Dress Alterations in NYC

I'm also in NYC, but decided to go to Ally's Bridal Boutique in Hoboken for alterations. It is a super easy and short trip on the PATH from 14th St, she's super nice and got everything done when it was supposed to be done. I think she did a great job with my alterations, and like many brides, I was worried about a gross bustle but she suggested something really beautiful. She charges a flat fee based on the style/complexity of the dress, so there are no surprises. I had a hem (5 layers), bustle, bodice taken in, straps shortened and cups added for about $450.

She took this picture at my second fitting, so you can get an idea of what the shop is like (and see the bustle she created).

I was recommended jeeves by BHLDN where I bought my dress. They seem very reputable, and, not that I know too much about alteration prices, but, they weren't the most expensive place I contacted.

http://jeevesny.com/

PS-- here's her Yelp page: http://www.yelp.com/biz/allys-bridal-and-tuxedo-hoboken

I don't think she has a webpage, but if you call during normal business hours, it is super easy to make an appointment.

Alietta-- I just got my dress cleaned/preserved at Jeeve's. . . I'm not sure how their alterations prices compare to their cleaning prices, but I nearly had a heart attack when they told me how much it would cost to clean. I went ahead and agreed b/c I'd already carried my 20 lb dress from Washington Heights, but they actually were three weeks late in getting my dress back to me, without ever giving me any notice of the delay. They did a good job, but generally I would not recommend them, so if you haven't started working with them yet, please consider to keep looking.

Also, to add re: Jeeve's pricing, if they gave you an estimate without seeing the dress, it's very possible that they were low-balling you just to get you in. I gave them detailed information about my dress and the amount of dirt/damage through an online form, and the preliminary estimate they replied with was reasonable. But when I actually took my dress in, the cost they gave me was more than DOUBLE the estimate!

Thank you both! If it's not hard to get to Ally's Bridal Boutine from my apartment, I'll definitely look into it!

A 3 week delay getting a gown back seems pretty bad - was it a post-wedding cleaning?? I'm assuming so, but figure it's possible it was pre-wedding.

Oh ok, well then maybe its not a good recommendation Taly- good to know Barbara! I am not working with them (my mom decided she wanted to alter my dress), but I just got as far as an estimated quote. My dress is pretty simple- so I thought that might help the quote be more accurate. But I compared it to another reputable place who had a base rate of $500 for alterations, and other quotes I got were similar to Jeeves, and their reviews were decent...but maybe not...

Taly-- yes, it was post-wedding cleaning, so luckily not a problem, and as luck would have it I was away when it was supposed to be ready, so I never made the hour-long trip just to have them tell me "oops-- it's not ready", but it is really weird that they wouldn't call me. . .

I am picking my dress up this Tuesday so I will let you know how it goes. My gal has been in the business for years and was recommended by my bridal salon, Lovely Bride.

Sew Elegant is the name of her shop, but I cannot for the life of me remember her name. When I am home I can get you more details!

Where did you get your dress in NJ? My seamstress was out of this world, she works for my boutique in Chatham but she does work out of her house but not sure where she lives.

I'd try Hallak. They have a store in hackensack, but I believe they have one in NYC too.

Alietta - I'll keep Jeeves in mind as a back up. Always good to have a plan B! But the timing thing seems kind of crazy. The fact that they didn't call is weird!

FinallyMrsLepelis, I got my dress in Marlton NJ. Getting there from NYC is definitely doable, but it's a bit of a schlep and will obviously cost in time and money.

I'm curious about Sew Elegant, so keep me posted Brooklynbride!

Thank you all This is super super helpful!!

Celia-I just saw your post! I'll look into them too

One more place to look at: Alterations Master. My husband used them for his tux and had a good experience without any issue. Another NYC WW bride had used them for her dress and recommended them. They are definitely more expensive than Ally's in Hoboken, but probably a little less or comparable to Jeeve's or Hallak.

http://www.alterationsmaster.com/

I'll let you know. She is right in midtown, just north of 34th st. A really lovely gal, she gave me a big welcome hug when I first came to shop. Loved that!

Just wanted to see if you have any updates about your experience, Brooklynbride!

I'm using Meurice Garment Care. They have a few locations in the city and the one near NYU is open on Sundays. So far I've had a great experience. They charged $300 to take it in, add buttons, bustle, and steam. I think that's a lot but they came recommended from where I bought my dress and I had a coupon so it came to $250.

Taly, my dresses looks great. She did an amazing job. Right on 39th st between Broadway and 6th ave. I had a tough dress to alter because of all the seed beading.

I would absolutely trust her to do your dress.

Thank you so much for the update!!