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Caitlyn
Dedicated November 2019

Dress alterations too pricey?

Caitlyn, on July 18, 2019 at 9:37 PM Posted in Wedding Attire 0 30
I was quoted $481 for my dress alterations. That includes the hem, adding bra cups, the bustle (6-8 points), and fixing a hole in the arm pit (it's at the seam, so it's an easier fix. Also two tiny holes in the sleeves. Its mesh so its very delicate). That's almost 1/3 of what my dress costs (it was somewhere around $1,800). Those of you who have had alterations done, does that sound fair?

30 Comments

Latest activity by Laurie, on August 16, 2019 at 6:44 AM
  • Kelly
    Champion October 2018
    Kelly ·
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    I paid $495 for alterations. How many layers is your dress? That’s what usually drives up the price for hemming.
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  • Caitlyn
    Dedicated November 2019
    Caitlyn ·
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    Theres at least 6

    Dress alterations too pricey? 1

    Dress alterations too pricey? 2

    Dress alterations too pricey? 3
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  • Meghan
    Devoted April 2020
    Meghan ·
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    I don’t have my dress yet, but was told it would be about $300 for them hem alone when I ordered mine.
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  • Katherine
    Expert July 2019
    Katherine ·
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    The bustle and hem definitely add to the price significantly
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  • Kelly
    Champion October 2018
    Kelly ·
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    Yeah that’ll do it. Most seamstresses charge between $40-$70 per layer for hemming.
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  • Juliette
    Savvy August 2019
    Juliette ·
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    Seems typical. I paid $660 for mine; adding bra cups, fixing the hem, taking in the bust and waist, and fixing the bustle.

    Your dress is so beautiful!!
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  • Jazmine
    Expert September 2019
    Jazmine ·
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    I had cups and length only and it cost $250. Sounds right to me for what work you need
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  • CDickman
    VIP September 2019
    CDickman ·
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    Awe the dress is so pretty. It seems right to me.
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  • Pamela
    Dedicated March 2020
    Pamela ·
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    Each layer has to be sewn separately and between layers they have to make sure it lined up. For bustles they have to ensure all layers are lined up right to make the pick up. It's time consuming.
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  • S
    Savvy April 2019
    S ·
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    I had 8 layers and had French and American bustling, cups and taking in the sides...no hemming...$400. So that's reasonable. My original seamstress was charging $900.
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  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    Yea that seems about right for the alterations
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  • Sinéad
    WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
    Sinéad ·
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    You look absolutely stunning in your dress Caitlyn! Alterations are often quite pricey, especially when there are so many layers of your dress to hem.

    I love the long sleeves! Were you looking for a dress with long sleeves, or did you just fall in love with this one?

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  • Emily
    Expert September 2020
    Emily ·
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    For good alterations work, it will definitely cost some money. Seems reasonable given price of the dress as well. Go for it - my friend had some lady do hers on the cheap and she was so unhappy with it, it was really disappointing and it distracted her from the day.
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  • Catherine
    Dedicated September 2019
    Catherine ·
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    I paid $400 for alterations on my $500 dress. Hemmed front and back, added cups, adjusted the neckline (brought the "modesty panel" lower)

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  • Patience
    Devoted October 2019
    Patience ·
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    I just wanted to say that you look gorgeous in your dress, I decided to go to a local seamstress vs the shop I purchased the dress she was just more reasonable
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  • Katie
    Super November 2019
    Katie ·
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    I paid $560 for my alterations so that sounds about right.
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  • Kimberly
    Expert October 2019
    Kimberly ·
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    I am also adding cups, the bust area needs to be taken in, bustle and a hem. I'm paying $250 for mine. I only have 2 layers in my skirt tho, so the hem and bustle will be pretty simple. You're dress is absolutely beautiful.

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  • Allie
    Master August 2019
    Allie ·
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    Your dress looks very delicate. That price is reasonable.

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  • A
    Expert August 2019
    Aliciabilly2019 ·
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    My dress cost me 2,160 and just so far had my first fitting just the hem and bustle for my dress is 275 ! Thats not including she has to take in my dress bc ive lost 32 lbs so far and still losing she also has to take in my cup size and around armpit area so yea i hear you there my dress alterations will prob be around what your spending and it sucks but to look beautiful and your best i guess thats about what fitting the dress costs just cant beleive its so much either Smiley sad
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  • A
    Expert August 2019
    Aliciabilly2019 ·
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    Omg i hope taking in my cup size and sides doesnt make it to be that much i cant afford it right now ugh..just had to pay 275 for hem and buslte 100 for just the bustle which i think is rediculious but whatever and then 175 for my hem i have 3 layers ...they should tell you all this when you buy the dress that it cost per layer etc ..
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