David's Bridal Alteration Costs

orangehills

For those of you who have used David's Bridal for their alterations (whether you had a good or bad experience) what was the final price? I have to get my dress hemmed, a bustle put in, and the top area taken in a bit, but have no idea what this will cost! Just wanted to see what other's people costs were to figure out an average...

monkeysip

Have you already ordered alterations there?

I've heard from numerous people that DB's alterations are much more expensive than other places.

My sister's DB wedding dress was $500.  Her alterations at DB were another $500.

I'm sure it varies by person and dress, but I think you'd be much better off taking your dress somewhere else.

orangehills

I haven't yet... that's why I was wanting to know what people's costs were! I forgot to ask them when I was there. I know I can call, and will soon!

QueerFemme

I almost bought a DB dress, but I had the seamstress come out and give me an estimate on the alterations. I need a hem, bustle and was going to change it to a corset back, and the estimate was around $480.00.  I decided not to buy my dress there.   And on these boards, DB has a horrible reputation for overpriced alterations.  If you buy your dress there, consider taking it somewhere else for your alterations.  You will likely save a lot of money and likely get better quality alterations.

mamabear329

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_davids-bridal-alteration-costs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:22716339-481b-4c85-aebb-b2fce66322f2Post:b0608924-64d3-4ddb-9820-1e50b6a5cb0a">David's Bridal Alteration Costs</a>:
[QUOTE]For those of you who have used David's Bridal for their alterations (whether you had a good or bad experience) what was the final price? I have to get my dress hemmed, a bustle put in, and the top area taken in a bit, but have no idea what this will cost! Just wanted to see what other's people costs were to figure out an average...
Posted by orangehills[/QUOTE]


I just got my dress yesterday...while I was trying dresses on, there was one that I would have needed to do exactly what you describe...they quoted me $164 for the hem (chiffon and a liner) and taking in the top, plus the bustle was $35 for the first 3 (basically the underlayer) then $5 each after that...the dress would have needed approx. 10, bringing me to $70, so I was looking at around $250 to be safe for the alterations for that one...that dress was $350.

I ended up buying a dress that had to be ordered in my size...so I don't have a final quote for the alterations on my actual dress yet, but they estimated it would be about the same, probably no higher than $300...we paid $299 for the dress. I've heard most people saying to take it elsewhere for alterations because the cost can be so high...but I hesitate with that...because if I take it somewhere else, I'm responsible for any errors...I would assume if it's in store and their fault, there would be some way for it to get handled and repaired? My mother actually ended up surprising me by paying for the dress, so there is now more money in my budget for alterations if I do end up staying with DB, so I haven't really decided. They said my dress would be here in about 6 weeks, so I guess I'll figure it out by then...may just wait to see what they actually quote me...

Gabrielle76

We tried on bridesmaid dresses at DB, and asked about alteration costs.  The sales lady flat out told me not to get them done there, she told me the alteration I wanted (on a bridesmaid dresses) would be $150 through DB, but that she gaurenteed I could find a local seamstress who would do it for less than $20. 

QueerFemme

PS.  My BM bought her dress at DB.  The alterations needed for that dress was a hem and taken in slightly on the sides.  DB quoted a little over $90.00.  Local seamstress is doing it for $40.00

random4180

I paid $345 and got a corset back, a veil bustle, cups put in, the bodice taken in, and the skirt hemmed (which was four layers and had two tiers.) All in all, not a bad price for all that work! And i was very satisfied with my experience especially when the first quote I got outside DB (from a highly recommended local seamstress said to have reasonable prices) was about $500. I like the fact that DB will back up their own seamstresses work but that guarantee goes out the window once you take it someplace else...For my gown, which was discontinued and had beadwork, lace, and appliques, I didn't think the risk was worth it. 

raes19

My alterations at DB were $320, and they did a great job. That was for a hem, bustle, and having the bodice let out. There was ruffling and beadwork that had to be reworked for the alterations, so I think the price was reasonable for the amount of work done and the guarantee that came with it.

mamabear329

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_davids-bridal-alteration-costs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:22716339-481b-4c85-aebb-b2fce66322f2Post:b14389ec-d0f3-471b-a0ab-f3c947444646">Re: David's Bridal Alteration Costs</a>:
[QUOTE]I paid $345 and got a corset back, a veil bustle, cups put in, the bodice taken in, and the skirt hemmed (which was four layers and had two tiers.) All in all, not a bad price for all that work! And i was very satisfied with my experience especially when the first quote I got outside DB (from a highly recommended local seamstress said to have reasonable prices) was about $500<strong>. I like the fact that DB will back up their own seamstresses work but that guarantee goes out the window once you take it someplace else...For my gown, which was discontinued and had beadwork, lace, and appliques, I didn't think the risk was worth it.</strong> 
Posted by random4180[/QUOTE]

This. Exactly. I cannot afford to buy a whole other dress if an outside seamstress screws something up. Yes DB may be expensive, but I really don't want to find myself a month away from my wedding needing a new dress because my seamstress butchered the alterations, especially on our super tight budget.

cyndilouwho77

I bought my dress at DB for $550 and the alterations were around $150...I am having my bra sewn into my dress so that I do not have to keep adjusting myself and a french bustle done which is going to take an hour for my BM's to do...lol!  I loved my appointment and can not wait to get back in to try it on.  DB may be a little pricey, but they gaurantee their work and I dont have to stress about someone else doing it.  I did cute back on some of the more fun alterations I was going to do, but my dress will still be amazing. 

