### 1. Alter Your Dress\nBefore you click away, let us explain. We’re not saying the way to dance with a train is to alter it away. However, there are a few simple alterations your seamstress can make that will make it easier to dance in your wedding dress when the time comes. \n\n### 2. Shorten the Train\nIf you fell in love with a dress that has an extravagant train, you don’t have to commit to its length. Your alterations expert can often easily shorten the train on your wedding gown to be more manageable (read: danceable). Take it to a seamstress who knows what she’s doing and find a [train length](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-long-should-my-wedding-dress-be) you’re comfortable moving around in.\n\n### 3. Add a Bustle\nA bustle is the best way to alter your dress to be reception-ready without taking away from the integrity of it. Bustles come in all shapes and sizes, but are usually made up of a series of loops and buttons that connect.\n\nPost-ceremony, your maid of honor, or another of your bridesmaids, will typically be the one to help you connect the dots. Once bustled, your train will cascade down the back of your bridal dress, or be tucked neatly underneath it in a secure fashion that frees up your feet. And don’t worry: A talented seamstress with experience bustling wedding dresses will disguise the buttons and loops in the seams and beading of the wedding gown, so they’re hardly noticeable.\n\nIf you don’t want to bustle your dress, either because you don’t like the way it looks or because you don’t want to pay for the alterations, you can also add a simple loop to the end of the bridal train. You can wear the loop on your wrist to carry your train with you around the venue and on the dance floor. This style works best for dresses with short, lightweight trains, since you will, in fact, be carrying it all night.\n\n### 4. Make the Train Detachable\nPraise the wedding dress designers who first decided on detachable trains. If you opt for an attachable skirt, a Watteau, a __[bridal cape](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-wedding-fashion-trend-the-bridal-cape)__, or the like, you can remove the extra fabric completely post-ceremony and pre-reception. A __[detachable wedding train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-do-you-attach-a-train-to-a-wedding-dress)__ not only makes the dress easier to dance in, but also creates a whole new look. It’s as if you got a super-fashionable BOGO deal on your dream dress.\n\n## Know What Your Dress Can Do\nNot all wedding dresses are created equal—and some are more difficult to dance and twirl in than others. Know what your dress can do before you attempt to bust a move, so you don’t break more than the dance floor.\n\n### Select the Right Silhouette\nThe silhouette impacts your ability to dance the most. For example, a mermaid gown will restrict the size of movements you can make, specifically with your feet and legs, while an off-the-shoulder neckline will restrict how much you can move your arms.\n\nIf you love to dance, pay special attention to how your bridal gown will affect your moves. The dress’s silhouette, sleeves (or lack thereof), and the train length will influence your ability to dance the most. If you are planning a choreographed first dance, be sure to tell your choreographer if there are any movements you won’t be able to master based on the style and fit of your dress. \n\n### Practice\nWhile you won’t be able to run a dress rehearsal of your first dance, unless you buck tradition and are willing to let your fiancé see you in your dress before the big day, you can still practice in it. When you’re at your final fittings, attempt any choreography you plan on doing on the day of (to the best of your ability) to ensure your dress can handle the moves. It’s better to risk popping a seam or letting a button fly when your seamstress is right there to fix it than it is on your wedding day. And if you're taking wedding dance lessons, consider wearing a dress in a similar silhouette and length to your next lesson to get a real feel for how things will move on your wedding day.\n\nIt’s also important that the hemline is short enough, so you won’t be tripping over your dress on the dance floor. Take steps forward, side to side, and backward while at your fitting, both with and without a bustle, to make sure you can not only dance, but also get around in your gown. If you can’t walk with ease, have your seamstress raise the hemline up a bit.\n\nPracticing the first dance isn’t only important before the big day. If you can, sneak away during cocktail hour, once you and your partner have already seen each other (and are married!), to practice one last time before you dance to your favorite wedding songs. Ditch any moves that could potentially damage the dress and remind your spouse not to step on it.\n\n## Change Your Dress\nDancing in a wedding dress can be difficult, which is a very valid excuse for an outfit change. You wouldn’t be the first bride to swap her beaded heels for Chuck Taylor’s or her ball gown for a mini dress, and you definitely won’t be the last. \n\n### Opt for a Second Reception Dress\nIf you’ve already fallen in love with a wedding dress that will be unforgiving when you want to walk, sit, and dance at the wedding reception, consider changing into a second dress. If the budget allows, a second dress can be your saving grace. It not only gives you the freedom to dance the night away, but also allows you to preserve the train on your original dress.\n\nPlus, you can showcase your bridal style in more ways than one. Change into a slinky slip dress or show off your shoes in a fun fringed mini. Whatever you choose, it should be comfortable and easy to move in.\n\n![How Do You Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train? - Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/22TsmH96bRbzRZLwFFITKs/907360828d9592f44706659a89597618/inline_Waldorf_Photographic_Art.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Waldorf Photographic Art\n\n### ...And Change Your Shoes\n\nYou will be especially prone to stepping on your dress when taking quick or big steps during your wedding dance, and depending on the style shoes you’re wearing, you could damage your dress. Heels can easily get caught in a lacy bridal train or layers of tulle. Say goodbye to your precious pumps in favor of wedges, platform heels, or even sneakers. That’s right—if you’re wearing a long bridal gown, no one will see your feet anyway.\n\nIf you’re attached to your heels and don’t want to slip on some flat shoes for the reception, be extra careful and consider donning a petticoat underneath your dress. A petticoat can protect the inner layers of your gown from holes or snags that can happen when dancing.\n\nAnd you thought you couldn’t learn how to dance in a [wedding dress with a train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/train-or-no-train-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-wedding-dress-trains)? With a little practice, the right alterations, and a backup dress (or shoes), you’ll be swinging and swaying in style well into the night.\n\n## 11 Wedding Dresses You Can Dance In\nReady to start shopping? Check out these wedding dresses you can dance in, including ball gowns, A-line styles, and even convertible dresses.\n\n### 1. A-Line Dress\nA-line is one of the [best wedding dress styles](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what%27s-your-wedding-dress-style) for dancing—not to mention one of the most flattering dress silhouettes out there! You'll get a dramatic effect when you spin and twirl, and your partner won't be kept away by an overly large skirt. \n\n[Jenny Yoo Tamson Satin Plunge A-Line Wedding Gown](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/jenny-yoo-tamson-satin-plunge-cutout-a-line-wedding-gown), Anthropologie, $1495\n\n### 2. Ball Gown Wedding Dress\nSimilarly to an A-line dress, a ball gown will give you plenty of room to move on the dance floor, as you won't be restricted by a form-fitting silhouette. Choose a ball gown with a skirt that has a lot of layers and some fluidity, so your partner can get nice and close for any dramatic wedding dance moves. \n\n[Watters Calia V-Neck Ball-Skirt Wedding Gown](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/watters-calia-plunge-v-neck-floral-tulle-ball-skirt-wedding-gown), Anthropologie, $2818\n\n### 3. Convertible Wedding Dress\nWant the best of both worlds? Shop for a wedding dress that has removable pieces. Whether it's a removable skirt, train, or sleeves, you can ditch any bulky layers and switch up your look before hitting the reception and tearing it up on the dance floor.\n\n[Oleg Cassini Removable Train Mermaid Wedding Dress](https://www.davidsbridal.com/product/removable-train-mermaid-wedding-dress-cwg932), Anthropologie, $1124.25\n\n### 4. Sleeveless Wedding Dress\nWhen it comes to dance floor-ready dresses, you have to consider more than just the train, bustle, and skirt; you’ll also want to think about sleeves. If you're wearing a dress with fitted sleeves, or an off-the-shoulder wedding dress style, your movement might be more restricted than with a sleeveless option—so if freedom to dance is at the top of your priority list, a sleeveless wedding dress might be the cut for you.\n\n[Galvan Praiano Mixed Media Slip Dress](https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/galvan-praiano-mixed-media-slip-maxi-dress?ID=4459682&CategoryID=2910), Bloomingdale's, $1995\n\n### 5. Strapless Wedding Dress\nA strapless neckline isn't for every bride, but if you love to throw your hands in the air, eliminating sleeves completely will give you total freedom of movement. Just make sure the dress stays in place when you do some trial dance moves at your dress fitting!\n\n[Watson Strapless Dress](https://www.jennyyoo.com/products/bridal-gown/watson?type=mto), Jenny Yoo, $1350\n\n### 6. Tea-Length Wedding Dress\nOne of the most obvious options for having a wedding dress you can dance in is simply choosing a shorter length. Depending on the formality of your wedding, tea-length (or midi) dresses can be a great option to create the perfect bridal look without sacrificing any fun on the dance floor. Many [tea-length wedding dresses](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths) have a nostalgic vibe, so they're great for brides who, in addition to dancing, love vintage style. They're also inherently more casual, so midi-length wedding dresses are ideal for low-key celebrations.\n\n[Sachin & Babi Sierra V-Neck Satin Midi Dress](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/sachin-babi-sierra-v-neck-cutout-satin-midi-dress2?category=bhldn-bridal-event-dresses&color=011&type=STANDARD&quantity=1), Anthropologie, $250\n\n### 7. High-Low Wedding Dress\nWant to show off your shoes—and prevent tripping on the dance floor at the same time? A high-low option is a bit more formal than a tea-length wedding dress style, since it's longer in the back—but will still help keep your feet and ankles free of any fabric while you dance the night away.\n\n[ML Monique Lhuillier High-Low Gown](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sleeveless-jacquard-high-low-gown/6648362), Nordstrom, $446.25\n\n### 8. Side Slit Wedding Dress\nIn addition to adding a touch of sexiness to your wedding day look, a dress with a side slit (or even a back slit!) will give you extra mobility, which can help you move more easily on the dance floor—especially if you gravitate towards more fitted silhouettes.\n\n[Mac Duggal Embroidered Lace-Up Back Tulle Gown](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/embroidered-lace-up-back-dotted-tulle-gown/6959395), Nordstrom, $898\n\n### 9. Two-Piece Wedding Dress\nA two-piece wedding dress will typically give you a more relaxed, casual look—and can also deliver more freedom of movement. A two-piece might not be a formal enough wedding dress style for your big day, but it's a great option for any bride who wants to do some serious dancing. \n\n[Janet Two-Piece Wedding Dress](https://lulabridal.com/products/janet-two-piece-wedding-dress?), Lula Bridal, $191\n\n### 10. Chiffon Wedding Dress\nA lighter-weight fabric will make for easier movement on the dance floor! So, if you’re looking for a dance-friendly fabric option, stay away from heavy beading, sequins, and thick fabrics, and instead, turn to something easy and breezy—like chiffon. \n\n[Tegan Chiffon Wedding Dress](https://www.jennyyoo.com/products/wedding-gown/tegan?type=mto), Jenny Yoo, $1350\n\n### 11. Couture Wedding Dress\nIf you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, a couture wedding dress could be just the thing. Couture wedding dresses are custom made for the wearer, so you would work with the designer to create a dress that fits all of your needs and preferences—including dance-ability! ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingBoutique"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Find out which silhouettes work best for wedding dresses for tall brides, and get a few styling tips as you prepare for your big day.","title":"Best Wedding Dresses for Tall Brides","slug":"best-wedding-dresses-for-tall-brides","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2ItOeEEyNwW801yHNnmjOH/219b24a3f981650d4261a9882131b6f9/hero_photodh.jpg","altText":"Tall bride"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Just like weddings and the couples who plan them, wedding dress train types come in all different styles. We’ll help you find the right one for you.","title":"What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dress Trains?","slug":"what-are-the-different-types-of-wedding-dress-trains","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4knxIjEGBvUY4rPDsncjkN/0979fdc51b213370bad63d3685282c4e/hero_Bri_Johnson_Weddings.jpg","altText":"bride with wedding dress train"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From mini to monarch, this guide will help you learn about every wedding dress length and which one is right for you. ","title":"Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths","slug":"guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/55Iq5qY6PCdyDTBPqZZBET/a8ccf28e7b6db6fa0d0e912845359c7a/hero_Socialartphotography.jpg","altText":"Long Wedding Dresses"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Create height and lengthen your torso by learning about the best wedding dress styles for short women.","title":"Best Wedding Dress Styles for Petite Women ","slug":"best-wedding-dress-styles-for-petite-women","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1wvfZXKhOIUdokS2KaS9v8/c2716e9b88799fc4f3505ddf18457c36/hero_B._Jones_Photography.jpg","altText":"petite woman in wedding dress"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Explore Wedding Boutique","url":"https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:53.456Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"difference-between-a-line-and-ball-gown","title":"Difference between A-Line and Ball Gown ","excerpt":"Ball gowns and A-line dresses happen to be two of the most popular bridal styles on the market. Though they have some similarities, it’s worth learning their differences, so you can find a style that’s perfect for you and your big day.","author":"Maggy Lehmicke","publishedAt":"2021-01-15T16:30:24.707Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/KW8KhYHiLdXexyuFKMxxX/a2990be4af82fedfc2f0d9097e44f41a/Hero_BlackTieWeddingwithRusticElegance_KimberlyCoccagnia.jpg","altText":"Difference between A-Line and Ball Gown"},"heroCredit":"Kimberly Coccagnia","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- While a ball gown has a corset-like bodice and a full skirt, an A-line gown has a fitted bodice and skirt that gradually flares from the waist, mimicking an “A” shape.\n- The primary difference is the skirt’s volume, which flares dramatically from the hip in a ball gown and follows a more relaxed, flowy shape in an A-line dress.\n- Both styles are romantic and beautiful, so you can’t go wrong with either silhouette.\n","body":"So, you’re beginning your wedding dress shopping journey? Congrats! Though that warrants a celebration on its own, we know there are a lot of options and ideas to consider. As two of the most common silhouettes, A-line dresses and ball gowns are a great place to start. \n\nCherished for their classic shapes and romantic styles, it’s hard to go wrong with either of these silhouettes. After all, if they’re good enough for Disney princesses (and [real-life princesses](https://www.townandcountrymag.com/the-scene/weddings/a20517182/kate-middleton-wedding-dress/)!), they should be good enough for us.\n\nHowever, before you start trying on dresses, it’s worth learning how to make the distinction between the two styles. Below are some key characteristics to look out for, as well as some advice to help you choose the silhouette that suits you best. \n\n![Difference between A-Line and Ball Gown](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6TgLzvF2uiSJZYJ1kBLSta/4d5a7336fb02e7c3341b4d9d2eacf1c5/shutterstock_143018.jpg)\n*Photo Credit //* Shutterstock\n\n## What Is a Ball Gown?\n\nTypically characterized by their corset-like bodices and voluminous skirts, [ball gowns](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/ball-gown) are one of the most popular wedding dress silhouettes. Both dramatic and flattering, you’ll see ball gowns at both traditional church weddings and black-tie affairs. The bodices of a ball gown wedding dress can be either simple and sleek or adorned with detailed beading and embroidery, appealing to a wide range of personal styles. This could mean anything from [Chrissy Teigen](https://www.brides.com/story/tbt-john-legend-chrissy-teigen-wedding-photos-anniversary)’s fairytale, tulle-skirted gown to something more traditional a-la [Princess Diana](https://www.harpersbazaar.com/wedding/photos/g34048234/princess-diana-wedding-dress-facts/).\n\n## What Is an A-Line Gown?\n\nAnother popular dress silhouette, [A-line gowns](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/a-line) generally feature a fitted bodice with a skirt that gradually flares from the hips, loosely resembling a narrow “A” shape. Also widely flattering, A-line dresses have been worn by many notable celebrities on their wedding day, including [Allison Williams](https://www.instagram.com/p/71-lFMGUx7/?taken-by=aw), [Chanel Iman](https://www.vogue.com/article/inside-chanel-iman-final-wedding-dress-fitting-zuhair-murad-sterling-shepard), and [Gwyneth Paltrow](https://www.vogue.com/article/gwyneth-paltrow-brad-falchuk-wedding-valentino-dress-first-look). Though not quite as dramatic, A-line dresses are slightly more versatile than ball gowns, as there’s often more flexibility with fabrics and necklines.\n\n## How Do I Tell Them Apart?\n\nBoth dresses have fitted bodices and relatively full skirts, making it easy to confuse the two. So how do you really tell the difference between an A-line vs a ball gown wedding dress? A-lines have a much more gradual flare than ball gowns, which have a more voluminous, oversized skirt. It’s this minor difference in volume that primarily separates the two, giving the A-line dress a relaxed, flowy shape that differs slightly from the ball gown’s dramatic aesthetic. \n\nAnother possible way of telling the two apart is by paying attention to the bodice. As mentioned above, ball gown styles are generally restricted to a fitted bodice, while A-line styles tend to have [a tad more flexibility](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/ellaoak_the_ruby_wedding_dress). Each wedding dress style is something a little different for the bride. \n\n## So Which Should You Choose?\n\n![Difference Between an A-line and a Ball Gown](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3iV78AAXvzVzjFZQI5nH1M/50c696c37d1fb648b9b3d3fb43422f33/inline_kelsey_butcher_photography.jpg) Kelsey Butcher Photography\n\nNot sure what wedding dress silhouette is best for you? Just as there’s no specific style or silhouette that works “best” for a particular body type, there’s no one that can tell you what dress is perfect for you—it all comes down to channeling your personal style and finding a dress that gives you the confidence and happiness that you hope to have on your big day. If you’ve always dreamed of [the Cinderella look](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_cathrine_offtheshoulder_wedding_dress_ivory), then embrace it with a glamorous ball gown. However, if you’re more drawn to dresses with a [sleek, understated appearance](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_grace_openback_wedding_dress), consider an A-line gown. Your bridal dress should make you feel beautiful.\n\nAs with any dress style, both A-line and ball gowns come at a range of price points, so whether you’re looking for [something under $500](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/cocomelody_giulia_wedding_dress) or don’t have a budget cap, the silhouette shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Because of their popularity, they’re also embraced by most designers, making them widely available at both department stores and bridal boutiques. Allure Bridal even came out with [a line of Disney-princess-inspired gowns](https://www.insider.com/allure-bridals-princess-disney-fairy-tale-weddings-collections-2020-6) this year, many of which are ball gown and A-line styles. \n\nBoth a ball gown silhouette and an A-line dress can be beautifully decorated with embroidered lace and beads to create the perfect wedding dress. Whether you want a strapless bridal gown or a ball gown skirt, anything is possible. \n\nIf you lean toward romantic styles and love to make an entrance, it’s hard to go wrong with either silhouette. In the end, the differences are subtle, and there’s always the chance that you can find [something that falls somewhere in between the two styles](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/cocomelody_beatrice_wedding_dress). Just make sure to enjoy the process and pick something that makes you feel the most you. ","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Want your wedding dress to stand the test of time? You can't go wrong with a simple gown. Check out Zola's guide to beautiful, simple wedding dresses.","title":"Simple Wedding Dresses That Are Elegant and Timeless","slug":"simple-wedding-dresses-that-are-elegant-and-timeless","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2SjlWOaxslfaqQ1FB2Pzmr/3422d8d0544ed3158ea19873b4540f3d/Hero_New__12_.jpg","altText":"couple kisses at wedding "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The simplicity of a sheath wedding dress lends itself to plenty of ways to customize it for your wedding day. Follow our guide to find out how.","title":"What Is a Sheath Wedding Dress?","slug":"what-is-a-sheath-wedding-dress","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7CDk0qFCoCrS6b5foVuEvc/c3e3d918331f67ce524b1eff0d0f5cbb/Hero_New_ModernDestinationWeddingatTheWLoft_NSTPictures.jpg","altText":"Sheath Wedding Dress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"With our simplified style guide, learn all you need to know about ball gown wedding dresses as you plan for your big day.","title":"Everything You Need to Know About Ball Gown Wedding Dresses","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-ball-gown-wedding-dresses-or-zola","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2NrMzK13zGxjxI5xusbmfG/d45bc63f186d9c0278d261dae21a866b/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"ball gown dress illustration"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From mini to monarch, this guide will help you learn about every wedding dress length and which one is right for you. ","title":"Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths","slug":"guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/55Iq5qY6PCdyDTBPqZZBET/a8ccf28e7b6db6fa0d0e912845359c7a/hero_Socialartphotography.jpg","altText":"Long Wedding Dresses"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:52.630Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"what-are-the-different-types-of-wedding-dress-trains","title":"What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dress Trains?","excerpt":"Just like weddings and the couples who plan them, wedding dress train types come in all different styles. We’ll help you find the right one for you.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2020-12-16T18:41:52.105Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4knxIjEGBvUY4rPDsncjkN/0979fdc51b213370bad63d3685282c4e/hero_Bri_Johnson_Weddings.jpg","altText":"bride with wedding dress train"},"heroCredit":"Bri Johnson Weddings","body":"The train is a signature part of the wedding dress and can make a big impact at every point of the wedding, from the walk down the aisle to the family portraits. Picture yards of lace flowing along a pew lined aisle and tiers of satin sweeping over a set of stairs. Perhaps you think of Kate Middleton entering Westminster Abbey or Carrie Bradshaw running through the streets of New York. These are just a few of the vibrant images that come to mind when it comes to wedding dress trains. \n\nJust like weddings and the couples who plan them, [wedding dress train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/train-or-no-train-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-wedding-dress-trains) types come in all different styles, and there’s one that’s right for you. If you’re wondering what the different types of wedding dress trains are, you came to the right place. We pooled all the styles together in one place, so you can decide which one feels like the right type. \n\n![What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dress Trains?](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5lc64CHF0r1Au2bJ27e036/334b6935ae9e7af34bab1f631fad8eb5/inline_unsplash.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Unsplash\n\n## Wedding Dress Train Types\n\n### Royal\nIt’s no surprise that a long wedding dress train exudes a regal feeling. Princess Diana’s 25-foot train made history as she entered St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Kate Middleton’s gown, while much shorter in length, still turned heads with a nine-foot train. It’s only right that these royals wore royally long gowns, but this awe-inspiring train style isn’t only available to monarchs. Even we townspeople can wear a royal train, which can also be called “monarch.” All you need is a train of at least eight feet, but the longer the better. \n\nWhile available to all, a monarch train begs the right venue. Not all spaces can—or should—accommodate a wedding dress of such length. Outdoor venues on the grass or dirt aren’t suited for extremely long trains, because they will collect dirt, sticks, and anything else in their path. Plus, the more dress, the heavier it will be. If you opt for a royal train, make sure your maid of honor and bridesmaids are ready to carry it all over the place, and that you’ve got a sturdy bustle to tie it up when it’s time to dance. \n\n### Cathedral\nCathedral length trains also add jaw-dropping drama to a dress. These trains extend up to seven feet long in stunning sweeping fashion. As its name suggests, this wedding dress train style is well-suited for a cathedral venue where the aisle is long and smooth, but it will bode well in any indoor setting. With a train like this, you won’t miss it, but you also want it to look its best. To reap all its beautiful benefits, ensure the train is splayed out before you walk down the aisle, throughout the ceremony, and in every photo. Your wedding planner and MOH will be your best help in accomplishing this. \n\nBeing that it adds extra drama, a cathedral train is ideal for formal affairs. If you opt for this train, you’ll need to allocate ample time between the ceremony and reception (and recruit some help) to bustle it to your dress. With a proper bustle, you can really have it all—a show-stopping train at the ceremony and a party-ready dress that just kisses the floor at the reception.\n\n### Chapel\nThe chapel length train is the most common, because it usually accompanies the beloved A-line silhouette and because it’s easily manageable. Plus, it will go well with any venue, outdoor or indoor. Unlike other trains on this list, this one measures from the waistline and extends four feet from there, usually falling one to two feet from the bottom of the skirt. \n\n### Semi-Cathedral\nThis type of wedding dress train falls somewhere between chapel and cathedral in length, extending around four or more feet behind the bride. If you aren’t satisfied with the length of a chapel train, but are intimidated by cathedral lengths, a semi-cathedral train may fall in your sweet spot.\n\n### Sweep Train\nA [sweep train wedding dress style](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/sweep-train-vs-court-train), also called a brush train, just sweeps the floor. This train length extends six inches to one foot behind the bride for a subtle look that makes it ideal for outdoor ceremonies or casual affairs. A sweep train looks great on gowns with a trumpet, mermaid, or similar fitted style, because the drama lies in the silhouette, not necessarily the train.\n\n### Court Train\nSimilar to a sweep train, a court train extends just beyond where the dress hits the floor. And similar to the chapel train, it’s measured from the waist. Because a court train extends from the waist, it feels a bit more formal than a sweep train and works on a broader range of silhouettes, from A-line, to sheath, to mermaid.\n\n### Godet\nA godet train isn’t a length of train, per se, but rather a style. It’s created with a triangular piece of fabric, typically of a different material, inserted into the train of a dress that adds intricacy, length, and drama to a dress. The godet allows the train to flare out in beautiful fashion, usually showing off a pretty lace pattern or applique. There can be one godet in the center back of the wedding gown or multiple panels that create folds that add volume to the skirt. \n\n### Floor Length\nJust because your train only hits the floor, doesn’t mean your dress is any less dramatic. A floor-length dress can have as much of a jaw-dropping effect as a royal train. Ball gowns with ruffled, tiered, or tulle skirts are often floor-length and just as eye-catching. Plus, they are usually nice and lightweight, so you can avoid both the need to bustle and carry your dress. If your wedding is more casual, or you really want to show off your shoes, a floor-length dress could be a perfect fit.\n\n![What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dress Trains?](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1p0A5DOQ4kJMJjJ8J6fEQy/480dcf6f27ce1b0dbb800ad5cb5f69c7/inline_George_Street_Photo___Video.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // George Street Photo Video\n\n## Wedding Dress Train Alternatives\n\n### A Veil\nIf you fell in love with a wedding dress style without a train, you can always wear a veil to add the level of drama you desire. Veils also come in an assortment of lengths such as chapel and cathedral, so you can achieve the look and length of the train with the same name for your ceremony, but not have to worry about it afterward. Keep in mind that if you select a cathedral-length gown, you should complement it with a cathedral-length veil. Also, if your wedding gown has a voluminous skirt, you should complement it with a voluminous veil, such as a blusher veil. When you try on dresses, don’t hesitate to try on just as many veils to find the one that suits your dress, face, and style best.\n\n### Detachable Skirts \nA detachable skirt can serve as a train during the ceremony and photos, but can be removed for a fuss-free reception. This style is a great option when you want a dramatic entrance without the hassle of bustling your dress later on. \n\nDetachable skirts come in an array of styles that can turn a fit and flare dress into a ball gown or add a train to a floor-length silhouette. They can be sheer or opaque; full skirt or a half-skirt—the most popular option as of late. Wearing a detachable skirt not only gives you a train, but also gives you the chance to wear two dresses in one. Think of a [detachable wedding train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-do-you-attach-a-train-to-a-wedding-dress) as your fairy godmother who can make you fit for the ball with the flick of a wand.\n\n### Watteau\nA Watteau is a combination of a train and a veil that’s perfect for the bride who wants a unique look. This wedding dress train style creates a cape-like look by attaching to the shoulders or upper back of a dress rather than extending from the waist. Most of the time, a Watteau train is removable, so you have the option to keep it on or wear it solely for the ceremony and remove it for the reception. It can extend to the hem of the dress or far beyond it for a more dramatic effect and often gives a whimsical or ethereal touch to the overall bridal look. \n\nNow that you’ve got a glossary of wedding dress train types and alternatives, you’re prepared to try on the wedding gowns and coordinating trains that will work best for you and your venue. The veil and other accessories will also contribute to the length of your dress, so be sure to try them on to see the full effect. Don’t forget to discuss bustle options for the train, plus consider any alteration costs for adding a bustle. \n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingBoutique"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"From mini to monarch, this guide will help you learn about every wedding dress length and which one is right for you. ","title":"Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths","slug":"guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/55Iq5qY6PCdyDTBPqZZBET/a8ccf28e7b6db6fa0d0e912845359c7a/hero_Socialartphotography.jpg","altText":"Long Wedding Dresses"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Create height and lengthen your torso by learning about the best wedding dress styles for short women.","title":"Best Wedding Dress Styles for Petite Women ","slug":"best-wedding-dress-styles-for-petite-women","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1wvfZXKhOIUdokS2KaS9v8/c2716e9b88799fc4f3505ddf18457c36/hero_B._Jones_Photography.jpg","altText":"petite woman in wedding dress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Want your wedding dress to stand the test of time? You can't go wrong with a simple gown. Check out Zola's guide to beautiful, simple wedding dresses.","title":"Simple Wedding Dresses That Are Elegant and Timeless","slug":"simple-wedding-dresses-that-are-elegant-and-timeless","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2SjlWOaxslfaqQ1FB2Pzmr/3422d8d0544ed3158ea19873b4540f3d/Hero_New__12_.jpg","altText":"couple kisses at wedding "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Explore Wedding Boutique","url":"https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:51.866Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"wedding-dress-doesnt-fit-after-alterations","title":"My Wedding Dress Doesn't Fit After Alterations. What Do I Do?","excerpt":"Whether your wedding dress is too short, too long, too tight, or otherwise doesn't fit, there's a solve. Here's what to do if your dress doesn't fit after alterations and what to tell your seamstress.","author":"Alanna Nuñez","publishedAt":"2019-11-18T20:48:04.925Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4cysRZ624VUCiGWB42WfmY/3b0f3607aba165350779976ca97d7141/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"bridesmaid closes wedding dress for bride"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"By now, you’ve been wedding planning for awhile. The venue is picked, the menu is set, and you hit the bridal boutiques for [wedding dress shopping](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-should-i-invite-wedding-dress-shopping), [purchased that perfect wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-soon-should-i-buy-my-wedding-dress), and scheduled alterations. Now, it’s time to try the dress on post-alterations and … wait, was it always bunching like that? Isn’t it a little too long? And now the buttons won’t close either? Is this even the right dress size?!\n\nBasically, your wedding gown doesn’t fit after alterations.\n\nDeep breath! While it’s understandably stressful, it’s also actually a pretty common issue. Fortunately, it’s also a fixable problem. The solution, however, will depend on your timeline. Let’s break it down. \n\n![INLINE NSTPictures 1080x720 Elodie&Bertrand](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5dzxOqbVCFd9SSvn4mWtZD/9a09934038ca9246cfe5a88c890ff77c/INLINE_NSTPictures_1080x720_Elodie_Bertrand.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // NST Pictures\n\n## If you have at least two months: \nRelax and go back to your seamstress to request more alterations to get the perfect fit. Here’s what to ask for: \n\n- __Is your dress two small?__ Two months is plenty of time to let the seams out, says Leah Weinberg, wedding planner and founder of [Color Pop Events](https://www.colorpopevents.com/). “There’s extra fabric intentionally built into the seams for this exact purpose,” she explains. Zipper just won’t budge? Ask your tailor to take it out and sew in a corset back, which will give you more breathing room (literally). \n- __Are you swimming in fabric when you zip it up?__ Simply have the seamstress take it in a little more. \n- __Is the dress shorter than you remember?__ Many dresses come with extra fabric sewn into the hem that can then be let down, Weinberg says. \n\nNow is the time to be polite but firm. “If you've had one or two alterations appointments and still don't love how the dress feels on you, then keep at the alterations person,” Weinberg says. “There should still be a few weeks left to get everything fitting perfectly.”\n\nWedding planner Irene St. Onge, founder of [Soiree Special Events](http://www.soireespecialevents.com/), agrees. “Speak up and don’t take no for an answer,” she says. “Sometimes we are afraid to be our own advocate … but this is your dress and wedding day and it should be perfect.”\n\n## If you have one month: \nYou still have a little wiggle room. At this point, if you’re not happy with your dress, St. Onge advises finding a new seamstress, stat. Not sure where to turn? “Enlist all the help you can get–ask friends, family, Facebook groups, coworkers,” she says. “You would be amazed at the community out there who will want to help a bride in need.”\n\n## If you’re less than two weeks away:\nIt’s crunch time–but the pros still have some tricks up their sleeve. If your dress is too long: Try taller shoes, Weinberg suggests. If that’s not an option, duct tape can work miracles to “shorten” the hem, she adds. Don’t try this one at home if your dress is extremely delicate or sheer (fashion tape may be a better option in that case), but for gowns of a sturdier material, this can be a lifesaver. \n\n- __If your dress is too short:__ Switch to flats, Weinberg recommends. \n\n- __If your dress is too big:__ Safety pins will be your best friend. Weinberg recommends pinning your dress in at the armpits. “This is the least noticeable area,” she says. St. Onge also suggests packing a day-of emergency kit with a needle, thread, fashion tape, safety pins, and asking your mom, wedding planner (if you have one), sister, or anyone else who might be with you the day of to be on hand for any last-minute emergencies. Another tip: Your florist will most likely have some white ribbon on hand the day of your wedding to tie the bouquets, St. Onge says. In a pinch, the same ribbon can be used to cinch in your waist if you find that your dress is still just a little too big. \n\n- __If your dress is too small:__ Both Weinberg and St. Onge recommend shapewear as your best bet. “The great thing about shapewear is that, these days, it comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and strengths so you will have plenty of options to choose from,” Weinberg adds. \n\n## If you are less than a week away: \nIf, a few days out, you are just not happy with the fit of your dress, take another deep breath and think about how you feel. “The most important thing is that you feel your best and you feel comfortable,” Weinberg says. \n\nCan you walk down the aisle in your dress as is and feel okay or will you feel self-conscious and fidgety? If you know in your heart of hearts that you won’t feel good in your dress, you may want to consider going nuclear and buying something off the rack. “Sometimes you have to do whatever it takes to feel good,” Weinberg says. \n\n![INLINE AndreaBibeultAWeddingPhotojournalist 1080x720 Joni&Janel](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6US0L9pckrsJkgm7BHdPp1/dbd0c90418efdd53ad09cbb9cfe3b023/INLINE_AndreaBibeultAWeddingPhotojournalist_1080x720_Joni_Janel.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Andrea Bibeult\n\n## If your dress is too tight on the day of your wedding:\nOnce your wedding day hits, there isn’t much you can do in terms of changing your dress (for example, adding a gusset or letting out the side seams). But if you feel like your wedding dress is a little tight as you’re getting ready to walk down the aisle, there are steps you can take, including:\n\n- __Don’t panic__. If you try to put on your dress and immediately get the panicked thought, “my wedding dress is too small!” take a deep breath. Wedding dresses can be tricky to get on—and just because it feels a bit tight when you first get into it doesn’t mean it won’t ultimately fit. So don’t panic!\n\n- __Ask for help__. If your wedding dress is feeling a little snug, it’s time to ask for help. Ask your bridal party or family members to help you get into the dress—ideally with one at the front of the dress, one at each side of the dress, and one at the back of the dress. Have them shimmy the dress up to your natural waist, then have them push the fabric towards the back of the dress to give as much space as possible for the person in the back to clasp the dress. (Just make sure they’re gentle; you don’t want to rip or damage your dress!) The more help you have, the easier it will be to get your wedding gown on, fit, and fastened. \n\n- __Try shapewear__. If your dress is feeling tight (and if you’re not already wearing it), try shapewear. The material can help your wedding dress slide on more easily—which can be the solution you need to get into a slightly too-tight dress on your wedding day. \n\n- __Swap your bra__. If you’re struggling to fit your wedding dress over your bust area, try swapping out your bra for something with less padding.