How much were your alterations?

ElcaB

I have no idea what I should expect to spend on alterations. I realize there are lots of variables (i.e., type of alterations, material, etc.), but I'm just trying to get an idea. 

How much did you spend on alterations and what did you have done? 

Maggie0829

It really all depends on your location, how much and what kind of work needs to be done and also which seamstress you go to.

But I spent about $116 for a hem, bustle (2 point) and the moving of my one shoulder strap so that it crossed over my back.

msuprincess04

I spent $400 for cups, 6 pt bustle, hem, and taking it in on the sides.

ETA: pretty sure I was way over-charged for my alterations, but i went to the shop i bought it from and didn't bother checking around. 

BMoreBride6

mine were over $500 but my dress was entirely lace so the alterations were quite intricate.  I'm also 5'11 not in heels so I ordered the extra length. 

erinlin25

I think mine were around $200 for the bustle and taking it in at the waist; fitting the bust and hemming it.

emmyg65

Cups sewn in, waist nipped a bit, straps shortened, and dress hemmed, $100.

QueerFemme

Mine were about $350.00.  Hem, 3 point bustle, taking it in at the waist and some at the bust. 

FiancB

I ended up not buying my dress at the shop I found it at because I found some horror stories on line about them charging upwards of $400 for basic alterations. That was a popular store in Minneapolis/St Paul. 

It turns out there's a small shop here in town that carries the same lines and so I ordered it through them and my alterations there were around $200. I am waiting on the first set of alterations and they said they wouldn't charge me anymore, even if I end up losing weight and needing it taken in again. I needed the bodice taken in quite a bit, and I *think* my bustle has 3 points but I'm not sure. Because my dress is all ruffles on the bottom they are sort of doing pickups instead of hemming it, except for the bottom layer that isn't ruffly. 

So it doesn't hurt to shop around. It seems smaller shops are more willing to do alterations for a more reasonable cost. Some people buy their dresses at store A and then bring them to store B for alterations to save money. 

majesty318

Mine were $250 for hem, taking in the bodice, and 3 point bustle. The bodice had to come in a whole size (I bought it too large off the rack) and the skirt is really intricate so the hem/ bustle is a big job.

SmileDamnit

I've been quoted b/w $300 - $500, and that's without a bustle. My dress has a ton of intricate bead work, so it's apparently difficult to alter. First fitting mid-May so fingers crossed it's not too difficult.

silver0319

I just had my first alterations appointment and got my estimate.  My estimate was $360, but that includes taking in the bust, adding cups, releasing the hips, changing the bubble hem to a flat hem (and tacking the pleats), and a french bustle. 

Alteration costs can also vary based on where you live. FMIL and my mom are essentially having the same alterations, but they live in different parts of the country.  FMIL paid $95 and my mom paid $60.  

princessleia22

Here is a price list from a local alteration shop that I am considering for my dress.  That may give you some idea of general pricing.  Like others have said, it can vary widely based on locality or even shop to shop in same area.  And it can vary widely based on the type of dress or how intricate it is, especially with lace and beading.  I've been told to typically expect to pay about $200-300 to get standard alterations on bodice, hem, and bustle.

PRICE LIST
   Most  Brides maid gowns and formal alterations fit in to the straight forward price rang,  considered #1
 
Most Wedding Gown alterations fit in to  the  Intermediate, to Demanding price rang considered #2  and  #3

Most pageant gown Alterations fit into the #3 and #4 price range 
 
The degree of difficulty determines the price. We have structured our price list by degree of difficulty to help you budget for your wedding.
  
Degree of difficulty

#1.Straightforward -(fabric-Lining)
#2.Intermediate -(Fabric-Lining-Facing-Bone) 
#3.Demanding-(Fabric-lining-Facing-Bone-Beadwork-Appliques)        
#4.Extreme-(Fabric-Multiple-Linings-Facing- Bone-Beadwork-                      Appliques-Embroidery)
#5. 6.  & 7 Are  Specialty Alterations including vintage gowns and customs redesigns.

The cost of alterering bodice seams on heavily beaded pageant gowns is usualy $5.00 an inch.


Sides in or out on top    1. 45.00 
                                       2. 55.00
                                       3. 65.00
                                       4. 95.00
                                      
Sides in or out on skirt  1. 35.00
                                       2. 55.00
                                       3. 65.00
                                       4. 95.00
                                       
Gussets, Panel               1. 35.00
                                        2. 45.00
                                        3. 65.00
                                        4. 150.00
  
Straps/Shoulders up       1. 22.00
                                        2. 38.00
                                        3. 45.00
                                        4. 65.00
                                   
Bust Seam                      1. 28.00
Back Darts                      2. 38.00
front Darts                      3. 65.00
                                        4. 85.00

 This section most Bridesmaid & Formal Alterations fit in  to #1 & #2 most Wedding gown Alterations fit into # 3 & #4

Hems                               1. 45.00
                                         2. 55.00
                                         3. 95.00
                                         4. 120.00
                                         5. 150.00
                                         6. 250.00
   

Bustles                             1. 25.00
                                          2. 45.00
                                          3. 65.00
                                          4. 85.00 

Temple lining                    1. 55.00
                                          2. 65.00
                                          3. 120.00

Add sleeves                      1. 35.00

                                         2. 45.00
                                          3. 55.00
                                          4. 65.00

lindseyanne1

I am having cups sewn into my wedding dress, the top is being taken in as it is significantly too big due to weight loss, and I'm having it hemmed and bustled.  I am having my reception dress shortened, the lace tacked down and having more lace flowers added to it.  The seamstress is also making a veil using lace from my great grandmothers veil.  All in all my bill was $185!  I was fully expecting my bill to be over $400.  Ask you local board for recommendations, it helps to get reviews from people who have already had their dresses altered!

mlg78

ElcaB said:

I have no idea what I should expect to spend on alterations. I realize there are lots of variables (i.e., type of alterations, material, etc.), but I'm just trying to get an idea. 

How much did you spend on alterations and what did you have done? 

I paid $350 for the dress to be hemmed and she removed the lace/sparkly stuff on the bottom and reapplied it after hemming it. She did a bustle and then also had to bustle the sash party separately. She also took in the halter at the neck. I know you post on our local board so I'll just say this -- I don't know where you're going for alterations but if you're using Catans, you're nuts. I can make a couple recommendations if you need it though!

GBridget

I'm spending $180 on my alterations.

Zipper installed to replace corset back $70

Hem $75

Cups added $5 (have to supply the cups)

Bustle $20

Straps shortened $10

ElcaB

Thanks, everyone! This has been really helpful. 

There's a dress I have my eye on. I'm planning to try it on again, and when I do, I'll be sure to ask about alterations specifically for that dress. 

Pepper6

I had cups sewn in, straps shortened, waist taken in, shortened hem line (4 layers), and a 3 point bustle which was about $200.  This included steaming my dress and veil, which some places charge extra for.