FAQs
Q1
When do I schedule Wedding Gown Alterations?
A1:
We recommend reaching out to schedule your alterations as soon as you say yes to the dress!
Our calendar fills quickly, especially during peak wedding season (April–October), when we typically book 6–8 months in advance. During the off-season (November–March), we recommend booking 4–6 months ahead.
Your first fitting is usually scheduled about 10–12 weeks before your wedding day, with follow-up appointments as needed.
Q2
What Wedding services do you offer?
A2:
We offer a full range of wedding services for the bride, groom, and entire wedding party. Our team specializes in alterations for all types of formalwear—from bridal gowns to suits and tuxedos.
Learn more about our formalwear alterations here.
In addition to alterations, we offer suit and tuxedo rentals as well as made-to-order suits and tuxedos for purchase. Brides who book gown alterations get exclusive savings on groom or groomsmen rentals!
Learn more about our suit and tuxedo rentals here.
To complete your look, we also provide gown and veil steaming & pressing—plus, we’ll take care of your dress after the big day with our gown cleaning and preservation services.
Q3
What is the cost of Wedding Gown Alterations?
A3:
Alterations are highly personalized and depend on both the gown’s construction and the alterations needed. Most gowns require a combination of standard alterations, such as:
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Bodice and strap adjustments
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Sewing in Bust cup
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Hem (length) adjustment
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Bustle Designing
Here’s a general pricing guide to help you plan:
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Standard alterations (no embellishments): $500–$700
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Standard alterations with embellishments (beading, lace, horsehair trim, etc.): $700–$1,300
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Customizations, bespoke designs, or resizing over 2 sizes: $1,100–$2,000+
Most brides fall within the $700–$900 range for
typical gown alterations.
Keep in mind that gowns with extensive embellishments, custom elements, or requiring significant resizing will fall on the higher end.
To get started, please submit an inquiry form here and we’ll follow up with more personalized information based on your dress. A more accurate quote will be provided during your in-person consultation once we've evaluated your gown.
*Please note: Gowns with shorter timelines may incur a priority rush fee.
Q4
What do I bring to my
Wedding Gown Fittings?
A4:
For your consultation and first fitting, please bring your wedding dress with you. After that, we’ll hold onto your gown for all follow-up fittings—so no need to bring it again!
For every fitting, be sure to bring:
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Your undergarments (strapless bra, corset, shapewear, petticoat, etc.)
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Your wedding shoes (Ceremony & Reception)
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Any accessories you’d like to try on (veil, jewelry, etc.)
These items are essential to ensure your gown is fitted accurately and comfortably.
If you’re not sure what undergarments will work best for your dress, we’ll help you decide during your consultation. We also offer sewn-in bra cups (sizes A–H) upon request for a comfortable and secure fit.
We recommend bringing cash or check for payment. A 3% surcharge applies to all card transactions.
For more details on what to bring and what to expect at each appointment, visit our Bridal Guide here.
Q5
Can I bring guests to my appointments?
A5:
Absolutely! You're welcome to bring guests who will offer encouragement and help keep the focus on the fitting and the bride. Our wedding gown fitting room comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests. We kindly ask that all guests be over the age of 12, as our studio contains equipment and tools that may be unsafe for young children.
While guests are not required for most fittings, we do recommend bringing them to your final fitting. This is when we’ll guide them through how to help you dress and bustle your gown on your wedding day. For both your first and follow-up fittings, we’ll assist you into your gown to ensure it's positioned correctly for accurate alterations.
Q6
How many fittings will I need?
A6:
Every bride will need at least two fittings—a first fitting and a final fitting—to ensure the perfect fit. Most gowns will also require additional follow-up fittings before the final fitting, especially if there is lace or beading that needs to be removed and replaced in order to access seams.
For standard alterations (such as bodice adjustments, hemming, and bustling), we typically schedule 4-5 fittings:
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Consultation (highly encouraged, but optional)
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First fitting
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Two follow-up fittings
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Final fitting
If your gown requires significant resizing or customizations—like adding sleeves or modifying the neckline—you may need more fittings to ensure everything is just right.
We highly encourage all brides to schedule a consultation before their first fitting. It’s a great way to ask questions, discuss your vision, and feel confident and prepared before we begin alterations.
Q7
What is the difference between a Consultation and 1st Fitting?
A7:
A Wedding Gown Consultation is the perfect way to begin your alteration journey. It’s a relaxed, preliminary meet-and-greet where you and your seamstress will review your gown together to set clear, informed expectations regarding alterations, cost, labor, and timeline. While you will try on your gown, no pinning or measurements will take place at this appointment. Instead, we’ll:
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Assess the gown
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Recommend undergarments
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Review potential customizations
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Outline the estimated cost and schedule
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Answer all your questions
Consultations are optional but highly encouraged, especially if you’ve already reserved your alteration spot with us. It helps ensure you're fully prepared at your first fitting—making the whole process seamless and more enjoyable. (Pun absolutely intended.)
A Customized Wedding Gown First Fitting is the official start of your alterations process. This is when we begin pinning, fitting, and tailoring your gown to perfection. You’ll need to bring all the essentials with you, including:
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Proper undergarments
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Wedding shoes
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Any fabrics, trims, or notions needed for customizations
If you did not attend a consultation and arrive without these items, it may delay your alteration timeline. Being prepared ensures we stay on track and get the best possible results for your big day.
Q8
How long do alterations take?
A8:
Each fitting lasts approximately 45 minutes, but the full alteration process typically spans 2 to 4 months. For standard full gown alterations (bodice, hem, and bustle), we recommend allowing at least 10–12 weeks.
However, we strongly advise against waiting until 10–12 weeks before your wedding to reach out. Our efficient turnaround time is made possible by careful planning and scheduling—many brides reserve their spot up to a year in advance, and our calendar often fills 6–8 months ahead of popular wedding dates.
Rush fees apply for any bridal alterations scheduled with less than 12 weeks’ notice. Please contact us directly for availability and pricing if your timeline is tight.
