Truth about alterations?

otowncutie2006

I am confused about the cost about alterations. Are they supposed to be really high? I know that it is partially my fault because I lost a lot of weight and now the dress has to be taken in so much but $199? Is that high or is it just me. That cost is to take it in and to hem it up because it is too long and because of my recent accident I can't wear really high heels. I haven't ever gotten a wedding dress altered so I didn't know if this was the norm. The shop came very highly recommended and I trust that she will do a good job but it still seemed a bit steep. Maybe I am just a HUGE bargin bride, so I wanted to see what some of you ladies ended up paying for your alterations. Thanks! Liz

tink143

I haven't had to do any alteration yet, but I do have a question for you. I have been concerned with the same thing. The lack of experience with this makes me nervous. I am in the process of losing weight as well. If you don't mind me asking, how many sizes did you have to go down in the dress and where was the main part that the alterations are having to be done. I'm only curious because it can sort of prepare me. Thanks a bunch!

oooromyooo

That sounds about right.  I think mine is costing about $50 cheaper than your's but just to bring it up and add a bustle. 

Pretty Parula

POB's seamstress quoted me $450 because they're going to have to take my dress in so much AND hem it AND do a three-point bustle AND do something about the weird bow in the back. I'm probably going to check with this Judy person in Winter Park that everyone raves about, but I anticipate it being pretty similar. I think 200 is about right for normal to moderate alterations - unfortunately!

Hthr8

I'm only paying $30 for my alterations...but I am also only having the bust taken in...it's a perfect fit in all other areas.

otowncutie2006

Tink- When I first tried on the dress in May I weighed over 210lbs. The dress fit a little snug and the corset back did not tie as closely as it should. When I got it in August I noticed that all of a sudden it was really big on me. Well now I weigh 170, so when I went to get my alterations done the dress was almost falling off me and the corset back couldn't be tied any tighter because she said you wouldn't be able to see the ribbon the right way. She ended up taking it in about 3 dress sizes! It was mainly all in the top and sides. She pulled it all to one side and said "Look at how much I have to take in!" I know it has to be difficult to take in with the boning of the corset and all. I don't have a train (dress is pretty big on it's own) so I didn't need a bustle. Just a small hem on the bottom because my shoes aren't as high as I would like them to be. The sales woman at AA tried to suggest that I get a 18 instead of the 16 because she said that most brides-to-be don't lose as much weight as they would like! I knew I was going to lose the weight so I ordered the 16. I guess it is easier to take in a big dress vs let out a smaller dress. There is no way to gauge how much weight you are going to lose but I say go with the dress that fits a bit snug that way you will be safe. I had no idea alterations were this expensive! Oh well, the dress was $900 and I got it online for $474 so I can't complain!

bcnoelle

Hey Liz- I think $199 is a pretty fair price, but you may want to get another estimate. I guess it depends on how much time and energy you want to put into it. I once got a bridesmaid dress altered without asking the price and they charged me $90....pretty ridiculous, I thought! Pretty Parula- POB quoted me $400 and Jeanine the seamstress who has been coming to my house quoted me $100. Her # is 321-235-6681. I'm a little scared of POB alterations because I read 2 other brides who got alterations there and one paid $700 and another $1100. I didn't know if they were going to bump the price, plus I didn't want to keep dragging my dress around to get things done.

skhynes

I think mine was around $225-$250 and I didn't have too much done.  I bought my dress at Demetrios and used the seamstress there because I heard good things and trusted her, so I was willing to pay a little extra.  So, I think your price is pretty fair, but a second opinion wouldn't hurt.

Pretty Parula

Thanks for the tip, bcnoelle! I never would have thought there'd be that big of a difference. I'm definitely calling other seamstresses now.

John and Charisma <3

I payed 100 to have my dress brought in, add straps, slightly shortened, and she even had to fix something that was wrong with the material. She also did the bustle, and came to my house to do all my fittings. Jeanine 407-432-7336 or 321-235-6681

sharonskye

I paid $100 to have it taken in, and the lace on the bottom lowered since I'm so tall. It's fairly normal to spend 1-2 hundred dollars on alterations, especially if the material is hard to work this, such as lace, beads, and even more so if there the beads make a pattern/design on the material. I have a BS in apparel design, sew pretty well, and I didn't dare touch my dress. Wedding dresses are a beast to sew!

lacij3

I paid $250 for a woman in San Diego.  She took the dress in, added cups, 5-point french bustle, and I had her change the shape from an a-line to more fitted through the hips (kind of mermaidish).  I absolutely loved who I worked with and I think that really matters.  I also got a quote from a woman in the area that everyone loved but after watching her pin the dress, I could tell the quality wasn't going to be the same.

LoLoWedsM

I paid $130 to have my dress taken in 6 inches and the bustle done. It was $20 an hour.

BananaMustang

Due to the fact she is taking in a corset, I am sure you are paying the correct rate....and while you are probably hating yourself for how much money it is costing..make sure you congratulate yourself on the amount of weight you have lost!!!!! That is amazing! Also, it is WAAAAAAY more pain to add to a dress than to remove...I was a bridesmaid in a wedding and the dress she chose was on clearance...with minimal sizes to chose from...in the end, the seamstress tried to match the fabric to the dress, but it wasn't a "perfect match"....Again though, WAY TO GO on losing all the weight! You have motivated me to really work on losing weight!

ginam98

First of all congrats on losing so much weight... That's really exciting!!!To chime in with everyone else, I'd say you are paying the right price, even a bit low. Alterations are very time consuming!Mine turned out to be almost $500!

otowncutie2006

Thanks ladies! I had no idea the alterations cost that much. But for good work you have to be willing to pay the big bucks. I am not cheap just a bargain hunter! lol!