Tips for Petite Brides on Dresses and Alterations?

velvetwit

I'm all of 5' tall and even though I know the type of dress I want (sheith, sleeves, no train) is supposed to be flattering on shorter brides, I'm worrried about finding a dress that won't be ruined by having to hack off 8 inches or more from the hem. I'm wondering if other petite brides ran into problems when picking out dresses or if they found they could shorten the dresses they liked?

gottahavashorti

The consultant might have an idea of how the dress would be altered.  For some, the length is taken off the bottom.  With others, they're able to shorten from the top of the skirt if there is a seam at the waist of the dress.  So keep that in mind if you're looking at dresses with a lot of embellishments.  Seamstresses can also remove and replace beading, but I'd imaging that would get expensive.

I didn't have much of a problem, but I was looking mostly at dresses with all-over embellishments rather than ones that had a lot of beading or embroidery at the bottom.

ring_pop

It depends on the dress. Mine had a plain skirt so they just hemmed the bottom. I almost bought a lace dress, but when they told me what would be involved with hemming it, I decided against it for fear of overwhelming alterations costs. (I can't remember whether they said they'd take it up from the waist, or reconstruct the lace hem.)

thealphabride

Many designers have petite sizing and custom hem lengths, just work with your salon and they can help you. I know Maggie styles come with custom lengths.

october010bride

I tried on several contenders that would have to have MAJOR alterations. Mostly they said the hemming would come from the waist area and then they would reconstruct the entire dress. It was very overwhelming for sure.

jessNlane52804

Haha Lola, I tried on a mermaid dress with ruching. Boy did it look awful. I looked like a dwarf mummy!

kimka83

I also had the same problem (I'm 5'1").  I ended up going with a tea length dress.  Is is a bit less formal, but it didn't overwhelm my small frame and for once in my life I don't have to worry about the hem. 

Lola Minnie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_tips-petite-brides-dresses-alterations?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:efb2d298-1937-4368-9938-e545b6a1a50fPost:ce42ebfd-f96d-4984-b23b-b2f40c77beb2">Re: Tips for Petite Brides on Dresses and Alterations?</a>:
[QUOTE]Haha Lola, I tried on a mermaid dress with ruching. Boy did it look awful. I looked like a dwarf mummy!
Posted by jessNlane52804[/QUOTE]

Dwarf mummy - hahaha! Good one! I had trumpet in my head the whole time so it was kind of a bummer but I'm hoping my dress will be fitted enough that it will be a similar feel and not make me look like a 5th grader.

future mrs.riva

i'd definitely stay away from big ballgowns- lots of dress for a small person. i would also stay away from dresses with a lot of detail at the hem. as pp have said, alterations would cost a fortune and in the end you'd probably lose a lot of it when they hem the dress. a lot of the time they will hem the front and gradually taper it to the back so you keep the train.

i am also 5' and ended up with a fit and flare (not as dramatic as a mermaid). the skirt also didn't have any extra design to it, so it's easy to hem. PIB

GL!