Party dress alteration specialists
At Atelier Yvicor we alter party, wedding, christening and ceremony dresses using the same handcrafted sewing techniques we apply to our own collection. We work on every garment respecting its original design and adapting it to the body that will wear it, as we cover in detail in what alterations can be done to a party dress. The alterations we do most often are:
- Size adjustments
- Hemming
- Neckline and strap adjustments
- Cup inserts and interior fittings
- Dress transformations
- Alterations for guest dresses (weddings and christenings)
- Delicate fabric treatment
Have an event coming up?
Tell us which dress you need altered and by when. Contact Atelier Yvicor.
📖 Before booking an appointment, take a look at how much it costs to alter a party dress to get an idea of the budget.
Size adjustments
It's not just about taking in or letting out the side seams: on a party dress, a size adjustment means redistributing volume between darts, yoke and back, and checking the boning or inner structure if the dress has one, so the garment sits close to the body without pulling or excess fabric anywhere.
Hemming
The hem finish changes depending on the fabric. On chiffon and crepe we work a hand-rolled hem so it doesn't leave a mark. On tulle we reinforce with horsehair braid to keep the flare after shortening. On satin and silk we look for an invisible stitch that won't show against the light. On lace we trim and re-sew following the embroidered motif, so the cut goes unnoticed. This detail can completely change how the dress falls, as we explain in hemming a dress.
Neckline and strap adjustments
Here the challenge is balance: a badly placed strap makes the dress shift or pull weight to one side. We reposition straps to redistribute that weight, correct the symmetry of the neckline and reinforce the tension points on the inside with hidden tape, without touching the beading or embroidery on the original edge.
Cup inserts and interior fittings
Interior cups can be added to most dresses, though not all: it depends on the fabric and the cut of the neckline and back. That's why we assess this at the first appointment, along with the type of cup and how best to secure it for each dress's design.
Dress transformations
Shortening a long dress to midi length, changing the sleeves or removing volume from a skirt are transformations that require rebuilding part of the pattern. We apply the same pattern-making techniques we use to design our own party collection, so the fabric's drape is recomposed and the change doesn't show in the final result. Whatever your size, in elegance has no size we explain our approach.
Alterations for guest dresses (weddings and christenings)
For these dresses we often coordinate several garments from the same group (mother of the bride, guest, christening outfit) with staggered fittings before the event. Since these dresses are worn for hours and in motion (dancing, sitting, getting in and out of a car), we pay special attention to making sure the fit holds up through the whole day, not just at the fitting.
We share more ideas in what to wear as a guest this wedding season.
Delicate fabrics
Chiffon, crepe, satin, tulle, silk, lace and embroidered fabrics all need different handling depending on the alteration, not just at the hem: silk is marked with fine pins to avoid leaving marks, tulle needs interfacing at the seams so it doesn't warp, and with embroidery we sometimes have to unpick thread by thread before narrowing a piece without breaking the motif.
Why trust us
- We have our own workshop in Sant Feliu de Codines (Vallès Oriental).
- We design and make our own collection of party dresses, so we know first-hand how chiffon, crepe, tulle, silk or embroidered lace behave before we ever touch yours.
- We take clients from outside the workshop too: see the area we cover below.
Sant Feliu de Codines, Barcelona and the surrounding area
Our workshop is in Sant Feliu de Codines (Vallès Oriental) and we serve Barcelona and its metropolitan area, as well as nearby towns: Bigues i Riells, Caldes de Montbui, Sant Quirze Safaja, Castellterçol and L'Ametlla del Vallès.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I bring my dress?
At least 2-3 weeks before the event, to leave room for 1-2 fittings. During peak wedding or graduation season, the sooner the better.
Do you alter rented dresses?
It depends on the rental shop: some don't allow alterations. Check the terms with the shop first; if they allow it, we can advise you on which adjustments are reversible.
What are the most common alterations?
Size adjustments, hemming and cup inserts are the most requested, followed by neckline and strap adjustments.
Can cups be added to any dress?
In most cases yes, though it depends on the fabric and the cut of the neckline and back. We assess this at the first appointment.
Book your appointment
If you have a party, wedding or christening dress that needs adjusting, get in touch and we'll find a date for your first fitting at our workshop in Sant Feliu de Codines.