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As you may suspect, this largely depends on what is being altered on your dress, along with the style of dress, how it fits initially, the fabric it is made of, and if there is beading or lace on it.  And of course, another large factor is, who is working on it.  (As a reminder, we are happy to give you our list of recommended outside seamstresses.)

A general range to expect to pay is $500-$1,000.  On occasion a seamstress may have a fitting fee as well.  We think it is perfectly acceptable to gather quotes from a few places (if you feel so inclined) so you have some comparable prices to work with.  This will also give you the chance to meet/chat with the people who will be conducting the work on your dress, so you can also gauge how comfortable you are with him/her.  Just like all wedding vendors, you’ll want to make sure you are satisfied working with them!

This just depends on each individual bride and dress!  Most brides will have 2-3 fittings.  Some brides will have 4 fittings.  Be sure to talk specifics with your seamstress!

Most seamstresses recommend starting fittings 8-12 weeks before your big day, but it is best to touch base with them to ensure you are working within their preferences.  Here is a sample timeline:

• First fitting – about 8-12 weeks before your wedding day.  At this fitting, the initial pinning will take place and the bustle will be determined.  Remember, now is the time to speak up!  If you see something you want changed {placement of applique, removal of beading, adding a strap or bra cups, etc.} this first fitting is the time to do it!
• Second fitting – about one month before your wedding day.  This fitting is to check the initial pinning and fit and to make minor adjustments.  Keep in mind that this may be a final fitting for you if all feels and looks good with your dress.
• Third and fourth fittings – anywhere from 1 week to 3 weeks before your wedding day.  Many brides will have a third fitting but fourth fittings are pretty rare.  These fittings are to ensure the minor tweaks that have been made are done to your liking.

There are a few things that you will absolutely need – your shoes and undergarments – and a few other recommended items:

• Wedding jewelry and veil – so you can see your complete look.  {Remember all TWD brides get a 10% discount on jewelry, veils, and headpieces at TWD!}
• Maybe a person or two.  Remember, fittings are not the same as a wedding dress shopping appointment – the seamstress usually wants your undivided attention and it is best not to bring a distracting group.
• A positive attitude.  Let’s face it – fittings can be downright stressful.  While we make every possible effort to ensure that our dresses are ordered as close to your body size as possible, most every bride needs some form of alterations.  Remember, your first fitting is the first chance to make the fit perfect, so don’t panic when you try on your dress for the first time and it isn’t an automatic perfect fit.  {After all, that is what fittings are for.}  We stand by our preferred seamstresses and know that their goal is to ensure that your dress fits you perfectly and that you are completely satisfied with your final wedding dress look.

While we can’t give you exact pricing, it seems that most of our brides spend anywhere from $500-$1,000 on wedding gown alterations from our preferred seamstresses.  And we can certainly guide you (and even write down) on what specifically would need to be altered on your wedding gown.  The perfect time to chat about this is when you come back to TWD to try on your actual gown – we LOVE to see our brides in the gowns they’ve ordered!

In a word, no.  Instead, we have a great list of recommended seamstresses that many of our brides use for their gowns, one of which is located right in Brighton within a 3 minute drive from our shop.  Also keep in mind that many of our brides who live far away tend to get alterations done closer to home.  If you have any specific questions about alterations, please let us know!  We have seen a LOT over the years and know our fair share about how wedding dresses get altered!