What are you paying for alterations?

doeie04

And what does it include? Can you do an break down of the cost?

I know it varies by location, but I am curious.

I am hoping mine won't be over $200 or I might have to go without some stuff. I really hope it is under though. I want a corset put in. I need it taken in on the sides, hemmed and bustled.

Ash61612

luckily I only needed a bustle put in. (put in? sewn in?) the slip I am wearing lifts the dress up to the perfect length.

david's bridal charged $30 for the bustle. They also have a one time complementary steaming that they did as well.

midgedenver

I needed a ton off the bottom (such a shorty) and probably the bust taken in a little. All in all, I think around $200 ($125 for the hem and $50 - $75 for the bust).

diamondx423

I need a hem, some taken in, the bust adjusted and a bustle. I was quoted about $200, but nothing is concrete yet.

kelsey+brandon

Probably too much, but I'm having 3ish fittings. I'm getting them done at the bridal salon and it's just less to worry stress having them do them.

ETA: I'm also getting a lot done. Dress hemmed and train shortened by a lot (it's cathedral right now and I don't want anything longer than a chapel), dress taken in a lot, back lowered, cups added, and possible buttons added to cover the zipper, and a french bustle.

lopezalonso

I'm paying $300 to have the hem and the altered. The seamstress is also making my veil but that is an additional $150. I can't wait for all this money spending to end. 

drewmw

The only alteration I am having (thank god) is a corset back put in.... so I'm only paying like $60.

daria24

You all make me want to stab myself. My alterations are a flat $595! My dress doesn't come in until April but I know I will need 3 inches off the hem, a bustle, cups seen in, plus the top to be taken. I called and got quotes from other seamstresses in NYC and they told me it would be 200-300 for just the hem! Shoot me! I can get it done in PA for much cheaper but by the time you factor in 2-3 additional train or bus tickets, it's almost no savings.

kaitlinmainhart

I am so nervous about alterations. My dress is one of the DB's Vera Wang dresses with the wavy organza bottom and I was told it will be a minimum of $150 just to hem it. I feel like it is really going to add up quick.

LiLgEe

i go at the end of march to have mine altered.. i hope i dont have to pay a lot for it, my dress was like $450 soo lol!

mrspatnou

I go for my fitting on march 22 so I will know the exact date then; but I was quoted $200. I am getting it done at the same place I bought the dress and what they are doing is cutting off the train so my dress is the same length all the way around and my strap is tightened up a bit. If necessary, they might have to take in the bust since I have hills not mountains!

calisel

David's Bridal wants $30 to do the bustle and $30 to do the hem. I am short so I need it taken up a few inches. I fit in my dress 100% now but since I am still loosing weight that might change. If I need it taken in it will be another $30... I go for my fitting the middle of April...

Cassandra999

I'm having mine done at the bridal salon also.  their price list says 120-220 for hem.  I'm hoping its on the low end because it seems pretty simple.  & 10 per point for bustle.  i have no clue how many I will need.  I hope it won't be too much. 

MiksChick23

Hemming is the most expensive part, or if you need an elaborate bustle (like with layered skirt or something.) Thank GOODNESS I don't mine hemmed. I'm thinking it will stay under $100.

PS. These DB quotes I'm seeing are really shocking. My friend paid about $400 for them to do her alterations!

DrPB2b13

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_what-are-you-paying-for-alterations?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:621cf446-4253-4459-a150-0af46df5d603Post:acb3c33e-02b8-4632-b40f-cde0974dcfa6">Re: What are you paying for alterations?</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>Hemming is the most expensive part</strong>, or if you need an elaborate bustle (like with layered skirt or something.) Thank GOODNESS I don't mine hemmed. I'm thinking it will stay under $100. PS. These DB quotes I'm seeing are really shocking. My friend paid about $400 for them to do her alterations!
Posted by MiksChick23[/QUOTE]

That really depends on the dress.  The reason some dresses are SUPER expensive while others are really cheap is that plain dresses that can be hemmed from the bottom are relatively easy.  Dresses with elaborate skirts (scalloped edges, beading & embroidery, etc.) need to have the skirt removed from the bodice, and essentially taken in from the top up.  This is a much bigger process than "just" a hem, which is why it can be extraordinarily expensive.

Sarah0335

My first alterations appointment is May 1st.  I have no idea what mine will cost, but I am really hoping to keep it under $200.  I will need hem, bustle and maybe taken in too.

MMRoberts11

I need to have my dress bustled, the neckline pulled in a smidge, and get the sides taken in a bit.  I think I'll end up paying $150ish for it. 

niknik15

Mine cost $350 with tax. It is very detailed with lace and beading and she is bringing it in about 2.5 inches in places. She is adding boning to the bust, adding hooks for the straps, and putting in a three point american bustle.

kipnus

No alterations for me, since I'm having my dress custom made! I'm also getting my veil made for just $30. It's plain and simple.