How long did your alterations take?

That Gal

Hey girls,

I'm not sure how long alterations take, but I brought my gown in to a seamstress in September (wedding is Jan 13).  She said "good thing because I am very busy now"... so I called her today to see when she thinks I might be able to come get it and she said "...I need more time..." and I asked "when do you think you might be finished, just so I have an idea" and she said she needed a few more weeks...

This is the first time i've called her to see how its been going.   The alterations were: hemming, putting in bra cups, extending the halter so the neckline drops and i think she's letting it out a little.  Like I said, I'm not sure how long these normally take, and im not in a rush, but i'd like to get it back BEFORE the week of my wedding.

What are your opinions? Should I be worried?  When would it be appropriate to call and ask again?

Thanks

AmethystMSU

That seems excessively long. The time between my first and second appts was about a month. Then a week between second and third. Then a couple days between third and fourth/final.

I would tell her you're concerned with the timing because you may need more fittings (it's very common) and you would like it to be done by December 16 (4 weeks before your wedding) to ensure there is enough time. (This will also enable you to take it elsewhere if she doesn't get it done).

Amt2109

IMO, it shouldn't take as long as it is taking. How complex is your dress (boned corset type, satin vs chiffon, etc?).

The dress shop screwed up my dress (basic chiffon sheath). I had been going to take alterations elsewhere, but they were so worried about me having it in time (this was two days before I left the country) she worked on it three straight hours until it was done for free. She put extra bones in, took it in around the bust and hemmed it. She also finished the corset back she built in (they ordered a zip when I asked for corset).

I would drop in to see how far she's gotten. There's a possibility (though I hope its not the case) that she's holding it until nearer the time to start, or that she started, but hasn't done anything for a few weeks. Keep on her about it... remind her you only have a month til your wedding.

Personally, I don't like bs of any kind. If it seems to you that it won't get done, then I'd definitely take it somewhere else. Tell her the date you want it by. Give yourself a little time - maybe say you'll take it Jan 2nd whatever state its in.

Did you sign any contract with her?

It does not take four months for alterations.

That Gal

Thats a great idea, Amethyst.  Thank you... because I really wasn't sure if it was supposed to take this long .. I think I will call again.  Can't wait until everything is DONE.

That Gal

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_plus-sized_long-did-alterations?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:973cdc6f-961e-4fb0-a628-bef2bb559697Discussion:d4e79e2a-5c9f-4066-9fdc-ee2c2149a4a9Post:58990aa3-b8e4-438e-b478-a777cd0d3f7d">Re: How long did your alterations take?</a>:
[QUOTE]IMO, it shouldn't take as long as it is taking. How complex is your dress (boned corset type, satin vs chiffon, etc?). The dress shop screwed up my dress (basic chiffon sheath). I had been going to take alterations elsewhere, but they were so worried about me having it in time (this was two days before I left the country) she worked on it three straight hours until it was done for free. She put extra bones in, took it in around the bust and hemmed it. She also finished the corset back she built in (they ordered a zip when I asked for corset). I would drop in to see how far she's gotten. There's a possibility (though I hope its not the case) that she's holding it until nearer the time to start, or that she started, but hasn't done anything for a few weeks. Keep on her about it... remind her you only have a month til your wedding. Personally, I don't like bs of any kind. If it seems to you that it won't get done, then I'd definitely take it somewhere else. Tell her the date you want it by. Give yourself a little time - maybe say you'll take it Jan 2nd whatever state its in. Did you sign any contract with her? It does not take four months for alterations.
Posted by Amt2109[/QUOTE]

My dress is Davids Bridal Galina Signature SV9563.. not really complicated. No boning, no corset, just adding the bustle on top of all the regular stuff..  When I went there, she did say that she had a lot of other work to do, but I can't help but feel she didn't even start it.  I think I will give it another week.  On the other hand, a few years ago, I had her alter a gown of mine for my violin recital and she also took a long time.. but not 4 months.  The gown came out fine.  Nope. I didn't sign any contracts. 

vexie

Wow.. you sure started your alterations early.   That might be why she's taking longer than usual to get to your dress.  I didn't go for my first fitting until maybe 6 or 7 weeks before my wedding.  I had 3 fittings in total and was able to take my dress home the Wed before the wedding.  That way I knew the dress would fit me perfectly (no last minute weight gain or loss in just 3 days )

That Gal

Thanks ladies!

sassygirl5401

That does seem like a very long time. It took 2 weeks to get my first alterations done and then 1 week to take it in just a little bit more. That was even during my seamstresses busy season.

Hopefully she gets your dress done soon!