Your wedding day is almost here, and suddenly, there’s a problem with your dress. Maybe it’s a little too tight, the hem isn’t quite right, or the straps keep slipping. Panic mode? Not necessary! Many last-minute wedding dress alterations can be done quickly, but there are limits to what a seamstress can achieve in a short timeframe.

The good news is that minor tweaks—like adjusting the hem or tightening straps—are usually doable even days before your big moment. However, major changes, like resizing or redesigning the gown, might not be possible on such short notice.

Understanding what can and cannot be altered at the last minute can save you stress and help you make the best decisions. Let’s dive into the fixes that can be done fast and those that might require a backup plan.

The Quick Fixes: What Can Be Done Fast

1. Taking It In or Letting It Out (A Little)

If your dress feels a little loose or snug, don’t worry—most dresses have extra fabric built into the seams. A skilled tailor can let out a dress by about one inch, giving you just enough breathing room if needed. On the flip side, if your dress is slightly too big, taking it in is a relatively easy fix. However, if the dress needs to go up or down by multiple sizes, that’s a much bigger job and likely not possible last minute.

2. Hemming Like a Pro

A dress that’s too long can be a tripping hazard—not exactly ideal for your walk down the aisle. Luckily, hemming is one of the quickest wedding alterations a seamstress can do. Most gowns can be shortened within a day or two, but certain fabrics—like lace or beaded designs—might take a little longer. The key? Try on your dress with the exact shoes you’ll be wearing to get the perfect length.

3. Bustle Magic

A long train looks stunning for the ceremony, but it can be a hassle for dancing at the reception. If you forgot to add a bustle (or didn’t realize you needed one), this is a quick fix. Adding a simple bustle—where the train is pinned up at one or two points—can be done in a few hours. However, if you want a complicated French bustle or multiple hooks, it might take longer.

4. Strap Adjustments

Loose straps can make a dress feel uncomfortable and insecure. Fortunately, shortening or tightening straps is one of the fastest fixes. Whether you have delicate spaghetti straps or wider ones, a tailor can adjust them in no time. If your dress has no straps but you need extra support, some seamstresses can add removable straps or sleeves, but this depends on the dress and the time available.

5. Zipper to Corset Conversion

If your dress has a zipper closure and suddenly feels too tight, switching to a corset back can give you more flexibility. While this is more complex than a simple alteration, some tailors can do this within a day or two if necessary. This trick is especially useful if your weight has fluctuated slightly before the big day.

What’s Probably Not Possible

1. Major Resizing

If your dress is way too big or small, drastic size adjustments aren’t realistic at the last minute. Major resizing involves reshaping the entire gown, moving seams, and possibly altering the structure of the dress. A good rule of thumb? If you need more than two sizes up or down, it’s unlikely to be done quickly.

2. Redesigning the Dress

Want to change the neckline, add sleeves, or remove layers of fabric? These are all significant design changes that require time and precision. Even a skilled tailor can’t completely transform a dress overnight, so if you’re looking for a drastic change, you’ll need to plan it weeks (if not months) in advance.

3. Adding Heavy Embellishments

Dreaming of extra sparkle? Hand-sewn beading, lace appliques, or intricate embroidery take time. If you want to add embellishments just days before the wedding, you might be out of luck. Instead, consider accessorizing with a jeweled belt or statement earrings for that extra glam.

4. Fixing Damaged Fabric

Accidents happen—maybe your dress got caught on something, or you noticed a stain at the last minute. While small snags or loose threads can be fixed quickly, large tears in delicate fabrics like chiffon or lace are much harder to repair on short notice. If your dress suffers a last-minute mishap, check if a tailor can patch it up. If not, a temporary fix—like a well-placed brooch or wrap—might be your best bet.

Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Stress

1. Schedule Fittings Early

Even if your wedding is months away, don’t wait until the last minute for wedding dress alterations. Plan for at least two to three fittings, starting about six to eight weeks before the big day. Your final fitting should be one to two weeks before the wedding.

2. Keep Your Weight Stable

Fluctuating weight can make last-minute alterations necessary. Try to maintain your weight in the weeks leading up to your wedding so your dress fits as expected.

3. Bring the Right Accessories

Always try on your dress with your actual wedding shoes, undergarments, and accessories. Even small changes—like wearing a different bra—can affect the fit of your gown.

4. Have a Backup Plan

If major alterations aren’t possible in time, consider temporary solutions. Shapewear can help with minor fit issues, dress tape can secure loose straps, and a decorative belt can hide minor imperfections. If all else fails, having a second dress as a backup can be a lifesaver.

Last-minute wedding alterations are possible, but it’s essential to know what can realistically be done. With a little preparation and a skilled seamstress, you’ll walk down the aisle looking and feeling absolutely perfect.