\n\n## Wedding Dress Alteration Tips\nFor many people, a wedding dress is the biggest clothing-related purchase they’ll ever make, and the alterations process can be emotional, time-consuming, expensive, and confusing. To lower the chances that you’ll find yourself wearing a dress you hate, here are a few tips to keep in mind while you’re shopping for your gown: \n\n- If possible, __[start shopping for your dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/tips-wedding-dress-shopping) around 10-11 months out__ and make your purchase by eight to nine months out. This should give you plenty of time for alterations. “It normally takes around three or four fittings, but I’ve had brides who’ve done eight or nine,” St. Onge says. \n- Before you sign on the dotted line, ask the bridal salon if alterations are done in-house. If so, how much will they cost? If not, __can the salon recommend a couple of reputable seamstresses for you?__\n- For each fitting, __try on your dress exactly as you would wear it on the big day__: the same [wedding shoes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-your-wedding-shoes), the same underwear—the same everything. This will give you a detailed idea of just how your dress will look and fit on the big day. \n- __Make sure the seamstress is the one pinning you at every fitting.__ “I find sometimes the small tweaks made at appointments get lost in translation, and I’ve had instances where the bridal salesperson doesn’t communicate to the seamstress and vice versa,” St. Onge says. \n- Lastly, remember that you’ve got a lot on your mind, and your memory is fallible. If you want something specific changed, __take pics at every fitting__. At your next fitting, you’ll remember exactly how the dress fit when it was last pinned, *and* you’ll minimize the chance of any confusion between you and the seamstress. \n\n## What to keep in mind during fittings\nPart of getting the perfect fit on your wedding dress is knowing how to navigate the wedding dress shopping, fitting, and alteration process. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the dress shopping and fittings to ensure your dress fits exactly how you want it for your big day:\n\n- __Choose the right dress__. Some dresses are easier to alter than others. If you’re concerned that your size or shape will change between buying your dress and your wedding day, make sure to [choose a wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) that lends itself to easy changes and updates (for example, a dress with a lace up corset is easier to adjust than an intricately beaded mermaid gown). \n\n- __Talk to your seamstress__. The first time you meet with your seamstress, talk to her about your concerns. For example, if you’ve recently experienced weight loss that you’re concerned is temporary, she might suggest a certain dressmaker or encourage you to size up.\n\n- __Recreate your wedding look at each fitting__. When you go to a fitting, you want to wear exactly what you’ll be wearing on your wedding day—including shoes, undergarments, and jewelry. That way, your seamstress can adjust your dress appropriately.\n\nThere's usually a solve for a wedding dress alteration mishap. The first step is always to breathe and then get in touch with your alterations specialist.","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Now trending on bridal runways: headbands to replace veils. Find a wedding headband that fits your bridal look with our roundup of bridal headbands for every style.","title":"21 Stunning Headbands to Update Your Bridal Look","slug":"wedding-bridal-headbands","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4UDwpCpkaGBQWZPIkpxCtQ/8e7cc5704ca7d62f7ce60e7b70650bc8/Hero_BrightFallCelebrationattheYachtClubatMarinaShores_KarinNicolePhotography.jpg","altText":"bride in headband with new husband"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From birdcage to ballet, there is an abundance of options when it comes to your wedding veil. Peek through our veil style guide to see which look and length best suits you and your wedding style.\n\n","title":"14 Wedding Veil Styles and Lengths Every Bride Should Know","slug":"14-wedding-veil-styles-and-lengths-every-bride-should-know","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/48axxEJRGAmNUjulHF5Uv3/31387937d081d6c201d674a9ee880775/AlakijaStudios_LeadImage_1080x720.jpg","altText":"bride in wedding veil"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Find the wedding dress of your dreams with our round-up of the 8 best tips for wedding dress shopping—from who to bring to how to budget.","title":"13 Tips for Choosing Your Dream Wedding Dress","slug":"tips-wedding-dress-shopping","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7w7Us4gIAHlYiyGjGaDPIS/ecb32dd773cf661b54727b71f4ad2ec2/Pinehurst_Photography_HeroImage_1080x720.jpg","altText":"bride wedding dress shopping"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The impulse to diet or lose weight for your wedding is strong. Here's how to break the cycle and focus less on your wedding diet and more on a healthy body and stress-free wedding planning.","title":"How to Break Out of the #WeddingDiet Mentality","slug":"wedding-diets-lose-weight-for-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6V9XrUDHmz4UvWtnNWGu8W/aa926bf361e969338d3c02ed4b72a2c9/HERO_NicoleChanPhotography_1080x720.jpg","altText":"veiled bride walking to wedding"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Find the perfect wedding dress at the perfect price—no matter what kind of look you’re going for. Here are wedding dresses under $1000 for every wedding style.","title":"23 Wedding Dresses Under $1000 For Every Bridal Style","slug":"wedding-dresses-under-1000","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1gkgdVtWcBsTYAooXO34tz/0a46194f6708545486b50606a1a25b78/Hero_New__2_.jpg","altText":"wedding dress under $1000"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress your bridal party in jewelry that speaks to your wedding theme. Here are gorgeous bridal party jewelry picks for every wedding style. ","title":"27 Bridal Party Jewelry Pieces for Every Wedding Style","slug":"27-bridal-party-jewelry-pieces-for-every-wedding-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4BGIwdEfrohyR2Zgf7uYOK/e5ef7676b83684f7716f7726f185ae92/HERO_AuroraLux_StarlightEarrings.jpg","altText":"bridal party jewelry available on zola"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Engagement ring insurance is an easy way to achieve peace of mind and keep your jewelry safe. How much does it cost? Do you need it? And, if so, where can you find the best policy? We've got the answers.","title":"Is Engagement Ring Insurance Worth It?","slug":"reasons-to-insure-engagement-ring","topic":"Getting engaged","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5lyFfo152e8WTcYhXSnlSs/71acdab1d21c284a4ad4246fbdebded5/daria-kopylova-PFORcnF1JqY-unsplash.jpg","altText":"Close up of female hand with engagement ring holding male hand across her chest"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"You’ve got enough to worry about on your wedding day—don’t let a little perspiring leave you hot and bothered. Here's how to keep your cool and fight sweat on your wedding day.","title":"(X Number) Ways to Fight Sweating On Your Wedding Day","slug":"how-to-fight-sweat-on-your-wedding-day","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3uuYoAUlo2ebes4RAGUgBD/375fd154c9f34c0814029ffe281999df/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"couple fights sweat on wedding day"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:51.027Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"tips-wedding-dress-shopping","title":"13 Tips for Choosing Your Dream Wedding Dress","excerpt":"Find the wedding dress of your dreams with our round-up of the 8 best tips for wedding dress shopping—from who to bring to how to budget.","author":"Deanna deBara","publishedAt":"2019-07-30T01:04:30.338Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7w7Us4gIAHlYiyGjGaDPIS/ecb32dd773cf661b54727b71f4ad2ec2/Pinehurst_Photography_HeroImage_1080x720.jpg","altText":"bride wedding dress shopping"},"heroCredit":"Pinehurst Photography","body":"Of all the exciting wedding planning to-dos, most brides agree that [shopping for your dream wedding dress](https://zola.app.link/iHihVjjt52) pretty much tops them all. We agree: There’s something fairy tale-esque about the whole experience. While wedding dress shopping can certainly be magical, it can also be overwhelming, to say the least. Finding that dream dress can be a pressure-filled experience, too. So, it’s important to be prepared—and, no, we don’t just mean you should know what wedding dress styles you like best. Here are wedding dress shopping tips for before, during, and after those shopping appointments to make picking the best wedding dress that much easier.\n\n## 1. Define your Wedding Theme\nBefore you start looking for a wedding dress, make sure you have a clear understanding of your wedding theme. Think about the venue you’ll be getting married in, the time of year you’ll be hosting your event, and whether you’re having an indoor or outdoor wedding. Your dress should be a reflection of your personal style on your big day—but it should also reflect the overall style of your wedding. \n\n## 2. Pick 3 Adjectives to Describe your Dream Dress\nMuch like picking your wedding theme, you’ll also want to think about what you want your dream wedding dress to look like. And a great way to narrow down your dream wedding dress idea? Think of a few words to describe your perfect [wedding dress style.](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what%27s-your-wedding-dress-style)\n\nBefore you head to the bridal shop, jot down a few adjectives that describe the kind of dress you’re looking for―for example, romantic, simple, and classic. This will give your shopping experience some direction and help stylists choose the right wedding gown for you. \n\nPlus, since not all bridal shops carry the same type of dresses, honing in on exactly what you want from a dress can help you find the right bridal shops for what you’re looking for.\n\n## 3. Be Open\nThe best strategy when shopping for your wedding dress is to keep an open mind. Many brides go in thinking they want a certain bridal gown, only to then fall in love with something completely different. Your dream dress could be something you didn’t necessarily expect or plan for, but is ultimately perfect for you—so make sure to keep an open mind and be willing to try on a variety of dress types. You never know which will be the perfect dress for you!\n\n## 4. Do your Research\nEven if you think you know the exact kind of wedding dress you want, don’t forget that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of different [types of wedding dresses](https://zola.app.link/wxkYfJyN71) out there—different brands, different cuts (like a-line vs. mermaid), different styles, etc. To make the most of your time, as well as the time of any family or friends who are tagging along on your search, do a little preliminary research.\n\n[Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/zola/wedding-dress/) is a great starting point. Simply type in the words “wedding dress” and dozens of photos will formulate on your feed. You can also add additional keywords, like “ball gown” or “sweetheart neckline” to help narrow your search. Once you start to find dresses you like, make a note of the designer, the cut, the price, and where it is sold. We also recommend browsing the [wedding dresses in our Wedding Shop](https://zola.app.link/iHihVjjt52) for inspiration.\n\n![Elizabeth Craig Photography InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3Cgo311EkCtfPdBgEbwgE6/18004e261d615327f1dd42d8da83d289/Elizabeth_Craig_Photography_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Elizabeth Craig Photography\n\n## 5. Set a Budget\nBefore falling in love with a dress you just can’t afford, set a budget for your wedding dress. Understanding how much you can afford, or simply how much you want to spend, will save you time, energy, and a whole lot of frustration. Do this before you go in for your first appointment. This way you have a clear price range to keep in mind when working with the stylists and designers, and the temptation to grab something too expensive won’t overtake you. Not sure how much to spend? Consider 10% of your total wedding budget—this is generally the max amount you would ideally want to spend on your wedding dress. \n\n## 6. Plan Extra Costs into the Budget\nWhen setting a budget for your wedding dress, you need to think beyond the cost of the dress—and factor in the additional costs of your wedding attire, like tailoring, special undergarments, wedding shoes, and other accessories. Make sure to add a cushion to cover these extra costs; otherwise, you could find yourself going over budget.\n\n## 7. Start Shopping with Time to Spare\nTiming is key when it comes to shopping for your wedding dress. Not all bridal boutique shops offer grab-and-go gowns you can pick off the rack and take home with you that day. Dresses can take four to eight months to make, not including the time needed for additional alterations, multiple fittings, and shopping for wedding accessories. For this reason, it’s best to start shopping at least eight to ten months before your wedding date. If you don’t have a full year of wedding planning ahead and need to find something quicker, that’s OK, too. Be sure to prioritize your dress like you do your venue and be upfront with dress salons about your timeline. They’ll be able to point you in the direction of dresses that won’t require tailoring or expedite any alterations (likely for a fee).\n\n## 8. Schedule Appointments\nMost bridal salons are appointment-only, meaning you can’t just walk in and browse the racks to find your dress. It’s best to call your desired salons in advance to schedule your appointment with an in-house stylist. He or she will block off an hour or so of time to help guide you in finding your gown. You can also use this time to mention any [styles of dresses you’re already considering](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/simple-wedding-dresses-that-are-elegant-and-timeless). The consultants helping you will be able to curate a selection of dresses, ready for you on the day of your appointment. \n\n## 9. Bring a Few Confidants - but Not Too Many\nWhile your bridesmaids, mother-in-law, cousins, and colleagues might be begging for an invite to help you find your perfect wedding dress, it’s up to you [who you ultimately choose to bring](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-should-i-invite-wedding-dress-shopping). Remember that the process is quite personal. In addition, you might want to keep the surprise for the big day for as many people as possible. It’s best to select only a few people close to you to accompany you to your salon appointments. Maybe invite only your maid of honor and mother, or your closest family members. Choose those you trust—who have your best interest at heart, but aren’t afraid to speak up if they feel that a certain dress doesn’t suit you.\n\n## 10. Do your Makeup and Hair\nYou might not be dying to impress everyone at the bridal salon, but consider [doing your hair and makeup](https://zola.app.link/PZ21imyN71) similarly to how you’d imagine wearing it on your wedding day. This is ideal for two reasons. First, it’ll boost your confidence. Upscale wedding gowns and rolling out of bed don’t always mesh, especially under the lights of a wedding dress salon. A bit of color in your cheeks and lips may help you feel more like a bride than your more casual weekend look. Second, it’ll help you imagine what you’ll actually look like in your wedding dress. If you’re planning on wearing your hair half-up, all the way down, or in an updo, rock that hairstyle as you try on your dresses so you can see how that style works with each dress.\n\n![Shifted Focus Photography InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/720ipnneDdzlr1TABqokkd/11adf504fdef2b49ba7969078d831243/Shifted_Focus_Photography_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Shifted Focus Photography\n\n## 11. Bring Undergarment Options and Shoes\nIt’s smart to bring different styles of bras and underwear so that you can truly imagine how you’ll wear a certain dress. For example, you might not wear a strapless bra to your actual fitting, but it’s a good idea to have one on hand when you try on that gorgeous strapless gown. The same goes for shoes. You’ll want to have heels of varying heights and styles so you can decide what might work best for that dress. If you forget, or simply don’t have the means to carry so many pairs, rest assured that most salons have try-on shoes you can wear in the dressing room.\n\n## 12. Pay Attention to the Fabric\nThe fabric of your wedding dress can influence the overall look of the dress, how it falls on your body, and if it flatters your body type. Think about the shape you want to create and choose a fabric that provides that kind of silhouette. For example, if you want something that’s going to cling to the body, you might go with something like silk—or, if you want something that will keep its shape, you might want a more structured material, like lace or tulle.\n\nWhen choosing a fabric, it’s also important to consider how it feels on your body. Remember, you’re going to be wearing the dress all day and into the night—so choose something comfortable. \n\n## 13. Sit in Every Gown at Least Once\nYou might love the look of a certain dress, but if you can’t sit in it comfortably, you’re going to be uncomfortable, to say the least. Make sure that a dress truly has what it takes to be “the one” for you and sit in each gown that you really like. This will help you rule out the dresses that’ll force you to stand your entire reception and ultimately lead to some major back pain and exhaustion.\n\nWedding dress shopping is meant to be fun. The best tip we can give is to keep it light—and remember, this moment is about you. Embrace the chaos of dress salons and come prepared. The perfect wedding dress for you is out there.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:50.226Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"wedding-dresses-under-1000","title":"23 Wedding Dresses Under $1000 For Every Bridal Style","excerpt":"Find the perfect wedding dress at the perfect price—no matter what kind of look you’re going for. Here are wedding dresses under $1000 for every wedding style.","author":"Monica Mercuri","publishedAt":"2019-08-14T18:08:11.452Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1gkgdVtWcBsTYAooXO34tz/0a46194f6708545486b50606a1a25b78/Hero_New__2_.jpg","altText":"wedding dress under $1000"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_jane_offtheshoulder_wedding_dress","body":"For many brides, finding the perfect dress is one of the most important moments on their wedding planning journey. It can also be one of the more expensive moments on that journey. It doesn’t have to be, though. Sure, many wedding dresses come equipped with cringe-worthy price tags, but don’t let that deter you. You absolutely don’t have to blow your budget in order to [find the perfect wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/tips-wedding-dress-shopping). In fact, you don’t even need to spend $1000.\n\nWhether you’re going for a vintage look or something more modern, a romantic style or something more alternative, finding the perfect budget-friendly wedding dress *is* possible. Let’s take a look at the best wedding dresses under $1000 for every [wedding style](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-your-wedding-style).\n\n## Romantic Wedding Dresses\nA romantic wedding style is exactly what it sounds like—romantic. Details like rose petals, lush florals, pastel hues, and feminine details are the trademarks of a romantic wedding style.\n\nHere are some of the most swoon-worthy romantic wedding dresses under $1000:\n\n![INLINE Romantic](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2RcMaXx1Vdb7JBBQZVYury/d1ca4519d70a3b7ba674027ecd41ffd0/INLINE_Romantic.jpg)\n\n### 1. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Kate: V-Neck Lace Corset-Back Wedding Dress - $895\nAt first glance, [this lace v-neck](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_kate_vneck_lace_corsetback_wedding_dress) might seem elegant, but simple. That’s before you see the back. A corset detail not only highlights the shoulders and back, but the ties accentuate the classic, feminine train.\n\n### 2. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Jane: Off-The-Shoulder Wedding Dress - $495\nThere’s something extremely romantic about a bare shoulder. And [this off-the-shoulder style](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_jane_offtheshoulder_wedding_dress) further ramps up the style, thanks to a delicate lace-detailed sleeve, fitted sweetheart bodice, and dramatic train.\n\n### 3. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Toni: Off-The-Shoulder Wedding Dress - $695\nThis off-the-shoulder [trumpet wedding gown](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_toni_offtheshoulder_wedding_dress) has a classic shape and style. But the beautiful lace detailing elevates the look from “classic” to “romantic.”\n\n### 4. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Angela: Cold-Shoulder Wedding Dress - $495\nThe petal-inspired cold-shoulder sleeve, natural waist, and softly flared train. The classic white hue. All the details of this [simple-yet-elegant wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_angela_coldshoulder_wedding_dress) have a delicate, feminine feel that would fit in perfectly with a romantically styled wedding.\n\n## Modern Wedding Dresses\nNot every bride wants to go traditional with their wedding. A modern wedding style is for those who favor sleek simplicity over sentimentality and a sophisticated, design-centric aesthetic over more frilly or traditional details. \n\nHere are some fashion-forward, modern wedding dresses under $1000:\n\n![INLINE Modern](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2c1YpkTK7IVpDXJu1NWFSV/ce5a61c76229ac75810fb1d8ccbbcfe0/INLINE_Modern.jpg)\n\n### 1. Floravere, Bridget Jumpsuit - $495\nIf you really want to embrace a modern look for your wedding, you don’t even need a wedding dress—a [wedding jumpsuit](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/floravere_br001_jumpsuit) is about as modern as you can get. This tailored jumpsuit features a high waist, cropped leg, and off-the-shoulder detail that will give you the sleek, sophisticated look you need for a modern wedding.\n\n### 2. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Vera: Long Cap-Sleeve Wedding Dress - $900\nModern weddings are all about keeping things sleek and simple—and this dress checks all the boxes. From the sleek, understated train to the tailored bodice to the button detail down the back of the gown, [this dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_vera_long_capsleeve_wedding_dress) is the perfect blend of classic and modern wedding design details.\n\n## Bohemian Wedding Dresses\nBoho weddings are all about embracing the free-spirited lifestyle. Bohemian wedding style is about creating an imaginative, eclectic, and beautiful environment for the ceremony, reception, and guests—without taking itself too seriously or crossing over into “stuffy” or “formal” territory.\n\nHere are some free-spirited bohemian wedding dresses for under $1000:\n\n![INLINE Bohemian](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7e30mcwipIThxvtFz9TjP7/3b6a2c3c2b265b3b56f799b6bbed3353/INLINE_Bohemian.jpg)\n\n### 1. Floravere, Nina Wedding Dress - $950\nThe relaxed fit of [this slip dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/floravere_ns001_wedding_dress) is the perfect fit for a more laid-back, bohemian-inspired wedding. Pair that with the garment’s unique details (like the deep-V neck, delicate cross-strapped back, and the split lace train), and you have the perfect boho wedding dress.\n\n### 2. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Tina: Open-Back V-Neck Wedding Dress - $950\nIf the above dress felt too simple, this more intricate take on a [boho-inspired gown](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_tina_openback_vneck_wedding_dress) might be more your style. The lace detail, open back, and sheer sleeve detail feel delicate and simple—but in a decidedly bohemian way.\n\n## Natural Wedding Dresses\nA natural wedding style is about embracing all things, well, nature. Natural weddings take their inspiration from the beauty you can find outside—from soft colors to organic textures and materials to an abundance of [flowers and foliage]( https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-seasonal-guide-to-wedding-flowers). \n\nHere are some beautiful natural wedding dresses for under $1000:\n\n![INLINE Natural](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1VCy7RsIsaBFsCMheC5m6i/cbf8ee3ca3a5f8e9f7b8bad26768d9db/INLINE_Natural.jpg)\n\n### 1. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Clara: Strapless Long Wedding Dress - $895\nNature is beautiful in its simplicity—and so is [this strapless dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_clara_strapless_long_wedding_dress). From the elegant princess cut to the long, mermaid skirt to the standout sash detail, this dress is simple enough to blend in with more natural surroundings but special enough to help you stand out.\n\n### 2. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Madison: Long Chiffon Wedding Dress - $695\nA natural wedding style is all about taking cues from nature. [This dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_madison_long_chiffon_wedding_dress), with its soft billowing and delicate chiffon, will make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud.\n\n### 3. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Gila: V-Neck Long Chiffon Wedding Dress - $995\nEmbrace nature—and comfort. This [ivory chiffon a-line dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_gila_vneck_long_chiffon_wedding_dress) will keep you comfortable all day long, thanks to its stretch lining, v-neck bodice, and spaghetti straps (which are kept firmly in place courtesy of built-in rubber grips).\n\n## Glamorous Wedding Dresses\nAll weddings are beautiful—but some weddings take it up a notch to straight-up glamorous territory. A glamorous wedding style is all about the glitz and glam. Think metallics, glitter, and a bit of Gatsby inspiration.\n\nHere are some glamorous wedding dresses for under $1000:\n\n![INLINE Glamorous](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/546kdOlsaY7qo91TPM6gx3/e258a7b80541e2f1d2617bb72dcc8193/INLINE_Glamorous.jpg)\n\n### 1. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Catherine: Off-The-Shoulder Wedding Dress - $995\nIf you’re going for classic glamour, [this wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_cathrine_offtheshoulder_wedding_dress_champagneivory) is the perfect fit. This ball-gown style features skirt layers of satin and glitter tulle, a fitted bodice with a floral lace pattern, and delicate details (like a sheer back and understated train) that feel straight out of the golden days of Hollywood.\n\n### 2. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Bonnie: Mermaid Lace Wedding Dress - $995\nMermaid dresses are some of the most glamour on the market—and this style doesn’t disappoint. While the [dramatic tulle mermaid skirt](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_bonnie_mermaid_lace_wedding_dress) is enough to lend a sense of glamour to the design, it goes a step further thanks to the embroidered Schiffli lace detailing.\n\n### 3. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Emily: A-Line Strapless Wedding Dress - $795\nIf you’re going for a look of understated glamour, look no further than this classic a-line. While [this dress is simply elegant](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_emily_aline_strapless_wedding_dress), the intricate details, including an eye-catching sweetheart neckline, a structured bodice, and a full skirt with six layers of tulle and satin, elevates this dress to seriously glamorous levels.\n\n### 4. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Whitney: Mermaid Wedding Dress - $995\nLace detailing from the neckline to just above the knee. A voluminous mermaid skirt. A deep-v neckline, open back, and unexpected (but elegant) champagne color. [This dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_whitney_mermaid_wedding_dress_champagneivorysilver) practically *screams* glamour!\n\n## Vintage Wedding Dresses\nWedding style has changed through the decades—but certain elements have remained timeless. A vintage wedding style takes inspiration from previous style-centric eras (like the roaring 20s or the groovy 60s), creating a nostalgic, timeless look that will feel just as gorgeous today as in decades past.\n\nHere are some stunning vintage wedding dresses for under $1000:\n\n![INLINE Vintage](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3ZFYxvnbVI4enlhwa4LYUo/235e800891623f10c79d6cbca4ba8b57/INLINE_Vintage.jpg)\n\n### 1. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Naomi: Corset-Back Lace Wedding Dress - $995\nVintage style is all about timeless, intricate details—which you will certainly find in this [corset-back lace wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_naomi_corsetback_lace_wedding_dress). The princess-cut and Chantilly lace have a distinctive classic feel—while the corset-back detailing and dramatic train add visual interest (not to mention a touch of vintage-inspired glamour).\n\n### 2. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Trinity: Long Bell-Sleeve Wedding Dress - $750\nIf you’re a lover of 60s-inspired fashion, this [bell-sleeved number](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_trinity_long_bellsleeve_wedding_dress) is the dress of your vintage dreams. With a scalloped, off-the-shoulder neckline, a sheer, Chantilly-lace overlay, an elegant train, and bell-shaped sleeves, this dress will fit right in at any vintage ceremony.\n\n### 3. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Paula: Cap-Sleeve Long Wedding Dress - $995\nWith its dainty cap sleeves, deep v-neck and delicate, sheer inset, Schiffli lace overlay, and body-hugging silhouette, [this 20s-inspired dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_paula_capsleeve_long_wedding_dress) will add a touch of charm and elegance to a vintage wedding.\n\n### 4. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Christy: Lace V-Neck Wedding Dress - $995\nCombining vintage details with a more modern style, [this dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_christy_lace_vneck_wedding_dress_nudeivory) is the perfect option for brides who want to bridge classic and on-trend at their wedding. The shape with its plunging neckline and structured bodice feels decidedly modern, while the details like lace and a dramatic train are much more vintage-inspired.\n\n## Beach Wedding Dresses\nThere’s a certain style that comes with coastal living—and a beach-inspired wedding embraces that style. More laid-back than other wedding styles, a beach or coastal wedding is all about leaning into the surf, sand, sun, and the natural elements that come along with seaside (or seaside-inspired) nuptials.\n\nHere are some beach wedding dresses for under $1000:\n\n![INLINE Beach](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/127TmR7bh0YK6ZOh6Li2OP/601087fa4df94fd689143fb19901efcb/INLINE_Beach.jpg)\n\n### 1. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Marie: Long Chiffon Wedding Dress - $695\nBeach weddings are more casual than traditional affairs, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice elegance. [This flowy chiffon number](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_marie_long_chiffon_wedding_dress) is laid-back enough for a sand-and-surf filled ceremony, but the intricate details like Venetian lace panels add a touch of elegance that makes this dress truly special.\n\n### 2. Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Tanana: Chiffon Open-Back Wedding Dress - $895\nIf you’re getting married on the coast, you want to feel the sun on your skin. With its open back and plunging v-neck, [this princess-cut dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/kleinfeldbridalparty_tanana_chiffon_openback_wedding_dress) will feel right at home at a sunny, beachside ceremony.\n\n## Alternative Wedding Dresses\nSome brides want as little traditional wedding style incorporated into their big day as possible—enter alternative style. This style takes a more individualistic approach to weddings, focusing on what looks and feels unique to the couple.\n\nIf you want wedding attire that feels completely and utterly you, here are non-traditional, alternative wedding dresses for under $1000:\n\n![INLINE Alternative](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5LGkO02Rdqqbp8AqHGJdQ1/b57a10b46f6eca20f82c930b1015e791/INLINE_Alternative.jpg)\n\n### 1. Floravere, Maya Jumpsuit - $495\nSkip the ultra-formalities and ease into a [quirky wedding jumpsuit](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/floravere_ml003_jumpsuit) instead. The stretch cape material and wide leg design make it comfortable and modern, while the cut-out details and bow-inspired sleeves add funky bridal flare.\n\n### 2. Floravere, Zaha Wedding Dress - $675\nShorten it up. This [versatile cocktail-length dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/floravere_zh002_wedding_dress), complete with an eye-catching neckline bow detail is the perfect blend of fun and elegance. The best part? This dress is versatile enough to wear again after the wedding.\n\nWedding dresses can be expensive. But there’s no need to blow your budget to find the perfect dress. There are plenty of budget-friendly wedding dress options for every bride and every style. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"From birdcage to ballet, there is an abundance of options when it comes to your wedding veil. Peek through our veil style guide to see which look and length best suits you and your wedding style.\n\n","title":"14 Wedding Veil Styles and Lengths Every Bride Should Know","slug":"14-wedding-veil-styles-and-lengths-every-bride-should-know","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/48axxEJRGAmNUjulHF5Uv3/31387937d081d6c201d674a9ee880775/AlakijaStudios_LeadImage_1080x720.jpg","altText":"bride in wedding veil"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Make sure your wedding makeup stands up to your celebration. Here is exactly how to test your wedding makeup and what to look for as you do.","title":"6 Effective Ways to Test Your Wedding Makeup","slug":"test-your-wedding-makeup","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1i6vFYvFvHiHmK7nArSbiE/a7a806ff0410052c858f43cb27ca0568/HERO_PhotobyMeganClousePhotography.jpg","altText":"bride test wedding makeup"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Find the wedding dress of your dreams with our round-up of the 8 best tips for wedding dress shopping—from who to bring to how to budget.","title":"13 Tips for Choosing Your Dream Wedding Dress","slug":"tips-wedding-dress-shopping","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7w7Us4gIAHlYiyGjGaDPIS/ecb32dd773cf661b54727b71f4ad2ec2/Pinehurst_Photography_HeroImage_1080x720.jpg","altText":"bride wedding dress shopping"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":" If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing wedding day clothing for men, check out our guide to groom’s attire. ","title":"A Complete Guide to Wedding Attire for Grooms","slug":"a-guide-to-grooms-attire","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3VMpMOUBZSyCkaeYeEmqgk/8db23790cfb65c8c8eebd5f2ecc5c522/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"groom in cobalt blue tux jacket"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"How much does a professional wedding hair & makeup artist cost? Find out with our ultimate guide to wedding hair and makeup costs. ","title":"A Guide to Wedding Hair & Makeup Costs","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-hair-and-makeup-costs","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/N7wFOsDeMIHq1oa7VEBpL/d7c18e73a265e3aa2d9f76196d5952a3/New_Hero.jpg","altText":"wedding hair and makeup cost"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Not sure how to find the right heels or kicks for your big day? Here are some tips on choosing the perfect wedding shoes. ","title":"How to Choose Your Wedding Shoes","slug":"how-to-choose-your-wedding-shoes","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5j8mIfyI6rlEeNGjiUJwcG/4754bfabc4f1f89c4f7175deca325472/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"pair of silver glittery high heels with mesh ties on a white and gray tiled floor"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"}],"cta":{"copy":"Find Your Wedding Dress","url":"https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-dresses-gowns"},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:49.471Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"should-you-get-a-second-wedding-dress-for-your-reception-zola","title":"Should You Get a Second Wedding Dress for Your Reception? (+ 10 Dress Ideas)","excerpt":"We’re sharing the very best of second wedding dress ideas and how to decide if you want one in the first place. ","author":"Monica Mercuri","publishedAt":"2020-12-16T19:09:28.778Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3p5xqzY3jbyZEcjAtHRX0Y/3d0a246bd537dc6b942f60e87972f86a/Hero_Multi-CulturalSummerWeddingatChalkHillEstateWinery_RunAwayWithMe__1_.jpg","altText":"wedding reception"},"heroCredit":"Run Away With Me","body":"As weddings evolved from one-in-the-same to one-of-a-kind, so did the bride’s style choices. Today, while trends of the time still play a role in the design of the dress, a wedding dress speaks more to a bride’s unique style than to the overarching era. \n\nShe can choose everything from the dress’s fabric and pattern and to its neckline and hemline. Big ball gowns and tulle skirts speak to more feminine brides, while chic sheath silhouettes and lace panels speak to the more bohemian bride. But a bride isn’t limited to just one style. In recent years, the “reception dress” has gained popularity as another way to show off her favorite fashions.\n\nWhen budget and time allow, a second dress for your wedding reception can be both a fun style choice and a logical one. It can let you leave the train behind and move and groove around the reception with ease. However, it’s not for everyone. Below, we discuss what to consider before committing to a second wedding dress, plus share plenty of fun wedding reception dresses to inspire your look. \n\n![Timothy Anderson Jr Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1huJHT5zMqqTQ2en6aWSwg/8a6122e92cf43c03c0286dc07e06389e/inline_Aaron_Jay_Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Aaron Jay Photography\n\n## What to Consider\nWhile it’s a trendy choice to have a second look on your wedding day, the amount of brides who actually purchase two gowns is still the minority. Here’s what to think about before you decide what’s right for you:\n\n### Budget\nIf you’re already struggling to rationalize spending a ton of money on a dress for one day, you will have a tough time spending even more on two dresses for one day. Although second dresses are usually more affordable than ceremony dresses that feature long trains and a lot of fabric, plus are more wearable after the wedding day, they still come at an additional cost. Even if you can wear it again, your second dress simply may not be worth blowing your budget.\n\nIf money is tight (say, you also went all out for the [food](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-food-ideas)), but you really want to make it work, you can do your best to cut back on the cost of the second dress by selecting a style that has less fabric and less embellishment. For example, a simple slip dress or lace mini may be more budget-friendly than a sequin evening gown or a fringed frock. \n\n### Timing\nWhen considering a second wedding dress, the [timing of both your cocktail hour and reception](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-time-should-you-have-between-a-wedding-ceremony-and-reception) is important. Changing into a second wedding dress isn’t like throwing on a sundress for dinner after a day at the beach. Finding the time to unlace or unbutton an intricate first bridal gown and lace up or button a second one is no easy task. Plus, you’ll likely want to touch up your hair and makeup and swap your shoes while you’re at it. If it doesn’t ruffle your feathers to step away from your guests (and your new spouse) and take the necessary time to change, you’ll be better suited for a second dress.\n\nBut will you have enough time? Consider whether there’s a long break between the ceremony and the reception. Will you have enough time to change into a second dress during the cocktail hour? [How long will your reception last?](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-reception-timeline) These are all important questions to ask yourself before purchasing a second dress. If the answers are “not very long” and “no,” slipping into a completely different style might not be worth it.\n\n### The Style of Your First Dress\nDon’t underestimate the power of layers of satin or body-hugging silhouettes to make you sweat at your reception. Whether the seams are snug around your hips or the corset makes your stomach hurt, there are plenty of reasons the style of your first dress will make you want to opt for a second one. Mermaid silhouettes can force you to take tiny steps while off-the-shoulder styles will keep you from raising the roof.