You can personalize your mother of the bride dress in five main ways. Custom sizing fits your exact measurements at no extra cost. Alterations adjust hem, neckline, sleeves, and waist in 2–3 fittings. Accessories like jewelry, wraps, and belts add your personal style. 

Color choices from 45+ shades match your preferences. Fabric swaps and embellishments create a one-of-a-kind look. Most personalizations take 2–4 weeks and cost 50–200 dollars for alterations.

Personalization Options Overview

Personalization Type	What You Can Change	Timeline	Typical Cost	Best For
Custom Sizing	Bust, waist, hips, height	3–4 weeks	Free at Azazie	Between sizes
Alterations	Hem, sleeves, neckline, waist	2–3 weeks	$50–$200	Standard sizes
Accessories	Jewelry, belt, wrap, clutch	Same day	$30–$150	Quick style change
Color Change	Any available shade	3–4 weeks	Free	Unique preference
Fabric/Details	Lace, sequins, sleeves	4–6 weeks	$100–$300	Major changes

 

Custom Sizing: Your Perfect Fit

Custom sizing means your dress is made to your exact measurements. This is the easiest way to personalize your mother of the bride dress.

How custom sizing works: You provide four measurements in inches. These are bust, waist, hips, and height from shoulder to floor. You also note your bra cup size. Azazie makes your dress to these exact numbers at no extra cost.

Who needs custom sizing: You need custom sizing if your measurements fall between standard sizes. For example, if your bust is size 12 but your hips are size 10, custom sizing prevents alterations later. Petite and plus-size mothers often choose custom sizing.

How to measure correctly: Wear the bra you plan to wear with your dress. Use a soft measuring tape. Measure over your undergarments, not over clothing. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

For bust, measure around the fullest part. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.

For waist, measure around the narrowest part, usually 1–2 inches above your belly button.

For hips, measure around the fullest part, usually 7–9 inches below your waist.

For height, stand straight. Measure from the top of your shoulder to the floor. Wear the shoes you plan to wear with your dress.

Timeline: Custom-sized dresses ship in 3–4 weeks. Add 1–2 weeks for delivery. You may still need minor hem adjustments.

Benefits: Custom sizing reduces alteration costs by 50–100 dollars. Your dress fits better from the start. You need fewer fittings.

Alterations: Adjust the Details

Alterations change specific parts of your dress after you receive it. Most mothers need at least one alteration, even with custom sizing.

Common Alterations

Hemming is the most common alteration. Your tailor shortens your dress to the right length. Bring the exact shoes you will wear to your fitting. Hemming costs 40–80 dollars and takes 1–2 weeks.

Taking in or letting out the waist adjusts the fit at your midsection. Your tailor removes or adds fabric at the side seams. This costs 30–60 dollars.

Adjusting straps changes strap length. This is common if you are petite or have a short torso. Strap adjustments cost 20–40 dollars.

Changing the neckline can make a dress more modest or modern. For example, you can add mesh to a V-neck to make it higher. You can also lower a scoop neck. Neckline changes cost 50–100 dollars and take 2–3 weeks.

Adding or removing sleeves is possible but expensive. Adding cap sleeves costs 80–120 dollars. Adding full sleeves costs 150–250 dollars. Removing sleeves costs 40–60 dollars. These alterations take 2–3 weeks.

Adding a bustle helps with floor-length dresses. A bustle gathers your train so you can move freely. Bustles cost 30–50 dollars.

Alteration Timeline

First fitting: Schedule this 2–3 weeks after your dress arrives. Your tailor pins the changes. This takes 30–45 minutes.

Second fitting: Return 1–2 weeks later. Your tailor makes the changes. You try on the dress again. Minor adjustments happen here.

Final fitting: Schedule this 1–2 weeks before the wedding. Your tailor makes final tweaks. You take your dress home.

Some complex alterations need 3 fittings. Discuss this with your tailor at your first appointment.

Finding a Good Tailor

Ask for recommendations from friends or bridal shops. Read online reviews. Look for tailors who specialize in formal wear.

Bring your dress, shoes, and undergarments to every fitting. Explain what you want changed. A good tailor asks questions and offers suggestions.

Accessories: Express Your Style

Accessories add personality without changing your dress. You can swap accessories throughout the day for different looks.

Jewelry

Necklaces should match your neckline. V-necks pair well with pendant necklaces or delicate chains. Scoop necks work with statement necklaces or pearls. High necklines need no necklace or a simple chain.

Earrings should be visible. If you wear your hair up, choose statement earrings. If you wear your hair down, choose studs or small hoops.

Bracelets add sparkle to your wrists. Choose one statement bracelet or stack delicate bangles. Match metals to your other jewelry.

Brooches pin to your waist, shoulder, or bodice. They add vintage charm. Choose brooches in silver, gold, or crystal.

