Did I just get ripped off?

I live in NC and my dress changed drastically and I paid under 150 for all she did to my dress.

I did not get bustle but she changed almost everything on my dress. More was done after this picture was taken

Where you live effects cost, but also the style, fabric and embellishments of your dress.

If you have an appliqued lace border on your train and your dress has to be shortened, all of the lace hace to be removed and reapplied...which can be very time consuming and expensive.

If your dress is beaded or embellished and it needs to be taken in or let out...the beading and embelishment has to be removed and resewn into the right position...or added. This is a lot of work and can also be costly.

Can you post your dress (or describe it)? The amount of detail and things like ruching, beading, lace, etc. make a huge difference in pricing of alterations.

I paid $450 for my alterations so I feel the pain

I got quoted $300 in my area for a slight take in and that's it. I asked for recommendations on a local bride group and was referred to someone who did the take in, added panels to the sheer areas, bustle, and replaced some buttons...for $55. I'd say check in your local groups and compare prices. Sometimes going with a smaller store or even a single person (mine does it from her home) will save you money.

Definitely depends on your location, but yes, there could be people who are looking to rip you off. The place I got my dress wants to charge me minimum $500 for only a hem, so I'm taking it to another shop where my sister is getting her dress, they've quoted me $350 for hem, bustle and and added details of buttons over the zipper.