Alterations Panic!

Definitely shouldn't be over $500. I need extra boning for the cups (2 more on each side), hemming, and taking in the sides and mine is only $350. Adding a bustle point is usually only a couple dollars for each point you need (the bigger the gown, the more bustle points).

View Quoted Comment WHEW okay! Thank you. That is a huge relief! I was reading an article that said to budget $200 for a bustle alone! Thank you love!

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Oh wow! That's crazy to me. I'm a bridal stylist and the store I work at prices each bustle point at $5/point.

Hmm I wouldn’t stress it .. You should be under $500!!!

View Quoted Comment Thank you!!!

View Quoted Comment Thankfully appears to be a very misguided article. Thanks again!!

View Quoted Comment You are Welcome !

View Quoted Comment Really?! That's good to know. David's Bridal quoted me $200-350 for a bustle!! I thought that was high but I haven't a clue what it should be. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

It really depends on where you get in done and the pricing in your area. My alterations were quoted at $400 to start (that's for hemming and probable bodice/strap alterations) and that didn't even include the bustle. The bustle also depends on the type of train you have. A chapel length will be less than cathedral to bustle.


It all seemed insane to me..but then I thought of the things I've sewn and how much I wouldn't want to have to take up a strap to a beaded bodice.

My dress had 5 layers. Hem was $200, bustle $100, cups $20.

I had my dress alterations done by a local seamstress. The only thing I had done to my dress was have it bustled. It cost me about $100. Please excuse my dress being wrinkled. I’m having it steamed this weekend.
Before Afterwards

Hey there,

I am a seamstress and I can tell you it really depends on where you live and where you go. I work part time for a tailoring shop that upcharges A LOT because you are the bride and you're expected to pay a lot of money for your wedding. I 100% DISAGREE with her 100% of the time. We are in an area in Massachusetts where it's hard to find a good tailor/seamstress for wedding gowns and she definitely takes advantage of that. Based on what you say you need done, I can give you what she would charge just as an example.

Cups - $25

Hem - 2 layers (bridal) at least $250 depending on what the layers are made of and how much needs to come off

Bustle - depends on how many points - simple 3 point at least $150

Take in sides - around $80 for both sides (if boning needs to be moved more $ will be charged)

Hour long fitting - $50

Total = $555 at the very least.

The best advice I can give you is to do your research!!!! Usually the place you purchased your gown from will be the cheapest (usually). Being a new bride to be, I understand how expensive a wedding is and I would hate if someone took advantage of me just because I am a Bride. I'm literally doing all of my bridesmaid's alterations as well as my own bustle because I know how much money it would be out of their pockets and mine.

Best of luck to you!

I had the exact alterations that your stylist told you what you will most likely need and I paid $500. If the seamstress quotes you more than that, I would think about going to another seamstress to get a second opinion. Good luck!!

From my personal experience, the dress shop quoted me 500-600. I was NOT paying that. There are a handful of local ladies and shops that do a really great job. The lady I went with told me I shouldn't expect more than $75. Thats for literally everything I'll need. Dress taken in, hemmed, cap sleeves taken in, cups sewn in, bustle added etc. Don't be afraid to post on your personal facebook page and get community advice on any local seamstresses. Support local as much as you can!

I don't think it would be more than $500.

i had 3 point bustle and i believe it was only $30.

my was a little pricey i think for me but i'm in NY. I have mesh and lace on the top and 3 layers of crepe fabric. It was $200 for the hemming on the top and $200 for the hemming of each layer and the train. $30 for the bustle and then 45 for something else lol

.....

I had these things done and it was less than $300 at David's Bridal.

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Such a beautiful dress

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Thank you!!

Depends on where you live but I need Cups, Hemming, Bustles, a seat belt, and for the dress to be brought in and I'm being quoted between $100 & $450. I have my first appointment on Saturday so I'll see what exactly it will cost then!

I do not think it should be more than 500