\n\nOnce the ceremony is over and the party begins, you’ll want to be able to sit and enjoy the dinner you carefully selected and dance around the glossy floor to the playlist you perfectly crafted. If your first dress will inhibit your ability to enjoy the reception, you should strongly consider a wardrobe change. \n\n### The Reveal\nSometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest splash. Showing up to your reception in a dress different from the one you walked down the aisle in is like doing a quick change on stage. It will wow your guests and leave them talking for years to come. If you’re not one to shy away from the spotlight, a second dress will capture the crowd’s attention, no doubt, and leave a lasting impression.\n\nOn the other hand, you may not feel like your first dress gets the attention it deserves if you change into a second one before greeting the majority of your guests. Sure, your partner, bridesmaids, and wedding party will have seen it, but it may deserve some more significant time in the limelight. If you love your first wedding gown so much that changing out of it at any point during the day will feel too soon, then don’t. You can still channel your inner showgirl by showing it off on the dancefloor with a few good spins \n\n### The Location \nThe venue plays an important role in dress shopping, whether it’s for one dress or two. If your wedding ceremony and reception take place at two different locations, you may want a dress that matches each setting. For instance, a conservative long-sleeve gown may be perfect for a chapel ceremony, but too warm or constricting for the party afterward. Or, a gown with an opulent train may be just what you want for your walk down the aisle, but too cumbersome for a dance floor under the stars.\n\nThe style of the location influences the choice of dress(es), but so does the weather. An indoor ceremony and outdoor reception could mean changing into a [short wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths) that’s breathable for the latter half of the night during the summer months, or reaching for a long sleeve mini and faux fur coat during the winter season. When planning any part of the wedding outdoors, the temperature is crucial to consider and should influence the style dress you choose and whether or not you change into a second one. \n\n## What to Look For in a Reception Dress\nSearching around for wedding reception dresses, while exciting, can be just as intimidating as your initial round of dress shopping. Not only are you beginning a search all over again, but are likely looking into a much larger pool of possibilities. To avoid feeling overwhelmed and help narrow your search, we're highlighting the two key things to look for in your reception dress.\n\nYour reception dress should be a dress that:\n\n- __Fits your wedding.__ Aesthetically and in terms of formality, your reception look should fit your wedding. While it can differ significantly from your wedding gown, it shouldn't feel entirely out of place. While shopping around, keep your colors, theme, or general look in mind. It may even be helpful to have a mood board or photos of your wedding dress on hand.\n- __Makes you feel amazing.__ If you're going to change out of your wedding dress, make sure it's into something that makes you feel just as wonderful. A second dress isn't only for comfort or a big reveal moment, but is a chance to further express and enjoy yourself on your big day.\n\n![Timothy Anderson Jr Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5P1YEqg7rU2fi5Sn4z9tNv/31403403e077a4d4b00409f3679f2950/inline_Kelsey_Haley_Media.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Kelsey Haley Media\n\n## Second Wedding Dress Styles\nOnce you’ve thought about everything there is to consider and decided a second wedding dress is right for you, you can start browsing a variety of wedding. Here are a few second wedding dress ideas to inspire your reception look:\n\n### 1. The Party Dress\nIf you hired a killer deejay or a live band for your reception and can’t wait to strut your stuff on the dance floor, a party dress (aka mini dress) is the way to go. Sequins, frills, and fringe grace some of the best reception dresses. With skirts that spin and embellishments that shine, these mini dresses are made for dancing late into the night. Plus, they can seamlessly go from reception to after-party.\n\n### 2. The Midi Dress\nA midi dress with a hemline that reaches or passes the knees exudes relaxed elegance. This relaxed-yet-formal silhouette can be found in tons of different styles, from casual to black tie. To achieve a more formal look, keep an eye out for midi dresses made in high quality fabrics like crepe and satin with luxurious details—a feather embellished hemline, embroidered florals, and the like.\n\n### 3. The Evening Gown\nPerhaps your wedding is black tie and you'd like a gown that's just as astonishing as your wedding dress. Evening gowns are a classic, jaw-dropping choice that s sure to bring all of the (good) drama. Opt for white, off white, or even one of your wedding colors if you're looking to switch it up a bit.\n\n### 4. The Slip Dress\nIf you opted for a big ball gown for your ceremony, a figure-hugging reception dress á la Meghan Markle is a stylish way to switch things up. Sleek silhouettes and silky [wedding dress fabrics](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) will feel like butter on your skin after a day spent in sequins or frills.\n\n### 5. The Jumpsuit\nA jumpsuit is a fashionable choice for the modern bride. These days, they also come in a variety of fabrics and designs—from strapless and one-shoulder necklines to sleek and beaded styles. Toss the skirt aside and slip into one of these chic, trendy numbers.\n\n### 6. The Set\nLike jumpsuits, two-piece sets are modern and very chic. Moreover, due to mix-and-match ability, there's something out their for just about every style and level of formality. Casual, semi-formal, and formal brides can peruse through a variety of options that include tops, shorts, skirts, and pants in varying fabrics and lengths.\n\n### 7. The Sundress\nBrides who've planned warm weather weddings, such as those on the beach or set in a garden, may enjoy the option of changing in a beautiful sundress for their reception. A breezy frock will help you escape the heat, move around, and dance all night. For a look that's very bridal, keep an eye out for those made with white and off-white linens.\n\n### 8. The Statement Dress\nStatement dresses for brides have become increasingly popular over the last year. These are dresses that possess some kind of 'wow' element, be it an oversized bow, all-sequin fabric, interesting silhouette, or similar. They feel artistic and high fashion, making one perfect for a reception in the city, or one with a more formal dress code.\n\n### 9. The Actual Second Wedding Dress\nHear us out: If it's feasible with your budget, you can actually change into a second wedding dress. This option is ideal for those who've struggled to choose between wedding dresses—especially those with differing styles. If you like the idea, but are looking to spend less money, check out wedding dress resale websites and lower-priced bridal lines.\n\n### 10. The Getaway Dress\nThe getaway dress is a classic nod to the times when couples headed to their honeymoon straight from the reception. This style is fit for travel by plane, train, or automobile and usually comfortable, elegant, and timeless. Consider adding a hat to complete the look.\n\nOnce you’ve weighed the pros and cons and seen the very best second wedding dress ideas, it’s time to make up your mind: Will you get a second wedding dress for your reception?","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Your wedding centerpieces don't have to feature dramatic florals in order to be beautiful. Save money and get creative with these 29 unique centerpiece ideas for your wedding reception. ","title":"29 Unique Wedding Centerpiece Ideas You'll Say \"Yes\" To","slug":"wedding-centerpiece-ideas","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Wedding Style","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1aWsBliSOvNekdFYz2buxx/d846fe5dd67279c4fdf5c793c8c1fda0/Hero_New_Zola.jpg","altText":"Unique Wedding Centerpiece Ideas"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Make your wedding uniquely yours with meaningful touches that reflect you and your partner. Read on for all the ways to add a personal touch to your reception. ","title":"6 Small Ways to Add Personal Touches to Your Reception","slug":"personal-touches-reception","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3TqBUP5kQExPNCYVi74qTF/9eed7647697701248ceef6f8c30bc9a8/HERO_PhotobyCariadPhotography.jpg","altText":"couple adds personal touches to reception"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"If you’re having your wedding ceremony at one venue and your reception at another, how much of a gap should you have between events? Don’t freak out if you think an hours-long gap will break up your big day. ","title":"How Much Time Should You Have Between a Wedding Ceremony and Reception?","slug":"how-much-time-should-you-have-between-a-wedding-ceremony-and-reception","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/100BmjWwzv8BqDgeqvNFbt/82e646bb97b34f4414a2e9422b5448c4/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"illustrated clock"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:48.680Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"7-black-wedding-designers-to-know","title":"20 Black Wedding Dress Designers to Know","excerpt":"Looking to purchase your gown from a Black wedding designer? Check out some of our favorite designers with our latest article.","author":"Shameika Rhymes","publishedAt":"2021-03-01T16:46:50.971Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2FNtQ42E68GKAxAooB03AO/ee2b2de4438b8dffd2f61867103ef381/Hero_Zola_02__10_.jpg","altText":"Black Wedding Designers to Know"},"heroCredit":"Kesha Lambert","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- Brides by Nona has been seen on several celebrities with it’s custom-made, luxury dresses and designs. \n- Check out The Amsale Group if you’re looking for more of a minimalist, clean line, sophisticated look for your wedding day. \n- Laury Bride has a collection that allows you to purchase separates for multiple looks on your big day.","body":"One of the highlights of any wedding is what the [wedding attire](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/fashion-beauty/wedding-attire) will look like, especially what the bride will be wearing. The big reveal comes when walking down the aisle, taking away everyone’s breath and wondering, “Who is the designer of that wedding gown?” There are many designers out there, but when thinking of top wedding dress designers, there are few people of color that are on the list, marking the lack of diversity in wedding day fashion. \n\nFor couples that want their [wedding choices to reflect their values](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding) and support communities of color, [Zola](https://www.zola.com/) is here to help you find options for [Black owned wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-black-wedding-vendors-you-should-know-about)—including Black owned wedding dress designers.\n\nLet's take a look at 20 Black wedding designers you should know about for your big day:\n\n## 1. __Andrea Pitter-Cambell of [Pantora Bridal](https://pantorabridal.com/)__ \n\nAndrea Pitter-Cambell created Pantora Bridal to address a lack of inclusion and diversity in the bridal industry. According to her website, Pitter-Cambell says, “Each bride deserves to shine, we are inclusive in our mission to deliver the type of product and service that have been traditionally lacking in the bridal industry.”\n\nShe also writes that she wanted to create a safe space for brides to feel the validity of their beauty while experiencing relatable luxury. Pantora designs are made for the glamorous bride that embraces edgier trends, but it also combines classic silhouettes and modern details in their wedding gowns. Pantora Bridal, based in Brooklyn, New York, also has a wedding gown collection that celebrates curvy voluptuous brides.\n\nThe dresses are customizable and the collection features gowns with various alternative neckline and skirt options. Pantora designs also have illusion details, but with a Black bride in mind, since mesh colors don’t always work on darker skin, so she offers a selection of illusion and meshes linings to fit Black brides.\n\nInstagram: [@pantorabridal](https://www.instagram.com/pantorabridal/) [@andrea_pittercampbell](https://www.instagram.com/andrea_pittercampbell/?hl=en)\n\n![inline pantorabridal](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/28YEVjJV6MXG9lYnHhGXzX/2eae0a8385f41a9b5adefc99f4eb5237/inline_pantorabridal.jpeg) *Photo Credit* // Joshua Dwain\n\n## 2. __Nneka C. Alexander of [Brides By Nona](https://www.bridesbynona.com/)__\n\nBrides by Nona was established in 2014 after Nneka C. Alexander's own wedding gown shopping experience left her unimpressed by the selection of traditional bridal salons. She created Brides by Nona with a mission to give brides what they have never experienced, but will always cherish. On her website, she says, \"Design is my passion. Brides today are more expressive and certainly a lot more outspoken than in previous years. I want to give them a platform to express themselves without inhibition through the design of their gowns. I will listen, design, and execute with utmost precision and true luxury!\" \n\nThe designer custom creates dresses that have been seen on socialites and celebrities, including Cynthia Bailey of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. Based in Atlanta, Brides by Nona offers a curated collection of ready-to-wear wedding dresses and formal wear, but the main focus is creating bespoke custom made pieces made with authentic Swarovski crystals that transcend trends and fads, they are timeless pieces full of intricate details with clean modern lines that will make any bride feel romantic. If you’re looking to create your dream dress, Nneka C. Alexander can help you bring your ideas to life.\n\nInstagram: [@bridesbynona](https://www.instagram.com/bridesbynona/?hl=en)\n\n## 3. Olakunbi Oyelese of April by Kunbi\nLaunched in 2010, April by Kunbi is the creation of Nigerian-based fashion designer Olakunbi Oyelese. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Oyelese was inspired by month of April and the freshness and newness of spring—and turned that inspiration into a line of custom bridal gowns and accessories that have made her one of the most in-demand bridal designers in Africa.\n\nInstagram: [@aprilbykunbi](https://www.instagram.com/aprilbykunbi/?hl=en)\n\n## 4. __[Esé Azénabor](https://www.eseazenabor.com/)__\nNigerian born Esé Azénabor started out designing custom evening wear before expanding her line to include bridal options after a client requested a bespoke wedding dress. “The Esé woman is strong, she’s empowering, she’s a visionary, she travels the world and loves sparkle,” explains Azénabor in a video on her website.\n\nShe says that every piece is handcrafted, including the beading. The designer is known for hand beading with fine crystals, stones, and pearls, and hand embroidery on fine French lace and tulle, and then combining it with humor, hard tulle, and boning, which attributes to her attention to the arts and travel inspiration. Though mostly known for bespoke gowns, in 2020 Esé Azénabor launched a ready-to-wear line called Prêt Mariée By Esé Azénabor, for brides looking for off-the-rack options with a faster turnaround time.\n\nInstagram: [@eseazenabor](https://www.instagram.com/eseazenabor/?hl=en)\n\n## 5. __[Amsale Aberra of The Amsale Group](https://amsale.com/)__\nAmsale Aberra was first launched in 1990 with groundbreaking designs, and her minimalist aesthetic impacted wedding dress trends. The Ethiopian-American designer passed away in April 2018, but The Amsale Fashion House is still carrying on her legacy under the direction of her husband CEO Neil Brown, the senior design team of Sarah Swann, and Margo Lafontaine, and her daughter Rachel Brown. \n\nThe Amsale Group is one of the world’s leading luxury bridal houses headquartered in New York City. Every design in the three collections has modern femininity but also can be modified to become a true reflection of the bride’s unique and personal style. The dresses are sophisticated and refined with something for every wedding style, including long or short dresses and chic jumpsuits. Amsale Aberra’s legacy lives on through her designs and words, “I believe that true style knows no place or time—more than an aesthetic, STYLE is a way of living.”\n\nInstagram: [@amsale](https://www.instagram.com/amsale/?hl=en)\n\n## 6. __Carly Cushnie of [CUSHNIE Bridal](https://www.cushnie.com/pages/bridal)__\n\nCUSHNIE is a luxury women’s ready-to-wear bridal brand designed by Carly Cushnie. Established in 2008, the label was founded to serve the modern woman. The designs are crafted with clean, sculptural lines and tailored to fit the female form. \n\n“As a woman, I understand what my customer wants from her clothes. I’ve grown and evolved alongside her over the past 10 years, and I strive to present her with timeless silhouettes that make her feel sexy, sophisticated, and powerful—all at once,” says Cushnie on her website. CUSHNIE designs are ultra-modern, from expertly tailored jumpsuits to figure-flattering sheath dresses. Her sleek architectural styles have been worn by Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, and Lupita Nyong’o, to name a few. \n\nInstagram: [@carlycushnie](https://www.instagram.com/carlycushnie/?hl=ena)\n\n## 7. __Laurie Underwood of [Laury Bride](https://www.laurybride.com/)__\nLaurie Underwood’s Chicago-based Laury Bride showcases her unique perspective on bridal style. Laurie Underwood appeared on season 14 of “Project Runway” drawing attention to her bold, structured gown designs. Laury Bride has modern styles with dramatic flair, from oversized ruffles to airy ball gowns. \n\nUnderwood mostly designs bespoke collections, but she just launched The Forever Collection this past fall. The collection features interchangeable bridal separates that brides can mix and match to create a perfect ceremony look and switch it up for a different vibe for the reception. You can buy anywhere from one to three pieces to create customizable wedding looks that are more affordable than two to three different wedding outfits. \n\nNo matter what type of wedding dress you want, or from which designer, Zola is here to help you with your wedding planning from start to finish. For more tips on how to get started on [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding), click [here](https://www.zola.com/).\n\nInstagram: [@laurybride](https://www.instagram.com/laurybride/?hl=en) [@xoxo_lauryelle](https://www.instagram.com/xoxo_lauryelle/?hl=en)\n\n## 8. [Valentine Avoh](https://www.valentineavoh.com/)\n Brussels-based designer Valentine Avoh spent a decade working with some of the world's best design houses, including Alexander McQueen, Alexis Mabille, and San Andrès Milano. She completed her first wedding gown in 2009, and, after falling in love with the handcrafted process, launched her bridal design atelier in 2017.\n\nAvoh's focus is about creating custom couture pieces. \"In love with fashion and sewing, my aim is to design haute couture pieces for modern brides,\" Avoh said in a [POPSUGAR article](https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/photo-gallery/47549374/embed/47549370/p). \"I produce all the pieces myself, from sketching to sewing, and making paper patterns. I mainly get inspired by music, red carpets, vintage movies, and everything in between.\"\n\nInstagram: [@valentineavoh](https://www.instagram.com/valentineavoh/?hl=en)\n\n## 9. [Violette Tannenbaum](http://violettetannenbaum.fr)\nA self-taught designer, Violette Tannenbaum started designing bridal wear in 2013, after a friend enlisted her help in designing her bridal gown. A self-proclaimed \"bridal designer for cool brides,\" Tannenbaum's gowns and separates, inspired by her ready-to-wear fashion background, are made to measure; she works closely with brides in the year leading up to their wedding on everything from choice of material to finalizing all the details. \n\nInstagram: [@violettetannenbaum](https://www.instagram.com/violettetannenbaum/?hl=en)\n\n## 10. Yemi Osunkoya of [Kosibah](https://kosibah.com/)\nYemi Osunkoya is the founder and creative director of Kosibah, which was established in London in 1991 and now operates out of Brooklyn, NYC.\n\nOsunkoya has an impressive background in the fashion industry; originally inspired by the weddings he attended with his parents as a child in Nigeria (Osunkoya would spend the hours following each wedding meticulously sketching the elaborate bridal designs), he would go on obtain his BA in Fine Art, Textile Design from Obafemi Awolowo University followed by further studies and diplomas in Menswear and Womenswear from the Paris Academy School of Fashion in London.\n\nOsunkoya is well known for his impeccable attention to detail; his contemporary, elegant designs; and his proclivity towards lace. And while Kosibah previously focused solely on custom, bespoke, and made-to-order wedding attire, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (and the changing needs of brides), the line expanded into ready to wear in 2020. “The world has changed and with so many unknowns I wanted to create a collection that reflected the new reality… the ready-to-wear collection resonated with that,\" Osunkoya told [British VOGUE](https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/2021-wedding-trends).\n\nInstagram: [@yemikosibah](https://www.instagram.com/yemikosibah/?hl=en)\n\n![Kosibah Bride Landscape](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1NOK7WUmpPgwj50kWl489G/60e6f11eaada11041832ddb16ecde332/Kosibah_Bride_Landscape.jpg)*Photo Credit* // Tunji Studio Photography\n\n## 11. [Cynthia Grafton-Holt](https://www.cynthiagraftonholt.com/)\nCynthia Grafton-Holt has an incredibly impressive background; not only has she worked for some of the most prestigious and well-known fashion brands in the world (including Mulberry, Alexander McQueen, and Victoria Beckham), but she's also designed for some of Hollywood's brightest starts—including Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Rosamund Pike, and Lynda Evangelista. Leveraging her wide breadth of experience, Grafton-Holt specializes in creating handcrafted bespoke gowns—and has gained a reputation for her corset work.\n\n\"Handcrafting bespoke gowns for high profile clients is an art form,\" Grafton-Holt [said on her website](https://www.cynthiagraftonholt.com/our-story). \"My most favored skill (that my clients benefit from), is my ability to create discreet internal corsetry that is supportive, redefines the waistline, and elongates the body.\"\n\nInstagram: [@cynthiagraftonholt](https://www.instagram.com/cynthiagraftonholt/?hl=en)\n\n## 12. Lawrencia Blout of [Lawrencia Bridal Couture](https://lawrenciabridalcouture.com/)\nWhen Lawrencia Blout entered Parsons The New School for Design, she only had one ambition on her mind—honing her skills and becoming a couture bridal designer. 15 years later, she has brought that ambition to life with Lawrencia Bridal Couture, her brand of custom wedding gowns and bridal couture. In 2022, Blout added a new service for her clients with the opening of the LBC Luxury Bridal Suite in downtown Los Angeles, where brides can [meet with the designer one-on-one](https://lawrenciabridalcouture.com/collections/bridal-appointments) and shop her collection.\n\n “Fashion is an art, a true gift,\" Blout says on [her website](https://lawrenciabridalcouture.com/pages/meet-the-designer). \"Through my brand Lawrencia Bridal Couture, I am happy to fulfill my destiny and share my gift of design with so many beautiful brides for one of the happiest days of their lives!”\n\nInstagram: [@lawrenciabridalcouture](https://www.instagram.com/lawrenciabridalcouture/?hl=en)\n\n## 13. [Imad Eduso](https://www.imad-eduso.com/collections/wedding-dresses)\nLagos-based designer Imad Eduso has been in womenswear since launching her brand in 2015—and in 2017, she expanded on that brand with the launch of Imad Eduso Bridal. Eduso specializes in modern, minimalist wedding attire and offers both bespoke and custom bridal collections.\n\nInstagram: [@imadeduso_](https://www.instagram.com/imadeduso_/?hl=en)\n\n## 14. Keisha Ransome of [the lotus bloom co.](https://www.thelotusbloom.co/product-category/bridal-collection/)\nKeisha Ransome actually trained as a civil engineer and a city planner—but this self-taught Atlanta-based designer took her passion for all things bridal and transformed it into lotus bloom co. Ransome specializes in bridal separates and tulle skirts that are perfect for brides that want to add a touch of whimsy and romance to their bridal look.\n\nInstagram: [@thelotusbloomco](https://www.instagram.com/thelotusbloomco/?hl=en)\n\n## 15. [Andrea Iyamah](https://www.andreaiyamah.com/)\nNigerian fashion designer Andrea Iyamah discovered her passion for design at an early age; Iyamah was just 17 when she launched her brand in 2011—a brand she grew while pursuing her degree full-time.\n\nIn addition to her extensive line of clothing and swimwear, Iyamah specializes in bridalwear that incorporates \"quality tailoring and rich fabrics often in its signature jewel tones inspired the rich colours of nature,\" as stated on her website.\n\nInstagram: [@andreaiyamah](https://www.instagram.com/andreaiyamah/?hl=en) [@andrea.oi](https://www.instagram.com/andrea.oi/?hl=en)\n\n## 16. Gbemi Okunlola of [ALONUKO](https://www.alonuko.co.uk/)\nLondon-based designer Gbemi Okunlola taught herself to sew at 11 years old—and that passion drove her to start designing and crafting gowns at home before launching luxury bespoke bridal brand ALUNUKO in 2013. \n\nOkunlola gowns are designed to not only be sophisticated and elegant, but to highlight a bride's natural beauty—and bring out the confidence she needs to shine on her wedding day. \"A woman should work with their qualities within, to edify her beauty without,\" [Okunlola says on her website](https://www.alonuko.co.uk/pages/about).\n\nInstagram: [@alonuko_bespoke](https://www.instagram.com/alonuko_bespoke/?hl=en) [@gbemiokunlola](https://www.instagram.com/gbemiokunlola/?hl=en)\n\n## 17. __[Jean-Ralph Thurin](http://www.jeanralphthurin.com/)__\n\nDesigner Jean-Ralph Thurin’s career spans twenty years. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, he specializes in custom wedding gowns and evening wear with an emphasis on pieces specifically for Black women. His vision is to give a bride what she desires for her wedding day, including making sure that her dress reflects who she is.\n\n“Every bride is different, and I’ve learned to listen, really listen to every one of them,” says Jean-Ralph on his website. Recently, he launched the HUExJRT Collection that has illusion and see-through details customized to perfectly match any skin tone. He also has a collection called ROUGE that is inspired by the 2018 film “Black Panther” that has bold colors accompanied by royal gold accents fit for a queen\n\nInstagram: [@jeanralphthurin](https://www.instagram.com/jeanralphthurin/?hl=en)\n\n![inline Jean-RalphThurin](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5OF2jMeMqpNOBKXLDPQCDe/0931cfa20da79d585649cbf9860823c8/inline_Jean-RalphThurin.jpg) *Photo Credit* // Jean-Ralph Thurin\n\n## 18. Leah Langley-McClean of [elleNelle Bridal](https://www.ellenellebridal.com/)\nLeah Langley-McClean started her career in accounting, but always had a passion for design. And after designing her own wedding gown in 2015, she made the leap into the world of bridal design, launching elleNelle Bridal, which today, has become one of Nashville's premier bridal destinations. elleNelle (pronounced L-N-L) specializes in clean, contemporary, and sleek styles, creating custom designs for brides of all shapes and sizes.\n\nInstagram: [@ellenellebridal](https://www.instagram.com/ellenellebridal/?hl=en) [@iamleahnicole_](https://www.instagram.com/iamleahnicole_/?hl=en)\n\n## 19. Christelle Dominique of [MeJeanne Couture](http://www.mejeannecouture.com/custom-design-dress-company/)\nLaunched in 2008, MeJeanne Couture is an Atlanta-based fashion house founded by Christelle Dominique as a way to expand her love for sewing and design—and it quickly took off, with [Dominique showcasing her work at Atlanta Fashion Week in 2010](https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/local-designer-christelle-dominique-to-show-at-atlanta-fashion-week). The brand specializes in custom bridal gowns; the [tagline on their website reads](http://www.mejeannecouture.com/custom-design-dress-company/) \"If you've seen it or you've dreamed it, we will make the dress you want!\"\n\n Instagram: [@mejeannecouture](https://www.instagram.com/mejeannecouture/?hl=en)\n\n## 20. Adwoa Akwaboah\nGhanaian wedding gown designer Adwoa Akwaboah is completely self-taught—and showcases her bespoke gowns, which often feature elaborate beading, on her [Instagram profile](https://www.instagram.com/ajoaakwaboah/).\n\nInstagram: [@ajoaakwaboah](https://www.instagram.com/ajoaakwaboah/)\n\nNo matter what type of wedding dress you want, or from which bridal fashion designer, Zola is here to help you with your wedding planning from start to finish. For more tips on how to get started on [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding), click [here](https://www.zola.com/).\n","tag":"List","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Here are some of the top Black wedding vendors ready to create the celebration that's perfect for you.","title":"Top Black Wedding Vendors You Should Know About","slug":"top-black-wedding-vendors-you-should-know-about","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6mXRCt3IrHATwonXcEQjmA/ca62ca570353d61327e5e685d2737fde/Hero_Zola__36_.jpg","altText":"Top Black Wedding Vendors That You Should Know "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From romantic and classy, to earthy and rustic, over 3,000 couples weigh in on 2022’s top wedding themes.","title":"The Top Wedding Themes for 2022","slug":"couples-top-wedding-themes","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3Pn8LOa0SSGscAN9zFxmEF/22fb1d18009faf002a4b64b4d7704b4c/13.jpeg","altText":"Top Wedding Themes for 2022"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"While it may not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, setting your wedding budget is essential. We’ll break down the typical expenses, guide you through the entire process from start to finish, and tell you where you can save money. ","title":"How to Set Your Wedding Budget Step by Step","slug":"how-to-set-your-wedding-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6XhGxWHyRGrUPWWVgkBzic/91d8435955228875ec57fdf5f974f5bc/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"Green/bluescale image of jar of money tipped over with change spilling out"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Wedding planners, day-of coordinators, and onsite coordinators all can help make your wedding day go off without a hitch. Find out if you should hire a wedding planner with our guide.","title":"Do I Need a Wedding Planner?","slug":"wedding-planner","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/79JDGS9HE03hEas68WdZId/64429e0bb27f92cbee83d860bf5003f7/Hero_New__1_.jpg","altText":"indian couple dances at wedding"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:47.791Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"minimalist-wedding-dress-inspiration","title":"Minimalist Wedding Dress Inspiration","excerpt":"Do you like simple over sparkle? In this blog post, we discuss everything to consider when looking for the minimalist wedding dress of your dreams!","author":"Amanda Mitchell","publishedAt":"2021-01-21T22:23:42.763Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7tZTlR4vYwkq8M65zzroGI/24086725372893c1d786c92d1f2ff7b2/Hero_MinimalistAlFrescoAffairinDelrayBeach_BlinandCompanyPhotography.jpg","altText":"Minimalist Weddings Dresses"},"heroCredit":"Blin and Company Photography","body":"Picking a wedding dress for the minimalist bride: It doesn’t have to be nearly as daunting as it can feel. Yes, it can be rather overwhelming that there are so many ways for the white fabric to be cut, sewn, pleated, and hemmed, but it doesn’t have to be that overwhelming. For those who are looking for a wedding dress that isn’t covered in tulle, lace, sparkles, and diamonds, a minimalist wedding dress might be a little more up your alley. \n\nMinimalism is one of the most popular trends in both home decor and wedding decor, so, unsurprisingly, minimalist wedding dresses are one of the rising trends for bridal fashion. Unsure of where to start? You’ve come to the right place—Zola gathered some of the best inspiration ideas to help you find your dream wedding dress ahead of your bridal appointment.\n\n### Simple, Not Boring\n\n![Dress Inspiration for Minimalist Weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/gL0lhhR5h2A3sCDSzRI7K/2b11856f3398ad740fe15012d28bb1a5/inline_sierra_laFrance_photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit * // Sierra LaFrance Photography\n\nThe key to a gorgeous minimalist gown isn’t more, more,—it’s picking one standout detail as the main focus of the wedding dress and letting you be the main star. The Princess Diana cupcake gown is suitable for some brides, but if you’re trying to keep things more low-key, keep your focus on one main detail. You can still maintain all the looks of a “traditional” wedding dress while keeping one thing the star of the show—whether it’s a large, oversized bow, a line of buttons down the back of the dress or bodice, or even a long, dramatic train. Instead of a veil, why not consider a long, flowing cape? Look into a different silhouettes, such as A-line, mermaid, sheath, or slip; or consider dramatic necklines such as a square, plunging neckline, or a bateau neckline. This is the moment to show off the part of your body that you love the most—if you love your legs, maybe consider a high slit in the skirt, or if you love your back, a backless wedding dress can show off your most elegant body part. In recent years, straps and sleeves have come back in a huge way for the modern bride, and for good reason—they have plenty of opportunity for innovation. Whether you need straps for support or you just like how a long-sleeved, spaghetti strap, or t-shirt wedding dress looks, you’ll be surprised at how good that strap can make you look and feel.\n\n### Look to Architecture\nStructural, architectural shapes are key to minimalist design, especially for a minimalist wedding gown. Just like geometric shapes are used in centerpieces and archways for weddings, sharp lines are beautiful features in a wedding dress. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there’s not plenty of room for movement, especially if you’re looking forward to dancing the night away. You can also mimic architecture with seaming and pleats in the bodice or skirt. \n\n### Unconventional Silhouettes \nThe best part of minimalism is knowing that the rules are made to be broken. If you’d rather wear a short wedding dress instead of a long gown on your wedding day, you absolutely can. Minimalist style is more in the beauty of the shape and the design, not in the style of dress. If you want to wear a three-piece pantsuit, or a two-piece sweater and pants combination, then you absolutely should. Feeling princessy? Pick a tea-length tulle dress or sweetheart neckline. Whatever silhouette you decide, just make sure that it’s clean and simple—but that doesn’t mean that it has to be a dress that hits the floor. \n\n### Not Every Fabric Is Perfect\n\n![Dress Inspiration for Minimalist Weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7dcEgGGFeNAefrl5LJAjRz/ca072b2de68c0b8de558c4478a26c3b2/inline_cortiella_photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit * // Cortiella Photography\n\nThe key to keeping a clean, minimalist gown is in your fabric choice. An active, embroidered fabric like lace isn’t a great choice for the main fabric, but it’s wonderful for elegant detailing in a back cut-out or on a train. Here are some of the best fabrics for minimalist wedding dresses:\n\n- __Crepe:__ Likely the most popular in more minimalist designs, crepe can be made of soft silk or lightweight rayon, and is known for being malleable and truly great for showing off shapes and curves, as well as being a great year-round fabric choice. \n- __Satin:__ Satin is one of the most well-known fabric choices for wedding dresses, but can be made up of different types of fibers such as silk, rayon, and polyester. It’s known for being both delicate, but also durable and luxurious with a light sheen, and comes in several different types. The most common types include silk satin, duchess satin, and crepe back satin.\n- __Silk:__ Versatile, gorgeous, and with plenty of varieties, silk is easily one of the most common fabrics for wedding dresses, and perfect for a minimalist wedding dress. With variations such as silk faille, silk gazar, silk Mikado, silk dupioni, silk charmeuse, and silk shantung, there’s a fabric selection that will work for anybody type, season, and style. \n\nThat’s not to say that there isn’t room for other fabrics in minimalist wedding dresses. But, during your bridal appointment, don’t be surprised if you see a lot of these fabric styles in the fitting room.\n\nNo matter your desired silhouette or dress style, you can find the perfect minimalist dress of your dreams. Keep design, shape, and fabrics in mind, and make sure that it’s clean and simple, and you’ll walk down the aisle in your dream gown.","tag":"Wedding Attire","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingBoutique"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Explore Wedding Boutique","url":"https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:45.868Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"fly-with-wedding-dress-and-suit","title":"How to Fly With Your Wedding Dress and Suit","excerpt":"Take your wedding dress (or suit) to the skies with these practical tips for flying with your wedding attire.","author":"Jenn Sinrich","publishedAt":"2019-09-19T20:37:26.096Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3vVKIay5iqRe80bCuREk3z/548bda1715e891fb6c9197f490c37d12/HERO_LaurenRyanPhotography_1080x720.jpg","altText":"couple outside destination wedding venue"},"heroCredit":"Lauren Ryan Photography","body":"A lot goes into your big day—especially if it‘s a destination wedding. On top of all of the standard [wedding checklist to-dos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist), there’s that whole travel and distance factor to contend with. And, if your destination wedding requires a flight to your wedding location, things get a little more challenging. Particularly, for your wedding dress or suit.\n\nGet those prized wedding attire pieces from the airport to the altar with these tips for how to fly with your wedding clothes. Be it by Delta, JetBlue, United Airlines, or otherwise, find out how to travel with a wedding dress—or suit—stress-free below.\n\n## 1. Call your airline ahead of time\nGive your chosen airline a call—ideally, weeks, if not months, before you plan to travel to your [wedding destination](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/cut-destination-wedding-costs). Each company has its own TSA, carry-on, and checked baggage rules that will impact your plans to fly with your wedding attire. Most airlines allow you to travel with soft-sided garment bags so you can store your suit or dress. This will likely count as your carry-on, but you probably already prepared to pay a bit extra for more baggage. That said, we do not recommend checking your wedding attire. Anyone who’s lost a suitcase full of their regular day-to-day duds knows that finding missing luggage can be a nightmare. Just imagine if it was your wedding gown. Don’t do it.\n\n![INLINE HeatherFaulknerPhotography 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/0CYERKGfJoEYozNikR500/5e8430f185f0734d7fcaedeb7f258d91/INLINE_HeatherFaulknerPhotography_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Heather Faulkner Photography\n\n## 2. Consider an upgrade\nIf your airline knows you’re flying to your destination wedding, sometimes you may get lucky and awarded an upgrade. If not, though, it may be worth it to pay extra to upgrade yourself. First or business class comes with a number of benefits, including more space. However, if those tickets are too expensive—it can really add up—consider at least paying extra for priority boarding. Here’s why: It’s significantly less expensive than a full seat upgrade, but you’ll have first access to the overhead bins and can space your belongings out, as necessary.\n\nWe recommend asking the flight attendants for help. If you let them know this is your wedding dress or suit and accessories, they’ll be more inclined to help you find the appropriate space. Some will even allow you to hang your dress or suit in the closet on the airline.\n\n## 3. Use overhead space wisely\nSpeaking of overhead bins, it’s paramount that you know [how to store your dress or suit](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/donate-wedding-dress) in one wisely. Whether your attire is packed in a garment bag or carry-on luggage, chances are it’ll be considered a personal item or carry-on and, thus, need to be placed in the appropriate area. When doing this, you essentially have three options, all of which depend entirely on how much overhead space is available by the time you board the plane.\n\nIf overhead bin space is limited, with other passengers’ carry-ons already filling up most of the space, you’ll likely need to work to make your garment bag fit. To do so, you have two choices: Fold or roll. Which you end up going with also depends on the space available. That said, if you do end up needing to roll your garment bag, do so with care. Start rolling from the hanger’s end, going with the length of the dress or garment.\n\nThe third and final option is to lay your dress flat over the other passengers’ luggage. Being able to do this, too, depends on the space and size of the luggage already placed at your time of boarding.