First Fitting why are alterations so $$

Ugh. My nightmare - my dress is also stella york and was about $1300. My first fitting is in about 4 weeks. It starts at a minimum of $200 with the lady who my bridal shop uses (she works out of her home).

What all did you have done?

Wow I had no idea alterations would be that much! Though I shouldn’t be surprised as a bridesmaids dress for a friends wedding cost me $200. I will need to keep this in mind as I start my dress search because this will definitely affect my budget now.
And your dress is lovely and I’m sure you’ll look beautiful on your wedding day!

I lucked out. I went to a local mom and pop store that carries Kenneth Winston gowns. I got 10% off my veil was free and alterations are free. I cannot believe how pricy alterations are.

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Yes! I actually spent well under my budget (by like $400-$500) and had only estimated like $200 in alterations. I'm so glad I bought under budget now!

My alterations cost $500 (flat fee) from the salon I purchased my dress from and it's beautiful and fits like a glove. I thought that was really high at first so I took my dress around to various independent seamstresses around the city and they were actually quoting $700 plus. So going to an independent seamstress isn't always cheaper!

I mean... I know alterations are a lot but I feel like that is insane to have them be half the cost of the dress itself. My guess is it is due to all the detail in your dress.