Wraps and Shawls

Shawls cover your shoulders and arms. They work for evening weddings or air-conditioned venues. Choose shawls in chiffon, silk, or pashmina.

Boleros are short jackets that end at the waist. They provide coverage without hiding your dress. Boleros come in lace, satin, or velvet.

Capes add drama. They drape over your shoulders and flow behind you. Capes work for formal evening weddings.

Match your wrap color to your dress or choose a complementary shade. For example, pair a navy dress with a silver shawl.

Belts and Sashes

Belts define your waist. They work with A-line, empire, and sheath dresses. Choose belts in satin, beaded, or rhinestone styles.

Sashes tie around your waist. They add color or texture. Choose sashes that contrast with your dress color.

Belts and sashes cost 30–80 dollars. They change your dress silhouette instantly.

Shoes

Heels are traditional but not required. Choose heels in 2–3 inch height for comfort. Match your shoe color to your dress or go neutral with nude or silver.

Flats work for outdoor or daytime weddings. Choose dressy flats in satin, velvet, or embellished styles.

Low heels or kitten heels provide height without discomfort. These work for all-day wear.

Bring your shoes to every fitting. Hem length depends on heel height.

Clutches and Handbags

Choose a clutch that holds your phone, lipstick, and tissues. Match your clutch to your dress color or choose metallic gold or silver. Clutches cost 40–100 dollars.

Color Choices: Find Your Shade

Azazie offers mother of the bride dresses in 45+ colors. Choosing your perfect color personalizes your dress.

How to Choose Your Color

Consider the wedding palette. Ask the bride for the wedding colors. Choose a shade that complements but does not match the bridesmaids.

Think about the season. Spring and summer weddings suit pastels like dusty rose, sage, and champagne. Fall and winter weddings suit jewel tones like cabernet, dark navy, and emerald.

Match your skin tone. Cool skin tones look best in blues, purples, and silvers. Warm skin tones look best in golds, oranges, and reds. Neutral skin tones can wear any color.

Avoid white and ivory. These colors are reserved for the bride. Also avoid the exact bridesmaid color.

Popular Mother of the Bride Colors

Dark navy suits all skin tones and seasons. It is formal and slimming. Navy works for evening weddings.

Champagne is elegant and neutral. It suits warm skin tones. Champagne works for daytime and evening weddings.

Dusty rose is soft and romantic. It suits cool skin tones. Dusty rose works for spring and summer weddings.

Cabernet is rich and sophisticated. It suits warm skin tones. Cabernet works for fall and winter weddings.

Sage green is fresh and modern. It suits all skin tones. Sage works for outdoor and garden weddings.

Ordering Swatches

Order free fabric swatches before you buy. Colors look different on screen than in person. Swatches show the true fabric color and texture. You can order up to 10 swatches at a time. Swatches arrive in 3–5 business days.

Fabric Swaps and Embellishments

Some dresses allow fabric or embellishment changes. These create a truly unique look.

Fabric Options

Chiffon is light and flowy. It suits warm weather and outdoor weddings. Chiffon drapes beautifully and moves with you.

Stretch satin has a subtle sheen. It hugs your curves and has slight stretch. Stretch satin suits all seasons.

Lace adds texture and elegance. It can be used as an overlay or as the main fabric. Lace suits formal weddings.

Stretch crepe is smooth and structured. It is comfortable and does not wrinkle easily. Stretch crepe suits all body types.

Sequins add sparkle. They suit evening and formal weddings. Sequins catch the light beautifully.

Velvet is luxurious and warm. It suits fall and winter weddings. Velvet has a rich texture.

Not all dresses offer fabric swaps. Check with Azazie customer service before ordering.

Adding Embellishments

Beading adds sparkle to the bodice, waist, or hem. Hand-beading costs 100–300 dollars and takes 3–4 weeks.

Embroidery adds custom designs or initials. Embroidery costs 80–200 dollars and takes 2–3 weeks.

Appliqués are lace or fabric shapes sewn onto your dress. Appliqués cost 50–150 dollars and take 1–2 weeks.

Rhinestones or crystals add glamour. They can be added to the neckline, waist, or straps. Crystal work costs 60–150 dollars.

Work with a skilled seamstress for embellishments. Bring photos of what you want. Discuss costs and timelines before starting.

Steps to Personalize Your Dress

Step 1: Choose Your Base Dress Browse Azazie’s mother of the bride collection. Pick a silhouette, neckline, and length that flatter your body type. Order swatches in 2–3 colors.

Step 2: Decide on Custom Sizing or Standard Measure your bust, waist, hips, and height. Compare your measurements to the size chart. If you fall between sizes, choose custom sizing. If you match a standard size, order that size.

