Cost of alterations?

EmyBee

Just wondering what others are paying for alterations of their bridal gowns? It's going to cost me $350 for the hem, bustle and taking in the bodice (I've lost weight since buying the dress). I know it depends on the material of the dress and how complicated the alterations are, but I'm wondering if I'm getting ripped off...

shaylagirl

Can you call other seamstresses and inquire what they would charge?

I know -for sure- my gown needs to be bustled, and as I ordered it through Alfred Angelo, they have their own seamstresses, though I'm loathe to use them, because I'm sure they'll price gouge.

Call some of the local bridal boutiques and see if they have anyone they recommend and check with them? 

Good luck!  Mine should be here soon, so then I'll be on the hunt for someone to bustle my gown.  Let me know who you choose and if you like what they did! 

lpick21

I had mine down in house at Signature Bridal. I can't remember the exact cost but I think it was somewhere in the $200s, approaching $300. The one thing my seamstress recommended that actually saved us some money was instead of a hem, she put in tacks. They were $10 per tack, I think, and ended up being cheaper than a $150 hem. The won't work for all styles, but maybe ask about that?

shaylagirl

I'm having Beatrice here in Austin with Alterations and Veils do my alterations.

She's kind of pricey, but, I've seen the work she's done, and, I know she'll do it right.

Bodice; $250.
Hem; $120
Steaming; $140
Bustle; Free (3 point bustle)

Love her!  Have my 2nd fitting on Friday. 

I'd talked with the people at Alfred Angelo, and they were close to the same price range, and, while they did a free steaming, they were looking at either doing a side-seam on my bodice or a drawstring.  Well, the drawstring would have puckered and made my bodice look weird.  Beatrice removes ALL the beading and details, strings them, re-sews the bodice, and then re-attaches all the beads, etc.