Bridal Alterations – What to Expect
Your wedding dress is one of the most memorable garments you will wear, and proper alterations can transform it from good to flawless, ensuring it fits perfectly and enhances your natural beauty. From the initial consultation to the final fitting, our goal is to cater to your needs and ensure you look and feel stunning on your special day!
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Initial Consultation
When to schedule
As our bridal calendar books up quickly, we recommend securing a spot as soon as you’ve picked out your dress, even if you don’t have it in hand yet. A non-refundable initial consultation fee of $100 is due at time of booking. If you choose to use our services, this fee will be applied toward your completed alterations total.
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The initial fitting should be scheduled at least 3-4 months before your wedding date. This ensures ample time for multiple fittings and any necessary adjustments. Plan for 30 to 60 minutes for your initial consultation.
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To book your appointment, please contact us at 636-744-6562.
What to bring (to your first and all subsequent fittings)
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Wedding dress
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Foundation garments: Bring the bra or bra alternatives, shapewear, slip, etc., that you’re considering wearing on your wedding day.
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Shoes: If possible, bring the shoes you plan to wear with your dress.
What to expect during the initial consultation
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Vision: We will discuss your vision for the fit and style of your dress. Please bring any inspiration photos or ideas you may have. We will take notes on which aspects of the dress should be adjusted, including any customizations.
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Measurements: We will take initial baseline measurements for reference.
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Timeline: We will outline the timeline for anticipated fitting dates. Plan for three to five fittings. Most major alterations will occur in the month leading up to your event date, with the final fitting typically two weeks before the wedding.
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Estimated Pricing: We will go over the initial anticipated alterations and provide a price range estimate.​
Timeline
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Most brides require 2-3 fittings. The exact number may vary based on the complexity of the alterations.
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Your feedback is crucial during each phase of your alterations. Please let us know along the way if you have any concerns or adjustments you would like to make.​
Recommended Timing
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Initial Consultation: 3-4 months before the wedding.
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First Fitting: 8-10 weeks before the wedding.
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Second Fitting: 4-6 weeks before the wedding.
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Additional Fittings: If applicable, will occur within the month before the wedding.
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Final Fitting: 2-3 weeks before the wedding.
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Dress Pickup: At your convenience within 2 weeks of the wedding.
Types of Alterations and Pricing
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Price Range
Bridal alterations average from $300 to $900 or more, depending on the complexity, intricacy (such as lace and beading), customizations, and amount of work required.
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Prices vary depending on the details of each dress, including materials used. A more specific ballpark will be provided during the initial consultation.
Common Alterations
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Hemming: Depending on the material types, average range is $100 to $300+
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Taking In/Letting Out Sides: Average range is $150 to $300+
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Taking in/ Letting Out Bodice: Averages $75 to $250+
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Raising or Lowering Waist: Average range of $100 to $300+
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Adding Corset Back: Starts at $175 to $250+
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Adjusting or Adding Straps or Sleeves: Averages $50 to $200+
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Adding Bustle: Depending on the number of bustle points, $100 up to $200+
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Sewn-in Cups: $30
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Sewn-on Belt: $40 to $50
Complex Alterations
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For more intricate changes, such as redesigning major aspects of the dress or detailed customizations, please discuss your ideas during the consultation. These alterations may require additional time and incur higher costs at a time and materials fee of $75 per hour.
Additional Services or Fees
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Gown Steaming: $50 to $125+
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Hoop Rental: $40
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Hoop Purchase: $90-$125
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Zippered Dress Bag: $15
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In Stock Veils: $50 to $250
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In Stock Belts: $25 to $200
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In-Stock Accessories: We have a wide selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, and more at affordable price ranges.
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Rush Fees: Additional $100 (for services commissioned within 6 weeks of wedding date)
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Glitter Surcharge: Additional $50 for dresses with glitter due to required shop cleaning after each fitting and while working on the dress.
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Payment Terms
Non-refundable initial consultation fee of $100 is due at time of booking. If you choose to use our services, this fee will be applied toward your completed alterations total.
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The final balance is due at time of pickup. We accept cash, check, Venmo, and credit cards. A convenience fee of 3% will be added to all credit or debit card transactions.
Policies and Liability
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Appointments
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All bridal fittings require an appointment to ensure dedicated time and attention for each bride.
Weight Fluctuations
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If your weight fluctuates by 15 pounds or more between fittings, please notify us immediately. Significant weight changes can impact the fit of your dress and may require additional alterations to ensure a perfect fit. Timely communication will help us adjust your fitting schedule and provide the best possible outcome.
Cancellation
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Cancellation of the initial consultation will result in the forfeiture of the initial consultation fee. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Discontinuation of Services
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If you decide to discontinue our services at any point during the alteration process, you are responsible for the payment of any work completed up to the point of pickup. The initial consultation fee is forfeited and will not be applied towards any incomplete service.
Non-Refundable Items
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All sales are final on jewelry, belts, accessories, veils, custom hoops, special-ordered materials, custom pieces, and custom work.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
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We have a zero-tolerance policy for verbal abuse, violence, aggression, or any form of disrespectful behavior. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who violates this policy, and such behavior may result in immediate termination of services without a refund.
Dress Condition
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We handle all dresses with the utmost care. However, we are not responsible for any pre-existing damage or issues caused by poor dress construction.​
