Alterations

The alterations lady I used did work for the shop, but wasn't in-house, as such. I felt comfortable using her because my sister had used her already, and she was reasonably priced and did a great job.

What kind of alterations do you need done? $200 doesn't sound like a lot of money for basically any decently complex alterations, but if you don't really need anything fixed then you'd just be throwing that money away, type thing.

Like, I still don't know what mine will be, but she added sleeves, added tulle under the skirt, made me a veil, took in the waist, pulled up the straps, removed the sleeves... I would be surprised if I get away with less than $1k AUD, honestly, so a $200 deposit seems ok to me, but I knew from the outset that my alterations wouldn't be cheap. If you're only expecting to need a strap altered or something tiny, then that might be too much.

View Quoted Comment My dress is definitely way too long in the front, needs to be tighter around my chest and then more form fitting to the body. I wish the all together price was $200 but that’s just to make the appointment. I called and they said the average price of alterations there is $700. I was going to go to a David’s bridal instead but all of the reviews for the locations near me are horrible. I’d hate for it to be a bad job done!

I am getting my alterations done at the shop I bought my dress. My alterations are going to be $740. After the first appointment we paid 70% to start the alterations and we will pay the balance at the last appointment

I'm not because I reached out to their alterations department and they never responded. Also it's a pain to travel there, so we decided on a different tailor that we've used for other stuff in the past.

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I think definitely a better plan to not use DB then! Does your current salon get good reviews? I think basically, better to pay a decent amount and get what you want than pay too little, hate it, and either need to pay over again for someone else to fix it or buy a new dress altogether, you know?

I'm going to shop around once my dress is in.

View Quoted Comment Great point! And yes they do, I also loved it there. Thanks for your feedback!

My dress shop didn’t offer alterations, but I would have at least gotten a quote from them if they did. It’s not at all uncommon for alterations to be $400+.

The place where I'm getting my dress does alterations in house and I was quoted anywhere from 600-1000 USD. I want to go with them because they have good reviews but also for ease of transport, and its the designer's own bridal salon.

No I took mine to someone else who specializes in gowns. Not that bridal shops don’t. I just needed a personal touch. It is costing about 600.00.

I had mine done at the shop where I bought it. I had a bustle added, attached my straps, tacked my liner, and added a patch by my heart and it was just under $500.

I will be getting mine at the same place. My sister-in-law purchased her dress and sadly the shop closed. When she took asked around to different tailors they were asking for more than $200 because of the beading on the dress. They also said they couldn't guarantee that the beading might not get messed up. The shop will have worked with dresses consistently they will know how to work out any problem you may have.

I am going with the bridal shop I purchased from - but I am having major changes made to the dress and I felt more comfortable with the ladies used to working on these dresses. My shop charges $795 for the basics " ie - hemming, taking in etc. I am adding straps and shortening the length and I am expecting my alterations to be ~1200

I say if it is not very complicated - shop around- but for major work I feel more comfy with the bridal shop.

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Got mine done at an outside seamstress who was recommended to me at a previous dress shopping appointment. Maybe the other salons where you tried on gowns can offer some referrals? It's understandable to want to stay within your budget. Look at it as paying to ensure the gown looks amazing ... not just on the hanger when you bought it, but on you. My alterations (shortened the length, replaced the illusion mesh for one closer to my complexion, added bustle and a custom beaded applique) cost around $450 which was more than I'd planned, especially when I bought the gown for under $1K, but for buying the most expensive gown I've ever owned, I didn't want to sell myself short by choosing my tailor just based on price. You'll get what you pay for. Don't risk your peace of mind for a bad experience. Do you have a friend or family member or coworker who frequently gets their clothes tailored and could refer you somewhere?

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I'm not sure where you are located, but I am a seamstress in South Jersey. (about 20 minutes from all the Philly bridges) If I can help, you can message me on my FB page, Periwinkle Alterations by Dee. I have 50 years experience, I do quality work and my prices are very reasonable.

I know it seems like alot but IM sure youd rather pay the additional than to have someone inexperienced ruin your dress? right

My dress shop doesn't have someone in house who does alterations. Whether they did or not I would've still ended up going to the same person because not only is she the best in the area, she is also FH's sister's MIL. She's done some formal dresses for me before and they've turned out great. For wedding dresses she requires a $100 deposit, and honestly I have no clue what to expect the total cost to be since I'll probably need quite a bit of work done to make sure it supports me since it's strapless.

My bridal salon doesn’t offer in house alterations but they recommend the best of the best! I know it can be pricey. I’ve seen some brides pay more for alterations than their dress.

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Can I message you, I am in south jersey and will need alterations on my dress?

View Quoted Comment Yes! Of course!