What do I do about dress/alterations?? a little long PIP

aimiroku

I made my appointment for a consultation on alterations ($25 for this but will be applied to the cost if I get it done at this place, also has very good reviews on my local board as well) While talking to the seamstress on the phone, I got an estimate of about $350 (hemmed, sides taken in, possible cups sewn in, possible sweethart added, and very simple bussel) Sounds about what I had in mind for just hemmed and taken in... So the price sounds reasonable... Thing is that I only paid $100 for the dress (davids bridal $99 gown sale) and money is super tight right now. Ultimately, the cost may vary depending on if I get all of the above done.

My dress is currently waayyy to long and slightly too big (should of been in a size 2, got it in a 4). I am not very girly so dress shopping was not all it was cracked up to be. Out of all I tried on, I liked this one best... But no where near the whole "THE ONE" moments...

tis dress





Do you ladies think its worth it to get these done or should I lose the $25 and get another dress that is in my size for cheaper? I will also have a better idea of actual price after Friday night. Just need some opinions

Thanks!

MNbride1991

In my opinion, totally worth the $25 for the consultation!
Even with  alterations, your dress is cheaper than "average." I think you're in a win-win.
If you end up having a personality conflict with the seamstress, you're only out $25. So you'll maybe have to skip a couple Starbucks trips.

Still worth it to go to the consultation, though!

[Deleted User]

Wow...$350 sounds like A LOT.  Is it a corset style like the picture shows?  Can you just cinch it in using the corset to avoid having it taken in?  I know that won't show the corset part as nicely as usual but it would save a TON of money.

As for the cups sewn in, they make these backless bra thingys that you could use instead.  

How much does it need to be hemmed?  Mine was about 3 inches too long, so I got 3 1/2 inch heels and I don't have to get it hemmed :-)

Good luck but sheesh, that seems REALLY high to me.

BrittRN+

I would go ahead with the alterations. Buying a new dress that would probably still need some alterations doesn't sound worth it.

aimiroku

even with these (almost 4 inch with the 1 inch platform) the dress is still too long probably by 2 or 3 inches. (sucks to be short). Im not worried about the $25. (Starbucks isnt even an issue, dont drink coffee ) I remember getting a higher price from davids bridal for just taking it in and hemming it. I will know more on friday... Just have to make it through this week. Work is a joke, heres hoping that my interview goes well on Wednesday and new things will be in my future!!

Will update as soon as I know more!

Edit: i would probably change to a tea-length, since we are Jamaica bound. Looking for something I wouldnt have to alter

vk2204

If you already have a rough estimate of the alterations pricing, why not look for another DB $99 dress that may fit you better?

I don't think it could hurt to check out other options.

ChiGirl2013

Alterations are EXPENSIVE!  No matter where you go, you'll still have to have it taken in, shortened, and bustled.  Have you looked for other estimates?  Is there anyone in your area that has the same great reputation?  The last thing you want to do is turn your dress over to some dry clearner's seamstress and have it ending up being butchered beyond repair. 

Even if you get a dress off the rack - assuming you can find another $99 dress - you're still going to have to pay to have it shortened, it sounds like.  Plus, add in the cost of buying a backless bra (to avoid paying for them to add cups) and a bustle if you don't find a tea length dress.  You're going to have to pay for alterations no matter what, it seems.  Personally, I'd go to the consultation, tell them you have a budget of $200 and see if you can negotiate something in between.  Ask if they have any discounts or sales coming up.  They'd probably rather have your business at a discount than lose a customer. 

joheryl

If you need to get any dress hemmed I think it will end up being expensive.  I was quoted $150 for a hem so I bought shoes that avoided the need for a hem.  I know another option is if you order a dress you do hollow to hem (for my dress it was an extra 100 or 120) to avoid a hem.  You may not have enough time to order though...

aimiroku

Going through with the alterations. $180 for it getting taken in, hemmed and bustled. I am a little worried about the hem, raising the ribbon at the bottom covers the bottom lace detail. The seamstress was questioning how the lace was sewn on (didnt want it to be so close that there would end up being a whole in the overlay) so hopefully that will come out alright in the end. Still debating on what to do about getting cups sewn in or trying to find a corset/bra to go under the dress. Been to 2 different malls, and a lovers lane to find something and no such luck... sewn in cups would be $20 or $30. But doesnt give me much to work with... curse this being small and short...