Step 3: Plan Your Alterations Think about changes you want. Do you need a hem? Do you want sleeves added? Contact local tailors for quotes. Budget 50–200 dollars for alterations.

Step 4: Select Your Accessories Choose jewelry, shoes, and a clutch. Decide if you want a wrap or belt. Try on accessories with your dress before the wedding.

Step 5: Schedule Fittings Book your first fitting 2–3 weeks after your dress arrives. Schedule your second fitting 1–2 weeks later. Schedule your final fitting 1–2 weeks before the wedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add sleeves to a sleeveless mother of the bride dress?

Yes, but it costs more than buying a dress with sleeves. Adding cap sleeves costs 80–120 dollars. Adding full sleeves costs 150–250 dollars. The process takes 2–3 weeks. Your tailor matches the sleeve fabric to your dress. Consider ordering a dress with sleeves if coverage is important to you. This saves time and money.

How much do mother of the bride dress alterations cost?

Most alterations cost 50–200 dollars total. Hemming costs 40–80 dollars. Waist adjustments cost 30–60 dollars. Strap adjustments cost 20–40 dollars. Adding sleeves costs 80–250 dollars. Neckline changes cost 50–100 dollars. Complex alterations cost more. Get quotes from 2–3 tailors before choosing one. Ask about rush fees if your timeline is tight.

Can I change the neckline on my mother of the bride dress?

Yes, most necklines can be adjusted. You can add mesh or lace to make a low neckline more modest. You can lower a high neckline by removing fabric. You can change a V-neck to a scoop neck or vice versa. Neckline changes cost 50–100 dollars and take 2–3 weeks. Show your tailor photos of what you want. Not all necklines can be changed dramatically without affecting the dress structure.

Should I order custom sizing or standard sizing?

Order custom sizing if your measurements fall between standard sizes. For example, if your bust is size 12 and your hips are size 8, custom sizing prevents major alterations. Also choose custom sizing if you are petite (under 5 feet 4 inches) or plus-size. Standard sizing works if your measurements match one size on the chart. Most standard-sized dresses still need hemming. Custom sizing is free at Azazie.

How do I choose jewelry for my mother of the bride dress?

Match jewelry to your neckline. V-necks pair with pendant necklaces or long chains. Scoop necks work with statement necklaces or pearls. High necklines need no necklace or a simple chain. Strapless dresses work with chandelier earrings and statement necklaces. 

Can I change the color of my dress after I order it?

No, you cannot change the color after you order. Azazie makes your dress in the color you select. If you are unsure about your color, order swatches first. Swatches are free and arrive in 3–5 days. You can compare swatches to the wedding palette and your skin tone. 

Personalization Timeline

5–6 months before wedding: Start shopping. Browse styles. Order swatches. Ask the bride about the wedding color palette.

4–5 months before wedding: Choose your dress. Decide between custom sizing and standard sizing. Place your order.

3–4 weeks later: Your dress ships. Standard sizes ship in 2–3 weeks. Custom sizes ship in 3–4 weeks.

2–3 weeks after delivery: Schedule your first fitting. Bring your shoes and undergarments. Discuss alterations with your tailor.

1–2 weeks later: Second fitting. Try on your dress with alterations. Make final decisions about accessories.

1–2 weeks before wedding: Final fitting. Pick up your dress. Steam it at home 1–2 days before the wedding.

Wedding day: Add your jewelry and accessories. Enjoy the celebration.

Rush orders are available but cost 30–50 dollars extra. Plan ahead to avoid rush fees and stress.

Budget Guide for Personalization

Dress cost: Mother of the bride dresses at Azazie range from 139–229 dollars. Custom sizing is free.

Alterations: Budget 50–200 dollars. Most mothers spend 80–120 dollars on alterations.

Accessories: Budget 100–300 dollars total. This includes jewelry (40–100 dollars), shoes (60–120 dollars), clutch (40–80 dollars), and wrap or belt (30–80 dollars).

Embellishments: Budget 60–300 dollars if adding beading, embroidery, or crystals.

Total personalization budget: Plan for 150–800 dollars beyond the dress cost. Most mothers spend 250–400 dollars total on personalization.

Tips for a Personalized Look

Start with a simple base. Choose a classic silhouette in a solid color. Add personality with accessories and alterations.

Bring inspiration photos. Show your tailor and jeweler photos of looks you love. This helps them understand your vision.

Try on accessories at home. Order jewelry and shoes early. Try them with your dress. Return anything that does not work.

Consider the venue and season. Beach weddings need light fabrics and flat shoes. Ballroom weddings suit formal fabrics and heels.

Coordinate with the other mother. Talk to the groom’s mother about dress styles and colors. You do not need to match, but you should complement each other.

Trust your instincts. Choose personalization options that make you feel confident and comfortable. Your comfort matters as much as style.