Behind the Seams: Why Bridal Alterations Are a Plus Size Bride’s Secret Weapon

We are still in the throes of Plus Size Bridal Week here at The Curvy Fashionista—where love is in the air and curve-friendly bridal fashion takes center stage. All week long, we’ve been celebrating the beauty, diversity, and style of plus size brides. From our breakdown of size-inclusive bridal brands to watch to our guide to shopping your silhouette, this series is all about helping you say “I do” to a look that feels 100% you. And today’s focus? Everything you need to know about plus size bridal alterations.

Today, we’re going behind the seams with a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: plus size bridal alterations. Because finding the dress is just the beginning. Making sure it fits like it was made for you? That’s where the real magic—and confidence—happens.

To guide us through this essential step, we sat down with Pamela Nanton, the seasoned designer and alterations expert behind PLY Apparel. With over three decades of experience tailoring gowns for fuller figures, Pamela knows exactly how to make a dress work—and she’s here to spill the tea on what plus size brides really need to know.

Why Bridal Alterations Matter (Especially for Plus Size Brides)

Let’s be clear: alterations are not optional. According to Brides.com, nearly every wedding gown—no matter the size—requires some degree of tailoring to get the perfect fit (Brides.com, 2023). But for plus size brides, the journey is often more nuanced—and more essential.

Pamela sees this often:

“Some are not even aware or made aware that alterations CAN be done. In most cases, people just don’t know,” she shares. “I wish more bridal shops, online stores and etc. would educate people in knowing they too have options. Budget-Budget-Budget! This is not cheap. If you want to pay little, then be very clear about what you want to prioritize.”

She also emphasizes that alterations, especially for bridal gowns, are often difficult to quote in advance:

“A LOT of alterations are extremely hard to cost out because we do not know what is all underneath and inside the existing dress.”

So yes—fit matters, but so does who you trust to handle it.

What to Expect During the Alteration Process

If you’re new to the world of fittings and pins, don’t worry—here’s the usual flow:

• First Fitting (3–4 months before the wedding): Assessment and initial pinning.
• Second Fitting (1–2 months before): Refining and reshaping.
• Final Fitting (2–3 weeks before): Making sure everything is flawless.

But timelines aren’t always so clear-cut, especially depending on the gown and the body.

Pamela explains:

“Oooo weee and yikes! That’s a hard one to commit to. Typically, if it’s a decrease in circumference and shortening the hem or straps—depending on existing workload—it can be 2–4 weeks. And if all of the pinning is correct, no need for a 2nd fitting. BUT—shoes have to be on. Undergarments have to be on.”

That’s right: bring everything you plan to wear. It matters.

Common Plus Size Bridal Alterations for Your Gown

Curves come in endless combinations, which means alterations must be personalized. Some common changes Pamela sees:

• Adjusting bodices for bust support
• Adding or resizing sleeves and straps
• Shortening hems for petite plus bodies
• Building in bustles for practicality

But it’s not just about the mechanics—it’s about the honesty. Pamela keeps it real:

“People MUST be honest with their size. The correct/closest size must be purchased. There’s no reason to waste anyone’s time by purchasing a smaller size with the hopes that you will lose weight… A seam is a seam, regardless if you are a size 2 or a size 20. Care and precision are key with any sewing process.”

She also adds a word on silhouettes:

“PLUS is a range of body types. High-waisted with a low belly? Empire waist seams and fuller skirts are usually a good look. Long-waisted and large bottom? A slimmer gown with a back ruffle or a trumpet skirt could work. But—brides must try on several styles, and do NOT go alone.”

Finding a Seamstress Who Understands Curves

This part is key: the right tailor makes all the difference.

Pamela recommends:

“Someone that has been doing alterations for decades—more than 10 years. And if they only sew, they need someone else to do the actual fitting that is an expert in the fashion design industry.”

She also knows that trust plays a major role in the fitting room, especially for brides who’ve been hurt by the industry before.

“I really try to convince them that I DO know what I am doing and that they are in good hands. I’m an expert and have been doing this for over three decades. I pride myself in being a good communicator—that helps too. It’s so scary when someone has a bad alteration or when a seamstress does not respond.”

In fact, Pamela has done remote consultations via FaceTime for brides who were mid-fitting with someone else and knew things weren’t going right with thier plus size bridal alterations process.

That’s commitment.

Real Talk: Alteration Success Story

When asked about a memorable moment, Pamela didn’t hesitate:

“It was circa 2016 and she was extremely busty and had to travel more than an hour to get to me. Her budget was pretty non-existent. She had a dress that was too big—she was about a size 26—and the entire bodice needed to be completely re-done, like removed and started over with other fabric to be purchased. I made NO profit, but she was very happy.”

And that is the power of plus size expertise—and heart.

Pamela’s Top Tips for Plus Size Brides

We asked Pamela to share her best advice for curvy brides navigating plus size bridal alterations:

1. Be honest about your current size. Wishful thinking creates chaos in the fitting room.
2. Bring all your wedding-day gear—shoes, undergarments, shapewear—every time.
3. Start early and budget realistically. Great work takes time and skill—respect your timeline and your tailor.

Alterations are not just about nipping and tucking a dress—they’re about shaping it to you, with love, skill, and understanding. For plus size brides, that kind of support can be revolutionary. The right alterations pro doesn’t just fit your dress—they affirm your beauty, your body, and your joy.

Pamela Nanton of PLY Apparel is proof that when expertise meets intention, magic happens.

Stay tuned for more bridal content during Plus Size Bridal Week, and don’t forget to follow us on IG and Pinterest for behind-the-scenes peeks and style inspo galore.