So you’ve found the perfect wedding dress, but there’s just one problem – it doesn’t quite fit your broad shoulders. Don’t worry, though, because there are plenty of tips and tricks for altering a wedding dress to accommodate those gorgeous shoulders of yours. From adjusting the neckline to adding illusion sleeves, these alteration experts have all the tricks up their sleeves to make your dress not only fit perfectly but also accentuate your beautiful shoulders.
Choose the Right Style
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress for broad shoulders, the style you choose can make all the difference. Consider opting for off-the-shoulder styles, as they can help balance out the width of your shoulders and create an elegant look. Off-the-shoulder dresses draw attention away from the shoulders and offer a flattering neckline that suits many body types.
Another option to consider is dresses with wide necklines. These can help create the illusion of narrower shoulders by visually widening the area around your face and neck. Look for styles such as V-neck, scoop neck, or boat neck, as they can help soften the appearance of broad shoulders and create a balanced silhouette.
On the other hand, it’s best to avoid halter or high collar styles if you have broad shoulders. Halter necklines can emphasize the width of your shoulders, while high collars can make them appear even wider. It’s important to choose a style that flatters your body shape and brings attention to your best features.
Find an Experienced Tailor
Once you’ve found the perfect wedding dress style that suits your broad shoulders, it’s essential to find an experienced tailor or seamstress to help with the necessary alterations. Look for alteration experts who specialize in wedding dresses or bridal attire. These professionals have the expertise and knowledge to handle delicate fabrics and intricate designs, ensuring that your dress is altered to perfection.
Reading reviews and asking for recommendations can also be helpful in finding a reliable and skilled tailor or seamstress. Wedding forums, online communities, and bridal boutiques can be great sources of information and can point you in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples of their work or to schedule consultations before making a final decision.
Take Accurate Measurements
Accurate measurements are crucial when altering a wedding dress to fit broad shoulders. To ensure the best fit, start by measuring your shoulder width. This measurement will help your tailor determine the amount of alteration needed to achieve the desired fit.
Next, note down your bust and waist measurements. These measurements will help your tailor make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the dress fits snugly in all the right places. Remember that proper fit around the bust and waist can help balance out the overall silhouette and create a flattering look.
It’s also important to determine the length you prefer for the dress. While this may not directly affect alterations for broad shoulders, it’s a good opportunity to communicate your desired dress length to your tailor. This way, they can make any necessary adjustments to the hemline while working on the shoulder alterations.
Know What Alterations Are Possible
Understanding what alterations are possible for your wedding dress can help you communicate your needs effectively to your tailor or seamstress. Here are some common alterations that can be made to fit broad shoulders:
Take In or Let Out the Shoulders
If the dress has wide shoulders or straps, your tailor can take them in to create a narrower shoulder look. On the other hand, if the dress is too tight around the shoulders, they can let them out to provide more room and a more comfortable fit. It’s essential to communicate your comfort level and desired look to your tailor, as they can adjust the dress accordingly.
Adjust the Neckline
The neckline of a wedding dress plays a significant role in how your shoulders are perceived. Your tailor can adjust the neckline to help balance out broad shoulders. For example, they can modify a halter neckline to a V-neck or scoop neck, which visually widens the collarbone area and creates a more proportionate look.
Reshape the Sleeves
If your dress has sleeves that don’t quite suit your broad shoulders, your tailor can reshape them to achieve a more flattering fit. They can alter the sleeves by taking them in or letting them out, subtly transforming the dress to cater to your shoulder width. It’s important to discuss the desired sleeve style with your tailor, as they can guide you on what options are feasible and flattering.
Consider Adding Straps or Sleeves
Adding straps or sleeves to your wedding dress can be an excellent option for broad shoulders, as they can help balance out the width and create a more proportional look. Here are a few strap and sleeve options to consider:
Opt for Cap Sleeves
Cap sleeves are a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance and coverage to a wedding dress. They can add a stylish flair while also balancing out broad shoulders. Cap sleeves create a horizontal line across the shoulders, which helps to visually reduce the shoulder width and create a more balanced silhouette.
Try Illusion Sleeves
Illusion sleeves are a fantastic option for brides who want a delicate and romantic look while still addressing the issue of broad shoulders. These sleeves are typically made from sheer or lace fabric and provide coverage without adding too much bulk. Illusion sleeves have a subtle yet beautiful effect, drawing attention away from the shoulders and creating a soft, feminine look.
Consider Adding Spaghetti Straps
Spaghetti straps are another option to consider when adding straps to your wedding dress. These thin, delicate straps can help create a more balanced look for broad shoulders. They add a touch of delicacy to the dress while also highlighting the collarbone area, which visually narrows down the shoulder line.
Avoid Excessive Embellishments
When altering a wedding dress for broad shoulders, it’s important to consider the overall design and embellishments on the upper body. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose Simple Embellishments
Opt for dresses with simple embellishments and minimal detailing on the upper body. Intricate beading, embroidery, or lace appliques around the shoulder area can draw attention to the shoulders and potentially make them appear wider. Instead, choose dresses with embellishments that are strategically placed to guide the eyes away from the shoulders, creating balance and proportion.