\n\n## 4. Buy your destination wedding dress a seat\nIf your dress is of the [puffier variety](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dresses-under-1000) (or if you just don’t want it stuffed into an overhead compartment), buy a plane ticket for it. Yes, seriously. It’s not the cheapest option, but ensuring your peace of mind and that your dress arrives unmangled or smashed seems priceless to us. The same goes for suits and tuxedos—don’t ball it into the overhead bin. Give your attire room to breathe and enjoy the window views.\n\nIf you missed the boat on buying your dress a seat, or simply don’t want to spend the money, find out if there are any empty seats available. If the flight isn’t completely booked, chances are a flight attendant will offer you an available spot for the outfit. \n\n## 5. Invest in a quality garment bag\nNone of these destination wedding travel tips will work without a proper [garment bag](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/tumi_garment_cover). It’s simply a must. Needless to say: To avoid creases, do not fold your bridal gown or tuxedo. Garment bags are particularly useful for your suit or tux. The key is to wash and iron yours before you put it on the hanger and into the bag. This will make it so you only really have to touch it up with a quick iron or steam once you reach your hotel room.\n\nCheck that all zippers and buttons are in working order before you pack it up too. This way, you won’t need to make last-minute alterations. To maintain the shape of your suit, stuff the arms with tissue paper. Make it white acid-free tissue paper so that it doesn’t bleed onto your outfit. This can help prevent wrinkles.\n\nIn the same garment bag, you can also pack a veil, if necessary. If it’s packaged, open it a few days prior to travel so that it can naturally loosen. Hang it as you would in your closet, ideally in some sort of plastic covering. This will help protect it against snags or tears.\n\n![INLINE Regeti'sPhotography 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/iMy0Al8RgeNcVBmRyF2nK/a00cf500d555dcb597f2f9404f1994f6/INLINE_Regeti_sPhotography_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Regeti's Photography\n\n## 6. Ask your airline about closet space\nUnbeknownst by many people, some airplanes have larger coat closets in their first class cabin, available to these passengers. That said, whether or not you’re flying in business class, you can request that your [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/donate-wedding-dress) be safely tucked away in this space. If this option sounds appealing to you—say, you have a large gown or would prefer not to purchase an extra seat—prioritize calling ahead. Closet space isn’t guaranteed and not all planes will have it to begin with. Calling ahead allows you to confirm (or double-check) whether or not this is the case. In the case that you didn’t call beforehand, you can ask to speak with a customer service representative at the gate or to a flight attendant once you’ve been seated on the plane.\n\n## 7. Ask if there are any open seats available\nWhile this should by no means be your first or only plan of action, it’s worth asking about if you’re packing your wedding gown in a garment bag, carry-on bag, or similar and want to avoid purchasing another plane ticket. Once you’ve been seated on your aircraft—and safely boarded with your dress as a carry-on item—ask a flight attendant if there are any open seats on the plane. If there are, ask if you can place your wedding dress (or suit) there. Chances are, if there is an open seat or two available, a flight attendant will help you switch seats with another willing passenger to make it work.\n\n## 8. Pack your accessories with care\nYou can pack most of your other accessories—shoes, jewelry, ties, pocket squares, etc.—as you normally would for any trip. We still recommend carrying these items on and not checking them! For shoes, place the soles flat against the back wall of your suitcase, ideally in-line with the wheels. This will help keep them in shape during and bumps in travel. If your shoes are embellished with stones or pearls, wrap each shoe individually in bubble wrap. Do the same for any other embellished pieces, such as a tiara or hair comb.\n\nFor jewelry, we recommend organizing it in a dedicated travel case designed for delicate items. This will keep necklaces and bracelets tangle-free and also ensure earrings don’t get lost or break. If you don’t have a jewelry-specific bag, wrap each piece in a microfiber cloth. This will help prevent scratching.\n\n## 9. Don’t forget the wedding day-of essentials\nAfter getting your wedding day attire to your destination successfully, you’ll want to keep every item of clothing wrinkle-free. While your hotel or other accommodations might have a clothing iron available to your for any suit or dress touch-ups, it’s parament to be prepared for anything. We highly recommend packing a portable steamer in your luggage that you can use on your dress, veil, and any other wedding party outfits that may end up wrinkled post-travel. To avoid spillage, place a towel, sock, or cotton bag over your steamer when traveling.\n\nIf you’re getting married abroad, also be sure to pack an adapter. This will ensure that you’re able to use any electronics, such as a steamer, once you’ve settled into your accommodations. No last-minute dry cleaner appointments necessary.\n\nYou’ve been wedding planning an entire destination wedding—don’t let getting your wedding attire to the location stress you out. Pack your things with care, let any airlines and attendants know what’s up, and you’ll be just fine. And, it bears repeating, don’t check anything!\n\nFor more Expert Advice, including [what to do with your wedding dress after your wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/donate-wedding-dress) and other [wedding day essentials](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding), stick with Zola.","tag":"How To","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Sometimes issues come up between wedding party members. Here are the most common wedding party disagreements, from money to attire concerns, and how to resolve them quickly.","title":"10 Common Wedding Party Disagreements—and How to Solve Them ","slug":"resolve-wedding-party-disagreements","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3h4mZrl6MiCEwoU4AARo1/b6cf4a4ee36ad0119b8e2a351f324ba5/10-Common-Wedding-Party-Disagreements.jpg","altText":"bride and groom with wedding party"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need wedding cake ideas but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with this list of 112 wedding cake ideas, organized by wedding season. ","title":"112 Wedding Cake Ideas & Designs","slug":"wedding-cake-ideas","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5V0DFlLCeXlId6h1UScbIm/b57fdd7bbf656730765e7a6c1d8ff03f/112-Wedding-Cake-Ideas-and-Designs.jpg","altText":"wedding-cake-ideas-by-season"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Whether you’re saying “I do” in California or the South of France, our experts explain how to cut destination wedding costs big and small.","title":"Destination Wedding Cost + Tips to Cut Costs","slug":"cut-destination-wedding-costs","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2HU5njR20OjGAAOeK2y0Qe/36f3b6e1745c62289e5cde7ce472a192/HERO_MirSalgadoPhotography_1080x720_Kerry_Brittany.jpg","altText":"Couple walking hand in hand through a sandy path at a beachside destination wedding"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need to cut wedding costs? Here are five ways to do so that you might not have thought about. Read up, and get ready to spend smart!","title":"29 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs","slug":"5-ways-cut-wedding-costs","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Budgeting","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4XUtTaJVTcHtvYZbB5mOWW/9543c7efa84e5c6a4d1d3b58ea0da85a/amy-peppercorn-photography.jpg","altText":"Bride and groom sitting side by side outdoors in wedding attire as the sun sets"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:45.047Z"}],"pagination":{"currentPage":3,"total":46},"subtopic":{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"donate-wedding-dress","title":"Repurpose with a Purpose: How (and Where!) to Donate Your Wedding Dress","excerpt":"Instead of keeping it in storage, donate your wedding dress to support a cause and bride in need! Find out the best charities and fun ways to reuse your gown.","publishedAt":"2021-04-20T06:26:57.558Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/kdPMVgdVfKNlTMowHIzeC/69fc5fc0a4bf199fc7b731bd36d9284b/wedding-dress-donating-hero.jpg","altText":"wedding dresses to donate"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/","heroCaption":"wedding dresses for donation","body":"After the wedding and honeymoon, you may be wondering what to do with your wedding dress. Many gowns are left hanging in the back of a closet, collecting dust. If you have no other plans for it, donating your wedding dress can give it a second life! Now more than ever, many brides are struggling to pay for their wedding dresses. We’ve found several meaningful charities that accept preowned wedding dresses and provide them to new brides at an affordable price. \n\nIn this article:\n\n- Benefits of Donating Your Wedding Dress\n- How to Decide Where to Donate\n- Where to Donate Wedding Dresses\n- Ways to Repurpose Your Wedding Dress\n- How to Prepare Your Wedding Dress for Donation\n\n## Benefits of Donating Your Wedding Dress\n\n \n\nIf you’re still on the fence about whether or not to donate your wedding dress, here are a few benefits to consider.\n\n### 1. Supports a Bride in Need\nFrom disaster victims to the many couples struggling financially right now, many individuals are looking for affordable clothing, including wedding dresses. With millions of people unemployed or experiencing a significant decrease in income during the pandemic, many couples cannot afford their dream weddings. Your donation can help provide a dress for a bride experiencing financial hardships. \n\n### 2. Tax-Deductible\nAs a taxpayer, you can claim your charitable contributions of money or goods as itemized deductions when filing your taxes. The [IRS](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p526) recognizes a charitable contribution as a gift or donation to or for the use of a qualified organization, such as nonprofits. \n\n### 3. Helps to Declutter\nMany wedding gowns are only worn once. If you’re never planning to wear your wedding dress again, it’s just taking up space! Once you donate it along with other household items that you no longer need or use, you’ll have more room! \n\n### 4. Encourages an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle\nAn eco-friendly lifestyle means living in a way that isn’t harmful to the environment. Clothing that is thrown away eventually sits in a landfill, where they release carbon dioxide and other toxins into the air. According to [GreenDrop](https://www.gogreendrop.com/blog/3-reasons-you-should-donate-your-old-clothes-instead-of-throwing-them-away/), the production of new clothes and textiles uses hundreds of gallons of water and also causes 10% of global carbon emissions. By donating your wedding dress, you help reduce your carbon footprint.\n\n![Benefits of donating your wedding dress image](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6OAEerjF3eR2VFxgVVb9nI/cccf53c07871500f73bb688f87d3b1b9/benefits-of-donating-your-wedding-dress.jpg)\n\nThe best part is conscientious efforts can start during the wedding! You can donate the remaining wedding food to local shelters and [preserve flowers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-preserve-flowers) from the bouquet. For more sustainability tips, check out these [eco-friendly wedding ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/eco-friendly-wedding).\n\n## How to Decide Where to Donate\n\n \n\nDeparting from your beloved wedding dress can be tough. After all, it holds sentimental value and memories from your special day. You may feel comfortable choosing a charity with a mission that matters the most to you. For example, you may want to honor your loved ones in the military by donating to an organization supporting veterans. Fortunately, you can find charitable organizations that support a variety of causes, including cancer research, disaster relief, human rights, environmental protection, and more!\n\n## Where to Donate Wedding Dresses\n\n \n\nDonating your wedding dress is a great way to honor it and give it new life. Through your generosity, someone else can experience the same joy you felt on your wedding day. You can donate to thrift stores, charities, community centers, and many other types of nonprofit organizations. Here is a list of several charities and organizations accepting wedding dresses during COVID-19.\n\n![Charities to donate a wedding dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1xq1qPDhGhlPh4z1Tqv0Cg/e7f10bcb6dd54b3e70bb4faff2224620/charities-to-donate-a-wedding-dress.jpg)\n\n### Brides Against Breast Cancer \nSupport the fight against breast cancer through [Brides Against Breast Cancer](https://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/). This nonprofit is dedicated to providing early cancer awareness and detection programs as well as reducing the environmental impact of wedding dress manufacturing. The organization resells pre-owned wedding dresses at affordable prices, using the sales proceeds to help breast cancer causes. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses of 3–5 years in excellent condition and bridal accessories. \n\n__How to donate:__ Use the [donation form](https://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/bride-donation-form/) on the website, email, or contact client service directly to receive shipping instructions.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ The organization continues to accept wedding dress donations through the mail and is relaunching its online store in early 2021.\n\n### Adorned in Grace \nIf you would like to assist in sex trafficking prevention, consider donating your wedding dress to [Adorned in Grace](https://www.adornedingrace.org/). This faith-based organization has a mission to help sex trafficking victims and bring awareness to local communities. Adorned in Grace stores provide new and gently-used wedding dresses and formalwear. Sales proceeds that go towards funding professional counseling for trafficking survivors, awareness publications, and more. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dress less than five years old, mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl dresses, bridal accessories, and formalwear.\n\n__How to donate:__ Drop-off donations in-person or ship them to any of their [shop locations](https://www.adornedingrace.org/donate#donate-1).\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Call or book an [appointment](https://www.adornedingrace.org/yourvisit) at one of their store locations in advance.\n\n### The Salvation Army\nSince 1865, [The Salvation Army](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/) has grown into an international movement in 130 countries around the world. This faith-based nonprofit organization provides numerous services, including adult rehabilitation, veteran support, prison ministry work, disaster relief, housing, hunger relief, and more. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Adult and children’s clothing, furniture, vehicles, household goods, and appliances with [guidelines](https://satruck.org/Home/DonationValueGuide#womens-clothing) for each.\n\n__How to donate:__ Find a drop-off location, visit one of its local thrift stores, or schedule a free pickup.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Most local Salvation Army thrift stores are open for business with [information](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid19/) on ways to help during the pandemic.\n\n### Brides for a Cause\n[Brides for a Cause](https://www.bridesforacause.com/) is a nonprofit bridal store that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for dozens of women-focused [charities](https://www.bridesforacause.com/about/our-cause/). Since 2012, the store has given away over $1.2 million to charities that support women in the military, single mothers, abuse survivors, and more.\n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses no more than five years old and bridal accessories. \n\n__How to donate:__ You can mail or drop off at one of their store [locations](http://www.bridesforacause.com/locations/) or roadshow events. \n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Currently not accepting walk-ins. Clients must “reserve a room” in advance, wear a mask at all times, bring only one guest, and follow social distancing guidelines. \n\n### Goodwill Industries\nWith a mission to eliminate work opportunity barriers, Goodwill industries provide supportive services to help people train for careers and find jobs. Your donations support Goodwill’s job programs and services as well as help environmentally by reducing waste. Through its online [impact calculator](https://www.goodwill.org/your-impact/), you can see how much your donation can contribute to its mission. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Clothing and accessories, houseware, electronics, media, and furniture. \n\n__How to donate:__ [Find](https://www.goodwill.org/donate/donate-stuff/) a donation center or local drop-off bin.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Most Goodwill stores are open with social distancing protocols. All donations will be in quarantine, and curbside drop-offs are available. \n\n### Brides Across America\nIf you’d like to support the military and first responders, you can do so through [Bride Across America](https://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/) (BAA). Every year, this nonprofit donates 2,000 wedding dresses and covers the wedding costs of those recipients. With your donations, military members and first responders can register to receive a free wedding dress during BAA’s monthly giveaway events.\n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dress less than five years old, accessories, engagement rings, and wedding favors. \n\n__How to donate:__ Fill out and submit the [donation form](https://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/giving/give-a-dress) to receive the shipping address and instructions. \n\n__COVID-19 update:__ BAA is open for in-store [appointments](https://www.baaoutlet.com/common/appointment) only with new health and safety precautions. \n\n### Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring\n[Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring](https://www.fairytalebrides.org/) is a nonprofit boutique in Rockville, MD that sells reduced-priced wedding gowns. All of its net proceeds go towards Alzheimer’s Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Johns Hopkins’ Suburban Hospital Breast Center.\n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses no more than five years old and professionally cleaned.\n\n__How to donate:__ Make an appointment on its website to drop off your donation or mail it to the store. \n\n__COVID-19 update:__ The store is open by [appointment only](https://my.setmore.com/shortBookingPage/b6a191ce-a3b1-43ae-ab65-fb9d2a10c05d) on select weekdays, where clients must wear masks at all times and follow the recommended COVID-19 guidelines. \n\n### Cherie Sustainable Bridal\nThis Maryland-based bridal boutique is a division of Success in Style (SIS), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting in-crisis individuals on their journeys to employment and life improvement. [Cherie Sustainable Bridal](https://www.cheriesb.com/) sells preowned wedding gowns at an affordable price and sends 100% of the proceeds to SIS. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses five years old and younger, and professional business attire.\n\n__How to donate:__ [Drop off](https://www.cheriesb.com/donate) the wedding dress in-person during business hours or mail it to the store location.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ The store is open by [appointment](https://www.cheriesb.com/appointments) only and clients can bring only one guest to the consultation.\n\n### The Brides Project \nTo support adults and children impacted by cancer, you can donate to [The Brides Project](http://www.thebridesproject.org/). This is a nonprofit bridal boutique that offers eco- and budget-friendly wedding gowns to shoppers. All sales help provide free programs for families at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses within five years old and bridal accessories. \n\n__How to donate:__ Drop off the [donation](http://www.thebridesproject.org/donate/) at their shop or mail it to their Cancer Support Community division following the mailing instructions. \n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Visitors must book appointments via website or email and follow their health and safety protocols.\n\n### The Emma and Evan Foundation\nThrough the [Emma and Evan Foundation](https://www.evefoundation.org/), you can support families who’ve lost an infant. This nonprofit organization repurposes wedding dress donations into infant burial gowns or “angel gowns,” bonnets, and other keepsake items available to grieving families for free. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Any wedding dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, prom and formal gowns, bridal accessories, and more.\n\n__How to donate:__ Contact the organization to receive their mailing address and donation release form beforehand. Additional donation instructions can be found on the FAQ page.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ You can shop on their website for keepsake items and receive purchases via shipment.\n\n## Ways to Repurpose Your Wedding Dress\n\n \n\nIf you find that your wedding dress doesn’t meet the donation criteria of a few charities, transform it into something new! There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose your wedding dress. \n\nReuse the fabric for creating home decor and cherished keepsakes, such as pillows and baptism gowns for your children. Need new formalwear? Alter or hem your gown into a fun cocktail dress. If you’re not a fan of cutting up the dress, consider using it as a photo prop for your newborn. Lastly, you can use the buttons, beads, and other trimmings to make DIY jewelry and accessories!\n\n![Ideas for repurposing your wedding dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5KUNczqwIBuEuAagzrCs7w/7ff67c460a94625994aa2c31ff861799/ideas-for-repurposing-your-wedding-dress.jpg)\n\n## How to Prepare Your Wedding Dress for Donation\n\n \n\nWhile most charities and shops offer to clean your donation items, some have a few guidelines about donations. Others may also charge an extra fee for cleaning. Here is a checklist to follow in making sure your donations are in the best conditions. \n\n__1. Contact the Organizations in advance.__ Ask what they need specifically, as well as for their donation schedule and protocols. Most charities and thrift shops that accept wedding dresses require them to be less than five years old.\n\n__2. Inspect the gown for wear and tear.__ When left in storage for too long, some items and certain types of fabric may develop mold. If your wedding dress looks to be in bad condition, the charity will most likely have to throw it out.\n\n__3. Wash or dry clean in advance.__ This step is graciously helpful for the volunteers, especially if you’re donating your wedding dress or other items during the pandemic. According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html), the COVID-19 virus can remain on surfaces and certain fabrics for a couple of days. You can also use a disinfectant spray on non-washable items. \n\n__4. Double-check items before packing.__ Ensure you haven’t accidentally packed items you planned to keep. Always check the pockets for small personal items, such as wallets and money. \n\n__5. Organize your donations.__ This step is also helpful for volunteers at the charities and shops, who may have an overwhelming amount of items to sort through. You can assemble items by type and size, label your boxes or containers by season, and fold the clothing to ensure proper packing.\n\n![Best practices to prepare items for donation](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5xdwJ5IL2X7zJQNoA4bZV/2588209b19f8f786524c4ea835be09e7/best-practices-to-prepare-items-for-donation.jpg)\n\nIn addition to donating your wedding dress, take the concept of giving a step further by planning a charitable wedding! Have your [wedding ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-ceremony-programs) at a nonprofit venue and spread the word about charities on your [invites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper). You can also find [vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) who support a good cause. Visit our [expert advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) pages for more creative ideas and wedding inspiration.","tag":"How-To ","updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:58.190Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-much-do-wedding-dress-alterations-cost","title":"How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost in 2025?","excerpt":"Get insights into wedding dress alteration costs. Discover factors influencing pricing and make informed decisions for your dream bridal fit","author":"Alanna Nuñez","publishedAt":"2024-09-10T04:00+02:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7yMJnaQgmaqrNY2zcxbFuy/66b426d798becacc16a08778811ea7a1/Hero_RomanticBlack-TieWeddingatBrooklynBotanicGarden_NSTPictures__1_.jpg","altText":"Bride in lacy gown with someone else fastening it in the back"},"heroCredit":"NST Pictures","body":"__TLDR:__\n- When curious about how much do wedding dress alterations cost, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.\n- Things like complexity, amount of alterations, and your location will determine the overall price.\n- Be sure to trust your dress to a qualified tailor who is used to working with wedding gowns.\n\n## So, how much do wedding dress alterations cost?\nYou may have budgeted a set amount of money for your [dream wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/average-wedding-dress-cost), but, keep in mind, it won’t be a perfect fit off the rack (or out of the box). Your wedding dress will likely need to undergo several rounds of alterations in order to fit you like a glove. So, when wedding dress shopping, don't forget to factor in the cost of wedding dress alterations before saying \"yes\" to the perfect dress.\n\nHow much do wedding dress alterations cost, exactly? Here’s a breakdown of the alteration prices you can expect.\n\n## What factors into the cost of alteration services for average wedding dresses? \n\nOn average, typical [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dress-silhouettes) alterations cost between $150 and $800. If you're customizing your gown or modernizing your mother's dress, expect to pay $1,000 and up. Some bridal boutiques may charge flat fees, while other seamstresses may charge you for individual alteration services.\n\nSome bridal stores have in-house tailors. For example, [David's Bridal alteration costs](https://www.davidsbridal.com/inspiration/alterations) can be added on to the price of your wedding gown.\n\nThe amount of money that you’ll pay to alter your wedding dress depends on how much work you’ll need done. Some wedding dresses are simple to alter, for example, some dresses just need to be hemmed for length and adjusted on the sides to properly fit.\n\nBut, of course, the more complicated or custom the gown, the more expensive it's going to be. You may want to adjust the neckline, add a strap, or add additional beading and/or other embellishments. These customizations may require an additional cost, depending on the complexity. Your seamstress will likely also need to add in the bustle, which keeps the train off the ground post-ceremony.\n\nRelated: [How to Bustle a Wedding Dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-bustle-a-wedding-dress)\n\nIf you’re having a gown custom made, or you’re modernizing your mother’s (or another relative’s) wedding dress for you, expect to go to multiple rounds of fittings and consultations. These customizations will be the most time consuming and expensive to pull off. Just be sure to add alteration price into your overall dress costs.\n\n![How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/22REMcs2OkK2EAW1fUWNC8/581a5bc4b4e11bffe0ec772d66e24476/Inline_Sascha_Reinking_Photography.png)\n*Photo Credit //* Sascha Reinking Photography\n\n## The cost of average wedding dress alterations\nThe list below is an idea of how much typical alterations cost, but, of course, prices can vary greatly depending on where you live and how much your seamstress or bridal boutique charges. If you ordered your bridal dress online, or are finding your own tailor, you can always shop around to compare prices before deciding where to take your [beautiful dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/simple-wedding-dresses-that-are-elegant-and-timeless). \n\nBelow, find examples of potential alteration costs to factor into your budget. Please keep in mind that these are a starting point and depend on the area you're in, the complexity of the gown, how much it needs to be altered, and your tailor's schedule.\n\n- Take in/out the sides of dress: $50-$200\n- Take in/out sides of skirt or bodice: $50-$200\n- Hem dress: $80-$250\n- Add bra cups: $40-$50\n- Reshape neckline: $40-$120\n- Narrow or reduce shoulders: $50-$80\n- Shorten straps: $30-$50\n- Add belt or sash: $35-$45\n- Beading work: $40 an hour\n- Bustle: $50-$180, depending how many points you want done\n- Steaming: $60\n\nThe work on your dress may be more expensive depending on how delicate the gown is, too. For example, with more lace or detail there may be an additional charge for the bridal alterations.\n\nThere are also a few recent Reddit threads were brides talk about how much the average costs of their wedding gown alteration prices. In [one Reddit thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/ys9mr2/how_much_did_your_alterations_cost/), the price for a perfect fit ranged from a mere $90 up to $1200 with the average numbers being in the $400-$600 range. On a [David's Bridal specific thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/wedding/comments/1assgh2/how_much_did_your_alterations_cost_at_davids/), the dress alterations cost anywhere from $100 to $500.\n\n![How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6HEEy3rsaaB4MWJvRjXUYa/ddfb6286691aa3f7bf12dae1a1f73d08/Inline_Zola__12_.png) *Photo Credit* Zola\n\n## 4 Tips about dress alterations cost\n### 1. Get an estimate in writing.\nPurchasing the perfect [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/tips-wedding-dress-shopping) is obviously a big investment, and you want to make sure that it’s in good hands when you give it over for bridal alterations (don’t worry too much, you’ll see it again soon.) At your first fitting with the seamstress, make sure that you go over exactly what work needs to be done, from getting the sleeves shortened to having a missing bead repaired. \n\nAsk your bridal boutique or tailor for a detailed receipt or get everything listed in writing, so that there’s a record of what work is agreed upon, in case anything goes amiss with your bridal gown. At the same time, go over the price of each alteration service and make sure that everything is in writing before you leave the dress.\n\n### 2. Be careful who ensures the perfect fit.\nIf you’re not sure who should take care of your wedding gown alterations, you might need to do a bit of research. If you got your dress in a specialty or bridal boutique, they might have a seamstress on-site who will take care of all the alterations. They also will give you a specific timeline of alterations, so you don’t have to worry about that. \n\nHowever, if you bought your dress online, you’re going to need to find a seamstress in your area. Don’t just take your dress to any dry cleaner or tailor, but, rather, look for someone who specializes in wedding gown alterations so that you can have a perfect dress on your wedding date.\n\n### 3. Allow enough time for alterations before the big day.\nBefore walking down the aisle, make sure that you give plenty of time for [wedding dress alterations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-long-do-wedding-dress-alterations-take). Getting the timing right for alterations is key. You don’t want to do them too early, as your dress might fit differently by the time the wedding day rolls around. Don’t wait too long, though, as your wedding dress isn’t something you want to rush. You’ll want to give yourself at least a week’s buffer in case something needs to be altered last minute. Leaving two or three months before your wedding for alterations is generally plenty of time.\n\n### 4. Take your bridal gown accessories to your fitting.\nWhat you plan on wearing on your big day, such as undergarments, shoes, and jewelry, may impact your tailoring experience. If you plan on wearing a high heel, you'll need wear them so that your seamstress can adjust the hem accordingly. Also, if you are wearing a shaper under your gown, your tailor may have to take in the waist further or let out the bust, depending on the fit.\n\nWhile you may not want to spend extra money for an alterations specialist, it really is essential when personalizing your dream dress. As long as you have plenty of time for your dress fitting and alterations, you'll be able to walk down the aisle in confidence with your perfect wedding dress.\n\n## Zola couples weigh in on alteration costs\nReal life costs always help put things into perspective. In a fall survey of 1,500 recently married Zola couples, here's what we found when we asked, \"Do you recall how much you spent on wedding attire alterations?\"\n\n- 17% spent $500-$750\n- 17% budgeted $300-$500\n- 16% alloted $750-$1,000\n- 10% spent $200-$300 \n- 9% paid $100-$120 \n- 9% alloted $1,000-$1,500 \n- 7% spent over $1,500 \n- 5% budgeted $50-$100 \n- 4% paid less than $50 \n- 3% didn't recall what they spent on wedding dress alterations \n- 2% did not alter any of their wedding attire \n\nNeed more advice on perfecting your look for your big day? Take a peek at our [bridal hair inspiration](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/updo-hairstyles-for-wedding) and learn wedding day [makeup tips](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-great-bridal-makeup-tips-by-charlottesville-makeup-artist) from an expert. Stick around and stay for a while!","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-11-08T21:12:17.810Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-to-dance-in-a-wedding-dress-with-a-train","title":"How to Dance in a Wedding Dress + 11 Wedding Dress Options","excerpt":"You don’t have to sacrifice your dance moves for your dream dress. We’ll show you how to dance in a wedding dress with a train, so you can party all night long.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2020-12-16T19:00:29.844Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ovkNzYbit00ez3ide6OXA/77ea6d1d88208bc72fd9fd1ffffe3bd6/hero_Rebecca_Hicks_Photography.jpg","altText":"dancing with a wedding dress train"},"heroCredit":"Rebecca Hicks Photography","body":"Whether you have yet to go __[wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/bridal-dresses-gowns)__ shopping or have already decided on your dream dress, you don’t want to overlook this one thing in the wedding planning process: the train.\n\nThe train of your wedding dress can impact everything from how easy it is to walk down the aisle to how low you can get on the dance floor. But if your heart is set on a bridal dress with a long train, you don’t have to sacrifice your dance moves for your dream dress or vice versa—you just need to prepare a little.\n\nIf you’ll be donning a heavy __[wedding dress train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/train-or-no-train-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-wedding-dress-trains)__, we’ll show you what steps you need to take to ensure you can dance the night away in your perfect dress.\n\n![How Do You Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train? - Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5lwfWNywbmAdkgkfYOLAIF/9b3dbebf676c38c755be56a474f24bcf/inline_Faith_Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Faith Photography\n\n## How to Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train\n\n### 1. Alter Your Dress\nBefore you click away, let us explain. We’re not saying the way to dance with a train is to alter it away. However, there are a few simple alterations your seamstress can make that will make it easier to dance in your wedding dress when the time comes. \n\n### 2. Shorten the Train\nIf you fell in love with a dress that has an extravagant train, you don’t have to commit to its length. Your alterations expert can often easily shorten the train on your wedding gown to be more manageable (read: danceable). Take it to a seamstress who knows what she’s doing and find a [train length](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-long-should-my-wedding-dress-be) you’re comfortable moving around in.\n\n### 3. Add a Bustle\nA bustle is the best way to alter your dress to be reception-ready without taking away from the integrity of it. Bustles come in all shapes and sizes, but are usually made up of a series of loops and buttons that connect.\n\nPost-ceremony, your maid of honor, or another of your bridesmaids, will typically be the one to help you connect the dots. Once bustled, your train will cascade down the back of your bridal dress, or be tucked neatly underneath it in a secure fashion that frees up your feet. And don’t worry: A talented seamstress with experience bustling wedding dresses will disguise the buttons and loops in the seams and beading of the wedding gown, so they’re hardly noticeable.\n\nIf you don’t want to bustle your dress, either because you don’t like the way it looks or because you don’t want to pay for the alterations, you can also add a simple loop to the end of the bridal train. You can wear the loop on your wrist to carry your train with you around the venue and on the dance floor. This style works best for dresses with short, lightweight trains, since you will, in fact, be carrying it all night.\n\n### 4. Make the Train Detachable\nPraise the wedding dress designers who first decided on detachable trains. If you opt for an attachable skirt, a Watteau, a __[bridal cape](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-wedding-fashion-trend-the-bridal-cape)__, or the like, you can remove the extra fabric completely post-ceremony and pre-reception. A __[detachable wedding train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-do-you-attach-a-train-to-a-wedding-dress)__ not only makes the dress easier to dance in, but also creates a whole new look. It’s as if you got a super-fashionable BOGO deal on your dream dress.\n\n## Know What Your Dress Can Do\nNot all wedding dresses are created equal—and some are more difficult to dance and twirl in than others. Know what your dress can do before you attempt to bust a move, so you don’t break more than the dance floor.\n\n### Select the Right Silhouette\nThe silhouette impacts your ability to dance the most. For example, a mermaid gown will restrict the size of movements you can make, specifically with your feet and legs, while an off-the-shoulder neckline will restrict how much you can move your arms.\n\nIf you love to dance, pay special attention to how your bridal gown will affect your moves. The dress’s silhouette, sleeves (or lack thereof), and the train length will influence your ability to dance the most. If you are planning a choreographed first dance, be sure to tell your choreographer if there are any movements you won’t be able to master based on the style and fit of your dress. \n\n### Practice\nWhile you won’t be able to run a dress rehearsal of your first dance, unless you buck tradition and are willing to let your fiancé see you in your dress before the big day, you can still practice in it. When you’re at your final fittings, attempt any choreography you plan on doing on the day of (to the best of your ability) to ensure your dress can handle the moves. It’s better to risk popping a seam or letting a button fly when your seamstress is right there to fix it than it is on your wedding day. And if you're taking wedding dance lessons, consider wearing a dress in a similar silhouette and length to your next lesson to get a real feel for how things will move on your wedding day.\n\nIt’s also important that the hemline is short enough, so you won’t be tripping over your dress on the dance floor. Take steps forward, side to side, and backward while at your fitting, both with and without a bustle, to make sure you can not only dance, but also get around in your gown. If you can’t walk with ease, have your seamstress raise the hemline up a bit.\n\nPracticing the first dance isn’t only important before the big day. If you can, sneak away during cocktail hour, once you and your partner have already seen each other (and are married!), to practice one last time before you dance to your favorite wedding songs. Ditch any moves that could potentially damage the dress and remind your spouse not to step on it.\n\n## Change Your Dress\nDancing in a wedding dress can be difficult, which is a very valid excuse for an outfit change. You wouldn’t be the first bride to swap her beaded heels for Chuck Taylor’s or her ball gown for a mini dress, and you definitely won’t be the last. \n\n### Opt for a Second Reception Dress\nIf you’ve already fallen in love with a wedding dress that will be unforgiving when you want to walk, sit, and dance at the wedding reception, consider changing into a second dress. If the budget allows, a second dress can be your saving grace. It not only gives you the freedom to dance the night away, but also allows you to preserve the train on your original dress.