Camilla's in Arlington

sboston06

Has anyone had alterations done here?  Are they in line with what independent seamstresses charge or are they overpriced?

noodle_oo

I bought my dress at Camilla's and I found their prices for alterations to be very high.  They were actually so high it was cost prohibitive for me to have them done there.  I didn't want anything out of the ordinary (hem, bustle, cups sewn in) but I did want to also shorten the train.  All together, the estimate was $400!  The other thing that bothered me was that they quoted me one set of prices when I bought my dress and then the prices were different when I picked up my dress.  Not by a lot, but enough that it bothered me and it seemed like they sort of made it up as they went along.

I ended up going to Fay Carraher in Billerica.  I was able to get everything I wanted on my dress and more (a few more things I watned but didn't even ask at Camilla's) and all together it is coming out to $200. 

Bridal salons charge the MOST for alterations basically because they can.  They have a large customer base and many people are afraid to go elsewhere.  I think unless you have an unlimited budget, you are much better off going with an independent seamstress who specializes in wedding dresses.

PS.  Here's an example:  Camilla's quoted me $20 per point for the bustle.  Manhattan Bridals (in Dedham) quoted me $10 per point.  Fay is charging me $8 per point.  At Camilla's my 7 pt french bustle would have been $140 vs. $56 from Fay.  And this is to sew in little strings, which seriously, is not that hard to do.

sboston06

Thanks for the review!  I definitely don't have an unlimited budget but right now I'm looking for convenience and availability.  I'm starting tonight checking out a shop that is most convenient to my house (Adam and Eva), and if that doesn't work out, I'm going to check out Fay, Chris and a few others that girls have recommended.

I'm not really sure what is normal for bridal alterations either, but I will keep your bustle prices in mind tonight.  My dress is heavily beaded and the fabric is very thick jacquard, so I think my alterations will end up being expensive wherever I go.

noodle_oo

Sure, good luck!  I was SO much happier with my dress after the alterations, so I'm really glad I was able to do them affordably. 

Fay and Chris are well recommended but a little far from the city.  There is Anahit in Newton I think who is also highly recommended and may be easier to get to!  Although I think she's a little pricey too (but does great work).