DB Alterations - ballpark?

jenijoyk

Hi guys! I'm going in for my first fitting next week and I have no idea even roughly what alterations typically cost. I want to be a least a little prepared when I go in there.

I realize it's different for every dress, but I don't even know if it's likely to be closer to $200 or $800. I've seen some comments on here about brides thinking a couple hundred was high, and I know I have friends who spent more than that. I have no clue! My dress seems straightforward (says the girl who doesn't know how to thread a needle)... no overlays, no lace... just a rouched mermaid dress that's fitted to mid-thigh, and with seams down each side. I bought a size 8 because the girl at DB told me to fit the biggest part your body, and I'm a wee bit busty. But the rest of me is a size 4 so I'm a little nervous - that seems like a lot of sizes to drop. Anyway, I budgeted $300. Any idea if I'm remotely close?

QueerFemme

$300 should be close. You'll also need a bustle. I would say probably $200-400.

missdelilah

It really depends where you are, because location determines a lot of the cost, but @QueerFemme is on par based on the seamstresses I've spoken with.

jenijoyk

Great - thanks guys!! I will hope for $300. I will balk at $800. And I will be happy with something in between.

tammym1001

I needed a hem and a bustle. I went to DB's and it cost me $330. My gown was lace so they basically had to do two hems and then I had a 22 point bustle. I think you will probably be close to a few hundred dollars.

[Deleted User]

I'd guess $300 too. Mine was $280 for hemming 3 layers, adding cups, adding a Victorian bustle, and taking it in at the bust. I live in the northeast and had my first fitting a couple weeks ago.

wandajune6

I had my first fitting last week. I needed to add a bustle and have it taken out a bit. Total of $190. I'm in the midwest.

artbyallie

I'd advise against alterations from DB. Find a seamstress.

jenijoyk

Why @artbyallie? Did you have a bad experience?

QueerFemme

jenijoyk said:

Why @artbyallie? Did you have a bad experience?

DB is pretty well known for their alterations being overpriced.   The upside of DB is, if they screw up, they can get you another dress quickly.  The downside is, their seamstresses aren't very well trained (depending on the store) and they are usually more expensive than an independent seamstress.

jenijoyk

Ah gotcha. I will consider myself warned. Ugh, wish I were going right now.... so much anticipation!

caitlinmca

My FI's sister just had her wedding, bought her dress from DB's and had it altered at Davids Bridal. She had this dress: http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Sweetheart-Trumpet-Beaded-Applique-Gown-WG3532_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Silhouette-Mermaid-Trumpet and all I believe she had done to it was it taken in and a few other things, she had no bustle as she didn't bustle the dress and her mom and grandma asked her if she would like her dress "pinned up" and only had her dress on for a mere hour or so, and it cost her $200 give or take. Her mom said that she was not expecting alterations to be that much.

I'm taking my dress to a local seamstress that is recommended by a lot of the ladies on the local board where I am at. Much cheaper, for a bustle, and hem for a friend of mine that went to this lady, it only cost around $100. We are in Ohio.

artbyallie

QueerFemme said:

jenijoyk said:

Why @artbyallie? Did you have a bad experience?

DB is pretty well known for their alterations being overpriced.   The upside of DB is, if they screw up, they can get you another dress quickly.  The downside is, their seamstresses aren't very well trained (depending on the store) and they are usually more expensive than an independent seamstress.

This nicely covered everything I was thinking but was too addled to type fresh off from work.

abaughm3

I have a ballgown dress with a corset top and organza bottom with pickups.  The back has a zipper as well as lace up.  I bought my dress one year ago, so it wasn't a huge surprise when I went to my first fitting that I lost an entire dress size.  Unfortunately, it was too late to order the dress in a smaller size to exchange.  For DB to take in the dress, do a bit of a hem, and add a bustle, it cost me just under $300 with tax.  I'm in Ohio.