\n\nPlus, you can showcase your bridal style in more ways than one. Change into a slinky slip dress or show off your shoes in a fun fringed mini. Whatever you choose, it should be comfortable and easy to move in.\n\n![How Do You Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train? - Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/22TsmH96bRbzRZLwFFITKs/907360828d9592f44706659a89597618/inline_Waldorf_Photographic_Art.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Waldorf Photographic Art\n\n### ...And Change Your Shoes\n\nYou will be especially prone to stepping on your dress when taking quick or big steps during your wedding dance, and depending on the style shoes you’re wearing, you could damage your dress. Heels can easily get caught in a lacy bridal train or layers of tulle. Say goodbye to your precious pumps in favor of wedges, platform heels, or even sneakers. That’s right—if you’re wearing a long bridal gown, no one will see your feet anyway.\n\nIf you’re attached to your heels and don’t want to slip on some flat shoes for the reception, be extra careful and consider donning a petticoat underneath your dress. A petticoat can protect the inner layers of your gown from holes or snags that can happen when dancing.\n\nAnd you thought you couldn’t learn how to dance in a [wedding dress with a train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/train-or-no-train-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-wedding-dress-trains)? With a little practice, the right alterations, and a backup dress (or shoes), you’ll be swinging and swaying in style well into the night.\n\n## 11 Wedding Dresses You Can Dance In\nReady to start shopping? Check out these wedding dresses you can dance in, including ball gowns, A-line styles, and even convertible dresses.\n\n### 1. A-Line Dress\nA-line is one of the [best wedding dress styles](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what%27s-your-wedding-dress-style) for dancing—not to mention one of the most flattering dress silhouettes out there! You'll get a dramatic effect when you spin and twirl, and your partner won't be kept away by an overly large skirt. \n\n[Jenny Yoo Tamson Satin Plunge A-Line Wedding Gown](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/jenny-yoo-tamson-satin-plunge-cutout-a-line-wedding-gown), Anthropologie, $1495\n\n### 2. Ball Gown Wedding Dress\nSimilarly to an A-line dress, a ball gown will give you plenty of room to move on the dance floor, as you won't be restricted by a form-fitting silhouette. Choose a ball gown with a skirt that has a lot of layers and some fluidity, so your partner can get nice and close for any dramatic wedding dance moves. \n\n[Watters Calia V-Neck Ball-Skirt Wedding Gown](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/watters-calia-plunge-v-neck-floral-tulle-ball-skirt-wedding-gown), Anthropologie, $2818\n\n### 3. Convertible Wedding Dress\nWant the best of both worlds? Shop for a wedding dress that has removable pieces. Whether it's a removable skirt, train, or sleeves, you can ditch any bulky layers and switch up your look before hitting the reception and tearing it up on the dance floor.\n\n[Oleg Cassini Removable Train Mermaid Wedding Dress](https://www.davidsbridal.com/product/removable-train-mermaid-wedding-dress-cwg932), Anthropologie, $1124.25\n\n### 4. Sleeveless Wedding Dress\nWhen it comes to dance floor-ready dresses, you have to consider more than just the train, bustle, and skirt; you’ll also want to think about sleeves. If you're wearing a dress with fitted sleeves, or an off-the-shoulder wedding dress style, your movement might be more restricted than with a sleeveless option—so if freedom to dance is at the top of your priority list, a sleeveless wedding dress might be the cut for you.\n\n[Galvan Praiano Mixed Media Slip Dress](https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/galvan-praiano-mixed-media-slip-maxi-dress?ID=4459682&CategoryID=2910), Bloomingdale's, $1995\n\n### 5. Strapless Wedding Dress\nA strapless neckline isn't for every bride, but if you love to throw your hands in the air, eliminating sleeves completely will give you total freedom of movement. Just make sure the dress stays in place when you do some trial dance moves at your dress fitting!\n\n[Watson Strapless Dress](https://www.jennyyoo.com/products/bridal-gown/watson?type=mto), Jenny Yoo, $1350\n\n### 6. Tea-Length Wedding Dress\nOne of the most obvious options for having a wedding dress you can dance in is simply choosing a shorter length. Depending on the formality of your wedding, tea-length (or midi) dresses can be a great option to create the perfect bridal look without sacrificing any fun on the dance floor. Many [tea-length wedding dresses](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths) have a nostalgic vibe, so they're great for brides who, in addition to dancing, love vintage style. They're also inherently more casual, so midi-length wedding dresses are ideal for low-key celebrations.\n\n[Sachin & Babi Sierra V-Neck Satin Midi Dress](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/sachin-babi-sierra-v-neck-cutout-satin-midi-dress2?category=bhldn-bridal-event-dresses&color=011&type=STANDARD&quantity=1), Anthropologie, $250\n\n### 7. High-Low Wedding Dress\nWant to show off your shoes—and prevent tripping on the dance floor at the same time? A high-low option is a bit more formal than a tea-length wedding dress style, since it's longer in the back—but will still help keep your feet and ankles free of any fabric while you dance the night away.\n\n[ML Monique Lhuillier High-Low Gown](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sleeveless-jacquard-high-low-gown/6648362), Nordstrom, $446.25\n\n### 8. Side Slit Wedding Dress\nIn addition to adding a touch of sexiness to your wedding day look, a dress with a side slit (or even a back slit!) will give you extra mobility, which can help you move more easily on the dance floor—especially if you gravitate towards more fitted silhouettes.\n\n[Mac Duggal Embroidered Lace-Up Back Tulle Gown](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/embroidered-lace-up-back-dotted-tulle-gown/6959395), Nordstrom, $898\n\n### 9. Two-Piece Wedding Dress\nA two-piece wedding dress will typically give you a more relaxed, casual look—and can also deliver more freedom of movement. A two-piece might not be a formal enough wedding dress style for your big day, but it's a great option for any bride who wants to do some serious dancing. \n\n[Janet Two-Piece Wedding Dress](https://lulabridal.com/products/janet-two-piece-wedding-dress?), Lula Bridal, $191\n\n### 10. Chiffon Wedding Dress\nA lighter-weight fabric will make for easier movement on the dance floor! So, if you’re looking for a dance-friendly fabric option, stay away from heavy beading, sequins, and thick fabrics, and instead, turn to something easy and breezy—like chiffon. \n\n[Tegan Chiffon Wedding Dress](https://www.jennyyoo.com/products/wedding-gown/tegan?type=mto), Jenny Yoo, $1350\n\n### 11. Couture Wedding Dress\nIf you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, a couture wedding dress could be just the thing. Couture wedding dresses are custom made for the wearer, so you would work with the designer to create a dress that fits all of your needs and preferences—including dance-ability! ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingBoutique"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Find out which silhouettes work best for wedding dresses for tall brides, and get a few styling tips as you prepare for your big day.","title":"Best Wedding Dresses for Tall Brides","slug":"best-wedding-dresses-for-tall-brides","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2ItOeEEyNwW801yHNnmjOH/219b24a3f981650d4261a9882131b6f9/hero_photodh.jpg","altText":"Tall bride"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Just like weddings and the couples who plan them, wedding dress train types come in all different styles. We’ll help you find the right one for you.","title":"What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dress Trains?","slug":"what-are-the-different-types-of-wedding-dress-trains","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4knxIjEGBvUY4rPDsncjkN/0979fdc51b213370bad63d3685282c4e/hero_Bri_Johnson_Weddings.jpg","altText":"bride with wedding dress train"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From mini to monarch, this guide will help you learn about every wedding dress length and which one is right for you. ","title":"Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths","slug":"guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/55Iq5qY6PCdyDTBPqZZBET/a8ccf28e7b6db6fa0d0e912845359c7a/hero_Socialartphotography.jpg","altText":"Long Wedding Dresses"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Create height and lengthen your torso by learning about the best wedding dress styles for short women.","title":"Best Wedding Dress Styles for Petite Women ","slug":"best-wedding-dress-styles-for-petite-women","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1wvfZXKhOIUdokS2KaS9v8/c2716e9b88799fc4f3505ddf18457c36/hero_B._Jones_Photography.jpg","altText":"petite woman in wedding dress"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Explore Wedding Boutique","url":"https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:53.456Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-to-fix-a-zipper-on-a-dress","title":"5 Common Wedding Dress Zipper Malfunctions & How To Fix Them ","excerpt":"Ensure your special day goes smoothly with our guide to common fixes for wedding dress zipper malfunctions. Discover quick solutions to keep your dress flawless.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2020-08-07T23:45:49.458Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4gDSddAiZN23tAwc0XVmLY/5a82387cbf31aac4e419ede05d12e503/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"Wedding dress hung on display in garden"},"heroCredit":"Evermore Imagery","tldr":"## The First Look ✨ \n\n- To save a broken zipper use a pair of pliers to the sliders if it's loose or use a bit of liquid soap if it's stuck.\n- To sew a zipper on a dress you’ll need a seam ripper, needle and thread, a replacement zipper, sewing machine, and a pair of scissors.\n- A quick-fix zipper repair kit is an essential. Add tweezers, needle and thread, scissors, and other necessities to be equipped for a dress emergency. \n","body":"No matter what role you serve in the wedding party, knowing how to fix a zipper is an incredible skill that, if needed, will allow you to single-handedly save the day and avoid a minor [wedding disaster](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-engagement-anxiety).\n\nWhen it comes to dresses; however, fixing a zipper can be a little trickier—especially when the stakes are high. Knowing how to fix a zipper on a dress (or even how to sew a zipper on a dress, if it comes down to that), will help eliminate unnecessary stress for everyone. \n\nMore often than not, a “broken” zipper isn’t actually broken, and just requires a simple repair. To discover how remarkably easy it can be, read on. \n\n## How to Fix a Zipper That Doesn’t Need to be Replaced\n \nThe first thing to do when a zipper seems to be broken is to assess the damage. Oftentimes, when a zipper is “broken,” it’s actually just malfunctioning. \n\nThis malfunction can be fixed with a few simple tools. To make all the instructions as clear as possible, here are terms you’re going to need to know. \n\n- __Teeth__ – The tracks of the zipper.\n- __Slider__ – The mechanism that moves the zipper up and down.\n- __Zipper tab__ – Also called the zipper pull, this is what you hold in order to zip and unzip.\n\nBelow you’ll find some common scenarios where a zipper on a dress isn’t working properly, and how to troubleshoot. A few things you’ll want on-hand:\n\n1. A pair of pliers\n2. A flathead screwdriver\n3. Tweezers\n4. Clear liquid soap, paraffin wax, and a cotton swab (to lubricate the teeth)\n\n### 1. The Zipper Itself Moves, but Nothing Is Happening\nThis is a situation that’s common when a zipper has some miles on it. The zipper seems to work, yet while the zipper moves up and down, the teeth aren’t interlocking, so the dress won’t zip up.\n\nYou need pliers. Simply adjust any gaps on the slider’s sides by squeezing the top and bottom plates together (the pieces of the slider on the outside and inside of the garment) to make it narrower until it reconnects. The trick here is to be patient and gentle, because using too much pressure can shatter a fragile zipper.\n\n### 2. The Teeth Separated After Fastening\nIf a dress has been zipped up, and then all the teeth come undone below it, this means there’s a problem with the slider. Don’t try to move the zipper out of its place, because that could potentially make things worse. A slider problem is a good problem to have because it’s an easy fix.\n\nYou need pliers, or tweezers (maybe). This process is the same as the scenario before it—all you need to do is grab a pair of pliers and gently squeeze the top and bottom plates of the slider that attach to the teeth. If the gap isn’t too big, seeing as the zipper is still somewhat attached, you can use tweezers instead. Watch carefully as the gap between the two plates gets smaller on both the left and right sides of the slider, adjusting each side slightly, until it reconnects to the teeth.\n\n### 3. The Slider Is No Longer on the Tracks\nSometimes only one side of the slider comes off the tracks of a zipper, but other times, the whole slider and zipper tab unit is derailed. While this might seem like a sad day, really the slider just needs to be reattached.\n\nYou’ll need a flathead screwdriver. First, you need to find the bottom of the zipper tracks. This is usually the end closest to the ground, but if the zipper happens to run in some direction other than vertically, a good way to identify the bottom is to look for a square tab of fabric at the end of the zipper. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to help feed the teeth into the slider. Once both sides seem to be connected, pull the zipper tab up and down to make sure it’s locked in properly. \n\n### 4. The Zipper Is Stuck\nThere are a few different courses of action to try when a zipper gets stuck—none of them involve panicking, surprisingly enough. A stuck zipper can cause a lot of stress, because it’s often caught on the fabric of the dress. But, don’t worry, because that’s actually not the worst situation imaginable. \n\nYou’ll need a cotton swab, liquid soap, paraffin wax, and/or tweezers (maybe). Should this happen, here are a few ways to try and troubleshoot: \n\n1. Hold down the fabric around the zipper and try to move it in the direction from which it came (this depends on if you were zipping up or unzipping the dress). \n\n2. Look for fibers caught in the teeth, such as small strings or hair, and remove them with your tweezers.\n\n3. Put liquid soap or paraffin wax on a cotton swab, and then lubricate the teeth. Once lubricated, you might have an easier time moving it. \n\n### 5. The Zipper Won’t Stay Zipped\nIf a zipper won’t stay zipped, this could mean one of two things:\n\n1. The teeth have been bent out of place.\n2. Or, they have been worn down a lot. \n\nThis is a big issue when it comes to how to fix a zipper on a vintage garment, given the age of the slider (if it hasn’t been replaced). \n\nYou’ll need pliers. First, examine the teeth of the zipper. If they’re out of alignment, use pliers to bend them back into the proper position, and you should be all set. If they seem to be in the right place, this means the teeth themselves have been run down. \n\n__A tip for worn-down teeth__: A great fix for this is to paint them with clear nail polish, which will thicken the teeth, while retaining their original form. You may need to apply more than one coat, but make sure each coat fully dries before painting the next one.\n\n![How to Fix a Zipper on a Dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/35voaUHR4zyKlDRk6HiVoo/289bc6136a176504be920c5e749ef6bb/Inline_How-to-Fix-a-Zipper-on-a-Dress_Nathan-desch-Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit //* Nathan Desch Photography\n\n## How to Sew a Zipper on a Dress\n \nYou might be thinking that with all these hacks, there’s never a reason to fully replace a zipper. Tragically, a zipper can indeed fulfill its lifespan, and this occurs when you’ve lost zipper teeth.\n\nOn the bright side, the likelihood of that happening on the day of a wedding or big event is slim to none. When people talk about [the top wedding day beauty emergencies](https://www.brides.com/beauty-and-hair-4692020), zippers are one of them, but it’s uncommon to see a full-on zipper breakdown.\n\nIf a situation like this were to arise, you’d almost certainly have the time to bring it to a seamstress, or put the effort in to fix it yourself. \n\nContinue reading for a step-by-step guide, but for best results, you’ll need to have the following items:\n\n1. A seam ripper\n2. Needle and thread (a different color than your dress)\n3. A replacement zipper\n4. Sewing machine\n5. Scissors\n\n__Pro tip__: If you don’t have any experience sewing or stitching, starting with the zipper on your dress is truly a trial by fire—one that might prove difficult. If that’s the case, we recommend using a professional. \n\n### 1. Remove Your Broken Zipper\nUse a seam ripper to remove the current zipper on your dress. To do this, pull the fabric taut and insert the seam ripper, cutting out your old zipper and creating two seam lines to put a new one in its place.\n\n### 2. Bring the Seam Lines Together With a Temporary Stitch\nIn this step, it’ll be helpful to use thread that’s a different color than the dress. Why? It’ll be easier to identify and remove later on. Once you have your needle and thread, turn the dress inside out, pull the two seam lines you just cut together until they touch, and then use a temporary stitch to keep them in place.\n\n### 3. Line Up Your New Zipper\nPlace the replacement zipper over the temporary stitch you just inserted to connect the seam lines. Lay the new zipper down so that the zipper tab is facing away from you, since the dress is inside out, and do your best to be precise in aligning it to match the creases.\n\n### 4. Attach the Zipper With a Temporary Stitch\nJust as you did in step two, use a temporary stitch to hold the zipper in place. If you don’t have immediate access to a sewing machine, take extra time to ensure the zipper is in place during this step. The new zipper will be functional without the use of a sewing machine, but you want to ensure that it’s attached permanently. \n\n### 5. Secure the Zipper With a Sewing Machine\nSet up the sewing machine and carefully line up the new zipper, sewing along the seam lines you originally cut. Not everyone has a sewing machine, and even if you do, you may not feel confident using it on a dress you love. If that’s the case, make sure your zipper is as secure as possible for the time being, until you can take it to a seamstress, friend, or family member.\n\n## Create a Quick-Fix Zipper Repair Kit\n \nKnowing how to fix a zipper and how to sew a zipper on a dress are great skills to have, especially when the tools needed are things that you probably already have in your home. If you’re really worried about a zipper malfunctioning, create a little zipper repair kit with all the essentials. These include:\n\n1. A pair of pliers \n2. A flathead screwdriver\n3. Tweezers\n4. Clear liquid soap, paraffin wax, and a cotton swab (to lubricate the teeth)\n5. A seam ripper\n6. Needle and thread (a different color than your dress)\n7. A replacement zipper\n8. Sewing machine (you might have to forgo this)\n9. Scissors\n\nIf you really want to be equipped for a dress emergency, check out [Martha Stewart’s suggestions](https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/345784/wedding-dress-emergency-kit) to bring your kit to the next level. Either way, one thing’s for certain now—as far as zippers go, you’re the one to call if a need arises.\n\n![How to Fix a Zipper on a Dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1k9VaVPHCMmSZxJRe9UJqF/a7c0656d97c0ba54c45532e8481602fc/Inline_How-to-Fix-a-Zipper-on-a-Dress_vivian-chen-Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit //* Vivian Chen Photography\n\n## Zola, Ready to Fix Your Wedding Planning\nNow that you know how to fix a zipper on a dress, do you know where you’re going to host your wedding website? Create your registry? Send out your invites? Aside from teaching you about pliers and sliders, we’re also here to help with your registry and wedding planning. \n\nFix your zipper and zip up the rest of your [planning with Zola](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice). We’re here to help in any way you need. \n","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"From consulting with your hairstylist to honing in on your style, we have tips on finding bridal hair accessories that you’ll adore.","title":"20 Bridal Hair Accessories That You’ll Love","slug":"20-bridal-hair-accessories-that-youll-love","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/VOQVGjCiBVOps99ix6y6i/ee49eaac99588e52f7e709018eb33f2f/Hero_RomanticIndustrialWeddingat26Bridge_OnthetimesPhotography.jpg","altText":"20 Bridal Hair Accessories That You’ll Love"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Outdoor weddings are beautiful and super common. They also come with their challenges. Take on any issue with our rundown of common outdoor wedding problems and how to fix them all.","title":"How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding: 32 Tips to Avoid Hitches","slug":"10-common-outdoor-wedding-problems-and-how-to-solve-them","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Weyg0vwi76esqFCLLazzy/aa1e8d07be6b3992a70108637221f63c/c92fd4e9-40c0-4b43-b660-73a778e258b2.jpeg","altText":"couple has outdoor wedding "},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Whether your wedding dress is too short, too long, too tight, or otherwise doesn't fit, there's a solve. Here's what to do if your dress doesn't fit after alterations and what to tell your seamstress.","title":"My Wedding Dress Doesn't Fit After Alterations. What Do I Do?","slug":"wedding-dress-doesnt-fit-after-alterations","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4cysRZ624VUCiGWB42WfmY/3b0f3607aba165350779976ca97d7141/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"bridesmaid closes wedding dress for bride"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:53:00.301Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"who-should-i-invite-wedding-dress-shopping","title":"Who Should I Invite Wedding Dress Shopping?","excerpt":"Wedding dress shopping is a special experience, but sometimes bringing too many loved ones invites too many opinions. Here’s how to decide who to bring wedding dress shopping.","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2019-07-30T15:43:24.845Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4OUbaA2UeQynHFU6MA0hZ6/2e1b3cdc080590cc8225f9ad1ddd2d76/Hero_ModernDestinationWeddingatTheWLoft_NSTPictures.jpg","altText":"bride after wedding dress shopping"},"heroCredit":"Isle Media Photography","body":"Your mom likes classic A-line cuts, your best friend votes for lace, and your little sister is texting in the corner. You’re wedding dress shopping and *everyone* has a say (well, almost everyone). \n\nFinding the [right wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/tips-wedding-dress-shopping) is an incredibly fun—but sometimes overwhelming—process. It’s important to feel special on your big day, so it’s only natural to seek out the opinions of those who matter most. It’s not always easy to decide who should join you while you shop and who’s better left at home. Here are some things to consider as you decide who to bring [wedding dress shopping](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop).\n\n## How To Decide Who To Bring \n\n### Put yourself first.\nFirst things first: wedding dress shopping is about you. It’s important to only invite people who you’re close to, and who will support you no matter what dress you pick. Of course, the point of bringing your family and friends along for the experience is to hear them out. Respect their opinions, but don’t invite anyone who will bring you down, or make you feel bad about what you like. [Weddings can be stressful](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-handle-overbearing-parents-when-wedding-planning) as is, so it’s important to minimize potential conflict wherever possible. \n\n### Think about personalities.\nYou also want to consider personalities. Is your cousin notoriously outspoken and hard to get along with? Does your high school best friend have amazing taste in fashion? You want a good mix of opinions, but keep it to those with opinions that inherently support you. By that we mean, invite people who know you, your partner, your style, and your personality. \n\nAvoid bringing people who push your buttons or easily upset you. Anyone who tends to speak just to be heard and doesn’t listen well is probably not a great pick. Think about the people in your life that will add to your shopping day, and make it more enjoyable—not less. \n\n### Don’t go overboard.\nWhile there’s no magic number for how many people you should bring wedding dress shopping, it’s important to remember that some bridal stores have guest limits, so check before sending out invites. Plus, if you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by groups, consider limiting your invites to three or four people. Consider the mix of the group, too, and if they’ll get along with each other. Experiences are defined by the kind of people you bring, not how many. \n\n![Alyssa Rachel Photographer InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1UcHqSTGgd56uXGirCxusr/ffae8b87f657f8c94bb2fb5b19753212/Alyssa_Rachel_Photographer_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Alyssa Rachel Photography\n\n## Who to Invite Dress Shopping\n\n### Immediate Family \nTraditionally, the mother of the bride, sisters, and the closest friend (or friends) are involved in the dress hunt. Your future mother-in-law can be invited, too, if you’re tight with her and you want her to take part. \n\nIf your mom is part of your life, letting her watch you try on wedding dresses can be a really special experience. She has likely watched you grow up, and seeing you as a bride may make her emotional. Plus, she arguably knows you better than most people, so she can tell if a dress really reflects your personality. Likewise, sisters can be an invaluable sounding board, too. (They also know how to read your reactions and can act as mediators if things get a bit tense.) \n\nWhile it’s nice to have cousins included in your [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist), bringing them dress shopping isn’t always necessary. Again, if you’re super tight with them and want their level-headed advice, invite them along. Otherwise, cousins can lead to aunts and second cousins, and well, that’s a lot. If your extended family really wants to be involved in your wedding dress shopping, designate someone to send them photos so they still feel included. You can also FaceTime them in your chosen dress so they still see it before the wedding. \n\n### Close Friends \nFriends make shopping more enjoyable so having your besties watch you try on wedding dresses can make the day more fun. It’s also helpful to have people around your own age who appreciate current styles and trends.\n\nIf you’re a bit indecisive and have a friend who offers great advice, bring her along. Having someone help you make a decision and give objective feedback is important. On the flip side, if one of your friends is notoriously judgy and negative, she may be best at home. The important thing to remember is you’re inviting the friends who will help you make a decision and feel good about it. \n\n![Garden State Wedding Photo InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4oA7EjVnq3iuX1shBW485r/42d574c83969a14b453fea42e7a86911/Garden_State_Wedding_Photo_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Garden State Wedding Studio\n\n### Wedding Party \nSome brides may feel inclined to bring all the [members of their wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one), but too many cooks in the kitchen can mean too many varying opinions. You want people who [know your style](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) and personality so they can ground you and give you honest answers (in a nice way, of course). If one or two people from your wedding party fit the bill, ask them to join. \n\nIf you’re not sure who to bring or are afraid of offending someone by not inviting them, only ask your maid or man of honor. This person may turn out to be your sibling anyway, depending on your wedding party. You can also include others at different points of the process, like dress fittings, so they’re not completely left out. \n\n### No One\nSome people prefer shopping for clothes alone, and wedding dresses are no exception. Shopping alone offers you a judgment-free space to really think about how you feel in a dress, without any outside opinions. While it’s great to have others chime in, sometimes emotions run high, and you need a solo shopping trip to determine if something is right for you. \n\nYou can always do a preliminary shop alone, and then once you’ve narrowed it down to a few dresses, ask some family and friends to tag along. \n\nWhile you love your family and friends, you’re the one wearing your wedding dress—not them. It’s important that you choose positive people to come wedding dress shopping with you who will make the experience more enjoyable. Listen to your gut, hear loved ones out, but in the end, go with a dress that you really love. ","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:53:11.707Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-long-do-wedding-dress-alterations-take","title":"How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take?","excerpt":"Wondering how long wedding dress alterations should take? Find out now, with this complete guide.","author":"Jane Chertoff","publishedAt":"2020-12-23T20:13:22.738Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/32mFt3oOMDV9ZOF4U2EOtf/ffb2d1163bdbbcec1890bbb93c82eac8/Hero_EnglishGardenIntimateWeddingatHistoricKeelerTavern_CoreyLynnTuckerPhotography__2_.jpg","altText":"How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take"},"heroCredit":"Corey Lynn Tucker Photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- Wedding dress alterations may take at least three or four months. Plan on scheduling your first fitting at least three months before the big day. \n- Most wedding dresses typically undergo two, three, or even four rounds of alterations. \n- Custom alterations, such as adding details to the dress or modernizing your mom’s wedding dress, can take much longer, so plan accordingly.","body":"[Wedding dress alterations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dress-alterations) might feel like yet *another* to-do that you need to cross off your growing wedding day checklist, but don’t discredit the process.\n\nMost wedding dresses typically undergo two, three, or even four rounds of alterations. For that reason, you’ll need to leave extra time before your wedding day, so that your tailor or seamstress can work his or her magic.\n\nA wedding dress is sometimes described as the “best tailored dress” a woman will ever wear. That’s all thanks to the multiple fittings that you’ll have before the big day. So, how long do wedding dress alterations take, exactly? This article is going to explain everything you need to know about bridal gown alterations, so that you can plan accordingly for your big day.\n\n## How Much Alteration Will Your Wedding Dress Need?\n\n![How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ZkYXbeuNKiLKF4zgqu6Mn/1977f5b259221c8975aeb5e97d8d4bc9/Inline_Star_Noir_Photography.png)\n*Photo Credit* // Star Noir Photography\n\nSome wedding dresses are simple to alter. But, the more complicated, or custom, the bridal gown, the more time that it’s going to take to alter. For example, some dresses just need to be hemmed for length and adjusted on the sides for fit. You may want to adjust the neckline, add a strap, or add additional beading or other embellishments. In order for you to achieve your dream dress, these customizations may require additional time. Your seamstress will likely also need to add in the bustle, which keeps the train off the ground post-ceremony.\n\n### Related: [How to Bustle a Wedding Dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-bustle-a-wedding-dress) \n\nNote that if you’re having a gown custom made, or you’re modernizing your mother’s (or another relative’s) dress, expect to go to multiple rounds of fittings and consultations. Leave at least six months or longer for these extensive customizations.\n\n## Typical Wedding Dress Alteration Timeline\nGetting the timing right for alterations is key. You don’t want to do your final fitting too early, or your dress might fit differently by the time that your wedding day rolls around. But, you don’t want to wait too long, either. Your wedding dress isn’t something that you want to rush, so give yourself at least a week’s buffer in case something needs to be altered at the last minute. Three or four months before the big day is usually the sweet spot when it comes to your bridal gown alterations.\n\n## Three to Four Months Before the Wedding Day \nAfter your dress arrives, you’ll go in for your first fitting, which typically takes place three months before the big day. At this fitting, you’ll discuss if you want anything custom added or taken off from the dress. Your seamstress will also alter the hem length, and measure how much your dress needs to be taken in or out. He or she may also figure out where the bustle is going to attach during this appointment, so that it’s in place for your next fitting.\n\n## Six Weeks Before the Wedding Day\nAround six weeks pre-wedding, it’s time for your second fitting. When you try on your dress at this time, you’ll get to make sure that the length and fit are what you had in mind. The customizations you requested may be ready, so you’ll get to make sure that everything is to your liking. You can also bring your jewelry and veil to this appointment to ensure that all of the details match the dress.\n\n## Two Weeks Before the Wedding Day: Final Fitting\nThe final fitting is really just a chance for you to try on the dress and make sure that all of the requested alterations are in place. Hopefully everything is looking amazing and you can enjoy the moment of seeing your perfectly fitted dress. (If you’ve lost or gained weight and need last minute adjustments, those can usually be done in a few hours or a few days, depending on how busy your seamstress is.)\n\nAt this fitting, you may want to bring your MOH or another bridesmaid who will be in charge of the bustle on the wedding day. She can get a tutorial on bustling and may even practice, if needed.\n\nAfter you’ve tried on the dress at your final fitting and are satisfied with the alterations, you can take it home and keep it safe until the big day. \n\n## Don’t Forget to Bring…\nAt your alteration appointments, bring along:\n\n- The wedding day shoes that you plan to wear. \n- The undergarments that you plan on wearing underneath the dress.\n- Your veil and jewelry, to try on with the dress.\n- Your MOH or another bridesmaid, who will learn how to bustle the dress. \n\n![How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/kgxSRNvv6Utlb8lo0ZwIt/e3995c059ba8341514f0ce35478bd340/Inline_StudioOpia.png) *Photo Credit* // Studio Opia\n\n## Who Should Alter Your Wedding Dress?\n\nIf you’re not sure who should take care of your dress alterations, you might need to do a bit of research. If you got your dress in a specialty boutique, they might have a seamstress on-site who will take care of all the bridal gown alterations. They also will give you a specific timeline of alterations. However, if you bought your dress online, you’re going to need to find a seamstress in your area. Don’t just take your dress to any dry cleaner or tailor, but, rather, look for someone who specializes in wedding gown alterations.\n\nWedding dress alterations are delicate, so it’s best to go with someone with a lot of experience. Talk to friends who have gotten married recently and ask for references, if you wish. After all, the last thing you want is something to go wrong with your dress just days before your wedding. \n","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Get insights into wedding dress alteration costs. Discover factors influencing pricing and make informed decisions for your dream bridal fit","title":"How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost in 2025?","slug":"how-much-do-wedding-dress-alterations-cost","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7yMJnaQgmaqrNY2zcxbFuy/66b426d798becacc16a08778811ea7a1/Hero_RomanticBlack-TieWeddingatBrooklynBotanicGarden_NSTPictures__1_.jpg","altText":"Bride in lacy gown with someone else fastening it in the back"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":" If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing wedding day clothing for men, check out our guide to groom’s attire. ","title":"A Complete Guide to Wedding Attire for Grooms","slug":"a-guide-to-grooms-attire","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3VMpMOUBZSyCkaeYeEmqgk/8db23790cfb65c8c8eebd5f2ecc5c522/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"groom in cobalt blue tux jacket"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:42.695Z"}],"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses","description":"From dress style and silhouette guides to stunning inspiration to money saving tips and tricks we help you find the perfect wedding dress for you, your wedding party and guests! Find everything you need to know about wedding dresses of every style and shape!"},"topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty","description":"Whether you're a bride, groom, member of the wedding party, or guest, find expert wedding beauty and fashion advice to serve up those looks! From wedding hair and makeup tips and tricks to advice on wedding dresses, shoes and accessories to inspiration and etiquette for guest, you'll find everything you need!","subtopics":[{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding Hair & makeup","slug":"wedding-hair-makeup"},"slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-hair-and-makeup-costs","title":"A Guide to Wedding Hair & Makeup Costs","excerpt":"How much does a professional wedding hair & makeup artist cost? Find out with our ultimate guide to wedding hair and makeup costs. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-01-18T21:34:11.830Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/N7wFOsDeMIHq1oa7VEBpL/d7c18e73a265e3aa2d9f76196d5952a3/New_Hero.jpg","altText":"wedding hair and makeup cost"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨ \n\n- Bridal hair and makeup costs for brides or bridesmaids can run anywhere from $150-$600 depending on the type of hairstyle, products, and wedding makeup used.\n- Remember you’re primarily paying for your wedding hair and makeup artist’s time, so the more elaborate the glam , the higher the price tag.\n- Book your makeup artist(s) no less than three months before your wedding date to work out your preferred looks, scheduled times, and additional costs in advance. \n","body":"Your wedding day is one occasion on which you want to look your absolute, top-dollar best. Not only are you going to be immortalized in wedding photos for eternity, but since it should be one of the happiest days of your life, you want your external appearance to match the greatness you’re feeling inside. In order to put your face quite literally in the hands of a fabulous [wedding hair and makeup artist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-hair-stylists-and-makeup-artist-dos-and-donts), you’ll need to budget for hair and wedding makeup costs—whether you’re going for an understated natural look, full-on glam, or something in between with your hair and makeup services.\n\nBelow are the average prices you can expect to pay for wedding hair and makeup:\n\n- Bridal Hair and Makeup Costs: Expect to pay anywhere from $150-$600 for bridal hair and makeup. Typically, brides pay around $300 on average for hair and makeup, depending on the type of hairstyle, products, and wedding makeup used.\n\n- Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup Costs: Around $150 per bridesmaid in your bridal party. This average cost estimates $75 for makeup and $50-75 for hairstyling.\n\nFind out exactly what you should expect to pay for wedding hair and makeup costs with our ultimate guide below.\n\n## How Much Do Wedding Hair and Makeup Cost?\n \nThe average cost of wedding hair and makeup will vary considerably based upon your location, how many people and/or services you’re looking to schedule, and the intricacy of your styles. On the low end, wedding hair and makeup artists might only charge around $60 for a single application, but in large cities, bridal hair and makeup could cost over $1,000. That being said, the average price most couples spend on wedding hair and makeup is around __$300__—but anywhere within the range of __$150-$650__ is typical. \n\nIf a wedding hair and makeup artist needs to travel to the event (or to your getting-ready location), the cost could go up, as he or she might add a travel fee. If you’d like your stylist to remain on-site for touch ups (for example, a touch up after you put on your wedding dress), that could also raise your costs: most wedding hair and makeup artists will charge by the hour to remain at your wedding location, ranging anywhere from $30 to $125 per hour.