Alterations Costs?

[twinkybel81]

I don't have my dress yet, but am trying to work on my budget. What can I expect to pay for gown alterations?

I'm leaning towards a lace overlay dress. Here are a couple of examples:

http://www.lotusbridal.com/gallery/bridal/maggie_sottero/bronwyn

minus the sash
http://www.lotusbridal.com/gallery/bridal/maggie_sottero/bronwyn

Thanks for any input!

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I paid a little over $200 for alterations. Not much needed on top, mostly bottom and length. However, a friend of mine paid over $500.

 

[twinkybel81]

I am not able to post photos yet, so I posted some links instead.

 

[elphie101]

I imagine it varies by region - I bet brides in NYC are paying more than brides in say Kansas or Oklahoma.

I only need a bustle, which here (in Boston) is costing me $100.

 

[twinkybel81]

I am in Southern California and will likely end up in North Orange County or southern LA County.

 

[twinkybel81]

I am in Southern California and will likely end up in North Orange County or southern LA County for alterations.

 

[lurkyloo]

It really depends on what you need done. If you buy a dress that ends up being 3 sizes too big, you're going to need a lot more done than if you just need a bustle. I guess you could estimate on the high end ($500?) and then throw a pizza party if it comes in under...

 

[BouncyTrouncyFlouncy]

I think it's going to depend upon who you use to do the alterations as well as how complicated the dress is. If you can search for a good seamstress in your area with good reviews, I would go with that before going to a bridal store. My sister had a dress that was WAY too big for her, but she bought it off the rack at a store going out of business for $99 (who can pass that up?). It was beautiful with tons of beading on the bodice and LOTS of layers for the skirt to poof it out. She found a seamstress who works out of her home nearby by looking online at reviews. For ALL that work (taking in, re-beading, I think adding a hook, I think fixing or even creating the bustle, and taking up on the the bottom all the layers) she charged somewhere around $400, which I think is not too bad at all. And she did a wonderful job. $500 for an intricate, beautiful wedding dress - not a bad deal!

 

[twinkybel81]

It really depends on what you need done. If you buy a dress that ends up being 3 sizes too big, you're going to need a lot more done than if you just need a bustle. I guess you could estimate on the high end ($500?) and then throw a pizza party if it comes in under...

That's pretty much what I've determined I'll need to do. Budget high and be pleasantly surprised when I come in under budget.

 

[twinkybel81]

I think it's going to depend upon who you use to do the alterations as well as how complicated the dress is. If you can search for a good seamstress in your area with good reviews, I would go with that before going to a bridal store. My sister had a dress that was WAY too big for her, but she bought it off the rack at a store going out of business for $99 (who can pass that up?). It was beautiful with tons of beading on the bodice and LOTS of layers for the skirt to poof it out. She found a seamstress who works out of her home nearby by looking online at reviews. For ALL that work (taking in, re-beading, I think adding a hook, I think fixing or even creating the bustle, and taking up on the the bottom all the layers) she charged somewhere around $400, which I think is not too bad at all. And she did a wonderful job. $500 for an intricate, beautiful wedding dress - not a bad deal!

Thanks for the feedback! Definitely sounds like she got her money's worth out of her alterations.

I have a few friends who are seamstresses by trade, so I may ask one of them if they feel comfortable making alterations (if I don't have one of them just make my gown completely to start with). Fortunately right now I have both time and options.