Dress alterations

Hi Ashley - I think most of the cost depends on what alterations need to be done, how complex your dress is, and where you are located! For minor alterations only, that does seem high (unless your dress has a lot of very detailed beading or something that would be very time consuming for the seamstress). However, if you're planning to have them cover the back of the dress, or alter the shape, or change a major part of the dress structure, those alterations can easily add up! I recommend getting quotes from a few different seamstresses to make sure you're finding the best price.

There is no one size fits all cost. Contact local seamstresses in your area via Yelp to get price quotes. Remember cheapest is not always best but don't go with the most expensive either. Go with whoever has the best work.

Sometimes alterations cost more than the dress

My alterations cost a little over $700 and I'm getting them at David's bridal where I bought the dress at.

It definitely depends on what you need done to the dress. Some alterations are more expensive than that and some are less

That sounds about right. Mine was $700 and I had it taken in for the bust/waist, sew in cups added, it was hemmed and I had an amazing bustle added as well. My dress had lace appliques and beading so was definitely more tedious work than other dresses. See if your bridal shop has a list of recommended seamstresses and get another quote. Also with any seamstress make sure they're insured! Honestly though, I agree with what was already stated, cheaper isn't better.

I was also shocked. I found out after buying my dress but before going to the seamstress. I kind of wish I would have known/thought about it before and kind of happy I didn't know. Not sure if I would have bought my dress.

I was super nervous before I had my appointment. I am paying 350 for a hem and bustle, taking at in on the side and the shoulders and adding a sash. My dress was 700. It really depends how many layers your dress has, beading, lace, ... My hem is relatively easy (4 layers, no lace).

I went to a seamstress who works from home, so she charges less and we are really on a budget. She came recommended from my bridal salon. I am a little nervous. We will see. Nothing I can do now. Right now I am feeling okay and trusting the process and the seamstress. But I am sure, I will get more nervous when the next fitting is getting closer.

I would do a little research online which seamstresses in your area have good reviews and affordable prices. But no one will give you an exact quote without seeing your dress.

Good luck!! I am so tired of making all these important and big financial decisions. And tired of doing hours of internet research just to feel more confused. How do I know who is the best seamstress, photographer, baker, decorator, whatever within my budget. How do I decide when it's okay to go over budget and when it's more important to stay within our (rather small) budget than getting the perfect whatever.

Sorry!! Slightly stressed and overwhelmed bride here. But I can totally relate to the alterations shock and anxiety. Hope it works out well for you.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I totally agree its hard when you're doing all of this for the first time. I kinda jumped in and now I feel like shes ripping me off. She already pinned up the whole dress so I dont know if j can even go anywhere else now!

I need the length and waist and straps taken in. She was adding cups and a beaded waist band. So from what everyone is saying I guess that sounds accurate for all that I'm getting. I guess I thought because my dress is completet plain with no lace or beading at all it wouldn't be that much. Also I didnt expect it to be altered as much as it needs to be. Thank you for all your advice. I'm going to go talk to her later this week and get more information.

I paid around $400 plus a tip. I had a complicated dress that was beaded all over and had boning. She took it in, hemmed it, adjusted the straps, added hooks for a bustle which included a complicated layer of tulle added to the train to keep it looking full while walking (which was removable when it came time to bustle) and added cups to the bust.

I just started my alterations today and mine is going to be 875...that’s for sewing in cups, taking in the bust and waist, bustle, hemming the bottom which my dress has 9 layers so that definitely adds to the cost if you have a lot of layers, and also adding off the shoulder sleeves

I worked in bridal for three years. $700 is insane. Average for our store (with dresses ranging from $1k-$3k) was 250/300ish. That would cover hem (with lace), adjusting straps length, sewing in bra cups and adding a bustle. Occasionally we would have a bride who wanted really drastic changes (like making a strapless dress into a dress with long sleeves and a low back) but even then those alterations would be 400/500. It does depend on your area though.