Opinions on Shaeffers Bridal

mlharrison23 · December 2010

I am interested in a couple dresses at Shaeffers but wondered what everyones experiences was with them and alterations there. They told me that I should buy the size 10 sample dress because that would be cheaper to get it altered than to buy a new one in my own size because I "might have to get it altered anyways." I would need a size 2 in a dress. Does this make sense to anyone? Alterations seem really expensive but then again I don't know the average cost. Did anyone have problems once you bought the dress? Just any opinions or reviews would help me out alot. Thanks.

MaggieandJake · December 2010

I can give you some more info in a at the end of the week...I'm in the EXACT same situation as you.

I bought a Maggie Sottero Sample dress from Schaffers in April in a size 10 when I'm normally a size 2. I have to have it taken in, shortened and add a bustle. Pretty much any dress I bought would have had to be shortened and have a bustle added so I definitely felt like it was a better deal (I not only got my dress knocked down in price because of it being discontinued, I also got 50% off of that at their blowout sale).

I have my first fittings appointment Thursday (they are running a sale-20% off alterations if you book before the end of the month) and so I'll have a better idea of final cost and look. When I bought my dress in April they quoted me about $350 to do all of the above mentioned alterations. Considering that a brand new dress only- would have cost more than my current costs (sample dress+alterations)I knew it was a better deal.

LRPJ · December 2010

I absolutely LOVE Schaeffer's, but had better luck finding my dress at Stacey's Bridal in Urbandale.

I have had Schaeffer's do alterations on bridesmaid dresses for weddings I was in, and I can tell you they do a great job, BUT they are over-priced. If cost isn't an issue, go with them; you'll be pleased. Otherwise, I'd recommend having someone else do the alterations :-)

mlharrison23 · December 2010

Cool thanks for all the advice!!!!

MaggieandJake · December 2010

So to update, I had my fitting yesterday, and it looks like everything is going to alter nicely. They are taking in about an inch in either side of the bodice, and tightening it at the waist from the bottom of the zipper. It really doesn't make the dress look bad at all taking so much out, but then again, my bodice doesn't have any details on it (it's just ruched taffeta) so I don't know if a detailed bodice would make a difference when taking it in on the sides. They are also taking out quite a bit in the skirt (i'm only 4"11)

For pricing, it came out to $380 including taxes and the 20% discount

Here's a complete list of what I'm having done

Bustle

taking it in on the sides

Taking it in at the zipper

hem

sewing in bra cups to the dress so that I don't have to wear one.

The total pre discount was $390 w/out tax. After the discount it was down to $312+$35 for the bra cups, and then $20 in tax.

They couldn't discount the bra cups b/c they are an actual product, not a service.

Anyway, hope this gives you a better idea of Schaffer's alterations.

Here's some pics of my fitting-you can't see it very well in the pic, but there are pins everywhere, marking how far to take it in.

mlharrison23 · December 2010

Thanks!!! That really helps me out alot!!! The dress looks beautiful on you!!! I am going there tomorrow and hope the 2 dresses that I like will still be there....I guess if only one is it will make my decision easier.

mlharrison23 · December 2010

Since you have been so helpful...do you happen to know if steaming the dress is included in cost? Thanks.

MaggieandJake · December 2010

Thanks for the nice compliment

If I remember from another friend's dress alterations, I believe steaming is included in the final alterations, but I didn't specifically ask at my appointment.

Good luck finding your perfect dress!! let us know what you end up going with when you make a decision.

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