Opt for Minimal Beading
If you want to add some sparkle to your dress, choose minimal beading that is focused on the lower part of the gown. This draws attention downward and away from the broad shoulder area. Be mindful of the placement and density of the beadwork, as too much or poorly placed beading can accentuate the shoulders.
Avoid Overly Ornate Details on the Upper Body
While some intricate details can be stunning, it’s best to avoid overly ornate designs on the upper body if you have broad shoulders. Fancy sleeves, ruffles, or excessive embellishments around the shoulders can add volume, making the shoulders appear wider. Opt for cleaner, more streamlined designs that create a sleek and elegant look.
Try on the Dress Before Finalizing Alterations
Once the necessary alterations have been made, it’s crucial to try on the dress before finalizing any changes. Here’s why:
Evaluate the Fit and Comfort Level
Trying on the dress allows you to evaluate how well the alterations have addressed the issue of broad shoulders. Check the fit around the shoulders, bust, and waist to ensure that the dress is comfortable and flattering. If any adjustments are needed, communicate them with your tailor or seamstress so that they can make the necessary changes.
Make Sure the Shoulders Are Adjusted Properly
Checking the shoulder alterations is essential to achieving the desired fit. Ensure that the shoulders are neither too tight nor too loose, and that the dress sits comfortably on your frame. The goal is to create a balanced overall silhouette, so be sure to communicate your preferences and comfort level to your tailor or seamstress.
Consider Any Last-Minute Changes
Trying on the dress before finalizing alterations gives you an opportunity to assess if any additional changes or modifications are needed. If you notice any areas that require further attention, discuss them with your tailor or seamstress. It’s better to address any concerns before the final fitting to ensure that your dress fits perfectly on your big day.
Communicate with Your Tailor
Clear communication with your tailor or seamstress is crucial throughout the alteration process. Here are some tips for effective communication:
Clearly Explain Your Concerns
When discussing your dress alterations, it’s important to clearly explain your concerns about your broad shoulders. Let your tailor or seamstress know what you want to achieve with the alterations and any specific details that are important to you. The clearer you are about your expectations, the better they can understand your needs and create the desired outcome.
Ask for Professional Advice
While it’s important to communicate your preferences, don’t hesitate to ask for professional advice and suggestions. Tailors and seamstresses have extensive experience working with various body types and garment styles. They can provide valuable insights and guide you in making the best choices for your dress alterations.
Discuss Any Additional Alterations or Modifications
During your fitting sessions, don’t hesitate to discuss any additional alterations or modifications you might want to consider. Maybe you’ve changed your mind about the length of the train or want to add a subtle detail that would enhance your overall look. Open communication allows your tailor or seamstress to ensure that every aspect of your dress meets your expectations.
Consider Other Dress Silhouettes
If altering your chosen dress proves to be a challenge, exploring different dress silhouettes can be a viable option. Here are a few silhouettes that can work well for brides with broad shoulders:
Explore A-line or Ball Gown Styles
A-line and ball gown styles are classic choices that can complement broad shoulders. These silhouettes cinch at the waist and then flare out, creating a balanced and timeless look. The wider skirt proportions visually balance out the broadness of the shoulders, while the nipped waist adds definition and highlights your curves.
Try Princess or Empire Waist Dresses
Princess or empire waist dresses can also work well for broad shoulders. The fitted bodice and high waistline of these styles can create an elongated and slender appearance. Both options draw attention away from the shoulders and focus on creating a flattering and balanced overall silhouette.
Consider Mermaid or Trumpet Silhouettes
Mermaid or trumpet silhouettes are another option to consider. These fitted styles showcase the curves of your body, which can help create a stunning and balanced look. With the right alterations and attention to detail, mermaid or trumpet dresses can beautifully enhance your figure while still addressing your concerns about broad shoulders.
Take Care of Your Altered Dress
Once your wedding dress has been altered to fit your broad shoulders, it’s important to take proper care of it. Here are some tips to ensure your dress stays in pristine condition:
Hang the Dress Properly Before the Wedding
Hang your dress on a padded hanger in a cool, dry place before your wedding day. Avoid storing it in a cramped space or squeezing it into a small garment bag, as this can cause wrinkles or damage to the dress. Give your dress enough room to breathe and smooth out any minor creases by letting it hang loosely.
Avoid Storing the Dress in Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cause fabric discoloration and fading over time, so it’s essential to keep your dress away from direct sunlight. If you need to transport or store the dress, choose a location away from windows or areas prone to direct sunlight. UV rays can be harmful to delicate fabrics, so take extra precautions to preserve the color and condition of your dress.
Follow the Care Instructions Provided by the Tailor
Your tailor or seamstress should provide you with specific care instructions for your altered dress. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure that the dress retains its shape, color, and quality. This may include recommendations for dry cleaning, ironing, or any specific care necessary for the specific fabric and alterations made to your dress.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, altering a wedding dress to fit broad shoulders is easily achievable with the right style, an experienced tailor or seamstress, accurate measurements, and proper communication. By considering different style options, exploring alterations, and taking care of your dress, you can ensure that your wedding day look is stunning and perfectly tailored to your unique body shape. Remember, your wedding dress should make you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable on your special day, and with the right alterations, it will be a perfect fit for your broad shoulders.