Gown alterations cost

How many layers is your dress? I think it's pretty standard to pay for alterations up front (at least that's been my experience). As for it being wrinkly and dirty, you can have it professionally cleaned and steamed. Some seamstresses offer this.

Same question as Sarah - how many layers to the dress? A typical gown's hem is usually at LEAST 6 YARDS long. That is a lot of work - trust me, I do it. ($250 first hem, $150-$175 additional hems. Times that by 2 or 3 layers? yeah, $700.00 seems pretty reasonable, especially since you are also having sleeves hemmed ( $15 each sleeve) and a bustle added ($25 a point) Now I require half payment down, balance due on pick up, but I know of others that require full payment first - guaranteeing they will get paid for their work because some brides get ... stupid. What is a seamstress to do with a gown if she has to hold due to no payment? As to removing all the pins because you didn't meet her requests? Hell yeah (sorry) Why would someone leave all their work in for someone ELSE to finish?

View Quoted Comment Hi Pat,


So to answer to your question, the dress is 2 layers. What guarantee she gives me that the dress is going to be nicely tailored? I will be the one who’s screwed if I pay full price beforehand. I can’t even pay credit card, only cash or zelle so I will be the one with the most disadvantage if something goes wrong. I personally think that people take advantage of the brides. Like everything is double the price, even a simple makeup they will charge you double if you say it’s your wedding day.

It depends on location (living), what you are having done and who is doing it. I paid $435 for my alterations. I had it taken in, a belt attached, bustled, hemmed and my dress had a ruffled bottom. I did have to pay for my alterations upfront. You might find that most seamstresses would want you to pay upfront for the work that they are doing. You can have your dress to a professional cleaner to steam the wrinkles

View Quoted Comment Hey Laura, I totally understand your concern, that's why I only ask for half up front. I guess in your case you have to totally vet the seamstress (check references and reviews) and feel comfortable with the person you choose. And I also kind of "half agree" about the wedding up-charges!! For me, wedding gowns are a LOT more work than say, a mother of the bride or even bridesmaid. The prices I charge for them are the same as if it was someone coming to me for a prom gown or other formal wear.
Good luck in your alteration search - trust your gut and go with whim you feel most at ease with. !

OP, you would get 2-3 fittings (more, if needed) so your input and any body changes will be accounted for in the process. But, yes as Pat points out there are considerable hours spent on wedding dresses including these appointments. $700 is a common price (noted by WW brides) and many pros including salons request payment in full or half up front. Go by recommendations and your gut when choosing a professional wedding dress tailor. As for makeup, my MUA takes 2 hours for brides, with the option of a trial preceding. Labor prices will be more for photo-shoot specific makeup and time.