Wondering how much do wedding dress alterations cost?
Whether you are a bride-to-be or simply wedding day daydreaming, this is a question that we are asked about a lot. Unfortunately, it is not a black-and-white answer. Alterations are unique to the bride and her wedding gown.
Every bride deserves a wedding gown that fits her body perfectly. Alterations play a significant role in achieving that flawless look. From taking in or altering the hem, alterations help create a personalized fit.
The cost of wedding dress alteration services depends on several factors such as:
Complexity of the alteration process
Type of fabric and embellishments
- Skirt seams, boning, and other design elements
Seamstress or tailor’s experience and expertise
Even a professional offering a flat rate may only cover certain items. It is important to have a full understanding of what is actually included in a flat rate package.
That’s not exactly the answer you’re looking for so let’s dig a little deeper. You deserve the best wedding dress experience and being informed is the best first step.
Fitting Appointments vs. Wedding Dress Alterations
Often used interchangeably, there is a difference between fitting appointments and alterations. Before any bride receives pricing for their alterations, we invite them in for a consultation aka fitting.
Fitting for Wedding Dress
Fitting appointments are the initial step. It allows you to see how your dress looks and feels. The seamstress or tailor evaluates the dress fit while on. At this time, you can discuss any necessary adjustments or restyling requests.
Wedding Gown Alteration Appointment
The bridal alterations appointment is the step after a fitting. Alterations are the actual adjustments made. Standard alterations can include seam modifications, hemming the length, and removing sleeves. It is important these are made by a professional so as not to change a gown’s lines. Your wedding dress should fit comfortably and look beautiful!
Types of Wedding Dress Alterations
Trying on wedding gowns should be fun and exciting.
Far too often, brides are too hard on themselves regarding their body shape. We always advise going in with the proper mindset that the gown should be adjusted to you not the other way around. Find a wedding gown style that accentuates your favorite curves. We’ll take care of the rest!
With the help of expert alterations, your wedding gown will flatter and feel great on! Professionals have the necessary expertise to handle delicate fabrics and intricate details.
Let’s take a look at some complex and typical alterations.
Wedding Gown Bodice
The bodice of a wedding gown is one of the most critical components of a bride’s overall look. This focal point requires careful alterations to ensure the right fit.
Bust adjustments. Depending on the level of support needed, the tailor / seamstress can tighten, add bra cups, remove padding, etc.
Waistline. Create a flattering silhouette with a few adjustments. Taking in or letting out helps accentuate or de-emphasize the waist. More complex corset alterations are more time-consuming and costlier.
Tip: Be sure to bring the correct undergarments you plan on wearing to all your wedding dress alterations appointment.
Gowns with heavy boning or intricate ornamentation may be a bit more costly. Any wedding dress tailoring can throw off these items. Re-shaping the back is also quite complex. The goal is to maintain the overall design integrity and still achieve the desired change.
Wedding Dress Skirt
A wedding gown’s skirt style can be quite dramatic. As another major focal point, you are going to want this to fit your shape perfectly.
Hemming. Depending on the gown, some hemming is simple and other are more intricate due to hemline embellishments. The more complex, the higher the bridal hem cost.
Taking in. Chosen a gown that hugs your body? The skirt will need to seamlessly be taken in for a clean look. More complex skirt teams may need to be taken in the entire seam.
Layering. Adding and removing layers is a complex skirt alteration. Even removing or adding one layer of lace dramatically affects how a skirt drapes and moves. This alteration requires careful attention to detail and seamless blending.
Bustle. All dresses with a train require lifting and securing. Of course, there are different bustle styles such as traditional, French, and Victorian. The complexity of the bustle alteration depends on the layers, intricate details, and fabric.
Tip: Be sure to bring your wedding shoes (or a pair in the same height) you plan on wearing to all your appointments.
Shoulders and Sleeves
If your gown is strapless, then you can skip this portion. One less bridal alteration that you don’t have to worry or pay for!
Shoulders and sleeves are crucial and to a proper fit. They also play a part in creating a silhouette. (And this area is in EVERY picture so let’s make sure you look great!)
Shoulder adjustments. Sometimes, a gown’s shoulders are too tight or too loose. This results in an ill-fitting bodice.
Sleeve alterations. Sleeves may their length or width adjusted. Other times, brides may wish to have gowns added or removed. Many wedding gowns have accents at the shoulder and at the wrists.
Bra straps. Too long? Too short? Too narrow? Too wide? Bridal gowns often need their shoulder straps adjusted for look and/or support. Additionally, some straps need to be detached or convertible straps added.
Shoulders and sleeves are the pricing alterations here. Straps are a simple adjustment since they don’t have much effect on a gown’s lines.
Additional Embellishments
From the intricate beadwork to the delicate lace appliques, the embellishments on bridal gowns can truly make it a work of art.
Beadwork adjustments and other intricate embellishments’ alterations are quite time consuming. This hand work calls for meticulous attention to detail to maintain the design. Anything time consuming may result in a higher cost than a more traditional alteration.
Costlier Types of Alterations
Every bride dreams of looking flawless on her big day.
Alterations allow brides to have a gown that truly fits and feels good. The cost of alterations may vary depending on specific factors.
Experience and quality
Experience and quality of the tailor play a significant role in pricing. With years of expertise, these artisans are able to handle complex and intricate alterations. The attention to detail, meticulous stitching, and careful handling of each gown – don’t skimp on quality.
Fabric Type
Different fabrics require different techniques and expertise. This is a common cost factor.
For instance, delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, and chiffon call for specialized tools and techniques. Hand-sewing or French seams help preserve a gown’s original design. Invested in high fabric quality, then take the steps to protect it. More durable fabrics such as polyester are relatively easier to alter. Standard sewing techniques can be used requiring less time and effort.
Requested Return Date
Timing is everything. While Hallak Cleaners does not charge extra for rushes, some professionals do.
Rushes can include a quick wedding, a gown arriving late from a manufacturer, or weight loss/gain. Some seamstresses or tailors have to adjust their current projects. To meet your needs, they may request an extra fee.
To avoid these fees, go to a professional that does not charge and do your best to plan ahead! Leave ample time for fittings.
Wedding Gown Alterations Costs
You’ve invested in your wedding gown so don’t skimp on your bridal gown alterations. Choose a top-notch alteration expert to ensure a flawless fit on your wedding day.
While we would love to provide an average cost, the fee for alterations is truly determined by so many factors. It is always best to have a proper consultation or fitting. If you are still shopping for your gown, it is best to make alterations a part of your wedding budget.
Hallak Cleaners’ pricing is determined on the work needed not by the number of appointments. We simply want you to have the best wedding dress experience possible! You found your dream wedding dress so let’s make it fit you flawlessly. Both locations have wedding dress seamstress and tailors on-site. You can even make a wedding party event. We offer bridesmaid alterations, tuxedo tailoring, and more.
Once you have chosen the perfect wedding dress, determined your wedding alteration timeline and start looking for your team. And don’t forget your bridal undergarments, veil, and shoes for your upcoming appointments. Stop by or give us a call at (212) 832-0750 to start planning your wedding gown alterations. A team member will be happy to review our wedding dress alterations process with you.
