Rant and (sort of) question: Cost and changing shape of dress?

enewsome2 · January 2012

I just had my dress fitting yesterday and I walked away quite upset.

I guess my dress consultant must have really lowballed my estimate because my alterations were more than $100 over what she said they would be. I was on a really tight budget (um...I bought a $300 dollar dress if that's any indication..) and even just $100 more is probably going to force me to cut back somewhere else in my wedding. (And, to be completely honest, I asked my MOH about her alterations and she got the same two I did for about 1/3 of the cost through an independent tailor....)

Furthermore, I purchased an A-Line style gown even though I prefer the fit and flare type. The woman who sold me my dress acted like I could easily change the shape later on if I wanted to. Well, turns out I want to. When I went in to my appointment for alterations, the woman told me that it is "against company policy" to change the shape of the gown because it's "insulting to the designer" and "too difficult and expensive to do."

So basically, now I've spent well over my budget for a gown that I would have passed up would I have known that I couldn't alter the darn shape! GRR!

My question is: was I a naieve(sp?) sap believing that I could change the shape? Can it be done well and somewhat inexpensively (like under $200). If push comes to shove I'd be willing to put in some extra money so that I could at least be happy with the expensive thing.... (guess I could always cut back my food expenses or stop drinking starbucks for a couple weeks to save more... lol)

Have any of you changed the shape?

gailpete · January 2012

Try taking it to the independent seamstress your MOH used and see what they say. Bridal gowns are generally more expensive than bridesmaids dresses to alter because they usually have more layers and beading, but it never hurts to get a second opinion.

For my MOB dress I had sleeves added to a sleeveless dress and I know of brides that have had the shape or neckline changed.

Grits8812 · January 2012

I'm not sure how easily you can change the cut of the gown, but I'm sure it would cost a pretty penny.

I know when I asked the lady at David's if I could make my neckline a sweetheart, she said that they couldn't because it alters the design of the dress and they have a contract with the designers saying that they will not alter it other than making it fit right. I assume all companys have that contract with the designer.

monkeysip · January 2012

Have you already altered this dress?

If not, I might suggesting selling it and buying another. I mean, you can find really gorgeous dresses for $300 or less if that's your budget. I've seen cute fit and flare gowns for that. The girls on here are always a help.

If you've already paid the $ to alter it, then you've probably sunk way more money into it than you will get back selling it.

I can't see getting the dress altered to fit and flare for less than several hundred dollars. I don't even know if it can be done.

Maybe you wanna show us pics of the gown? Does it really need to be altered?

Rant and (sort of) question: Cost and changing shape of dress?

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