Bridal Alterations
Starting at $575
(pricing details outlined below)
Bridal alterations allow the bride to have a well fitting gown with wear versatility between ceremony and party time! Not all gowns need large scale reconstruction. Standard alterations bring the hemline to the floor, the straps to the right length, the sides (underarms and down the ribs) in or out- to secure the top, and a unique bustle which holds the train up from under the bride’s feet in order to enjoy the reception! These modifications create ease of wear and make a significant impact in photographs!
When going to a dress salon- please try to purchase a gown within two (sometimes 3) sizes up from your current body. It’s really challenging when you buy a gown too small or way too large. Local seamstresses are all so busy that miracle work isn’t always possible. I want to help but also know I can’t please every person and some gowns need to be replaced, not just altered. I also know life happens (bodies can change suddenly) and sometimes I can pull a rabbit right out of my hat!!
It’s important to buy a dress that fits you now, don’t buy something too small in hopes of shrinking. Let’s just make you look so tailored and "snatched" in your current skin. I’m an advocate of emphasizing natural beauty. Not a huge fan of shape wear (yuck it’s so hot and sucks to wear) or push-up pads (let’s just be you), but also lets not be natural if that’s what you’re in to, it’s your day!!! i am here to celebrate that body and help you enjoy your beautiful gown!
My Process
How it works:
After reading over my business info and bio, you’ll text me with photos of you in your beautiful gown! (I don’t need to see your face if you’re uncomfortable, but I do need to see the style of gown/materials/general fit). Your pics can be from the bridal salon (this way I can see where your consultant is clipping you in) or from quick pics at home etc. (please include full length front and back). If there are any intricate details on the gown that your consultant mentioned may be an “alterations issue”, please include a close up pic of that area!
If I have availability for your event weekend- I will forward you a link to my appointment calendar where you can choose a first fitting date within the outlined parameters.
I need to see photos of you in the gown before I’ll agree to a consultation and take a booking fee!
Typically we will have 3 fittings and a pickup date-
*YOUR EVENT SHOES ARE REQUIRED AT ALL FITTINGS*
-The first fit is a consult/pinning/getting to know you session! We will discuss the styling look you’re going for; I’m best known for my bustles and showcasing feminine curves with a secure fit. We’ll go over bustle options and determine if areas need attention outside the “standard” bridal alterations.
-Second fitting- l’ll have the dress mocked up based on our first fitting decisions. At this point, nothing is finalized and generally the work I’ve done is reversible; It is still modifiable since my seams will be open etc. I will have lace pinned on and hems temporarily an inch longer than we originally marked. At this fitting I aim to be “in the pocket” of fit and proper alignment, so I can continue to perfect the look.
-The third fitting will be to check that your gown is perfect/everything can be fully finalized!
-Last appointment is your pickup date. This is just a quick hand off of the gown and giant hugs.
**If you are having me steam/press: pickups are typically on the Thursday before your (Sat) wedding.
Fitting Timeline guide:
First Fitting
We will meet 13-18 weeks before your wedding date. This fitting lasts around 1 hour. It will be very low stress and fun. I’ll be getting to know you while I pin and create a custom plan for the fit of your gown. We will discuss bustle options and determine which areas need attention outside the “standard” bridal alterations
Second Fitting
The second fitting is booked around 6-9 weeks before wedding date. I book an hour for the second fitting as well. At this fitting I am aiming to have the fit 80% towards completion. Sometimes we need significant fit changes before we can customize other parts of the dress, this fitting is where we will determine those details.
Third Fitting
Third fitting 2-3 weeks before wedding date. Generally this fitting is 30-45minutes. I recommend bringing a reliable friend or family member to this fit, to learn how to tie up your bustle! It is totally fine if you don’t have someone local, we will set up a tripod and take a video of your bustle steps on your phone!
Fourth/Fifth fit etc.
** Not accounted for in the “standard bridal alterations package”. If we have major changes between the third fit and pickup, we will squeeze in a fourth fitting. REMEMBER EACH FITTING TAKES ONE HOUR AWAY FROM MY PACKAGE PRICING.
Pickup Appointment
This is a quick 15min appointment to pickup the finalized/pressed gown the week of your event.
Or 2 weeks before your event date if sending to an outside pressing company. (Pressing/steaming by me is an additional cost. Details below)
Bridal Pricing:
Base package price for Bridal alterations:
Starting at $575:
$75 booking fee (non-refundable)
$500 flat rate minimum for the first 10 hours of "standard bridal alterations"
includes: customizing hem/bustle/straps/sides in (simple)
($75/hr for additional hours above the 10 hour flat rate for "standard" alterations).
