Alteration estimate

To get my dress hemmed and bustled, it's going to cost ~$200, and I think that's on the cheap end because on Yelp my alterations place only has one dollar sign highlighted (but it has 5 stars!).

But yes, you would have to have the dress with you to get estimates as far as I'm aware. They won't know how much it will cost until they see how much work they have to do. I do think people "shop around," though; why wouldn't they? For some it's the first and only time having a garment that's worth having tailored to them, so settling for the first place you walk into seems like a bad idea -- not for price, but what if you just get the feeling that the quality isn't going to be so great? Do you just go "Oh well, I asked them to pin up the dress, I'm stuck"? I'd hope not.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I paid $90 for my bustle, no other alterations needed. I've seen most people, on average, pay about $400.

I went in for a consultation today because I don't live where I bought my gown. I love the lady, and my bridesmaid and I vibed well with her. I don't love the almost $600 price tag that she quoted, so I gave the original shop a call and they told me I would've been looking at a similar figure, +/- $100. I was told to expect between $350-$600 based on work needed. I am planning on getting the bust taken in, the hips let out, belt sewed on, cups sewn in and a bustle.

I know my FMIL wanted a high-low hem for her dress because she wore cowboy boots underneath and originally wanted them to show, but she balked at the extra cost.

I may shop around to make sure I'm getting the best deal. But I've also been told that too "cheap" of a price may translate into cheap work. I'd suggest taking your dress with you, along with whatever undies you're planning on. I brought the strapless bra I bought specifically to try on dresses, and the seamstress didn't like that the back showed, so off it came!

My alterations will likely cost about $400. My bridal consultant said that's average.

My alterations in NYC.. $633...bustle, hem, cups..

It's all going to depend on what you need done to it. My dress was $410. It needed major hemming, bustle, and the panel of the corset needed to be sewn in. If I can remember correctly there were a few other things that needed to be done and it had like 5 layers.

Alterations for me in Atlanta cost $600 for cups, bustle and hem

Mine were about $500.

Mine are about 300 for bustle hem taking in top and sewing in the sash.

Mine was $99 for a 10 point bustle, $130 for converting it to a 1/2 corset back & $20 to add straps. I wore heels so I wouldn't have to have it hemmed. I didn't think that was too bad.

I am changing my dress to a "Sweetheart" cut $25, $150 to hem it ( I am short) and $70 for a 3point bustle. (David's Bridal)

My alterations cost $300 at David's Bridal. I had the shoulders taken in and a bustle added--I got the bubble/train flip which is the most expensive bustle because of the number of points.

I only had to get a 3 point bustle for $50. I got my dress at David's Bridal and had the bustle done there.

Mine were $200 for a 5" hem and to remove the train in that process, as well as to remove the lace appliques and make them into straps. I did choose someone who is experienced, and has done some bridal work, but was looking to expand in the bridal part of their portfolio

Mine were $230 to: pinch down neckline into a sweetheart, take in the bust, shorten straps, shorten/hem two layers, & sew on my sash. No train, so I didn't need a bustle. I only paid $147 for the dress, so this really hurt me. But, she sewed my something blue (a piece of FH's dress blues) into it for free.

I'm getting the whole illusion top taken off, more boning added, cups sewn in, the sides taken in and the most expensive bustle with the most points and it's only costing me $200. I was shocked when she gave me that price. I am working with the bridal shop I bought my dress at, it's a local place but still couldn't believe for all that work it was so affordable.

My alterations is $300 and it includes taking it in to make it smaller all around, shortening the length, adding bustle and sewing in a bra. My dress has a lot of appliques and beading which also affects the price.

My alterations were quoted at $200 for having the dress taken in quite a bit, hemmed, bustled (with 5 hooks), and cups added. The best thing I did was work my connections... My mom got a recommendation from one of her coworkers for a lovely woman who worked in alterations at a salon for 30 years before retiring. She now does alteration out of her home for brides who are referred to her by people she trusts. My alterations were quoted between $400 and $500 other places.

I'm paying $400 for hem, bustle, cups, and taking the side seams in a few inches. My dress was $1800, so I didn't think it was too bad. I was expecting more.

Mine was shortened and taken in at the hips and taken in at the top and the bustle. I paid 130. This was at a tux rental place