How far ahead should I plan on getting my dress altered?
It is recommended to have your first fitting between 3 to 4 months prior to your wedding day. Each case is different though and some timelines may need to change depending on wedding location and accommodating every bride's busy schedule. It is important to call sooner rather than later though as calendars can fill up very quickly based on seasons. Please contact us to get more information about your personal wedding plans.
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Some timelines are different though, whether the gown arrival is delayed or you have a short engagement but we can still help! We just charge a 15% rush fee for alterations needed within 60 days of the wedding date, and a 30% rush for the ones needed 30 days prior or less. Every case is unique so don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions!
How long does it take to get my dress altered?
Dresses can require more or less time to alter based on how much work is required for the gown to fit. The goal is to schedule a second fitting about 3-4 weeks before your wedding, as the seamstress needs to make sure that the dress fits your body as close to the wedding day as possible while still have enough time to make any potential adjustments to your gown. By the second fitting, the alterations will have been completed. This fitting serves as an opportunity to check on all the work that was required and teach your entourage how to bustle, button or lace your dress. And if the gown fits well then, you are good to take your dress home and have it ready to wear on your big day!
What do I need to bring to my fitting?
Other than the dress of course, the most important thing to always bring is SHOES. An accurate hem is crucial and having your wedding shoes is necessary for all fittings. If you do not have your day of shoes yet, you can bring shoes of the same heel height, but you do run the risk of height discrepancy and the hem not being exactly as pinned by the time of the second fitting (some website descriptions do not always count the shoes' platform in the heel height).
The item that is needed though optional is undergarments. Whether you plan on wearing a bra, bridal bustier, shapewear, etc, those items will change the shape of your body. The dress will fit as it is pinned during the first fitting and the outcome will come out ill-fitting if spanx were worn the first fitting and not the second or vice-versa. Please note that sewn in bra cups are always available to try on at fittings.
How much do alterations cost?
Alterations cost vary based on material, amount of layers to hem, embellishments, lace, etc. Commonly, most brides need adjustments in the straps, sleeves, bust and/or hips, hem and bustle. For all of those, prices tend to average between
$600 - $700, but we've seen a much wider range go from $300-900. Everyone and every gown is different and so is the work to be performed. This range does not include customizations, and prices can go higher as well as much lower based on the amount of work needed to make your gown fit you like a glove!
Do I have to pay for my alterations up front?
You do not have to pay for your alterations up front! We only require a 60% deposit at the first fitting. The remaining balance is due at the time the dress is picked up. No finished dress can be release without full payment of alterations.
What if I need to cancel my alterations?
In the event that alterations need to be cancelled, whatever the reason may be, you can be refunded for the work that was not yet performed at the time that we were made aware of your cancellation request. If you only wish to cancel some items in your invoice, you can be credited towards your balance or refunded the said amount, following the above conditions.
What should I pack in my day of emergency kit?
We got you covered! Check out our Day of Emergency kit page to see our recommended items that can come in useful on your wedding day.
Please contact us if you have any other questions that we did not answer in this section.