How much do wedding dress alterations cost?
Typical Costs
- The cost of alterations varies widely, depending on the style of the dress and complexity of the work. The three alterations most likely to be done are hemming, bodice alterations and shortening of sleeves.
- A bodice alteration can cost $30 for a simple dress to $100 or more for a dress with boning or beading that needs to be removed, then reinserted or reapplied.
- A hem might run $80 for a simple dress to $200 or more for a multi-layered dress.
- Sleeve alterations usually run between$40 and $80, depending on how much decoration or beading is on the sleeves.
- Bridal salons in large cities tend to charge more than independent seamstresses.
What Should Be Included:
- The seamstress will try the dress on the bride to see which alterations are needed. There should be a second fitting, with further alterations if necessary, until the dress fits perfectly.
- Remember to bring the bra, any support garments and the shoes you plan to wear, to your fittings.
- Tip: Make sure to establish a clear timeline with the person doing your alterations, and allow a few extra days so there is time to fix problems.
Additional Costs:
- Bustling the dress, so the bride can lift and secure her train after the ceremony, normally costs extra, from about $20 to $90, depending on the size of the train, and how complicated the bustle.
After alterations, the dress will need to be pressed or steamed. Typically the cost runs from about $40 for a simple dress to $100 for a multi-layered dress with a long train.
Dress Me will steam the dress you bought from us at no charge to you after alterations and again before your wedding at no cost to you.
Dress Me Bridal Boutique Serving the Tyler, Texas area as well
302 S Henderson St as the East Texas are with the finest in
Bullard, TX 75757 bridal gowns, wedding dresses and
903-894-3505 formal wear.
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To have your wedding dress alter is rather annoying and troublesome. Thus, to avoid this situation, we should let the tailor measure us carefully. Or if you buy the dress online, study to the measurement method carefully will work.
Thank you Susan for your comment. It would be so nice if you could order dresses to fit perfectly. However this is not a perfect world. Dresses are made to a standard size chart that is different and unique to each manufacturer.
People all come in different sizes. For example a girl may be a size 8 top and a size 12 bottom. You must purchase a size 12 and have it altered to fit perfectly.
Wedding dresses as well as all formal wear is made to fit differently than regular ready to wear dresses. These are designed to be worn one time and the fit is designed to be unique to the person and the occasion.