Most Common Wedding Dress Alterations
If you're looking for wedding dress alterations in Ottawa, you're in the right place. At Always Knew, our in-house seamstresses specialize in making sure Ottawa brides walk down the aisle feeling flawless, no matter the style, fabric, or timeline.
Does my dress need alterations?
There is a difference between ‘made-to-order’ and “custom sizing’.brides often mix up: ‘made-to-order’ doesn’t mean ‘custom sizing.’ A made-to-order dress is created after you place the order, but it’s still based on standard sizing (think size 8, 10, 12, etc.). You choose the closest size to your measurements, and then alterations fine-tune the fit. Custom sizing, on the other hand, means the dress is made using your exact measurements; bust, waist, hips, and height, from the start. While both options offer beautiful results, most dresses still need some alterations either way to achieve that perfect, personal fit.
Let’s bust a myth right away: almost every wedding dress needs alterations. Yup—even the ones that feel like a perfect fit in the salon mirror or the ones that are “made to order”
Why? Because gowns are typically made using standard sizing, not custom measurements. So unless the stars align and you match a sample size perfectly (lucky you!), you’ll likely need a few tweaks to get that glove-like fit.
Think of alterations as the final polish that takes your dress from beautiful to flawlessly you. Let’s break down the three most common wedding dress alterations and why nearly every bride in Ottawa (and beyond!) will need them.
1. Hemming the Dress
Hemming is adjusting the length of your gown so it gracefully skims the floor (and doesn’t trip you down the aisle).:Wedding dresses are usually made extra long to accommodate taller brides—and heels. If you’re under 6 feet tall (aka, most people), chances are your dress will be too long.
Things to Remember and Consider
- Bring your shoes! Always bring the exact shoes you’ll wear on the big day to your fitting. Even a 0.5-inch heel difference changes everything.
- Multiple layers: Hemming a dress with several layers of tulle or lace? That takes extra time and precision. It’s not just a straight chop, it’s artistry (trust us)
💡 Pro Tip: If you're planning on changing shoes for the reception (hello, sneakers!), talk to your seamstress about a bustle or slight adjustment to accommodate dancing. Adding a bustle to lift the train post-ceremony is included in many of our hemming alterations.
2. Strap Adjustments
This alteration shortens or lengthens the straps so the bodice sits properly on your shoulders.Loose straps = slipping, tugging, and a bodice that doesn't sit right.
Tight straps = digging into your skin and limiting movement.
Strap adjustments help with lifting the neckline if it’s too low, securing the dress if it feels close, and improving comfort during the full wedding day.
💡 Pro Tip: This is often one of the quickest and most affordable alterations and it makes a huge impact on how your dress looks and feels.
3. Replacing or Adjusting Bust Cups
Bust cups give shape, structure, and support, especially important if you're going braless in your gown (which most gowns either require or built for) Most clients often change them because they are cookie cutter cups, they don’t offer enough lift or the shape doesn’t suit your bust OR the gown. We can do a lot of different tweaks to the bust cups of your gown to have the girls looking perky and “right”. We can add/remove padding, change the cup size, reposition the cups (because ladies let’s be real, these placements seem very aspirational), or upgrade to pushup/structured options.
💡 Pro Tip: Wearing a sticky bra or shapewear to your fitting? BRING IT TO YOUR FITTING and let your seamstress know so your alterations work around what you plan to wear
What Else Might Come Up?
While hem, strap, and bust cup adjustments are the big three, other common alterations include.
- Taking in or letting out the waist or hips, because Brides, especially women, are rarely the same size at their Bodice than at their skirt
- Shortening sleeves or adjusting armholes
Alterations Timeline
Most Brides & Nearlyweds don’t realize that alterations can take up to 3 months to be completed, happening right before the wedding day.. That’s where Always Knew really shines: we have our own in-house alteration team that can work with rush timelines.
Brides from Ottawa, Gatineau, Kanata, Nepean, and beyond trust our expert team for bridal alterations that fit both your timeline and your body. Whether your wedding is months away or just around the corner, we’re the go-to for wedding gown alterations in Ottawa.
We break down your alterations into three visits..
- Your first visit is the consultation. Our senior Ottawa Bridal Seamstresses discuss what tweaks you’d like to make to the gown and pin to your suiting. Read here about the most common alterations and their price points
- Your second visit is the confirmation visit. Our seamstresses have not cut any material yet, you’ll try on your gown and make sure everything is picture perfect.
- Cut, Sewn & ready to take home with you on your third visit.
In a rush?
Don’t worry, we do that too!. At Always Knew, our in-house alterations team can accommodate tighter timelines.
What Ottawa Brides & Nearlyweds want to know!
If you're new to bridal alterations (and you probably are!!), you're definitely not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions we get at Always Knew, in a more bite-sized, scroll-friendly format:
- How much do wedding dress alterations cost?
Pricing depends on what needs to be done, but the 2025-2026 average in our boutique is between $500 - $650. - Are alterations included in the price of the dress?
Not usually. Unlike most bridal boutiques in Ottawa, we charge separately for each alterations. No bundle or package pricing here. This gives you the flexibility to choose exactly what services you need, and ensures you're working with expert seamstresses who specialize in bridal tailoring. - Can you alter any type of fabric or gown?
Absolutely! Our in-house team is trained to work with all types of materials—lace, tulle, satin, crepe, beading, and even heavily structured bodices. Whether your gown is simple or detailed, we’ve got you covered. - Can I bring in a dress I bought somewhere else?
We prioritize alterations for Always Knew and Never Knew I Needed (our sister stores) brides, but we’re happy to take a look at outside gowns when our schedule allows. Just reach out, and we’ll let you know what’s possible. - When should I book my alterations?
Our alterations manager will book you in 3 months before the big day. This allows time for a couple of fittings and any final tweaks.
Tight timeline? No problem, we offer rush alterations in-house right here in Ottawa for brides who need a faster turnaround.
Don’t waste time searching for a last-minute seamstress or traveling outside the city, our Ottawa bridal boutique offers professional, in-house wedding dress alterations, so everything you need is under one roof.
Ready to book your wedding dress alterations? Our boutique is centrally located in Ottawa and proudly serves brides across Orleans, Stittsville, Barrhaven, Vanier, and more. Whether it’s a simple hem or a full custom refit, our team is here to make your dress fit like it was made just for you.