How much to budget for alterations?

I would budget $400 (maybe more) just in case they gave you a low figure. My dress was only $130 to have bustled (just one point) and have taken in from a size 6 to about a size 2. I went to an independent tailor because I didn't trust David's alterations department.

I went to David's bridal for my alterations and it was 417.00 to do alterations... She took it in a little on sides and tiny bit on bust area but I think alot of the money was with the bustling... My dress is a few layers with a bit of a long train

I went with a local seamstress and paid $285. Dress size 18 to an 8, 9 pt bustle, minor trimming at the bottom. You may want to get estimates from others too, if David's seems too much.

Oh wow that is more than what she told me I'm glad I'm asking everyone about it. Thank you!

^^^That's why I didn't let them touch my dress.

ETA: that was for @Charlene

My dress, size 14. Chest is size 12 and waist size 10. So I need my sides taken in, cups sewn in, bustle, and wanted my butt enhanced, and boning added down the buttons to keep it from bunching at the bottom. Along with the $49 head piece I go my quote was $350. Bought at a local shop and alterations at an independent alterations place. I thought with all the details of the top it would have been so much more.

ETA: dress also satin

I just picked my dress up from DB and got quoted 175 for my bustle 120 for hem. I am calling around for quotes just to see

I went to Davids bridal as well . 120.00 for my hem and then I had to have to separate bustles due to the organza layer . With taxes it ended up being 280.00

I have a mermaid dress with a small train that I bought from David's Bridal. For my 1st alteration, from my waist up (sewn in cup, taken in from the top and sides and due to the mesh back alterations needed to be done on my lower back, so that the mesh doesn't sag after being taken in from the sides), David's Bridal has charged me $530. For my 2nd alteration next week I will decide if I want a bustle or not and add a sewn in skirt (I have a low mesh back that I can not wear a skirt without sewing it in around the thigh area. The bustle (about 10 points @ $10 a point and multiple layers) and to sew in the skirt will cost me an additional $250. This is not including the price of the skirt. I ended up buying a skirt on amazon for $17. David's Bridal's cheapest skirt was $80. I asked my alterations lady before hand and she said it was okay, so this saved me a little money. I'm currently undecided on the bustle, but I will see the different bustle options during my 2nd alterations appointment and I will decide then.

ETA: added more info on the alterations for the waist up.

Mine was about $320.

Mine also needed an insane amount of bustle loops because of the nature of the train. So that's what drove the cost up.

ETA: spelling

I'm taking mine to Elaine's in Delaware. She has a flat fee of $200 for alterations and bustle with the 3rd appt on wedding week.

Mine was $330 for the bust to be taken in, a hem, and 4(don't rally remember) point bustle.

I'm paying $320 for a hem, taken in, bustle, and a belt sewn on.

Mine was 144 at DB to have sides taken in, top taken in a touch and boned, and a 5 point bustle. Thankfully don't have to get it hemmed because the bottom is scalloped lace so they would have had to taken up from the top. I'll let u all know how the alterations come up on the 17th!

I got mine at DB but chose to go to a local tailor for them to take it in 2 inches on each side and hem it 3 inches, it was 300.00

Mine was $400.

I went to an independent seamstress, and the total alterations came out to $250. I had pretty intricate lace and beading and she had to remove and sew the back zipper back in, so I think that ran it up a bit. I also had it taken in and hemmed.

My dress is being sized down 3 sizes, cups added, shortened in the front (very detailed decals have to be repositioned too) and bustle added for $500. I am using an independent lady in the Bay Area (pricey area).

@A&L i would love to see your bustle if you know what it will be

Might be a dumb question but do you have to pay the alterations up front or after completion?