\n\n## What’s Included in the Price of Wedding Hair and Makeup? \nAs mentioned above, you’re primarily paying for your wedding hair and makeup artist’s time. The higher [the number of hours that you’ll need to book your stylist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-long-does-wedding-hair-and-makeup-usually-take), the higher your price tag will be. In general, the tools and materials required to create your wedding hair and makeup look are included in the cost, but certain types of hairstyles, products, and makeup applications will run you more:\n\n- Wedding updos tend to cost more than blowout hairstyles, with the average price of an updo costing about $45 more __($51 for a blowout versus $95 for an updo)__.\n\n- Airbrush wedding makeup will cost more than a traditional makeup package. Expect to pay around __$50 more for airbrush application__, as the average cost of airbrush makeup is $155 while traditional makeup costs on average $100 per face.\n\nIn addition to beauty services on the actual wedding day, some artists offer free consultations and/or hair and makeup trials before the wedding—but some artists charge anywhere from $50 to $150 for trials. See below for more information about trials. See below for more pricing information to factor into your average wedding cost.\n\n## How Much Does a Wedding Hair and Makeup Trial Cost?\nIt just makes good sense to get a hair trial and makeup trial before your wedding to ensure that you and your stylist(s) are on the same page about what kind of wedding look you want. Yet not all hair and makeup artists offer this service for free (or as part of their consultation appointment). If you’re asked to pay for a wedding beauty trial, you could be looking at a cost of anywhere from $50-$150, with the average price being around __$75__. (Keep in mind that you may need to pay a separate fee for your hair trial and your makeup trial—bringing your total average cost up to $150.)\n\n## Should I Tip My Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist?\nJust like at a regular salon, tipping for wedding beauty services is generally expected. You should prepare to tip your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) anywhere from __15-25% of the total bill__ for their services if you think they’ve done a great job.\n\n## Are There Any Add-On Costs With Wedding Hair and Makeup?\nWe’ve already discussed a few of the “hidden” or add-on costs that you might discover when budgeting for your wedding hair and makeup. Here are some of the extra charges you might encounter for fancier styles, more expensive products or applications, or for simply more complex logistics:\n\n- __Skin prep__ in the weeks leading up to your big day, like [wedding facials](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-are-the-different-types-of-facials-for-brides), tanning, or any special products to give your skin that wedding day glow\n\n- __False eyelashes/false lashes, updo hairstyles__, or __airbrush makeup__ are usually more expensive.\n\n- __Nail services__, like a manicure and/or pedicure\n\n- __Travel fees__ might occur if your hair and makeup artist(s) are required to travel to your location. Factor in additional costs if mileage (for long distances) or parking fees also come into play.\n\n- __Trial runs__ of your wedding hairstyle and makeup might cost you an additional $50-100 per trial.\n\n- __[Hair extensions](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/should-you-get-hair-extensions-for-your-wedding)__ if you want to add any length or volume to your hair for your bridal hairstyle\n\n- __Extra people__ beyond just the bride—such as the bridal party or the mother of the bride—will naturally add to your costs. A professional hair stylist and makeup artist might even need to bring an additional stylist or an assistant (for example, a makeup team for the bridal party or an extra stylist to manage bridesmaid and flower girl hair).\n\n- __Extra hours__ beyond the initial styling (for example, if you want touch ups later in the evening, or a different hairstyle for the reception) will cost you more, as you will be paying your hair and makeup artist by the hour to remain on-site.\n\n- __Tipping__ your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) is generally expected, just like at any salon appointment.\n\n## How Much Does Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup Cost?\nMother of the bride and/or bridesmaids makeup and hair generally costs around __$150__ per person, or if you want to break it down, around __$75 for makeup__ and __$50-$75 for hairstyling__ (blowout versus updo). Again, this number can go up based upon the location and the complexity of the style or the logistics.\n\n## Who Pays for Your Bridesmaids’ Hair and Makeup?\nIt depends: if the bride is requiring that her bridesmaids have their hair and makeup professionally done, then it’s expected that the bride (or her parents, depending on who’s paying for the wedding) cover these beauty costs. But if professional hair and makeup are being offered only as an option, then the bridesmaids should expect to pay for their own services. A bride might also consider whether she’d like to pay for her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup as part or all of the traditional bridesmaids’ gift.\n\n## How Far in Advance Should I Book My Wedding Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist?\nWe recommend you book your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) no less than three months before your wedding date. Of course, it’s always better to check this item off your __[Wedding Planning Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist)__ earlier if possible—you’ll want to have plenty of time to choose your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) carefully, get to know him or her so you’re really comfortable on the big day, and schedule a trial run to iron out all the kinks before the wedding-day timeline begins ticking. Head over to Zola Inspiration to __[browse wedding hair and makeup stylists](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)__ in your area right now!","body2":"## Should I Tip My Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist?\nJust like at a regular salon, tipping for wedding beauty services is generally expected. You should prepare to tip your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) anywhere from __15-25% of the total bill__ for their services if you think they’ve done a great job. \n\n## Are There Any Add-On Costs With Wedding Hair and Makeup?\n \nWe’ve already discussed a few of the “hidden” or add-on costs that you might discover when budgeting for your wedding hair and makeup. Here are some of the extra charges you might encounter for fancier styles, more expensive products or applications, or for simply more complex logistics: \n- __False eyelashes__, __updo hairstyles__, or __airbrush makeup__ are usually more expensive.\n- __Travel fees__ might occur if your hair and makeup artist(s) are required to travel to your location. Factor in additional costs if mileage (for long distances) or parking fees also come into play.\n- __Trial runs__ of your wedding hairstyle and makeup might cost you an additional $50-100 per trial. \n- __Extra people__ beyond just the bride—such as the bridal party or the mother of the bride—will naturally add to your costs. A professional hair stylist and makeup artist might even need to bring an additional stylist or an assistant.\n- __Extra hours__ beyond the initial styling (for example, if you want touch ups later in the evening, or a different hairstyle for the reception) will cost you more, as you will be paying your hair and makeup artist by the hour to remain on-site. \n- __Tipping__ your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) is generally expected, just like at any salon appointment.\n\n## How Much Does Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup Cost? \nWedding makeup for a bridesmaid or a mother of the bride generally costs around __$150__ per person, or if you want to break it down, around __$75 for makeup__ and __$50-$75 for hairstyling__ (blowout versus updo). Again, this number can go up based upon the location and the complexity of the style or the logistics.\n\n## Who Pays for Your Bridesmaids' Hair and Makeup? \nIt depends: if the bride is requiring that her bridesmaids have their hair and makeup professionally done, then it’s expected that the bride (or her parents, depending on who’s paying for the wedding) cover these beauty costs. But if professional hair and makeup are being offered only as an option, then the bridesmaids should expect to pay for their own services. A bride might also consider whether she’d like to pay for her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup as part or all of the traditional bridesmaids’ gift.\n\n## How Far in Advance Should I Book My Wedding Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist?\n \nWe recommend you book your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) no less than three months before your wedding date. Of course, it’s always better to check this item off your [Wedding Planning Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) earlier if possible—you’ll want to have plenty of time to choose your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) carefully, get to know him or her so you’re really comfortable on the big day, and schedule a trial run to iron out all the kinks before the wedding-day timeline begins ticking. Head over to Zola Inspiration to [browse wedding hair and makeup stylists](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search) in your area right now! ","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"To make sure that your wedding makeup is flawless and you’re looking your best on the big day, check out our tips for DIY wedding makeup below. ","title":"A Step-By-Step Guide to DIY Wedding Makeup + 10 Tips","slug":"diy-wedding-makeup-tips","topic":"Fashion & beauty","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1qdowFKHRKsg0E0Gu4S0MS/8f87c8c15e47f4a2e680cd7d5b2175af/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"bride in wedding dress with long veil"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Perhaps you’ve decided to style your own hair for your wedding to save time and money, but suddenly realize you have no idea how to do wedding hair. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Opting for a DIY wedding hairstyle can be intimidating, but all it takes is a little preparation to pull it off flawlessly. Luckily there are some tried and true DIY wedding hair tricks that you can use to make sure you look amazing when you walk down the aisle. Here are our DIY wedding hair tips to follow for gorgeous wedding hairstyles you can pull off yourself.","title":"DIY Wedding Hair Tips","slug":"diy-wedding-hair-tips","topic":"Fashion & beauty","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3B4JXngFOMWYGs2QSeuqKq/cd886b06bd7f132aacf49b6692d86e87/3937960.jpg","altText":"African-American bride side pose with beautiful hair curls"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"In this wedding style guide, find out why thinking about your wedding style early on will help you in your planning, and how to use Zola Inspiration to discover your own personal wedding vision. ","title":"What's Your Wedding Style? + 130 Decor Ideas","slug":"whats-your-wedding-style","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2pqMpa47wQuGqyuWMKAIM8/129f21dfd693c80007fb121e3287f929/Whats-Your-Wedding-Style_BrandyAngelPhotography.jpg","altText":"What's Your Wedding Style? "},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"cta":{"copy":"Find Hair & Makeup Vendors","url":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-hair-makeup?location=&sort_by=Recommended&%5Bname%5D="},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Find Vendors in Your Area","url":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/onboard?question=intro"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:48:08.870Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding Hair & makeup","slug":"wedding-hair-makeup"},"slug":"how-to-fight-sweat-on-your-wedding-day","title":"(X Number) Ways to Fight Sweating On Your Wedding Day","excerpt":"You’ve got enough to worry about on your wedding day—don’t let a little perspiring leave you hot and bothered. Here's how to keep your cool and fight sweat on your wedding day.","author":"Jane Chertoff","publishedAt":"2019-07-17T09:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3uuYoAUlo2ebes4RAGUgBD/375fd154c9f34c0814029ffe281999df/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"couple fights sweat on wedding day"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/justine-wayne","body":"Many brides spend the days, weeks, and months before their big day working on their fitness and wellness—also known as “sweating for the wedding.” (Some brides even put it on their wedding planning to-do list, right alongside snapping engagement photos, choosing a caterer, and having an amazing bachelorette party.) But while there’s nothing wrong with sweating your way through a pre-wedding workout, when your wedding day actually rolls around, you want to do everything you can to keep sweat at bay.\n\nNow, that being said, let’s get this out of the way: You’re going to __[sweat on your wedding day](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/diy-wedding-makeup-tips)__. It’s true. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor ceremony in the middle of August or you’re throwing the winter wonderland wedding of the year, expect to feel that familiar dampness at some point. You can thank the heat and humidity or your general nerves and anxious excitement. You’re getting married after all—your stress receptors will be firing.\n\nSo, don’t just expect sweat, plan for it. You can take preventative steps so it doesn’t get the best of you on your big day. Here’s how to keep your cool from head to toe and fight sweat on your wedding day.\n\n## 1. Head/Hair\nHead and scalp sweat is pretty common, especially if you’re getting married outdoors with the sun beaming down. Keep your hair in check and your forehead matted with a few easy tricks.\n\n### Brides\n- Getting married outside on a warmer day, __[consider an up-do](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/diy-wedding-hair-tips)__ that keeps your hair off the nape of your neck.\n\n- If you want to wear your hair down, go for a natural, beach-wave style that’s light on product. These can make hair appear slick if you start to sweat.\n\n- Finish any style—up or down—with an extra-strong hold hairspray designed to withstand sweat and humidity.\n\n### Grooms\n- If you don’t have hair (or much of it) and your head tends to sweat, after showering, apply a small amount of baby or talcum powder to your scalp and rub it in.\n\n- Swipe a clear antiperspirant directly on your scalp and forehead, especially along the hairline. This may seem odd—but trust us. It’s effective and will get you to the altar sweat-free.\n\n- For guys with hair that tends to sweat, lightly apply a pomade, wax, or other product that’s are water-resistant.\n\n## 2. Face\nWe’re guessing melting makeup and glistening (potentially dripping) foreheads are probably not the look you’re hoping to achieve. Well, maybe you are. If not, though, there are steps you can take to make sure your skin is glowing—not glistening.\n\nAnd how to prevent sweating for the wedding? It starts well before your wedding day. A consistent skincare routine is a must for any bride-to-be—especially if you want to prevent shiny skin as you walk down the aisle. (This is even more important if you’re a future Mrs. with oily or [acne-prone skin](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/acne-on-your-wedding-day)). Make sure to regularly cleanse and moisturize your skin, even if it’s oily. (Oily skin actually gets oilier when it’s dehydrated, so moisturizing is a must). And because good skin starts from the inside out, make sure to also stay hydrated. (If you struggle with your water intake, keep a water bottle nearby and make sure to continually drink throughout the day).\n\nTaking care of your skin will help you prep for your wedding. But when it comes to your actual wedding day, here are some day-of tips to keep that face dry and in place.\n\n### Brides\n- If you’re [doing your own makeup](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/diy-wedding-makeup-tips), apply an oil-free primer on everything, including your lips and eyelids—or, if you’re getting your makeup professionally done, ask your __[wedding makeup artist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-great-bridal-makeup-tips-by-charlottesville-makeup-artist)__ to apply for you. This will stop makeup from sliding off if you start to sweat.\n\n- Use all waterproof makeup, if possible, too. (Including mascara for your [lashes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/should-you-get-lash-extensions-before-your-wedding); not only will it help with sweating, but it will also help prevent streaking if you end up crying while you say your “I do’s!”)\n\n- Finish your look with a setting powder or spray to hold it in place.\n\n- Designate a wedding party member (like a bridesmaid or another member of the bridal party) to keep oil-absorbing blotting sheets on-hand to dull any unwanted shine\n\n- Stash a bag of backup makeup products at the reception venue, too, if you think you’ll want to reapply anything throughout the night.\n\n### Grooms\n- Clear deodorant swiped along the hairline should help keep your forehead dry.\n\n- Stash a small moister-absorbing microfiber towel in a pocket to dab away sweat, too. It will prove more effective than a standard cloth handkerchief.\n\n## 3. Underarms\nIdeally, pit stains aren’t part of your wedding day look. Here’s how to stay sweat-free in your armpit region, even as you dance the night away.\n\n### Brides\n- Be careful with deodorant around your wedding dress—it can stain!\n- Apply an aluminum-free, unscented formula (look for \"invisible dry\" on the label).\n- Better yet, pick out an antiperspirant spray that will actually absorb sweat versus just stopping odor. \n\n### Grooms\n- Choose a breathable tux or button-down shirt in a light material such as cotton or bamboo, if possible. \n- If you’re worried about sweating through your shirt, consider an undershirt that will help sop up sweat. We recommend a thin, tight (think muscle-tight) V-neck t-shirt that won’t show or distract from your look. (A sleeveless tank top will also work!) \n- Apply extra-strength antiperspirant (go clinical-grade, if necessary.) Allow it to dry completely before dressing. \n\n## Breasts\nThe struggle is real. You spent so much time selecting the perfect wedding outfit, don’t let slippery boob sweat ruin your moment.\n\n- Apply a bit of aluminum-free deodorant or deodorant spray directly on the underside of your girls. Let it dry completely while you get ready. \n- If you plan ahead, you can order a [special cream](https://www.freshballs.ca/product/1/fresh-breasts) designed to keep your girls chafe-free and dry. (Apply it well in advance of when you put your dress on to let it set.) \n- Keep baby wipes close by at the reception if you want to freshen up quickly in the bathroom *(with the help of a good girl friend!)*.\n\n## 5. Upper Body/Back\nBack sweat happens, especially if you are out in the sun all day taking photos. It’s easy enough to prevent, though.\n\n### Brides\n- Spray antiperspirant on your back as a preventative measure, but make sure it’s aluminum-free (remember: “invisible dry”) so it doesn’t leave a yellow stain. \n- Apply it the night before your wedding day and you’ll be set.\n\n### Grooms\n- Spray antiperspirant directly on your back. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before putting any clothing on. \n- Stash an extra undershirt at the reception venue, too. Swap out your ceremony undershirt for the fresh one ahead of the party.\n\n## 6. Hands and Feet\nClammy hands are understandable but definitely uncomfortable. And sweaty feet can lead to nasty blisters that leave you limping around your reception. \n\n### Hands \n- Keep a travel-sized hand sanitizer nearby—it’ll dry out those wet palms.\n- In a pinch, skip out to the bathroom and press down your palm onto a few sheets of toilet paper, which will act as a blotting device to soak up that excess sweat.\n\n## Feet\n\n### Brides\n- Prevent slipping around in your heels by spraying the insoles with hairspray before sliding your foot in. Keep a travel-sized hairspray nearby, too, for touch-ups.\n- Sprinkle talcum powder directly into your shoes to help absorb any residual moisture before reapplying hairspray.\n\n### Grooms \n- Wear socks made of a breathable, cotton material (and gift the same to your wedding party). \n- After breaking in your shoes, spray them with an antiperspirant or sprinkle them with talcum powder a few days ahead of the ceremony. Rub any excess in to avoid clumping.\n\nRemember, sweat is your body’s way of naturally cooling you down, so if you start feeling warm or dehydrated, your first defense is to drink a lot of water. If you are going to be drinking alcohol throughout the day, drink even more water. Those [signature cocktails](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choosing-signature-wedding-cocktail) can be dehydrating, after all. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Registry"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Build Your Zola Registry","url":"https://www.zola.com/onboard/new"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:48:13.057Z"}],"name":"Wedding Hair & makeup","slug":"wedding-hair-makeup","description":"Every person deserves to glow on their wedding day! Get expert-approved hair and makeup, skincare, and wellness tips so you can be your best self (wedding party and guests too!). Browse through beautiful inspiration photos to find wedding hair and makeup looks you love."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"donate-wedding-dress","title":"Repurpose with a Purpose: How (and Where!) to Donate Your Wedding Dress","excerpt":"Instead of keeping it in storage, donate your wedding dress to support a cause and bride in need! Find out the best charities and fun ways to reuse your gown.","publishedAt":"2021-04-20T06:26:57.558Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/kdPMVgdVfKNlTMowHIzeC/69fc5fc0a4bf199fc7b731bd36d9284b/wedding-dress-donating-hero.jpg","altText":"wedding dresses to donate"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/","heroCaption":"wedding dresses for donation","body":"After the wedding and honeymoon, you may be wondering what to do with your wedding dress. Many gowns are left hanging in the back of a closet, collecting dust. If you have no other plans for it, donating your wedding dress can give it a second life! Now more than ever, many brides are struggling to pay for their wedding dresses. We’ve found several meaningful charities that accept preowned wedding dresses and provide them to new brides at an affordable price. \n\nIn this article:\n\n- Benefits of Donating Your Wedding Dress\n- How to Decide Where to Donate\n- Where to Donate Wedding Dresses\n- Ways to Repurpose Your Wedding Dress\n- How to Prepare Your Wedding Dress for Donation\n\n## Benefits of Donating Your Wedding Dress\n\n \n\nIf you’re still on the fence about whether or not to donate your wedding dress, here are a few benefits to consider.\n\n### 1. Supports a Bride in Need\nFrom disaster victims to the many couples struggling financially right now, many individuals are looking for affordable clothing, including wedding dresses. With millions of people unemployed or experiencing a significant decrease in income during the pandemic, many couples cannot afford their dream weddings. Your donation can help provide a dress for a bride experiencing financial hardships. \n\n### 2. Tax-Deductible\nAs a taxpayer, you can claim your charitable contributions of money or goods as itemized deductions when filing your taxes. The [IRS](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p526) recognizes a charitable contribution as a gift or donation to or for the use of a qualified organization, such as nonprofits. \n\n### 3. Helps to Declutter\nMany wedding gowns are only worn once. If you’re never planning to wear your wedding dress again, it’s just taking up space! Once you donate it along with other household items that you no longer need or use, you’ll have more room! \n\n### 4. Encourages an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle\nAn eco-friendly lifestyle means living in a way that isn’t harmful to the environment. Clothing that is thrown away eventually sits in a landfill, where they release carbon dioxide and other toxins into the air. According to [GreenDrop](https://www.gogreendrop.com/blog/3-reasons-you-should-donate-your-old-clothes-instead-of-throwing-them-away/), the production of new clothes and textiles uses hundreds of gallons of water and also causes 10% of global carbon emissions. By donating your wedding dress, you help reduce your carbon footprint.\n\n![Benefits of donating your wedding dress image](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6OAEerjF3eR2VFxgVVb9nI/cccf53c07871500f73bb688f87d3b1b9/benefits-of-donating-your-wedding-dress.jpg)\n\nThe best part is conscientious efforts can start during the wedding! You can donate the remaining wedding food to local shelters and [preserve flowers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-preserve-flowers) from the bouquet. For more sustainability tips, check out these [eco-friendly wedding ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/eco-friendly-wedding).\n\n## How to Decide Where to Donate\n\n \n\nDeparting from your beloved wedding dress can be tough. After all, it holds sentimental value and memories from your special day. You may feel comfortable choosing a charity with a mission that matters the most to you. For example, you may want to honor your loved ones in the military by donating to an organization supporting veterans. Fortunately, you can find charitable organizations that support a variety of causes, including cancer research, disaster relief, human rights, environmental protection, and more!\n\n## Where to Donate Wedding Dresses\n\n \n\nDonating your wedding dress is a great way to honor it and give it new life. Through your generosity, someone else can experience the same joy you felt on your wedding day. You can donate to thrift stores, charities, community centers, and many other types of nonprofit organizations. Here is a list of several charities and organizations accepting wedding dresses during COVID-19.\n\n![Charities to donate a wedding dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1xq1qPDhGhlPh4z1Tqv0Cg/e7f10bcb6dd54b3e70bb4faff2224620/charities-to-donate-a-wedding-dress.jpg)\n\n### Brides Against Breast Cancer \nSupport the fight against breast cancer through [Brides Against Breast Cancer](https://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/). This nonprofit is dedicated to providing early cancer awareness and detection programs as well as reducing the environmental impact of wedding dress manufacturing. The organization resells pre-owned wedding dresses at affordable prices, using the sales proceeds to help breast cancer causes. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses of 3–5 years in excellent condition and bridal accessories. \n\n__How to donate:__ Use the [donation form](https://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/bride-donation-form/) on the website, email, or contact client service directly to receive shipping instructions.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ The organization continues to accept wedding dress donations through the mail and is relaunching its online store in early 2021.\n\n### Adorned in Grace \nIf you would like to assist in sex trafficking prevention, consider donating your wedding dress to [Adorned in Grace](https://www.adornedingrace.org/). This faith-based organization has a mission to help sex trafficking victims and bring awareness to local communities. Adorned in Grace stores provide new and gently-used wedding dresses and formalwear. Sales proceeds that go towards funding professional counseling for trafficking survivors, awareness publications, and more. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dress less than five years old, mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl dresses, bridal accessories, and formalwear.\n\n__How to donate:__ Drop-off donations in-person or ship them to any of their [shop locations](https://www.adornedingrace.org/donate#donate-1).\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Call or book an [appointment](https://www.adornedingrace.org/yourvisit) at one of their store locations in advance.\n\n### The Salvation Army\nSince 1865, [The Salvation Army](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/) has grown into an international movement in 130 countries around the world. This faith-based nonprofit organization provides numerous services, including adult rehabilitation, veteran support, prison ministry work, disaster relief, housing, hunger relief, and more. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Adult and children’s clothing, furniture, vehicles, household goods, and appliances with [guidelines](https://satruck.org/Home/DonationValueGuide#womens-clothing) for each.\n\n__How to donate:__ Find a drop-off location, visit one of its local thrift stores, or schedule a free pickup.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Most local Salvation Army thrift stores are open for business with [information](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid19/) on ways to help during the pandemic.\n\n### Brides for a Cause\n[Brides for a Cause](https://www.bridesforacause.com/) is a nonprofit bridal store that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for dozens of women-focused [charities](https://www.bridesforacause.com/about/our-cause/). Since 2012, the store has given away over $1.2 million to charities that support women in the military, single mothers, abuse survivors, and more.\n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses no more than five years old and bridal accessories. \n\n__How to donate:__ You can mail or drop off at one of their store [locations](http://www.bridesforacause.com/locations/) or roadshow events. \n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Currently not accepting walk-ins. Clients must “reserve a room” in advance, wear a mask at all times, bring only one guest, and follow social distancing guidelines. \n\n### Goodwill Industries\nWith a mission to eliminate work opportunity barriers, Goodwill industries provide supportive services to help people train for careers and find jobs. Your donations support Goodwill’s job programs and services as well as help environmentally by reducing waste. Through its online [impact calculator](https://www.goodwill.org/your-impact/), you can see how much your donation can contribute to its mission. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Clothing and accessories, houseware, electronics, media, and furniture. \n\n__How to donate:__ [Find](https://www.goodwill.org/donate/donate-stuff/) a donation center or local drop-off bin.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Most Goodwill stores are open with social distancing protocols. All donations will be in quarantine, and curbside drop-offs are available. \n\n### Brides Across America\nIf you’d like to support the military and first responders, you can do so through [Bride Across America](https://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/) (BAA). Every year, this nonprofit donates 2,000 wedding dresses and covers the wedding costs of those recipients. With your donations, military members and first responders can register to receive a free wedding dress during BAA’s monthly giveaway events.\n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dress less than five years old, accessories, engagement rings, and wedding favors. \n\n__How to donate:__ Fill out and submit the [donation form](https://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/giving/give-a-dress) to receive the shipping address and instructions. \n\n__COVID-19 update:__ BAA is open for in-store [appointments](https://www.baaoutlet.com/common/appointment) only with new health and safety precautions. \n\n### Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring\n[Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring](https://www.fairytalebrides.org/) is a nonprofit boutique in Rockville, MD that sells reduced-priced wedding gowns. All of its net proceeds go towards Alzheimer’s Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Johns Hopkins’ Suburban Hospital Breast Center.\n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses no more than five years old and professionally cleaned.\n\n__How to donate:__ Make an appointment on its website to drop off your donation or mail it to the store. \n\n__COVID-19 update:__ The store is open by [appointment only](https://my.setmore.com/shortBookingPage/b6a191ce-a3b1-43ae-ab65-fb9d2a10c05d) on select weekdays, where clients must wear masks at all times and follow the recommended COVID-19 guidelines. \n\n### Cherie Sustainable Bridal\nThis Maryland-based bridal boutique is a division of Success in Style (SIS), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting in-crisis individuals on their journeys to employment and life improvement. [Cherie Sustainable Bridal](https://www.cheriesb.com/) sells preowned wedding gowns at an affordable price and sends 100% of the proceeds to SIS. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses five years old and younger, and professional business attire.\n\n__How to donate:__ [Drop off](https://www.cheriesb.com/donate) the wedding dress in-person during business hours or mail it to the store location.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ The store is open by [appointment](https://www.cheriesb.com/appointments) only and clients can bring only one guest to the consultation.\n\n### The Brides Project \nTo support adults and children impacted by cancer, you can donate to [The Brides Project](http://www.thebridesproject.org/). This is a nonprofit bridal boutique that offers eco- and budget-friendly wedding gowns to shoppers. All sales help provide free programs for families at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Wedding dresses within five years old and bridal accessories. \n\n__How to donate:__ Drop off the [donation](http://www.thebridesproject.org/donate/) at their shop or mail it to their Cancer Support Community division following the mailing instructions. \n\n__COVID-19 update:__ Visitors must book appointments via website or email and follow their health and safety protocols.\n\n### The Emma and Evan Foundation\nThrough the [Emma and Evan Foundation](https://www.evefoundation.org/), you can support families who’ve lost an infant. This nonprofit organization repurposes wedding dress donations into infant burial gowns or “angel gowns,” bonnets, and other keepsake items available to grieving families for free. \n\n__Accepted items:__ Any wedding dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, prom and formal gowns, bridal accessories, and more.\n\n__How to donate:__ Contact the organization to receive their mailing address and donation release form beforehand. Additional donation instructions can be found on the FAQ page.\n\n__COVID-19 update:__ You can shop on their website for keepsake items and receive purchases via shipment.\n\n## Ways to Repurpose Your Wedding Dress\n\n \n\nIf you find that your wedding dress doesn’t meet the donation criteria of a few charities, transform it into something new! There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose your wedding dress. \n\nReuse the fabric for creating home decor and cherished keepsakes, such as pillows and baptism gowns for your children. Need new formalwear? Alter or hem your gown into a fun cocktail dress. If you’re not a fan of cutting up the dress, consider using it as a photo prop for your newborn. Lastly, you can use the buttons, beads, and other trimmings to make DIY jewelry and accessories!\n\n![Ideas for repurposing your wedding dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5KUNczqwIBuEuAagzrCs7w/7ff67c460a94625994aa2c31ff861799/ideas-for-repurposing-your-wedding-dress.jpg)\n\n## How to Prepare Your Wedding Dress for Donation\n\n \n\nWhile most charities and shops offer to clean your donation items, some have a few guidelines about donations. Others may also charge an extra fee for cleaning. Here is a checklist to follow in making sure your donations are in the best conditions. \n\n__1. Contact the Organizations in advance.__ Ask what they need specifically, as well as for their donation schedule and protocols. Most charities and thrift shops that accept wedding dresses require them to be less than five years old.\n\n__2. Inspect the gown for wear and tear.__ When left in storage for too long, some items and certain types of fabric may develop mold. If your wedding dress looks to be in bad condition, the charity will most likely have to throw it out.\n\n__3. Wash or dry clean in advance.__ This step is graciously helpful for the volunteers, especially if you’re donating your wedding dress or other items during the pandemic. According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html), the COVID-19 virus can remain on surfaces and certain fabrics for a couple of days. You can also use a disinfectant spray on non-washable items. \n\n__4. Double-check items before packing.__ Ensure you haven’t accidentally packed items you planned to keep. Always check the pockets for small personal items, such as wallets and money. \n\n__5. Organize your donations.__ This step is also helpful for volunteers at the charities and shops, who may have an overwhelming amount of items to sort through. You can assemble items by type and size, label your boxes or containers by season, and fold the clothing to ensure proper packing.\n\n![Best practices to prepare items for donation](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5xdwJ5IL2X7zJQNoA4bZV/2588209b19f8f786524c4ea835be09e7/best-practices-to-prepare-items-for-donation.jpg)\n\nIn addition to donating your wedding dress, take the concept of giving a step further by planning a charitable wedding! Have your [wedding ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-ceremony-programs) at a nonprofit venue and spread the word about charities on your [invites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper). You can also find [vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) who support a good cause. Visit our [expert advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) pages for more creative ideas and wedding inspiration.","tag":"How-To ","updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:58.190Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-much-do-wedding-dress-alterations-cost","title":"How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost in 2025?","excerpt":"Get insights into wedding dress alteration costs. Discover factors influencing pricing and make informed decisions for your dream bridal fit","author":"Alanna Nuñez","publishedAt":"2024-09-10T04:00+02:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7yMJnaQgmaqrNY2zcxbFuy/66b426d798becacc16a08778811ea7a1/Hero_RomanticBlack-TieWeddingatBrooklynBotanicGarden_NSTPictures__1_.jpg","altText":"Bride in lacy gown with someone else fastening it in the back"},"heroCredit":"NST Pictures","body":"__TLDR:__\n- When curious about how much do wedding dress alterations cost, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.\n- Things like complexity, amount of alterations, and your location will determine the overall price.\n- Be sure to trust your dress to a qualified tailor who is used to working with wedding gowns.\n\n## So, how much do wedding dress alterations cost?\nYou may have budgeted a set amount of money for your [dream wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/average-wedding-dress-cost), but, keep in mind, it won’t be a perfect fit off the rack (or out of the box). Your wedding dress will likely need to undergo several rounds of alterations in order to fit you like a glove. So, when wedding dress shopping, don't forget to factor in the cost of wedding dress alterations before saying \"yes\" to the perfect dress.\n\nHow much do wedding dress alterations cost, exactly? Here’s a breakdown of the alteration prices you can expect.\n\n## What factors into the cost of alteration services for average wedding dresses? \n\nOn average, typical [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dress-silhouettes) alterations cost between $150 and $800. If you're customizing your gown or modernizing your mother's dress, expect to pay $1,000 and up. Some bridal boutiques may charge flat fees, while other seamstresses may charge you for individual alteration services.\n\nSome bridal stores have in-house tailors. For example, [David's Bridal alteration costs](https://www.davidsbridal.com/inspiration/alterations) can be added on to the price of your wedding gown.\n\nThe amount of money that you’ll pay to alter your wedding dress depends on how much work you’ll need done. Some wedding dresses are simple to alter, for example, some dresses just need to be hemmed for length and adjusted on the sides to properly fit.\n\nBut, of course, the more complicated or custom the gown, the more expensive it's going to be. You may want to adjust the neckline, add a strap, or add additional beading and/or other embellishments. These customizations may require an additional cost, depending on the complexity. Your seamstress will likely also need to add in the bustle, which keeps the train off the ground post-ceremony.\n\nRelated: [How to Bustle a Wedding Dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-bustle-a-wedding-dress)\n\nIf you’re having a gown custom made, or you’re modernizing your mother’s (or another relative’s) wedding dress for you, expect to go to multiple rounds of fittings and consultations. These customizations will be the most time consuming and expensive to pull off. Just be sure to add alteration price into your overall dress costs.