$450 for alterations?

In my experience that cost is pretty average!

A bustle alone is extremely expensive! Mine was 350 and that was just for hemming and a bustle.

It absolutely depends on the dress, but that doesn’t sound outrageous.

I’m in TN; my total alterations cost was $250. 4 bustles being added, sleeves brought in, and hemmed. Included state bc I’m sure things in CA and NY are more expensive than in TN, so adding just for reference.

Mine were around hat price too.

My alterations were quoted at $400. That is to take in some at the waist (lace), two layers of hemming, and adding a belt. Lace will always be more expensive to work with and bustles are also expensive to add.

Update: I’m in Baltimore and here’s a photo from my fitting.

View Quoted Comment Thanks for commenting!

View Quoted Comment Thanks for commenting! I’m in Baltimore.

My hem was 250 alone I believe, but it was four layers of lace that she had to carefully preserve. I think I've paid about the same - also added a 9 point bustle that was about 150. She also adjusted the zipper and is adjusting the sleeves, so I think its money well spent.

View Quoted Comment Thanks for commenting! Seems like I’m needing similar adjustments, though a less complicated bustle. But I agree- I think the dress will look SO much better when it’s done!

View Quoted Comment Yes! I'm waiting for her to finish the straps, but it looks so much better once it's fitted to you. It really feels like my dress now.

You can see my intense bustle lol. It has to be though for this big long train! Good luck girl.

I think maybe it depends on where you are?

I live in central Illinois and I am having a bustle added, sleeves shortened, 3 small tears repaired, some beading fixed (it was a sample gown), a button loop and the shoulders/back taken in and it is $170

I think that's about right. Mine was 400$ for alterations and another 180$ for a fifteen point bustle.

Like PP have said, the average cost is dependent on so many factors, but also the cost doesn't sound unreasonable for the amount of work being done. You could always get another estimate to compare.

I think this should serve as a good reminder to anyone still in the shopping phase that you need to factor in cost of alterations to your dress buying budget!

I paid around $700 for mine. That included sewing on thin straps, adding cups, the bustle, taking the dress in & shortening the hem.

That seems very reasonable considering the details of your dress!

By the way, your dress is GORGEOUS!

View Quoted Comment Yes definitely! Alterations were hard to estimate since a lot of places don’t publish their pricing but I definitely should’ve planned for more.

View Quoted Comment Wow that’s gorgeous!!!!! LOVE the details on the dress.

View Quoted Comment Thank you!! I was considering getting one on Etsy but ended up changing my mind and going the more traditional route. I wanted to be able to see it in person first and ended up getting a slightly different style than I was going for initially that I liked better, so it worked out!