Alterations cost freak out :(

mcononico · July 2010

So I went and tried on my dress today... its about 2 sizes to big so needs to be taken in about 6 inches, hemmed & French Bustle...
I also ordered extra fabric to have a bolero made.

They quoted me a rough estimate of $850 (on top of the $135 I already paid for extra fabric.

Is it just me .. or this really expensive?
Can anyone suggest somewhere I can get quality work for a more affordable price?

TIA

cdlnmf · July 2010

I mean, its tough to say really. I don't know where you're from, or if you were at a bigger alterations place, or even a chain or something; but from mine and friends of mines experiences, it seems like going outside of the city and finding a smaller shop will save money. Its not even on the same register as the alterations you need, but I had a hem, I had it taken in a full size, and had clips sewn into the inner corset and it all came up to 100 dollars. I went to a small shop called Prime Thread, in Lunenburg MA... but the woman was awesome, super helpful, and my dress came out great and best of all was super affordable.

mandykaine · July 2010

where are you in relation to Boston? I know a great seamstress on the North Shore who did both my wedding dresses (including some major alterations in the reception dress) for only $190. She is an adorable older french lady who works out of her house.. and does excellent work!

bostonbride214 · July 2010

that seems really high to me...mine needed to be taken in two dress sizes, hemmed over 5 inches and had an intricate 16 point bustle that followed with the fabric - it was $300 total over 4 fittings.

Chris O'Hare in Quincy gets recommendations on this board...I would definitely get a second opinion on pricing - at least for peace of mind...GL!

mcononico · July 2010

I am located in Dedham
I bought my dress on the north shore and the price quote was from the dress shop from their on-site seamstress.

I have read many great reviews of Chris O'hare.. I may have to give her a call.

Thanks ladies

jenwindy · July 2010

Ouch! Sticker shock!

megandjay · July 2010

That does seem really high, I am having a lot done at a shop and it is still much less than that.

I would def try some other places/people for quotes!

Galaxy8227 · July 2010

A lot of times the shops are much more expensive than some women who work out of their homes or do it as a side job. I would get a second opinion, that sounds like a lot of money to me.

october010bride · July 2010

Holy moly thats a lot. If I were you I'd contact Fay in Billerica and Chris in Quincy (I'm using Chris). I've heard that Chris is booked and I know for sure that Fay is booked but you could always call and double check.

Chris- 617.471.7366

Fay- 978-667-4525

gl!

normon · July 2010

I haven't used her but Judy at the Bridal Secret in Quincy has her own sample gown shop plus does alterations, including gowns not bought at her store. If you google her, her website should come up.

Starmusica · July 2010

Not sure where you are located.. or how intricate your dress is.... but mine is coming in 2 sizes.. needs to have intricate beading on the bodice removed and placed with the new size.... its being hemmed about 6 inches bottom up and I am having an intricate 6 point bustle in the back that is being placed to showcase some beading under my pickups.. and she is adding cups and I was told the MAX it will be is about a 1/4 what you are paying. You DEFINITELY need a second opinion... I am working with Fay Carrahar who is always listed on this board for her great work.... she's in billerica.

jkepros · July 2010

I used Fay & she was awesome! She is super sweet, does AMAZING work, and is very reasonably priced (she works out of her home). She loves knotties, and unless she's booked, I am sure she could help you for a fraction of that price.

noodle_oo · July 2010

Is that the price they quoted you at the dress salon where you purchased your dress? Sometimes the dress salons are *very* expensive for alterations. I had my alterations quoted at the store where I bought it (Camilla's in Arlington) and they wanted around $400 for a moderate amount of work. That was too much for me to pay (the dress was only $800!). I took it to Fay in Billerica and she's doing the same work plus MORE and it is only costing $200. I would definitely contact an independent seamstress and get a second quote.

mcononico · July 2010

Thanks for all y our suggestions ladies!
I am def gonna contact some other seamstresses

TeresaB2011 · July 2010

Wow that scares me to death. I ordered mine from Alexandra's in Fall River MA...great place. She measured me, and since I am short and my gown cannot be hemmed, I had to order it by some weird saying but basically it measured from chest to floor length with 3 inches added for my shoes. The only alterations I will need is if I add a small sleeve to it. I hope I don't run into that kind of problem. I'll keep you posted...it should not be in for at least 6m yet.

Karen's MOH · July 2010

That seems really high, but did she mention how much was for the bolero to be maid? Keep in mind that part alone might be what is making it expensive.

SOmeone said Chris O'Hare is booked-- I just called her yesterday and set up my first fitting, for my Oct. wedding. She didn't say anything about being booked.

snoangel79 · July 2010

holy sht! haha um I don't know yet because I'm going for my first fitting in 10 days but I'll let you know! Till then I'll be in shock!

blondie82784 · July 2010

Ouch thats like a new dress right there.. I would try Chris Ive heard good things to.. Gets a few different quotes before you settle

Alterations cost freak out :(

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