Hello!
Wondering whether and how much to hem your gown? There are several hemlines from which to choose. But ultimately, it is whatever the bride feels comfortable with. Hems can be one of the costliest alterations and often, brides decide not to hem at all and just get a higher heel. 

Most brides opt to have the hem of their gown float on the floor just a hair longer than their shoe. It used to be that brides preferred to have their hem higher than their shoe to show off the pretty heels they had gotten dyed to compliment their gown. Some brides have also taken their hems to their ankle, to exaggerate this look.  To the ankle in the front and then sloping longer to the train, termed the "ballet hem."

A trendier look has been the high/low look. This puts the front of the gown's hem to the knee (or higher) and then slopes to a much longer train. This hem is flirty and less formal and before you think about cutting the fabric on your gown, consider your ceremony and reception venue's atmosphere. Some designers offer removable trains on these type gowns which can change the look and tone of your event considerably.

Some brides opt not to hem at all. It can save money but can add headaches to the walk down the aisle. A bride should be instructed to make small kicks as she walks no matter what the length of her hem. The small kick smooths out the skirt and  hem with every step (helps the photographer too) and moves the fabric from underfoot. After the ceremony, many brides bustle their gowns in the back which helps move some of the fabric away from the shoe as well. And most brides end up kicking off those beautiful (but often painful) heels at the reception when the dancing begins anyway, so then the hem is not the right length again.

Designers use many different types of hems to compliment their gowns, and some can be more costly or difficult to adjust in length. Make sure your seamstress is competent to do the hem and GET IT IN WRITING. At Weddings by Paulette, all alterations are fully discussed between the bride and the seamstress prior to cutting, and the decided alterations are written down for future reference.

Regardless of the length of hem that you choose, remember, its YOUR day and YOUR decision!!!