Your Questions Answered: Everything You Need to Know About Alterations & Custom Designs at the Ivory & Main Atelier

At the Ivory & Main Atelier, we believe every bride deserves a gown that fits like a dream and feels uniquely hers. Whether you're looking for expert alterations to achieve the perfect fit, customizations to add a personal touch or a one-of-a-kind design that brings your vision to life, our skilled team is here to make it happen. To help you navigate this exciting journey, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our services, process, and how we can help you feel stunning and confident on your big day.

When should I book my first fitting?

You should book your first fitting when you pick up your gown and your appointment will roughly be 4 to 6 weeks out from your wedding date.

How many fittings will I need?

On average most brides need about two fittings.

What should I wear to my alterations appointment?

Be sure to bring the same undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, including bra tape if needed, to all your fittings. Wearing the same undergarments ensures the seamstress achieves a consistent and precise fit throughout the alteration process.

What if I don’t have my correct shoes yet?

You don’t necessarily have to have your exact bridal shoes as long as you come with a shoe that has the exact heel height.

Can the seamstress add fabric if the dress is too tight?

Some dresses can have a corset added to the back to give you additional room if the dress is too tight.

How long does it take to create a custom dress?

We generally tell brides to plan for at least 12 months before their wedding. Although we have done short turnaround times it is preferred to leave yourself enough time for any changes that you and the Seamstress need.

Do you create dresses other than wedding gowns?

We absolutely do! We design cocktail dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, and bridesmaid dresses! As well as coats, skirts, and other clothing items.

What level of customization is possible? (e.g., neckline, train length, fabric)

Depending on the gown, we can do almost any customizations, either directly in-store with our Atelier or with the designers.

Do you offer cleaning and preservation services after the wedding?

We do not offer our cleaning or preservation within our store.

Still have questions? Give us a call at 631-760-7082 or send us an email to info@ivorymain.com and we would be happy to answer!

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