Alisha9544

My DB consultant that helped me find my dress told me I'm better off finding my own seamstress.  She said that DB is a lot more expensive then seamstresses.

orangehills

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_davids-bridal-alteration-costs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:22716339-481b-4c85-aebb-b2fce66322f2Post:b14389ec-d0f3-471b-a0ab-f3c947444646">Re: David's Bridal Alteration Costs</a>:
[QUOTE]I like the fact that DB will back up their own seamstresses work but that guarantee goes out the window once you take it someplace else...For my gown, which was discontinued and had beadwork, lace, and appliques, I didn't think the risk was worth it. 
Posted by random4180[/QUOTE]

Yes, this is why I want to use DB because I'm scared that if anything happens elsewhere, I'll have to pay almost $500 more for my dress again. My dress is chiffon though, and nothing fancy is being done except just making it fit me, so hopefully it won't be outrageous. But if they say they are going to charge $400 or something than yeah, I may just risk it and take it elsewhere!

sadieboud10

I purchased a bridesmaid's dress there and my alterations were a little bit less than the actual cost of the $150 dress...

loca4pook

Dont know if this helps, but I went somewhere else for my dress ..Dress cost 900..and it is going to cost me 315 to alter it

KimbyK

I just picked up my wedding dress today from DB. I paid about $400 in total for alterations. I needed a lot done though. I am very petite, and my petite size 0 was still too big. So it just depends on how much you need done.

I loved DB - they were great. Never had any issues and always had everything done on time.

Cassie Sorg

I bought my dress from DB and loved it. I wanted to use them for alterations since I had such a great experience buying my dress there. If I could do it again, I would take the risk having someone else alter my dress. My alterations cost almost as much as my dress. The lady who was helping me didn't speak English very well and had a very thick accent, which made it difficult to understand what she was saying. After talking to a friend who had basically the same alterations done as me, except for half the price I paid. It was very frustrating to spend so much to alter a dress. Take the chance on finding a good seamstress and alter it somewhere else. 

dkathryn

I bought my dress at David's Bridal and I absolutely love it but I would never, ever recommend their alterations department. I had them alter the length, which was a waist hem because of all of the layers, and put in the bustles. It cost me $330 but when I tried it on I was unhappy with how they reattached it at the waist - it was bunched up and puffed out on the sides. I very clearly stated that it was not what I wanted and asked how they could fix it. Instead of offering suggestions, both ladies stood there and told me I wouldn't notice it, don't worry about it, the dress looks beautiful. I agree, the dress is beautiful but it wasn't hemmed correctly - and they had just said how this was the first dress of this design that they'd altered so it wasn't long time experience with this particular dress that had them convinced they were right. They completely refused to accept there was a problem and just kept saying I looked fine. They wouldn't let me leave with my dress without signing "the paper" and by that time I was so upset that I signed it, left and found another seamstress. The new seamstress was looking at the work they did and explained that they not only gathered the layers and bunched them together on the sides, they did not reattach the bodice to the skirt correctly. The seams were crooked and several of the applique lace flowers were sewn into the waist seam. On top of that, she found stick pins that had been left in the dress. I am extremely unhappy and will be contacting the district manager but I do not expect much as far as reimbursement, considering the experience so far. 

brideofginger

I had heard too many horror stories about DB's alterations - both because of issues with their skill level and with outrageous costs. I'm using an outside seamstress who was recommended by a co-worker. She actually makes custom gowns and specializes in bridal alterations for her primary living - she told my co-worker that if she wasn't happy with her dress, she wasn't leaving until it was right. The other thing she mentioned was that, if DB screws up your dress due to lack of experience or skill, and the style is discontinued, you're screwed and will have to purchase a new dress no matter what.

monica&brad

My sister bought her dress at DB and had also heard about it being over priced. She ended up taking to a seamstress in our area and for it to be hemmed(she had the lace cut and brought up to keep the triangular detail) taken in quite a bit and the crystals resewn on and it cost her $150.

caitlinmca

I've also heard of the extremely high costs and when it comes time for my alterations (January to feb of 2015) I will be taking it to a local lady who everyone recommends.

[Deleted User]

I had my zipper taken out & converted to a corset & that was $140.00. I had a ballroom bustle put in which required 18 buttons to secure. If I remember correctly that was around $150.00. I have heard they can be pricey but my feeling was, especially with the bustle, that they are familiar with working with my dress and should be able to alter it easier due to experience plus if they messed it up, it would be easier to get them to replace the dress.

creato2304

I too purchased my dress at DB and it set me back $849. I have heard that they can be quite expensive on their alterations which is worrisome because I need it taken in and then there is the cost of the bustling and this dress requires it so I am screwed. Thanks for all ofyour comments as I will now look for a local, trusted seamstress for this service.

Rrobinson15

I work for a French wedding dress designer and I can tell you the cost of the dress does not factor into the cost of the alterations. If you have a $40 dollar dress or $400 your alterations will be the same.
What does go into the cost of the alterations is the construction of the dress, how much beading and lace is on it, how much time it will take the alterations to be done, etc. No one can give you an accurate quote without seeing your dress in person. They will either overcharge or undercharge you neither which you will be happy with. If they undercharge you then you will be disappointed with the quality because they will spend so much time on your dress not being compensated properly and do a bad quality job.
Alterations really don't vary that much, if you get them done by someone who actually knows what they are doing. $100-200 is what you should be paying for JUST hemming. More goes into that than just cutting the bottom of the dress and sewing a line across it. If you find a couple of places you like and are price checking, and they know what they are doing then their prices should be the same.
Ask to see some of their work, ask questions about their experience and technique and that might give you some peace of mind. Again, no one can give you an accurate price without seeing your dress in person so you should take your dress in and have them tell you exactly what they will do to do, how long it will take and to get a sense of what they are actually talking about. Hope this helps