Bridal Shop or Independent Seamstress?

I've never used an independent seamstress, so I can't comment on that. I prefer using the shop seamstress solely for liability purposes.

If you go with an independent seamstress, make SURE they have experience with bridal gowns. Ask for references and/or photos of previous work.

My SIL purchased a $4000 dress for her wedding. Her mother had a fit at the alterations cost at the salon ($500) and found an independent in the yellow pages. 2 months later, SIL was at David's Bridal choosing a replacement dress at the last minute because the original dress was ruined -- the seamstress had taken in the bodice in a way that pulled the neckline waaaaay down. SIL is, um, "blessed" and her nips would not stay in the dress.

My experience with someone who has kind of a combination was great. This lady had her own business in the basement of the bridal shop I worked with, and all of their customers were referred to her. She was fantastic and her rates were very reasonable.

My bridal shop has an independent seamstress that they suggest and who meets brides at the store for fittings so I guess mine is kind of a combo. She hemmed the dress (quite a bit since I'm 5'3"), moved my back panel over under my corset laces, added a double strap to each side, and did the bustle all for only $110. After seeing the prices ladies pay for alterations on here, I was so relieved. I say try an independent seamstress but ONLY if you have recommendations of one from a shop or other brides.

My salon was a small boutique who has a private seamstress they refer. That being said I scoured reviews and met with several before selecting mine. My dress was a lot to deal with so I wanted someone as OCD as I am to deal with it...she was costly but it was worth it

My bridal shop didn't tell me they stopped having alterations done at the store until AFTER I already purchased mine and my moms dress from there. They gave us a list of seamstress' who have worked there and the one I used actually works for a high end boutique near me. However, I had to drive 35 min for each fitting to her basement- was not happy considering she had a cat that would be down there. However, I think it is more inexpensive to go to an independent- just do your research.

I got my dress at davids bridal and their seamstress had a BAD rap(as most davids as I hear) so I am using a very reputable private seamstress.

My thought was - if I get it done at the store I bought the dress from.. and THEY MESS UP, they are responsible and need to 1)fix it or 2)get a new dress.

If you take it elsewhere, that is not the case...

I got mine done at David's and they did a GREAT job. So great that I only needed two fittings. It was probably a bit more expensive (I paid about $300, no hem) but to me it was worth it for the convenience.

My bridal shop is 5 minutes from my house, I am all about convenience and they have a good reputation. I met with her before I ordered my dress to make sure I liked her. I agree with the liability issue, the store will be more likely to help you in a pinch if they screw up the alterations vs a 3rd party

I'm going with an independent seamstress that was recommended by the bridal shop. My experience has been good so far.

Although I took my wedding gown to an independent seamstress, I have experiences with both from the past and have no complaints on either end. Like you said, the independent seamstress who altered my wedding gown was much cheaper, but in terms of quality I think it depends more on the seamstress herself/himself than on who she/he works for.

I bought my dress at DB, but found an independent seamstress after I was quoted a ridiculous amount for alterations there. The woman I found had previously worked for DB, but went off to work independently for other salons. She had quite a bit of wedding dress alteration experience and my alterations for bustle, hem, modifying my neckline, taking it in, plus a few little extras to keep the strapless dress up were less than $200. Get references or reviews, if you can.

I guess it all depends on the place.

The seamstresses at DB in my area are very good but they are a little pricey.

A friend had free alterations done at the shop she, her mom, MIL & BMs had purchased their dresses and ended up having to take the dresses somewhere else to fix what that place had done. Her mom had to buy a new dress because her dress was completely ruined.

There are other seamstresses that I'm going to look at but if I have to go through DB I'm ok with that since I know they will do a great job.