Pressing/Steaming is an additional fee.
"Ala Carte" ADD ON customizations:
(alterations not included in flat rate package. These will be an additional charge)
Intricate Lace hem: may be an additional 100-200$ depending on how the original hem is sewn on. It takes up to 6 hours to remove alone!!
Making custom sleeves or straps or coverup (materials not included- I recommend procuring materials from your gown designer- call bridal salon to discuss material ordering/timeline. I can source some materials, but can’t guarantee exact fabric matching. Material cost will be added to total): $75-300
Corset Back Installation/Removal (removing/adding zipper, includes materials) $150-375
Princess Reduction of cups/bust (removing pointy or reducing bust accommodations, replacing cups etc includes materials)
simple materials : $100-250
complex materials (lace, beadwork) $200-400
Armpit or Arm Hole modification: $75-150
Neckline Reduction or Reconstruction: $100-500
Adding boning to bodice: $75-300 (materials included; unless special materials/tools need to be procured)
There are many other types of customizations available which are not listed above! Text me for a quote!
Vintage Redesign or Used Gown Reconstruction (not flat rate applicable): Starts at $750
Bridal Gown STEAM/PRESSING COST
(not included in pricing)
CURRENT BRIDAL CLIENTS: $75-150
STEAMING/PRESSING ONLY:
150-250$ (depending upon materials layers and timeline)
BRIDAL RUSH FEES:
Wedding less than 12 weeks: $100
Wedding less than 9 weeks 50% Rush Fee on the Final Totals
Wedding less than 4 weeks 100% Rush Fee on the Final Total
Wedding less than 1 week: please expect a fee $750+!!! (I can do it but I need to find childcare and not sleep for several nights, this has to be worth my time!!)
Cancellation Policies:
$75 booking fee non refundable
Cancel before first fit: $75 non refundable fee
Cancel after first fit: 100% of standard alterations package price due
(This isn’t personal or a punishment! I’m trying to make a living to feed my family! if I agreed to take your gown; I declined someone else. So, unless I can easily fill your spot since we have adequate time-the total cost will be due (or 50% if we are 12+ weeks out from wedding and I can fill the spot)
FAQs
I generally get simple bridal gowns completed within the 10 hour window. For more intricate alterations, most of my gowns are completed in 10-20 hours. It is rare, and also a major time challenge for me- to have to work on reconstructing a gown for more than 20 hours.
Why Is pressing not part of the package price?
I am a small business and I am the only employee. I am the one performing all business tasks- scheduling, ordering, accounting, communication, fittings, prepping gowns, and most importantly sewing. Pressing/Steaming takes hours. I can not perform this task for free as it takes my time away from other deadlined tasks in queue. I wish I could hire someone reliable to help me! Unfortunately as a small biz owner it’s very difficult to trust anyone to help me other than myself. Also there is a giant shortage of people who understand garment construction/sewing and even less people willing to work with expensive and delicate materials like bridal gowns. This is a very high pressure career!
Do I have insurance?
Of course. Do I want to make insurance claims? no. Most “errors” are fixable and there are other options available as well. I have a very expensive policy incase of inventory damaging emergencies outside my control. I also have an umbrella biz policy which follows me to my home where I can work on one or two gowns at at time.
Why won’t you take on my job?
Please don’t take my schedule personally! We are both adults and human beings. I am a widowed single mother to three children with no local family to assist; my children are my highest priority. Please let’s treat each other with respect.
Why do your pricing and policies change each year?
I’ve been in this industry a while now and I’ve had all the small business growing pains. I hope you understand if I need to change policies yearly while I perfect the right work flow. 2021 was a very challenging year personally and globally, as it was a triple bridal season boom after the pandemic and I was reeling from a divorce, multiple moves and learning how to be a single mom. I did not protect my time properly. In 2022 I decided I will only collaborate with a very limited amount of brides per month. I can’t repeat 2021- I need to be a mom during these special years with my children. Unfortunately our local bridal industry is so seasonal and it coincides with summer break!
In 2024+ I can only offer daytime fittings Tuesdays & Thursdays. This way I ensure I have enough time to do actual sewing work. If you cannot meet me during those days, I am truly going to miss you!
Can I bring a friend/family member?
Yes! However, I do not have a lot of room in my shop especially during the busy season when I have several racks of ballgowns in my workspace! Please only bring one or two special people to the first and/or third fitting. I do have a NO STREET SHOES policy inside my shop. There are slippers outside my door for all guests to slip on to protect feet from pin pricks! Please understand this is a sewing studio where pins and needles very much exist.