\n\n![How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/22REMcs2OkK2EAW1fUWNC8/581a5bc4b4e11bffe0ec772d66e24476/Inline_Sascha_Reinking_Photography.png)\n*Photo Credit //* Sascha Reinking Photography\n\n## The cost of average wedding dress alterations\nThe list below is an idea of how much typical alterations cost, but, of course, prices can vary greatly depending on where you live and how much your seamstress or bridal boutique charges. If you ordered your bridal dress online, or are finding your own tailor, you can always shop around to compare prices before deciding where to take your [beautiful dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/simple-wedding-dresses-that-are-elegant-and-timeless). \n\nBelow, find examples of potential alteration costs to factor into your budget. Please keep in mind that these are a starting point and depend on the area you're in, the complexity of the gown, how much it needs to be altered, and your tailor's schedule.\n\n- Take in/out the sides of dress: $50-$200\n- Take in/out sides of skirt or bodice: $50-$200\n- Hem dress: $80-$250\n- Add bra cups: $40-$50\n- Reshape neckline: $40-$120\n- Narrow or reduce shoulders: $50-$80\n- Shorten straps: $30-$50\n- Add belt or sash: $35-$45\n- Beading work: $40 an hour\n- Bustle: $50-$180, depending how many points you want done\n- Steaming: $60\n\nThe work on your dress may be more expensive depending on how delicate the gown is, too. For example, with more lace or detail there may be an additional charge for the bridal alterations.\n\nThere are also a few recent Reddit threads were brides talk about how much the average costs of their wedding gown alteration prices. In [one Reddit thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/ys9mr2/how_much_did_your_alterations_cost/), the price for a perfect fit ranged from a mere $90 up to $1200 with the average numbers being in the $400-$600 range. On a [David's Bridal specific thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/wedding/comments/1assgh2/how_much_did_your_alterations_cost_at_davids/), the dress alterations cost anywhere from $100 to $500.\n\n![How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6HEEy3rsaaB4MWJvRjXUYa/ddfb6286691aa3f7bf12dae1a1f73d08/Inline_Zola__12_.png) *Photo Credit* Zola\n\n## 4 Tips about dress alterations cost\n### 1. Get an estimate in writing.\nPurchasing the perfect [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/tips-wedding-dress-shopping) is obviously a big investment, and you want to make sure that it’s in good hands when you give it over for bridal alterations (don’t worry too much, you’ll see it again soon.) At your first fitting with the seamstress, make sure that you go over exactly what work needs to be done, from getting the sleeves shortened to having a missing bead repaired. \n\nAsk your bridal boutique or tailor for a detailed receipt or get everything listed in writing, so that there’s a record of what work is agreed upon, in case anything goes amiss with your bridal gown. At the same time, go over the price of each alteration service and make sure that everything is in writing before you leave the dress.\n\n### 2. Be careful who ensures the perfect fit.\nIf you’re not sure who should take care of your wedding gown alterations, you might need to do a bit of research. If you got your dress in a specialty or bridal boutique, they might have a seamstress on-site who will take care of all the alterations. They also will give you a specific timeline of alterations, so you don’t have to worry about that. \n\nHowever, if you bought your dress online, you’re going to need to find a seamstress in your area. Don’t just take your dress to any dry cleaner or tailor, but, rather, look for someone who specializes in wedding gown alterations so that you can have a perfect dress on your wedding date.\n\n### 3. Allow enough time for alterations before the big day.\nBefore walking down the aisle, make sure that you give plenty of time for [wedding dress alterations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-long-do-wedding-dress-alterations-take). Getting the timing right for alterations is key. You don’t want to do them too early, as your dress might fit differently by the time the wedding day rolls around. Don’t wait too long, though, as your wedding dress isn’t something you want to rush. You’ll want to give yourself at least a week’s buffer in case something needs to be altered last minute. Leaving two or three months before your wedding for alterations is generally plenty of time.\n\n### 4. Take your bridal gown accessories to your fitting.\nWhat you plan on wearing on your big day, such as undergarments, shoes, and jewelry, may impact your tailoring experience. If you plan on wearing a high heel, you'll need wear them so that your seamstress can adjust the hem accordingly. Also, if you are wearing a shaper under your gown, your tailor may have to take in the waist further or let out the bust, depending on the fit.\n\nWhile you may not want to spend extra money for an alterations specialist, it really is essential when personalizing your dream dress. As long as you have plenty of time for your dress fitting and alterations, you'll be able to walk down the aisle in confidence with your perfect wedding dress.\n\n## Zola couples weigh in on alteration costs\nReal life costs always help put things into perspective. In a fall survey of 1,500 recently married Zola couples, here's what we found when we asked, \"Do you recall how much you spent on wedding attire alterations?\"\n\n- 17% spent $500-$750\n- 17% budgeted $300-$500\n- 16% alloted $750-$1,000\n- 10% spent $200-$300 \n- 9% paid $100-$120 \n- 9% alloted $1,000-$1,500 \n- 7% spent over $1,500 \n- 5% budgeted $50-$100 \n- 4% paid less than $50 \n- 3% didn't recall what they spent on wedding dress alterations \n- 2% did not alter any of their wedding attire \n\nNeed more advice on perfecting your look for your big day? Take a peek at our [bridal hair inspiration](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/updo-hairstyles-for-wedding) and learn wedding day [makeup tips](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-great-bridal-makeup-tips-by-charlottesville-makeup-artist) from an expert. Stick around and stay for a while!","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-11-08T21:12:17.810Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-to-dance-in-a-wedding-dress-with-a-train","title":"How to Dance in a Wedding Dress + 11 Wedding Dress Options","excerpt":"You don’t have to sacrifice your dance moves for your dream dress. We’ll show you how to dance in a wedding dress with a train, so you can party all night long.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2020-12-16T19:00:29.844Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ovkNzYbit00ez3ide6OXA/77ea6d1d88208bc72fd9fd1ffffe3bd6/hero_Rebecca_Hicks_Photography.jpg","altText":"dancing with a wedding dress train"},"heroCredit":"Rebecca Hicks Photography","body":"Whether you have yet to go __[wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/bridal-dresses-gowns)__ shopping or have already decided on your dream dress, you don’t want to overlook this one thing in the wedding planning process: the train.\n\nThe train of your wedding dress can impact everything from how easy it is to walk down the aisle to how low you can get on the dance floor. But if your heart is set on a bridal dress with a long train, you don’t have to sacrifice your dance moves for your dream dress or vice versa—you just need to prepare a little.\n\nIf you’ll be donning a heavy __[wedding dress train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/train-or-no-train-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-wedding-dress-trains)__, we’ll show you what steps you need to take to ensure you can dance the night away in your perfect dress.\n\n![How Do You Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train? - Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5lwfWNywbmAdkgkfYOLAIF/9b3dbebf676c38c755be56a474f24bcf/inline_Faith_Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Faith Photography\n\n## How to Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train\n\n### 1. Alter Your Dress\nBefore you click away, let us explain. We’re not saying the way to dance with a train is to alter it away. However, there are a few simple alterations your seamstress can make that will make it easier to dance in your wedding dress when the time comes. \n\n### 2. Shorten the Train\nIf you fell in love with a dress that has an extravagant train, you don’t have to commit to its length. Your alterations expert can often easily shorten the train on your wedding gown to be more manageable (read: danceable). Take it to a seamstress who knows what she’s doing and find a [train length](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-long-should-my-wedding-dress-be) you’re comfortable moving around in.\n\n### 3. Add a Bustle\nA bustle is the best way to alter your dress to be reception-ready without taking away from the integrity of it. Bustles come in all shapes and sizes, but are usually made up of a series of loops and buttons that connect.\n\nPost-ceremony, your maid of honor, or another of your bridesmaids, will typically be the one to help you connect the dots. Once bustled, your train will cascade down the back of your bridal dress, or be tucked neatly underneath it in a secure fashion that frees up your feet. And don’t worry: A talented seamstress with experience bustling wedding dresses will disguise the buttons and loops in the seams and beading of the wedding gown, so they’re hardly noticeable.\n\nIf you don’t want to bustle your dress, either because you don’t like the way it looks or because you don’t want to pay for the alterations, you can also add a simple loop to the end of the bridal train. You can wear the loop on your wrist to carry your train with you around the venue and on the dance floor. This style works best for dresses with short, lightweight trains, since you will, in fact, be carrying it all night.\n\n### 4. Make the Train Detachable\nPraise the wedding dress designers who first decided on detachable trains. If you opt for an attachable skirt, a Watteau, a __[bridal cape](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-wedding-fashion-trend-the-bridal-cape)__, or the like, you can remove the extra fabric completely post-ceremony and pre-reception. A __[detachable wedding train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-do-you-attach-a-train-to-a-wedding-dress)__ not only makes the dress easier to dance in, but also creates a whole new look. It’s as if you got a super-fashionable BOGO deal on your dream dress.\n\n## Know What Your Dress Can Do\nNot all wedding dresses are created equal—and some are more difficult to dance and twirl in than others. Know what your dress can do before you attempt to bust a move, so you don’t break more than the dance floor.\n\n### Select the Right Silhouette\nThe silhouette impacts your ability to dance the most. For example, a mermaid gown will restrict the size of movements you can make, specifically with your feet and legs, while an off-the-shoulder neckline will restrict how much you can move your arms.\n\nIf you love to dance, pay special attention to how your bridal gown will affect your moves. The dress’s silhouette, sleeves (or lack thereof), and the train length will influence your ability to dance the most. If you are planning a choreographed first dance, be sure to tell your choreographer if there are any movements you won’t be able to master based on the style and fit of your dress. \n\n### Practice\nWhile you won’t be able to run a dress rehearsal of your first dance, unless you buck tradition and are willing to let your fiancé see you in your dress before the big day, you can still practice in it. When you’re at your final fittings, attempt any choreography you plan on doing on the day of (to the best of your ability) to ensure your dress can handle the moves. It’s better to risk popping a seam or letting a button fly when your seamstress is right there to fix it than it is on your wedding day. And if you're taking wedding dance lessons, consider wearing a dress in a similar silhouette and length to your next lesson to get a real feel for how things will move on your wedding day.\n\nIt’s also important that the hemline is short enough, so you won’t be tripping over your dress on the dance floor. Take steps forward, side to side, and backward while at your fitting, both with and without a bustle, to make sure you can not only dance, but also get around in your gown. If you can’t walk with ease, have your seamstress raise the hemline up a bit.\n\nPracticing the first dance isn’t only important before the big day. If you can, sneak away during cocktail hour, once you and your partner have already seen each other (and are married!), to practice one last time before you dance to your favorite wedding songs. Ditch any moves that could potentially damage the dress and remind your spouse not to step on it.\n\n## Change Your Dress\nDancing in a wedding dress can be difficult, which is a very valid excuse for an outfit change. You wouldn’t be the first bride to swap her beaded heels for Chuck Taylor’s or her ball gown for a mini dress, and you definitely won’t be the last. \n\n### Opt for a Second Reception Dress\nIf you’ve already fallen in love with a wedding dress that will be unforgiving when you want to walk, sit, and dance at the wedding reception, consider changing into a second dress. If the budget allows, a second dress can be your saving grace. It not only gives you the freedom to dance the night away, but also allows you to preserve the train on your original dress.\n\nPlus, you can showcase your bridal style in more ways than one. Change into a slinky slip dress or show off your shoes in a fun fringed mini. Whatever you choose, it should be comfortable and easy to move in.\n\n![How Do You Dance in a Wedding Dress With a Train? - Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/22TsmH96bRbzRZLwFFITKs/907360828d9592f44706659a89597618/inline_Waldorf_Photographic_Art.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Waldorf Photographic Art\n\n### ...And Change Your Shoes\n\nYou will be especially prone to stepping on your dress when taking quick or big steps during your wedding dance, and depending on the style shoes you’re wearing, you could damage your dress. Heels can easily get caught in a lacy bridal train or layers of tulle. Say goodbye to your precious pumps in favor of wedges, platform heels, or even sneakers. That’s right—if you’re wearing a long bridal gown, no one will see your feet anyway.\n\nIf you’re attached to your heels and don’t want to slip on some flat shoes for the reception, be extra careful and consider donning a petticoat underneath your dress. A petticoat can protect the inner layers of your gown from holes or snags that can happen when dancing.\n\nAnd you thought you couldn’t learn how to dance in a [wedding dress with a train](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/train-or-no-train-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-wedding-dress-trains)? With a little practice, the right alterations, and a backup dress (or shoes), you’ll be swinging and swaying in style well into the night.\n\n## 11 Wedding Dresses You Can Dance In\nReady to start shopping? Check out these wedding dresses you can dance in, including ball gowns, A-line styles, and even convertible dresses.\n\n### 1. A-Line Dress\nA-line is one of the [best wedding dress styles](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what%27s-your-wedding-dress-style) for dancing—not to mention one of the most flattering dress silhouettes out there! You'll get a dramatic effect when you spin and twirl, and your partner won't be kept away by an overly large skirt. \n\n[Jenny Yoo Tamson Satin Plunge A-Line Wedding Gown](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/jenny-yoo-tamson-satin-plunge-cutout-a-line-wedding-gown), Anthropologie, $1495\n\n### 2. Ball Gown Wedding Dress\nSimilarly to an A-line dress, a ball gown will give you plenty of room to move on the dance floor, as you won't be restricted by a form-fitting silhouette. Choose a ball gown with a skirt that has a lot of layers and some fluidity, so your partner can get nice and close for any dramatic wedding dance moves. \n\n[Watters Calia V-Neck Ball-Skirt Wedding Gown](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/watters-calia-plunge-v-neck-floral-tulle-ball-skirt-wedding-gown), Anthropologie, $2818\n\n### 3. Convertible Wedding Dress\nWant the best of both worlds? Shop for a wedding dress that has removable pieces. Whether it's a removable skirt, train, or sleeves, you can ditch any bulky layers and switch up your look before hitting the reception and tearing it up on the dance floor.\n\n[Oleg Cassini Removable Train Mermaid Wedding Dress](https://www.davidsbridal.com/product/removable-train-mermaid-wedding-dress-cwg932), Anthropologie, $1124.25\n\n### 4. Sleeveless Wedding Dress\nWhen it comes to dance floor-ready dresses, you have to consider more than just the train, bustle, and skirt; you’ll also want to think about sleeves. If you're wearing a dress with fitted sleeves, or an off-the-shoulder wedding dress style, your movement might be more restricted than with a sleeveless option—so if freedom to dance is at the top of your priority list, a sleeveless wedding dress might be the cut for you.\n\n[Galvan Praiano Mixed Media Slip Dress](https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/galvan-praiano-mixed-media-slip-maxi-dress?ID=4459682&CategoryID=2910), Bloomingdale's, $1995\n\n### 5. Strapless Wedding Dress\nA strapless neckline isn't for every bride, but if you love to throw your hands in the air, eliminating sleeves completely will give you total freedom of movement. Just make sure the dress stays in place when you do some trial dance moves at your dress fitting!\n\n[Watson Strapless Dress](https://www.jennyyoo.com/products/bridal-gown/watson?type=mto), Jenny Yoo, $1350\n\n### 6. Tea-Length Wedding Dress\nOne of the most obvious options for having a wedding dress you can dance in is simply choosing a shorter length. Depending on the formality of your wedding, tea-length (or midi) dresses can be a great option to create the perfect bridal look without sacrificing any fun on the dance floor. Many [tea-length wedding dresses](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths) have a nostalgic vibe, so they're great for brides who, in addition to dancing, love vintage style. They're also inherently more casual, so midi-length wedding dresses are ideal for low-key celebrations.\n\n[Sachin & Babi Sierra V-Neck Satin Midi Dress](https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/sachin-babi-sierra-v-neck-cutout-satin-midi-dress2?category=bhldn-bridal-event-dresses&color=011&type=STANDARD&quantity=1), Anthropologie, $250\n\n### 7. High-Low Wedding Dress\nWant to show off your shoes—and prevent tripping on the dance floor at the same time? A high-low option is a bit more formal than a tea-length wedding dress style, since it's longer in the back—but will still help keep your feet and ankles free of any fabric while you dance the night away.\n\n[ML Monique Lhuillier High-Low Gown](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sleeveless-jacquard-high-low-gown/6648362), Nordstrom, $446.25\n\n### 8. Side Slit Wedding Dress\nIn addition to adding a touch of sexiness to your wedding day look, a dress with a side slit (or even a back slit!) will give you extra mobility, which can help you move more easily on the dance floor—especially if you gravitate towards more fitted silhouettes.\n\n[Mac Duggal Embroidered Lace-Up Back Tulle Gown](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/embroidered-lace-up-back-dotted-tulle-gown/6959395), Nordstrom, $898\n\n### 9. Two-Piece Wedding Dress\nA two-piece wedding dress will typically give you a more relaxed, casual look—and can also deliver more freedom of movement. A two-piece might not be a formal enough wedding dress style for your big day, but it's a great option for any bride who wants to do some serious dancing. \n\n[Janet Two-Piece Wedding Dress](https://lulabridal.com/products/janet-two-piece-wedding-dress?), Lula Bridal, $191\n\n### 10. Chiffon Wedding Dress\nA lighter-weight fabric will make for easier movement on the dance floor! So, if you’re looking for a dance-friendly fabric option, stay away from heavy beading, sequins, and thick fabrics, and instead, turn to something easy and breezy—like chiffon. \n\n[Tegan Chiffon Wedding Dress](https://www.jennyyoo.com/products/wedding-gown/tegan?type=mto), Jenny Yoo, $1350\n\n### 11. Couture Wedding Dress\nIf you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, a couture wedding dress could be just the thing. Couture wedding dresses are custom made for the wearer, so you would work with the designer to create a dress that fits all of your needs and preferences—including dance-ability! ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingBoutique"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Find out which silhouettes work best for wedding dresses for tall brides, and get a few styling tips as you prepare for your big day.","title":"Best Wedding Dresses for Tall Brides","slug":"best-wedding-dresses-for-tall-brides","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2ItOeEEyNwW801yHNnmjOH/219b24a3f981650d4261a9882131b6f9/hero_photodh.jpg","altText":"Tall bride"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Just like weddings and the couples who plan them, wedding dress train types come in all different styles. We’ll help you find the right one for you.","title":"What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dress Trains?","slug":"what-are-the-different-types-of-wedding-dress-trains","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4knxIjEGBvUY4rPDsncjkN/0979fdc51b213370bad63d3685282c4e/hero_Bri_Johnson_Weddings.jpg","altText":"bride with wedding dress train"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From mini to monarch, this guide will help you learn about every wedding dress length and which one is right for you. ","title":"Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths","slug":"guide-to-wedding-dress-lengths","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/55Iq5qY6PCdyDTBPqZZBET/a8ccf28e7b6db6fa0d0e912845359c7a/hero_Socialartphotography.jpg","altText":"Long Wedding Dresses"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Create height and lengthen your torso by learning about the best wedding dress styles for short women.","title":"Best Wedding Dress Styles for Petite Women ","slug":"best-wedding-dress-styles-for-petite-women","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1wvfZXKhOIUdokS2KaS9v8/c2716e9b88799fc4f3505ddf18457c36/hero_B._Jones_Photography.jpg","altText":"petite woman in wedding dress"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Explore Wedding Boutique","url":"https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:53.456Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-to-fix-a-zipper-on-a-dress","title":"5 Common Wedding Dress Zipper Malfunctions & How To Fix Them ","excerpt":"Ensure your special day goes smoothly with our guide to common fixes for wedding dress zipper malfunctions. Discover quick solutions to keep your dress flawless.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2020-08-07T23:45:49.458Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4gDSddAiZN23tAwc0XVmLY/5a82387cbf31aac4e419ede05d12e503/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"Wedding dress hung on display in garden"},"heroCredit":"Evermore Imagery","tldr":"## The First Look ✨ \n\n- To save a broken zipper use a pair of pliers to the sliders if it's loose or use a bit of liquid soap if it's stuck.\n- To sew a zipper on a dress you’ll need a seam ripper, needle and thread, a replacement zipper, sewing machine, and a pair of scissors.\n- A quick-fix zipper repair kit is an essential. Add tweezers, needle and thread, scissors, and other necessities to be equipped for a dress emergency. \n","body":"No matter what role you serve in the wedding party, knowing how to fix a zipper is an incredible skill that, if needed, will allow you to single-handedly save the day and avoid a minor [wedding disaster](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-engagement-anxiety).\n\nWhen it comes to dresses; however, fixing a zipper can be a little trickier—especially when the stakes are high. Knowing how to fix a zipper on a dress (or even how to sew a zipper on a dress, if it comes down to that), will help eliminate unnecessary stress for everyone. \n\nMore often than not, a “broken” zipper isn’t actually broken, and just requires a simple repair. To discover how remarkably easy it can be, read on. \n\n## How to Fix a Zipper That Doesn’t Need to be Replaced\n \nThe first thing to do when a zipper seems to be broken is to assess the damage. Oftentimes, when a zipper is “broken,” it’s actually just malfunctioning. \n\nThis malfunction can be fixed with a few simple tools. To make all the instructions as clear as possible, here are terms you’re going to need to know. \n\n- __Teeth__ – The tracks of the zipper.\n- __Slider__ – The mechanism that moves the zipper up and down.\n- __Zipper tab__ – Also called the zipper pull, this is what you hold in order to zip and unzip.\n\nBelow you’ll find some common scenarios where a zipper on a dress isn’t working properly, and how to troubleshoot. A few things you’ll want on-hand:\n\n1. A pair of pliers\n2. A flathead screwdriver\n3. Tweezers\n4. Clear liquid soap, paraffin wax, and a cotton swab (to lubricate the teeth)\n\n### 1. The Zipper Itself Moves, but Nothing Is Happening\nThis is a situation that’s common when a zipper has some miles on it. The zipper seems to work, yet while the zipper moves up and down, the teeth aren’t interlocking, so the dress won’t zip up.\n\nYou need pliers. Simply adjust any gaps on the slider’s sides by squeezing the top and bottom plates together (the pieces of the slider on the outside and inside of the garment) to make it narrower until it reconnects. The trick here is to be patient and gentle, because using too much pressure can shatter a fragile zipper.\n\n### 2. The Teeth Separated After Fastening\nIf a dress has been zipped up, and then all the teeth come undone below it, this means there’s a problem with the slider. Don’t try to move the zipper out of its place, because that could potentially make things worse. A slider problem is a good problem to have because it’s an easy fix.\n\nYou need pliers, or tweezers (maybe). This process is the same as the scenario before it—all you need to do is grab a pair of pliers and gently squeeze the top and bottom plates of the slider that attach to the teeth. If the gap isn’t too big, seeing as the zipper is still somewhat attached, you can use tweezers instead. Watch carefully as the gap between the two plates gets smaller on both the left and right sides of the slider, adjusting each side slightly, until it reconnects to the teeth.\n\n### 3. The Slider Is No Longer on the Tracks\nSometimes only one side of the slider comes off the tracks of a zipper, but other times, the whole slider and zipper tab unit is derailed. While this might seem like a sad day, really the slider just needs to be reattached.\n\nYou’ll need a flathead screwdriver. First, you need to find the bottom of the zipper tracks. This is usually the end closest to the ground, but if the zipper happens to run in some direction other than vertically, a good way to identify the bottom is to look for a square tab of fabric at the end of the zipper. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to help feed the teeth into the slider. Once both sides seem to be connected, pull the zipper tab up and down to make sure it’s locked in properly. \n\n### 4. The Zipper Is Stuck\nThere are a few different courses of action to try when a zipper gets stuck—none of them involve panicking, surprisingly enough. A stuck zipper can cause a lot of stress, because it’s often caught on the fabric of the dress. But, don’t worry, because that’s actually not the worst situation imaginable. \n\nYou’ll need a cotton swab, liquid soap, paraffin wax, and/or tweezers (maybe). Should this happen, here are a few ways to try and troubleshoot: \n\n1. Hold down the fabric around the zipper and try to move it in the direction from which it came (this depends on if you were zipping up or unzipping the dress). \n\n2. Look for fibers caught in the teeth, such as small strings or hair, and remove them with your tweezers.\n\n3. Put liquid soap or paraffin wax on a cotton swab, and then lubricate the teeth. Once lubricated, you might have an easier time moving it. \n\n### 5. The Zipper Won’t Stay Zipped\nIf a zipper won’t stay zipped, this could mean one of two things:\n\n1. The teeth have been bent out of place.\n2. Or, they have been worn down a lot. \n\nThis is a big issue when it comes to how to fix a zipper on a vintage garment, given the age of the slider (if it hasn’t been replaced). \n\nYou’ll need pliers. First, examine the teeth of the zipper. If they’re out of alignment, use pliers to bend them back into the proper position, and you should be all set. If they seem to be in the right place, this means the teeth themselves have been run down. \n\n__A tip for worn-down teeth__: A great fix for this is to paint them with clear nail polish, which will thicken the teeth, while retaining their original form. You may need to apply more than one coat, but make sure each coat fully dries before painting the next one.\n\n![How to Fix a Zipper on a Dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/35voaUHR4zyKlDRk6HiVoo/289bc6136a176504be920c5e749ef6bb/Inline_How-to-Fix-a-Zipper-on-a-Dress_Nathan-desch-Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit //* Nathan Desch Photography\n\n## How to Sew a Zipper on a Dress\n \nYou might be thinking that with all these hacks, there’s never a reason to fully replace a zipper. Tragically, a zipper can indeed fulfill its lifespan, and this occurs when you’ve lost zipper teeth.\n\nOn the bright side, the likelihood of that happening on the day of a wedding or big event is slim to none. When people talk about [the top wedding day beauty emergencies](https://www.brides.com/beauty-and-hair-4692020), zippers are one of them, but it’s uncommon to see a full-on zipper breakdown.\n\nIf a situation like this were to arise, you’d almost certainly have the time to bring it to a seamstress, or put the effort in to fix it yourself. \n\nContinue reading for a step-by-step guide, but for best results, you’ll need to have the following items:\n\n1. A seam ripper\n2. Needle and thread (a different color than your dress)\n3. A replacement zipper\n4. Sewing machine\n5. Scissors\n\n__Pro tip__: If you don’t have any experience sewing or stitching, starting with the zipper on your dress is truly a trial by fire—one that might prove difficult. If that’s the case, we recommend using a professional. \n\n### 1. Remove Your Broken Zipper\nUse a seam ripper to remove the current zipper on your dress. To do this, pull the fabric taut and insert the seam ripper, cutting out your old zipper and creating two seam lines to put a new one in its place.\n\n### 2. Bring the Seam Lines Together With a Temporary Stitch\nIn this step, it’ll be helpful to use thread that’s a different color than the dress. Why? It’ll be easier to identify and remove later on. Once you have your needle and thread, turn the dress inside out, pull the two seam lines you just cut together until they touch, and then use a temporary stitch to keep them in place.\n\n### 3. Line Up Your New Zipper\nPlace the replacement zipper over the temporary stitch you just inserted to connect the seam lines. Lay the new zipper down so that the zipper tab is facing away from you, since the dress is inside out, and do your best to be precise in aligning it to match the creases.\n\n### 4. Attach the Zipper With a Temporary Stitch\nJust as you did in step two, use a temporary stitch to hold the zipper in place. If you don’t have immediate access to a sewing machine, take extra time to ensure the zipper is in place during this step. The new zipper will be functional without the use of a sewing machine, but you want to ensure that it’s attached permanently. \n\n### 5. Secure the Zipper With a Sewing Machine\nSet up the sewing machine and carefully line up the new zipper, sewing along the seam lines you originally cut. Not everyone has a sewing machine, and even if you do, you may not feel confident using it on a dress you love. If that’s the case, make sure your zipper is as secure as possible for the time being, until you can take it to a seamstress, friend, or family member.\n\n## Create a Quick-Fix Zipper Repair Kit\n \nKnowing how to fix a zipper and how to sew a zipper on a dress are great skills to have, especially when the tools needed are things that you probably already have in your home. If you’re really worried about a zipper malfunctioning, create a little zipper repair kit with all the essentials. These include:\n\n1. A pair of pliers \n2. A flathead screwdriver\n3. Tweezers\n4. Clear liquid soap, paraffin wax, and a cotton swab (to lubricate the teeth)\n5. A seam ripper\n6. Needle and thread (a different color than your dress)\n7. A replacement zipper\n8. Sewing machine (you might have to forgo this)\n9. Scissors\n\nIf you really want to be equipped for a dress emergency, check out [Martha Stewart’s suggestions](https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/345784/wedding-dress-emergency-kit) to bring your kit to the next level. Either way, one thing’s for certain now—as far as zippers go, you’re the one to call if a need arises.\n\n![How to Fix a Zipper on a Dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1k9VaVPHCMmSZxJRe9UJqF/a7c0656d97c0ba54c45532e8481602fc/Inline_How-to-Fix-a-Zipper-on-a-Dress_vivian-chen-Photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit //* Vivian Chen Photography\n\n## Zola, Ready to Fix Your Wedding Planning\nNow that you know how to fix a zipper on a dress, do you know where you’re going to host your wedding website? Create your registry? Send out your invites? Aside from teaching you about pliers and sliders, we’re also here to help with your registry and wedding planning. \n\nFix your zipper and zip up the rest of your [planning with Zola](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice). We’re here to help in any way you need. \n","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"From consulting with your hairstylist to honing in on your style, we have tips on finding bridal hair accessories that you’ll adore.","title":"20 Bridal Hair Accessories That You’ll Love","slug":"20-bridal-hair-accessories-that-youll-love","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/VOQVGjCiBVOps99ix6y6i/ee49eaac99588e52f7e709018eb33f2f/Hero_RomanticIndustrialWeddingat26Bridge_OnthetimesPhotography.jpg","altText":"20 Bridal Hair Accessories That You’ll Love"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Outdoor weddings are beautiful and super common. They also come with their challenges. Take on any issue with our rundown of common outdoor wedding problems and how to fix them all.","title":"How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding: 32 Tips to Avoid Hitches","slug":"10-common-outdoor-wedding-problems-and-how-to-solve-them","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Weyg0vwi76esqFCLLazzy/aa1e8d07be6b3992a70108637221f63c/c92fd4e9-40c0-4b43-b660-73a778e258b2.jpeg","altText":"couple has outdoor wedding "},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Whether your wedding dress is too short, too long, too tight, or otherwise doesn't fit, there's a solve. Here's what to do if your dress doesn't fit after alterations and what to tell your seamstress.","title":"My Wedding Dress Doesn't Fit After Alterations. What Do I Do?","slug":"wedding-dress-doesnt-fit-after-alterations","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4cysRZ624VUCiGWB42WfmY/3b0f3607aba165350779976ca97d7141/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"bridesmaid closes wedding dress for bride"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:53:00.301Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"who-should-i-invite-wedding-dress-shopping","title":"Who Should I Invite Wedding Dress Shopping?","excerpt":"Wedding dress shopping is a special experience, but sometimes bringing too many loved ones invites too many opinions. Here’s how to decide who to bring wedding dress shopping.","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2019-07-30T15:43:24.845Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4OUbaA2UeQynHFU6MA0hZ6/2e1b3cdc080590cc8225f9ad1ddd2d76/Hero_ModernDestinationWeddingatTheWLoft_NSTPictures.jpg","altText":"bride after wedding dress shopping"},"heroCredit":"Isle Media Photography","body":"Your mom likes classic A-line cuts, your best friend votes for lace, and your little sister is texting in the corner. You’re wedding dress shopping and *everyone* has a say (well, almost everyone). \n\nFinding the [right wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/tips-wedding-dress-shopping) is an incredibly fun—but sometimes overwhelming—process. It’s important to feel special on your big day, so it’s only natural to seek out the opinions of those who matter most. It’s not always easy to decide who should join you while you shop and who’s better left at home. Here are some things to consider as you decide who to bring [wedding dress shopping](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop).\n\n## How To Decide Who To Bring \n\n### Put yourself first.\nFirst things first: wedding dress shopping is about you. It’s important to only invite people who you’re close to, and who will support you no matter what dress you pick. Of course, the point of bringing your family and friends along for the experience is to hear them out. Respect their opinions, but don’t invite anyone who will bring you down, or make you feel bad about what you like. [Weddings can be stressful](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-handle-overbearing-parents-when-wedding-planning) as is, so it’s important to minimize potential conflict wherever possible. \n\n### Think about personalities.\nYou also want to consider personalities. Is your cousin notoriously outspoken and hard to get along with? Does your high school best friend have amazing taste in fashion? You want a good mix of opinions, but keep it to those with opinions that inherently support you. By that we mean, invite people who know you, your partner, your style, and your personality. \n\nAvoid bringing people who push your buttons or easily upset you. Anyone who tends to speak just to be heard and doesn’t listen well is probably not a great pick. Think about the people in your life that will add to your shopping day, and make it more enjoyable—not less. \n\n### Don’t go overboard.\nWhile there’s no magic number for how many people you should bring wedding dress shopping, it’s important to remember that some bridal stores have guest limits, so check before sending out invites. Plus, if you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by groups, consider limiting your invites to three or four people. Consider the mix of the group, too, and if they’ll get along with each other. Experiences are defined by the kind of people you bring, not how many. \n\n![Alyssa Rachel Photographer InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1UcHqSTGgd56uXGirCxusr/ffae8b87f657f8c94bb2fb5b19753212/Alyssa_Rachel_Photographer_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Alyssa Rachel Photography\n\n## Who to Invite Dress Shopping\n\n### Immediate Family \nTraditionally, the mother of the bride, sisters, and the closest friend (or friends) are involved in the dress hunt. Your future mother-in-law can be invited, too, if you’re tight with her and you want her to take part. \n\nIf your mom is part of your life, letting her watch you try on wedding dresses can be a really special experience. She has likely watched you grow up, and seeing you as a bride may make her emotional. Plus, she arguably knows you better than most people, so she can tell if a dress really reflects your personality. Likewise, sisters can be an invaluable sounding board, too. (They also know how to read your reactions and can act as mediators if things get a bit tense.) \n\nWhile it’s nice to have cousins included in your [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist), bringing them dress shopping isn’t always necessary. Again, if you’re super tight with them and want their level-headed advice, invite them along. Otherwise, cousins can lead to aunts and second cousins, and well, that’s a lot. If your extended family really wants to be involved in your wedding dress shopping, designate someone to send them photos so they still feel included. You can also FaceTime them in your chosen dress so they still see it before the wedding. \n\n### Close Friends \nFriends make shopping more enjoyable so having your besties watch you try on wedding dresses can make the day more fun. It’s also helpful to have people around your own age who appreciate current styles and trends.