Alteration Costs

Hi Cristen! Alterations can definitely be a pain and pricey. What does your dress look like? I haven't personally had my dress altered but I found a great discussion where others talk about their alterations and how much it costs! I thought I'd share, hope this helps!

Dress alterations

Oh goodness. I just had the exact same sticker shock experience. I was quoted $590 for:

1. Bustle ($40)

2. Hem ($300, she's taking it in about 3-4 inches and the skirt is plain, but several layers, two of which are tulle. She said this because the skirt is so long--there's a big train--but this felt high to me.)

3. Sizing down the bust ($250, she has to take it in 2-3 inches all around and the bodice is fully lacy/beaded. I have big hips and a tiny chest, sigh)

I've been hearing that $400-600 is a pretty typical DC price ... :/ I wanted to rethink all my life choices after getting that quote, hah. I decided to just suck it up because of how much needs to be done in the bust where all the detail is, and she came recommended from some friends (Song's Custom Tailor in Ft. Meade if you want to try her--maybe the bustle will be less, at least?)

If you want to go into Northern VA, I paid $695 at Judith's Boutique in Vienna. That's the price I got for strap adjustment, cup adjustment, hem, bustle, and veil hem

Ugh, I paid 1K to have it taken in, hemmed and the bustle. In Falls Church.

It hurt, but she did an amazing job and she literally "sewed" me into me dress.

Whaddya gonna do

Thanks ladies - this is all really helpful. I feel a lot better about the cost now. Especially for the right tailor!

I went to the place where I bought my dress. In Columbia, MD. My dress had came in 3 different lengths so it already came hemmed.

Sides taken in- $150
Bust taken in - $50
Pins - $65 (To smooth out the front)
Bustle- $30 (One point)