Finding the Perfect Fit at the Running of the Brides

Finding the Perfect Fit at the Running of the Brides

On October 28, 2011, future brides will take over Filene’s Basement in Newton, MA for the annual Running of the Brides event, a chance to find their dream dress at a bargain price.

Yet, even the perfect dress might need a little work before it fits perfectly. From alterations to cleaning and pressing, the Wedding Gown Specialists at Dependable Cleaners have tips to ensure the gown you find at the Running of the Brides looks flawless when you walk down the aisle.

Wedding gowns consist of elegant fabrics and intricate designs, which makes them extremely beautiful, yet difficult to clean and alter. It’s critical that dresses are cared for by an experienced team that specializes in the intricacies of wedding gowns and formal evening wear.

Most dresses will need some level of alterations before the big day. The majority of wedding gown alterations a bride will need involve adjustments of the length or size of her dress.

Adjusting the length
The length of a dress can be shortened by adjusting the bottom of the gown. However, when the hem is made out of lace or has heavy embellishments the adjustments need be made at the waist to preserve the integrity of the design along the hem. If this is not possible, the embellishments will need to be removed and replaced once the adjustment is complete. This can drive up the cost of the alterations.

Adjusting the size
In general it is easier to take a gown in a few sizes than it is to let it out. Most gowns can be taken in up to 2-3 sizes, however, when it comes to letting a gown out, the range changes to 0 – 2 sizes. Dress sizes are changed by adjusting the side or back seams. The amount a gown can be let out depends on how much extra fabric is left over in between the seams. Another option is to add fabric to the seams or to replace the zipper with a corset that laces up the back of the dress. While often successful, these methods will be more costly and can drastically change the look of the dress. Brides may want to consider purchasing a gown 1-2 sizes larger and have it taken in to avoid having to let the gown out.

Cleaning
What if the dream dress has been treated less than gently and one of your fellow Running of the Brides participants gets dirt on the hem or stains on the bodice? It happens, but depending on the type of material and stain, the dress may still be salvageable. If possible, brides should get a professional opinion on the stain before it is purchased.

Dependable Cleaners will have a team of Wedding Gown Specialists onsite at the Running of the Brides event. The team can help a bride make a well-informed decision on the dresses being considered. The experts can provide consultations on cleaning and alterations as well as helping brides pin-up the gowns to determine how a gown will look once it is altered. For more information on the services of the Wedding Gown specialists