Paying for alterations...up front, in FULL???

beaz82 · July 2010

I have my first fitting this week at the bridal salon where I ordered my gown. They are a chain bridal store but this particular store has only been open since January. They informed me that they require payment, in full, for all alterations before they will even start on the dress. I trust the chain but not sure that I trust their alterations specialist. I don't know anything about them. I can't find any reviews on their alterations. I feel like I want some sort of 50% now and 50% upon satisfactory completion of my alterations. My dress has lace and bead work so it will not be a quick fix.

Any thoughts???

Did anyone else pay up front for alterations? Or should I go elsewhere...even if it means that they are specifically bridal gown focused?

Any comments are greatly appreciated in advance.

october010bride · July 2010

Where I am, you pay mid-way and when it is complete. I would never ever pay in full before alterations were started.

goaliegirl · July 2010

Where I got my alterations done, I was required to pay up front for the alterations. If you are unsure about the seamstress, then take the dress elsewhere, or pay up front.

Sapphire1002 · July 2010

The store I'm having my alterations done requires payment on the 2nd fitting and I feel comfortable with that.

[Deleted User] · July 2010

I had to pay in full for mine as well before they were done. It wasn't like I didn't trust them, it was just that I was a bit hesitant, too. I used my credit card in case there were any problems I could dispute it.

glam70s · July 2010

I vote for using your credit card too, that's the best way to go IMO..

jmkes · July 2010

Ask some friends or co-workers who have recently gotten married where they got their alterations done. Word of mouth is the best review! Talk with the seamstress who will be working on your dress and ask if they can make all of the changes that you want done (some places promise they can fix/change things and then turn around and say they can't.) Make sure the turn around time (the length of time from when they start to when it'll be ready) is good with you and your schedule. Ask them what is their policy on alterations that are not done to your specifications, or any damage that the dress may incur while in their care. Do they replace your dress if something permanently damages it? Do they keep going back to fix it until you are completely satisfied?

Like the other ladies said, use a credit card so that you can dispute the charge if something should happen to go wrong.

luckyme502 · July 2010

I had to pay in full up front. It's funny, I didn't even think twice about it.

Knittibell · July 2010

Yeah, just use your CC so you can dispute it if need be! I'm sure it'll all be fine!

HKD817 · July 2010

I haven't gotten to this stage yet, but it seems that everyone has to pay for their alterations up front. I'm with you Beaz, i'd be a little weary too. But I guess if it is their policy what can you do but trust them.I'm going to my bridal salon this weekend to order my veil. I'm going to have to ask them about this, i'm curious to know what their policy is, its something i never even thought about

beaz82 · July 2010

Thanks for all the thoughts. I am going today...still a little nervous. I trust the store...and have put in a call to their alterations department this morning. I may just discuss with her when I get there. I called around to some other places that people recommended and am finding it's similarly done this way at bridal salons/specialists. Mom and pop alterations places will let me pay later. CC will be a problem, my parents are paying and left me a blank check to pay for it. I am not worried about the money part of it...I just want a guarantee. After looking into it a little more, it appears that the salon alterations specialists will go over everything, make suggestions, give a copy of the alterations ticket, pay in full and then schedule final fitting. If I am not satisfied, they will make it right...or bridezilla will come pay them a visit! ;-)

lanyemichelle · July 2010

I would talk to any other brides who have used them to see if they have a good reputation. Depending on what they charge it might also be cheaper to go somewhere else.