\n\nIf you’re a bit indecisive and have a friend who offers great advice, bring her along. Having someone help you make a decision and give objective feedback is important. On the flip side, if one of your friends is notoriously judgy and negative, she may be best at home. The important thing to remember is you’re inviting the friends who will help you make a decision and feel good about it. \n\n![Garden State Wedding Photo InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4oA7EjVnq3iuX1shBW485r/42d574c83969a14b453fea42e7a86911/Garden_State_Wedding_Photo_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Garden State Wedding Studio\n\n### Wedding Party \nSome brides may feel inclined to bring all the [members of their wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one), but too many cooks in the kitchen can mean too many varying opinions. You want people who [know your style](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) and personality so they can ground you and give you honest answers (in a nice way, of course). If one or two people from your wedding party fit the bill, ask them to join. \n\nIf you’re not sure who to bring or are afraid of offending someone by not inviting them, only ask your maid or man of honor. This person may turn out to be your sibling anyway, depending on your wedding party. You can also include others at different points of the process, like dress fittings, so they’re not completely left out. \n\n### No One\nSome people prefer shopping for clothes alone, and wedding dresses are no exception. Shopping alone offers you a judgment-free space to really think about how you feel in a dress, without any outside opinions. While it’s great to have others chime in, sometimes emotions run high, and you need a solo shopping trip to determine if something is right for you. \n\nYou can always do a preliminary shop alone, and then once you’ve narrowed it down to a few dresses, ask some family and friends to tag along. \n\nWhile you love your family and friends, you’re the one wearing your wedding dress—not them. It’s important that you choose positive people to come wedding dress shopping with you who will make the experience more enjoyable. Listen to your gut, hear loved ones out, but in the end, go with a dress that you really love. ","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:53:11.707Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"how-long-do-wedding-dress-alterations-take","title":"How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take?","excerpt":"Wondering how long wedding dress alterations should take? Find out now, with this complete guide.","author":"Jane Chertoff","publishedAt":"2020-12-23T20:13:22.738Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/32mFt3oOMDV9ZOF4U2EOtf/ffb2d1163bdbbcec1890bbb93c82eac8/Hero_EnglishGardenIntimateWeddingatHistoricKeelerTavern_CoreyLynnTuckerPhotography__2_.jpg","altText":"How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take"},"heroCredit":"Corey Lynn Tucker Photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- Wedding dress alterations may take at least three or four months. Plan on scheduling your first fitting at least three months before the big day. \n- Most wedding dresses typically undergo two, three, or even four rounds of alterations. \n- Custom alterations, such as adding details to the dress or modernizing your mom’s wedding dress, can take much longer, so plan accordingly.","body":"[Wedding dress alterations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dress-alterations) might feel like yet *another* to-do that you need to cross off your growing wedding day checklist, but don’t discredit the process.\n\nMost wedding dresses typically undergo two, three, or even four rounds of alterations. For that reason, you’ll need to leave extra time before your wedding day, so that your tailor or seamstress can work his or her magic.\n\nA wedding dress is sometimes described as the “best tailored dress” a woman will ever wear. That’s all thanks to the multiple fittings that you’ll have before the big day. So, how long do wedding dress alterations take, exactly? This article is going to explain everything you need to know about bridal gown alterations, so that you can plan accordingly for your big day.\n\n## How Much Alteration Will Your Wedding Dress Need?\n\n![How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ZkYXbeuNKiLKF4zgqu6Mn/1977f5b259221c8975aeb5e97d8d4bc9/Inline_Star_Noir_Photography.png)\n*Photo Credit* // Star Noir Photography\n\nSome wedding dresses are simple to alter. But, the more complicated, or custom, the bridal gown, the more time that it’s going to take to alter. For example, some dresses just need to be hemmed for length and adjusted on the sides for fit. You may want to adjust the neckline, add a strap, or add additional beading or other embellishments. In order for you to achieve your dream dress, these customizations may require additional time. Your seamstress will likely also need to add in the bustle, which keeps the train off the ground post-ceremony.\n\n### Related: [How to Bustle a Wedding Dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-bustle-a-wedding-dress) \n\nNote that if you’re having a gown custom made, or you’re modernizing your mother’s (or another relative’s) dress, expect to go to multiple rounds of fittings and consultations. Leave at least six months or longer for these extensive customizations.\n\n## Typical Wedding Dress Alteration Timeline\nGetting the timing right for alterations is key. You don’t want to do your final fitting too early, or your dress might fit differently by the time that your wedding day rolls around. But, you don’t want to wait too long, either. Your wedding dress isn’t something that you want to rush, so give yourself at least a week’s buffer in case something needs to be altered at the last minute. Three or four months before the big day is usually the sweet spot when it comes to your bridal gown alterations.\n\n## Three to Four Months Before the Wedding Day \nAfter your dress arrives, you’ll go in for your first fitting, which typically takes place three months before the big day. At this fitting, you’ll discuss if you want anything custom added or taken off from the dress. Your seamstress will also alter the hem length, and measure how much your dress needs to be taken in or out. He or she may also figure out where the bustle is going to attach during this appointment, so that it’s in place for your next fitting.\n\n## Six Weeks Before the Wedding Day\nAround six weeks pre-wedding, it’s time for your second fitting. When you try on your dress at this time, you’ll get to make sure that the length and fit are what you had in mind. The customizations you requested may be ready, so you’ll get to make sure that everything is to your liking. You can also bring your jewelry and veil to this appointment to ensure that all of the details match the dress.\n\n## Two Weeks Before the Wedding Day: Final Fitting\nThe final fitting is really just a chance for you to try on the dress and make sure that all of the requested alterations are in place. Hopefully everything is looking amazing and you can enjoy the moment of seeing your perfectly fitted dress. (If you’ve lost or gained weight and need last minute adjustments, those can usually be done in a few hours or a few days, depending on how busy your seamstress is.)\n\nAt this fitting, you may want to bring your MOH or another bridesmaid who will be in charge of the bustle on the wedding day. She can get a tutorial on bustling and may even practice, if needed.\n\nAfter you’ve tried on the dress at your final fitting and are satisfied with the alterations, you can take it home and keep it safe until the big day. \n\n## Don’t Forget to Bring…\nAt your alteration appointments, bring along:\n\n- The wedding day shoes that you plan to wear. \n- The undergarments that you plan on wearing underneath the dress.\n- Your veil and jewelry, to try on with the dress.\n- Your MOH or another bridesmaid, who will learn how to bustle the dress. \n\n![How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/kgxSRNvv6Utlb8lo0ZwIt/e3995c059ba8341514f0ce35478bd340/Inline_StudioOpia.png) *Photo Credit* // Studio Opia\n\n## Who Should Alter Your Wedding Dress?\n\nIf you’re not sure who should take care of your dress alterations, you might need to do a bit of research. If you got your dress in a specialty boutique, they might have a seamstress on-site who will take care of all the bridal gown alterations. They also will give you a specific timeline of alterations. However, if you bought your dress online, you’re going to need to find a seamstress in your area. Don’t just take your dress to any dry cleaner or tailor, but, rather, look for someone who specializes in wedding gown alterations.\n\nWedding dress alterations are delicate, so it’s best to go with someone with a lot of experience. Talk to friends who have gotten married recently and ask for references, if you wish. After all, the last thing you want is something to go wrong with your dress just days before your wedding. \n","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Get insights into wedding dress alteration costs. Discover factors influencing pricing and make informed decisions for your dream bridal fit","title":"How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost in 2025?","slug":"how-much-do-wedding-dress-alterations-cost","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7yMJnaQgmaqrNY2zcxbFuy/66b426d798becacc16a08778811ea7a1/Hero_RomanticBlack-TieWeddingatBrooklynBotanicGarden_NSTPictures__1_.jpg","altText":"Bride in lacy gown with someone else fastening it in the back"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":" If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing wedding day clothing for men, check out our guide to groom’s attire. ","title":"A Complete Guide to Wedding Attire for Grooms","slug":"a-guide-to-grooms-attire","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3VMpMOUBZSyCkaeYeEmqgk/8db23790cfb65c8c8eebd5f2ecc5c522/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"groom in cobalt blue tux jacket"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:42.695Z"}],"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses","description":"From dress style and silhouette guides to stunning inspiration to money saving tips and tricks we help you find the perfect wedding dress for you, your wedding party and guests! Find everything you need to know about wedding dresses of every style and shape!"},{"featuredArticles":[],"name":"Shoes & accessories","slug":"shoes-accessories","description":"Whether you're a bride, groom, in the wedding party or a guest, find inspiration and advice on completing your wedding look. From wedding shoes to accessories such as jewelry, veils, flower crowns and more, our expert style guides help you pull it all together!"},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding attire","slug":"wedding-attire"},"slug":"androgynous-wedding-attire","title":"Androgynous Wedding Attire: A Timeless Gender-Neutral Style Guide","excerpt":"Don't know where to shop for androgynous wedding attire? We've compiled a list of 10 places to shop plus moodboards for every wedding style.","publishedAt":"2024-08-13T16:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4mMWGycb0RlzWGFZTAJQt2/d899aec4756f6b7c139dd89e2dd3838e/androgynous-attire-for-weddings-hero.jpg","altText":"A woman wearing androgynous wedding attire during the sunset. "},"heroCredit":"Fly View Productions","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com","tldr":"__Inside this article:__ \n- How to find androgynous formal wear\n- Where to get androgynous wedding attire\n- How to personalize androgynous formal wear for every wedding type","body":"__TLDR:__\n- If you're looking for androgynous formal wear, be sure to consider your budget and preferred style before purchasing. \n- Several shops, like Duchess Clothier and SuitShop are perfect for fulfilling your androgynous wedding guest attire needs.\n- Consult our guide for styling for every type of [androgynous wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/gender-non-conforming-wedding-attire). Whether romantic, class, boho or beyond, we have visual cues to help.\n\n## Searching for androgynous wedding guest attire?\nDeciding what to [wear as a wedding guest](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/dos-donts-wedding-guest-fashion) is definitely not as easy as sampling everything at the [buffet table](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-food-ideas). But finding an outfit you love will make you feel your best and boost your confidence.\n\nIf a gender-neutral style is your style of choice, there are plenty of ways you can create a formal wear look that will make you feel your best. From classic to laid-back, we'll show you just how and where to find androgynous [wedding attire](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-wear-to-a-wedding) and how you can style it depending on any wedding theme.\n\n## How to find androgynous formal wear \nWhether you're an experienced wedding attendee or this is your first time celebrating your favorite lovebirds, finding the perfect wedding attire can be overwhelming, especially if you're set on finding the perfect gender neutral wedding outfit. \n\nWe here at Zola have you covered with all of your wedding wear needs. Here are some steps on how to find androgynous wedding attire.\n\n### 1. Set a budget\nTo help avoid overspending and narrow down your options, the first step in finding the perfect androgynous wedding attire is to [set a budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/budgeting). \n\nDecide how much you're willing to spend on the wedding outfit, taking into account not only necessary adjustments, such as [tailoring](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-do-wedding-dress-alterations-cost), but also any accessories, shoes, and makeup you'll have to purchase. Do some research by looking at stores online and local boutiques to help you come up with a budget that makes sense.\n\n### 2. Decide on your preferred style\nAlthough having a budget will help you narrow down which stores to go to, having a general idea of what style of clothing you're looking for will help you figure out where to go. Consider your preferred style choices, what makes you feel the most comfortable, and the [wedding theme](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes). \n\nHaving a look in mind will make the process easier and faster. Find inspiration by looking at current fashion trends and social media accounts of people with a similar style as yours.\n\n### 3. Consider how much time you have\nLastly, consider how much time you have to find your gender-neutral wedding outfit since it will likely dictate whether you should shop online or in person. If you're short on time, might need your outfit tailored, or want to try it on first, find a couple of local stores to go to. Otherwise, shopping online can give you a wide range of options to choose from—just be sure to account for shipping times.\n\n![Androgynous Wedding Guest Attire](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4ueZ9Qeq5seT7GOemiI1SN/546e8e8a38b3c4f83b6aba4831ebb05c/Androgynous_Wedding_Guest_Attire.jpg)\nPhoto by [Creatrix Photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/creatrix-photography)\n\n## Where to get androgynous wedding attire \nIf you're still looking for places to shop for an outfit, there are many stores focusing on androgynous formal wear. These stores' main purpose is to provide you with an array of gender-neutral pieces, from formal wear to casual pieces, that will help you look and feel your best. Here are some that we recommend:\n\n### 1. The Tailory New York\nAnother custom suit option with online fittings is [The Tailory New York](https://thetailorynyc.com/), a women-owned clothing company that combines custom tailoring with modern fashion design. If you're looking for a bold and ambitious look, The Tailory has different clothing styles and colors, from modern fairytale to street chic. Their suits and tuxedos start at $1,450.\n\n### 2. Bindle & Keep\n\n[Bindle & Keep](https://www.bindleandkeep.com/) offers suits that are made just for you. If you want to have a suit created for your exact measurements, Bindle & Keep will do fittings both in person and online. They divide their suit options into three different pricing tiers varying by fabric, which ranges from $995 to $1,395. If you're considering custom-made androgynous wedding attire from Bindle & Keep, make sure to order ahead of time as their turnaround time is between 10 and 11 weeks.\n\n### 3. WILDFANG\nIf you're looking for a place where you can buy your everyday clothes but also find formal wear for your special event, [WILDFANG](https://www.wildfang.com/) is a good option. Its mission is to rethink gender norms and focus on androgynous outfits. At their store, you'll be able to find blazers, [dresses](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-wear-to-a-spring-wedding), and even accessories at a more affordable price, ranging from $70 to $200.\n\n### 4. Duchess Clothier\nIf you're looking for another made-to-fit option, [Duchess Clothier](https://www.duchessclothier.com/) creates androgynous outfits for every body and occasion. Their store is located in Portland, OR, where you'll get plenty of separate suit and shoe options, but they also let you create your own look by mixing and matching pieces. The price for their suits starts at $1,120 and they offer packages that also include dress shirts, ties, and pocket squares.\n\n### 5. Kirrin Finch\n[Kirrin Finch](https://kirrinfinch.com/) seeks to create fitting clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. Their attire is designed to fit bodies of all shapes and sizes. They offer a wide range of androgynous formal wear, from dress shirts to suits and blazers. Prices range from $150 to $400 and offer a variety of silhouettes and colors.\n\n![Kirrin Finch Androgynous Formal Wear](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1lW1ojxP5jTJEjgXs2OkJu/98f85f274d87bcead990e2b668f5ee64/Kirrin_Finch_Androgynous_Formal_Wear.jpg)\n\n### 6. SuitShop\nIf you're looking for a more affordable option, or even considered [renting](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-does-a-tuxedo-rental-cost), [SuitShop](https://suitshop.com/) can provide you with high-quality clothing for a price that will make you feel as good as you look. At SuitShop, you can own a suit for as little as $199, and you'll get a variety of options to choose from with inclusive sizing. Plus, you can try your androgynous wedding attire for free for seven days.\n\n### 7. Birdy Grey\nAlthough [Birdy Grey](https://www.birdygrey.com/) fancies itself a [bridesmaid](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties) dress retailer, they also offer options for suits and tuxedos that are tailored to perfection. At the online retailer, you'll also see a variety of shoes and accessories that are perfect for any wedding theme. Their gender-neutral wedding outfits are also affordable, starting at $199.\n\n### 8. Peau de Loup\n[Peau de Loup](https://www.peaudeloup.com/)'s goal is to make clothes for bodies and not genders, offering high-quality and limited clothing that accommodates curves. Aside from finding your androgynous wedding attire there, you'll also be able to get shoes, accessories, and casual clothing. Their formal wear is affordable, with prices starting at $98.\n\n### 9. HauteButch\nAnother brand that creates masculine clothing to fit women's bodies is [HauteButch](https://hautebutch.com/), a queer Black-owned brand. This small company creates innovative and diverse styles that represent who you are. They sell suits, vests, and accessories in a variety of styles and colors, with suits starting at around $200.\n\n### 10. Sharpe Suiting\n[Sharpe Suiting](https://sharpesuiting.com/) will help you achieve a look that will both fit your body and your style. They specialize in wedding attire and use their trademarked body measuring formula called “Andropometrics” to deliver you a custom suit. The process of purchasing a custom outfit will take around eight weeks, and a two-piece suit starts at $1,800.\n\n![Sharpe Androgynous Formal Wear](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/48SlVkaQrogBBmLLYA9Ogq/cdca55ee7c7ea3539d3123b08632e6af/Sharpe_Androgynous_Formal_Wear.jpg)\n\n## How to personalize androgynous formal wear for every wedding type \nNo matter how you express yourself, your wedding attire should fit the [wedding type](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/couples-top-wedding-themes) you’re attending or planning. Whether that is a classic chic wedding or a beach getaway, there are different ways you can personalize your androgynous formal wear according to the theme. \n\nWhen deciding on what to wear for the wedding, consider each element of your wedding attire, including accessories, shoes, and colors. You can also add your own personal touch by using elements that you usually wear—like your favorite watch or a pop of color that looks good on you.\n\n### 1. Classic\nClassic weddings are more traditional and elegant, and sometimes will require [black tie wedding attire](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-wear-and-not-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding). Whether your invite mentions a dress code or not, invest in looks in black, gray, or dark blue with solid fabric. If the wedding is during the summer, you might opt to wear lighter tones such as light gray or beige. \n\nYour look should be elegant and fitted, so if you’re going for a suit, consider wearing solid wool fabric, a black bowtie, and a collared white shirt. To complete your look, wear classic black leather shoes and gold and pearl jewelry, if that’s true to your style. \n\n![androgynous-attire-for-classic-weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/630zTDv9adarWkCgmAY9X8/774dd5af04a72b617487675442696d26/androgynous-attire-for-classic-weddings.png)\n\n### 2. Rustic\n[Rustic weddings](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue) are full of natural and wooden touches, which means you can go for a less formal look and have fun with textures. Look for clothing with lighter tones such as light blue and brown. For a more casual look, you could also forgo your blazer and wear only a vest with a collared shirt. \n\nAdd some texture to your look by choosing cotton or tweed blazers. Then complement your outfit with vintage brown leather shoes and patterned pocket squares. This is also your chance to wear your favorite shiny, gold jewelry or a leather watch. \n\n![androgynous-attire-for-rustic-weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6X9V0pswklRpQ4DsMoebbj/62d44e6a3d9a4ae854cafbbe6905cd14/androgynous-attire-for-rustic-weddings.png)\n\n### 3. Beachy\n[Beach weddings](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/pros-and-cons-of-a-beach-wedding) are relaxed and calm, which means you get to enjoy the sea view and salty air with a more casual, bright look. Opt for light tones, like a pastel blue or green, or go for more colorful attire with florals. \n\nInvest in clothes with linen fabric so you can fully enjoy the ocean breeze. You might even want to roll up your sleeves or wear some nice shorts. Make your look even more beachy by adding colorful pocket flowers, accessories with seashells, and white loafers. \n\n![androgynous-attire-for-beachy-weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Zf82q3mpqKJLcuDB84EWS/1362edaf2195c2480dab783a07118625/androgynous-attire-for-beachy-weddings.png)\n\n### 4. Modern\nModern weddings are more fashionable and bold, so if you like trendy styles or a monochromatic look, this is your chance to shine. In a modern wedding, you have the opportunity to be more creative by trying different fabrics or wearing a statement piece. \n\nConsider bold colors like dark green or burgundy, or try an all-black outfit with cuffed pants. Then complete your look with fashionable loafers or shiny black shoes and a gold watch. \n\n![androgynous-attire-for-modern-weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6hpxRcBcPre6QeHDQhrMgY/a531c502c266880425318f77c1b56270/androgynous-attire-for-modern-weddings.png)\n\n### 5. Garden\n[Garden weddings](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/outdoor-wedding-ideas-for-fall) are fun and whimsical, so bring a playful spirit to your wedding attire. Consider floral and pinstripe fabrics, or go for a solid dark blue or purple look. Choose a breathable fabric, especially if the wedding will be outside during the summer. \n\nComplete your look by adding a tie in a pastel tone, or ditch the tie and go for an open collar style. Add flower accessories or a simple white pocket square to go with stitched vintage shoes. \n\n![androgynous-attire-for-garden-weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/QQIsPX3Pfi3nhwBvgFcNt/97fb6382f096e46eb5601fce444a8b09/androgynous-attire-for-garden-weddings.png)\n\n### 6. Romantic\nRomantic weddings are nothing short of dreamy and elegant. Go all in with a look that could've come out of a fairytale by wearing pastel pinks and blues and a blazer with silk details. \n\nTry suspenders, and match them with some classic leather shoes. For accessories, you can add delicate flower pins or shiny jewelry with diamonds and a gold watch.\n\n![androgynous-attire-for-romantic-weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1voWcJwI7i0vFWKLZTTWfa/09119df7011a734aa074ab55471930de/androgynous-attire-for-romantic-weddings.png)\n\n### 7. Boho\n[Boho weddings](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/rustic-wedding-ideas) are more unconventional and relaxed, so this is your chance to rock a more laid-back look. Find outfits with lightweight and breathable fabrics and play around with different colors. \n\nDon't be shy when adding flowers or feathers to complement your look, or try a suede boho hat and match it with brown loafers. As for accessories, consider jewelry with colorful stones or gold fringe. \n\n![androgynous-attire-for-boho-weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/19ClGLMB3t5aDno8SdUPg0/b06b0754a417d786152b3240e245c6e8/androgynous-attire-for-boho-weddings.png)\n\nFinding the right [wedding attire](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/wedding-guests/wedding-attire) doesn't have to be complicated. As long as you wear something you love and feel comfortable in, you'll radiate confidence walking in the venue. Luckily, you know exactly where to shop for androgynous wedding attire and how to personalize it according to each wedding theme.\n\nAre you the one getting married? Did you know that Zola can help with all of your wedding day needs? From using our [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) to creating a free [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website), get started today!","tag":"List","updatedAt":"2025-06-07T16:47:44.977Z"}],"name":"Wedding attire","slug":"wedding-attire","description":"Find wedding attire inspiration and advice for grooms, guests, bridesmaid, groomsmen and the rest of the wedding party. From black tie dress code guides to casual wedding attire inspiration to mother of the bride style ettiquete we'll help you look your best on the big day."}],"featured":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Fashion & beauty","slug":"fashion-beauty"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding dresses","slug":"wedding-dresses"},"slug":"average-wedding-dress-cost","title":"The Average Wedding Dress Cost in 2025","excerpt":"Today’s average wedding dress cost is between $1,500 - $2,500. We’ll give you a full breakdown of wedding dress costs, plus ways to save on your dream dress!","publishedAt":"2024-10-02T06:00-08:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4IgzPKbJMjCnUvkugF2s6T/670bcf3bd50fa8684631321c31f0d15a/average-wedding-dress-cost-hero.jpg","altText":"A woman stands smiling in the mirror of a bridal dress boutique after trying on a wedding dress, indicating she researched the average wedding dress cost. "},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/","tldr":"__Inside this article:__\n- What is the average wedding dress cost in 2025?\n- What does the average wedding dress cost?\n- How much should you spend on a wedding dress?\n- Average cost of wedding dress alterations\n- How much does a custom wedding dress cost?\n- Four factors that affect the cost of a wedding dress\n- How to save money on your wedding dress","body":"__TLDR__\n- Dresses fall into the $1,500-$2,500 range, but finding your dream wedding gown could cost more (or less) depending.\n- If you're on a strict budget, consider shopping at sample sales and trunk shows at your local bridal boutique.\n- Also, don't forget to factor in the cost of wedding dress alterations, which can add a significant amount.\n\nChoosing a wedding dress can be one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. Whether you’ve fantasized about your dream wedding gown for years or haven’t yet [thought about your style](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style), you’re likely wondering, \"How much are wedding dresses, anyway?\"\n\nSo, to first answer the question about how much do wedding dresses cost: Today’s average cost of wedding dresses is between $1,500 - $2,500. However, the truth is that wedding dress costs vary wildly based on factors like the designer, fabric, and other key elements. If you have your eye on an Oscar de la Renta designer dress, it'll have a bigger price tag.\n\nIf that cost of a wedding dress number seems high, don’t worry. It’s more than possible to find a dress you love on a smaller budget. Once you understand what factors impact the cost of a dress, you’ll be able to narrow down what to look for and what to avoid when you start shopping.\n\nFrom the average wedding dress cost in 2025 to the average price of alterations, read on for everything you need to know about wedding dress costs.\n\n## What is the average wedding dress cost in 2025? \n\nAccording to a real weddings study, the average price of a wedding dress in 2025 is [$1,500 to $2,500](https://fash.com/costs/wedding-dress-cost). The average American wedding dress cost from a large retailer like David's Bridal starts at $500. A boutique dress costs around $2000+, and a designer/custom dress usually starts at $5,000. Some dresses cost $100 or less. Note: those are [pre-alterations prices](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-do-wedding-dress-alterations-cost).\n\n![Wedding Dress Costs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4eWFohjCPq4s3jJY32BhI8/199418ebf5acd9c6a5eb2eb9709a59d6/Wedding_Dress_Costs.jpg) Photo by [Lex & Trev Photo + Film](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/lex-trev-photo-film--2)\n\n## What does the average wedding dress cost? \nAccording to a recent [wedding dress Reddit thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/weddingdress/comments/184qza5/how_much_did_you_spend_on_your_dress/), the average cost of a wedding gown varies greatly depending on where folks shopped. Buying a gown at a trunk sale brings a lower price point than at a bridal boutique. Don't worry—our Zola experts will clue you in on how to save money. \n\nSo, is $2000 a good budget for a wedding dress? In our estimation, yes, but it all depends on your goals. That number is right in the middle of our average 2025 wedding dress budget. However, you also need to factor in alterations. The average is around $500, but that depends on how detailed your gown is and how many alterations you need.\n\n## How much should you spend on a wedding dress? \n\nYour wedding dress is just one of many expenses in [your wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget). Be sure you’re clear on how much you’ll spend in other areas like your venue, florals, and vendors. Factor in [additional outfits](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/buying-two-wedding-dresses-101) for pre-wedding activities like your rehearsal dinner before you settle on a wedding dress budget.\n\nDon’t let your opinions be swayed too much by the average wedding dress cost. How much you should spend on a wedding dress depends entirely on your personal tastes and priorities. You might decide to buy a dress for $200 because you’d rather spend more on elaborate floral arrangements—or maybe you’re willing to spend as much as necessary if it means achieving your dream look.\n\nAside from considering other wedding expenses over a dress, decide if you might regret shelling out thousands for your dream dress after the big day. Whatever the answer might be, the key is knowing your priorities and adjusting your budget accordingly.\n\nDon’t forget to give some thought to your shoes, jewelry, and [accessories](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-accessories-bridal-look), all of which help tie your final look together—head over to Zola’s online [bridal boutique](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/bridal-boutique) for inspiration! So, how much should you pay for a wedding dress? It depends on your priorities and overall budget.\n\n__Expert Advice:__ Use Zola’s free [Wedding Budget Planner & Calculator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) to make keeping track of your wedding expenses easy.\n\n## Average cost of wedding dress alterations \n\nMost alterations cost $75 to $300 and upward, but it depends on how labor-intensive your alterations are. Minor adjustments like taking a few inches off the hemline could cost less than $100. Major alterations like sleeves, new necklines, removing boning, or adding a [bustle](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-bustle-a-wedding-dress) can cost $300+.\n\nThe more layers your dress has, or the more intricate its design (beading, lace), the more expensive your alterations will be, even for “simple” adjustments like a hem. If you’re trying on a dress that you know will need big changes, it’s worth asking for a quote before you say yes.\n\nTo ensure your dress fits perfectly, plan on alterations, no matter how pricey your dress is. \n\nRead our [Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Alterations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dress-alterations) for more.\n\n![Wedding Dress Costs 2025](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6V2CuzQbyzTxIFgZiWt3Ie/1879324fbbace6722f29dd94d9493d83/Wedding_Dress_Costs_2025.jpg) Photo by [Life Captured by CLN](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/life-captured-by-cln-photography)\n\n## How much does a custom wedding dress cost? \n\nThis is likely to be the most expensive option—the cost of a custom wedding dress can range anywhere from $6,000 to well over $10,000. Designing a custom gown can be ideal if you have a very specific vision in mind.\n\nIn general, the more couture the designer you go with, the more expensive the wedding dress price will be. However, you may be able to get a deep discount if you shop at a sample sale or trunk show. Ask your local bridal stores when they’re having these events if you’re interested in sample dresses.\n\nEven big-name designers have started making less expensive lines of their dresses for big-box bridal stores, so you may be able to find your dream wedding gown by shopping around.\n\n## Four factors that affect the cost of a wedding dress \n\nWedding dress prices first and foremost depend on whether you choose a [designer gown](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/7-black-wedding-designers-to-know) or a dress off the rack from a major retailer. Designer dress prices will always be more than manufactured dress prices, especially if you go for a handmade or custom-made gown. So, when you’re looking into the average cost of a wedding dress, keep this in mind. \n\nEven if you don’t choose a designer dress, styles with extensive embellishments (like lots of beading or embroidery) or luxurious fabrics like charmeuse will hike up the price. How much to spend on [wedding dresses](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/tips-wedding-dress-shopping) depends on your style and budget, taking the below into consideration. \n\n### Fabric and materials\n\n![wedding-dress-fabrics](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Oy7REHNucRp1zeBvffyxp/9a3f945bc90c582161bc7fefbb8228cd/wedding-dress-fabrics.png)\n\nThe fabric of your dress significantly impacts overall costs. Expect to pay more for luxury fabrics like silk, hand-embroidered lace, charmeuse, and certain types of satin.\n\nIf you’re after a lower price tag, consider synthetic or blended fabrics like polyester, chiffon, rayon, or crepe. If seeing “wedding dress” and “polyester” in the same sentence makes you cringe, hear us out—poly-blend fabrics have come a long way over the years, and you can find options that feel high-end for less.\n\n### The designer\n\nIf you’re eyeing a luxury designer gown, be prepared to spend significantly more—not only because designer dresses are typically made with higher-quality materials, but also because of the designer name itself. \n\nDresses by designers like Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab, and Vera Wang will all come with a higher price tag. For example, the starting price for the Vera Wang Bridal Collection is $2,900, and the Luxe Collection starts at $6,900.\n\n### Embellishments\n\nEmbellishments like hand-embroidered lace, intricate beading, and appliqués will all hike up the cost of your wedding dress due to the additional time and labor required to create them. \n\nMore elaborate constructions like fully boned corsets will also cost more—in general, the more detailed the fabric, [silhouette](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dress-silhouettes), and embellishments, the higher the price will be compared to [simpler wedding dresses](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/simple-wedding-dresses-that-are-elegant-and-timeless).\n\nIf you’re aiming to keep costs down, opt for gowns with a simple silhouette or find alternative ways to add visual interest to your look—you can easily do this with your jewelry, but also consider elements like a delicate belt or sash or an [eye-catching veil](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/14-wedding-veil-styles-and-lengths-every-bride-should-know).\n\n__Expert Advice:__ Opting for a simpler silhouette won’t always ensure a lower price tag—a minimal dress design made with high-end fabric will still cost more than more affordable fabrics.\n\n### Accessories\n\n![wedding-dress-cost-impacts](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/EhPCvrM1I1Yk67rf9KCF3/5d2f04880c2d65808b7da580754f8f99/wedding-dress-cost-impacts.png)\n\nThe dress itself may be the main event, but accessories like your jewelry, shoes, and a veil ([if you’re wearing one](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/veil-or-no-veil-the-pros-and-cons-of-each)) should all be factored into your overall cost. Plan to spend at least $200, but costs can easily climb to $500+ depending on the items you choose.\n\nDon’t think you have to buy your wedding accessories from a bridal store. Shop around at your favorite non-bridal stores to find similar pieces without the typical wedding mark-up. \n\n## How to save money on your wedding dress \n\n![save-on-wedding-dress](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1HERLQUQmzDPBf1wDFx3qJ/1eff092a23b5daeb67469b46df970757/save-on-wedding-dress.png)\n\nDon’t be fooled into thinking you can’t find your dream dress on a lower budget. There are countless retailers with affordable wedding dress options that can help you save money on your wedding dress budget.\n\nDavid’s Bridal, Azazie, and BHLDN all offer gowns for lower price points, and even big-box retailers like ASOS, Lulus, Reformation, and Revolve have dedicated bridal collections where you can find a stunning look for less.\n\nThere are plenty of other ways to save on your wedding dress cost if you’re willing to think outside the box:\n\n- __Shop bridesmaid, reception, and non-bridal formalwear collections:__ There’s no rule that says your wedding dress has to come from a bridal collection. Look for white or ivory dresses in alternative collections—you might be surprised!\n- __Opt for a rental:__ Find a splurge-worthy look for less by renting your dress on sites like [Rent the Runway](https://www.renttherunway.com/pdp/shop/bride/products?filters%5Bzip_code%5D=77304&filters%5Bduration%5D=4&filters%5BcanonicalSizes%5D%5B%5D=4&filters%5BunlimitedMinAvailability%5D=0&sort=recommended#1703271475367).\n- __Shop sample sales:__ Sample designer gowns have been tried on or gently used, but never actually purchased—they’re usually a fraction of the cost compared to other options you’ll find in a bridal boutique.\n- __Be strategic with seasons:__ You’ll pay more for a dress if you shop during the peak wedding seasons (spring and fall)—instead, shop during the summer and winter months to score discounted dresses from the previous season. This is one of the best ways to pay less than the average wedding dress cost.\n- __Shop secondhand:__ Find gently used designer dresses at a fraction of the cost (we’re talking up to 90% off!) on sites like [Stillwhite](https://www.stillwhite.com/), [Once Wed](https://www.oncewed.com/), and [Nearly Newlywed](https://www.nearlynewlywed.com/).\n\nAs much as it may be tempting, don’t try on dresses that are above your budget. Wearing a higher priced gown on your wedding day may feel good, but \n\nWhile knowing the average wedding dress cost is a helpful baseline, you can find your dream dress for much less (or more) than the national average. \n\nUltimately, how much you spend on finding your dream wedding dress is up to you. [Start shopping early](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-soon-should-i-buy-my-wedding-dress) to learn what style you’re after and narrow down your priorities. Once you understand what impacts wedding dress costs—including the cost of wedding dress alterations—shopping becomes a whole lot easier.\n\nOnce you find your bridal gown, Zola is here for so many other aspects of your big day. Why not get started with your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website), add items to your [registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry), or find [local vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors)? Weddings are what we love, so stick around for a while!","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Instead of keeping it in storage, donate your wedding dress to support a cause and bride in need! 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Wedding dresses

From dress style and silhouette guides to stunning inspiration to money saving tips and tricks we help you find the perfect wedding dress for you, your wedding party and guests! Find everything you need to know about wedding dresses of every style and shape!

Your Guide to A-Line Wedding Dresses

Guide to Wedding Dress Lengths

How to Dance in a Wedding Dress + 11 Wedding Dress Options

Difference between A-Line and Ball Gown

What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dress Trains?

My Wedding Dress Doesn't Fit After Alterations. What Do I Do?

13 Tips for Choosing Your Dream Wedding Dress

23 Wedding Dresses Under $1000 For Every Bridal Style

Should You Get a Second Wedding Dress for Your Reception? (+ 10 Dress Ideas)

20 Black Wedding Dress Designers to Know

Minimalist Wedding Dress Inspiration

How to Fly With Your Wedding Dress and Suit

Find even more wedding ideas, inspo, tips, and tricks

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