Flower Girl Dress Alterations: Guide to Getting the Perfect Fit
Let me tell you something I learned the hard way: ordering a flower girl dress in the "right" size doesn't guarantee it'll actually fit right. My niece's dress arrived six weeks before my wedding, and while the size chart said it would be perfect, the reality was... different. The waist was loose, the hem dragged on the floor, and the straps kept sliding off her shoulders.
If you're dealing with a similar situation, don't panic. Flower girl dress alterations are totally normal, and with a little planning, you can get that dress fitting like it was custom-made.
When to Start Thinking About Alterations
Here's my biggest piece of advice: order the dress early, but don't rush to the tailor. Kids grow fast, so I'd recommend getting alterations done about 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Any earlier and you risk her growing out of the adjustments; any later and you're cutting it close if the tailor needs extra time. That said, schedule your first fitting about 4-6 weeks out. This gives the tailor time to assess what needs to be done and order any matching thread or materials if needed.
The Most Common Alterations (And What They Cost)
After talking to my tailor and a few other moms, here are the alterations that come up most often:
Hemming is probably the most common fix. Expect to pay $20-40 depending on the dress style and layers. If there's tulle or multiple layers, it'll be on the higher end.
Taking in the waist or bodice usually runs $25-50. This was our main issue—the dress fit everywhere except the middle, and it made such a difference once it was taken in.
Strap adjustments are pretty straightforward and typically cost $15-30. Some dresses have adjustable straps already, so check before you pay for this one.
Bustle or train adjustments can get pricier at $30-60, but if your flower girl dress has a small train, it might be worth it so she doesn't trip.
Finding the Right Tailor
Not every tailor specializes in kids' formalwear, and it makes a difference. I'd recommend asking your bridal shop for referrals or checking reviews specifically mentioning children's alterations. When you go in for the first appointment, bring the shoes she'll wear on the day. Heel height (even if it's just a small one) affects hem length, and you want it measured accurately.
DIY Alterations: Proceed with Caution
Look, I can sew a button back on, but I wasn't about to risk my niece's dress two weeks before the wedding. If you're genuinely experienced with a sewing machine and the alteration is simple—like a basic hem on a single-layer cotton dress—go for it. But if there's any beading, lace, multiple layers, or structured boning involved? Leave it to the professionals. The $40 you save isn't worth the stress if something goes wrong.
Final Fitting Tips
Bring your flower girl to the final fitting if possible. Have her move around, sit down, and lift her arms. The dress should be comfortable enough that she's not tugging at it all day.
And here's something I wish someone had told me: bring a small sewing kit to the wedding. Even with perfect alterations, a strap might need a quick tightening or a hem might catch on something. A needle, thread, and safety pins saved us more than once.
Getting flower girl dress alterations right isn't complicated, but it does take a little planning. Start early, find a good tailor, and don't stress if the dress doesn't fit perfectly right out of the box. With the right adjustments, she'll look absolutely perfect walking down that aisle.