Paying for alterations up front?

For the alterations place I am using its not due until I pick up the dress right before the wedding. hmm maybe it varies.

David's bridal is ridiculous. I had to prepay the alterations on bm dress, also it cost almost as much as the dress cost just to have it shortened. I would try taking it to an actual alterations place not just a bridal boutique and see what they require and charge

Try to find somewhere else to make alterations. I've heard DB is outrageous with pricing.

Thank you ladies. I thought it was kind of weird. I'm keeping the appointment, but know that I reserve the right to decline services if the price is too high. My MOH is getting married in May & recommended her bridal salon for alterations, so I may make an appt there as well.

Yes, it is normal at David's Bridal. I had my alterations there and I did not think they were bad on pricing at all. Their bustles are $50 for first 3 points and $7 each additional point so mine was $99 for 10.

That still seems a bit steep Almost. Most places I've called have quoted $7-10 a point.

ETA: DB is the only place that wouldn't give me a price without an actual alterations fitting.

I've heard the are pricey. I got my dress from David's but will be going elsewhere for alterations.

I would see what price they quote you but keep your options open. I've heard they are crazy expensive.

Great post!!!!!! I bought my dress at DB and they had a sign posted at the store about the upfront fee..... And I have also heard their alterations prices are ridiculously high so I will be going else where for sure!!!!

I too felt it was a little weird to charge upfront. For alterations especially since i paid almost 2 grand cash for my gown and the first wantef to charge me half that for hem and bustle so i did some shopping around and compared. But ended up back at DB but after i told them what i had seen price wise i got the price down to $291 for a hem and 13 pt bustle. Which i paud a week later. So i think if you are firm when speaking with them and do your homework you to wont have to pay upfront and will get the most for your money..ijs..good luck

I don't know if I would feel comfortable paying for alterations upfront. What if she completely ruins your dress? You've paid, so you're stuck. Nah.

I paid for 1/2 at my first appointment, and the rest at pickup.

I paid half at drop off. And the rest when she was completed with my alterations

Find somewhere else i paid alot for my alterations at DB $250 and it had to be upfront and they never mentioned it.. Especially how are you suppose to know exactly how much before hand o.O just saying..

I would be upset. But I think this is typical for davids.... I would find a place that allows you to pay at pick up once you have approved the work and the finished product is in your hands

I bought my dress at DB, and took it there last week for alterations. My dress is being hemmed, taken in on both sides and a 7 point bustle for $263.

ETA: I paid upfront.

I went to a small, privately-owned shop, and I was asked for 50% down and the balance is due when I pick up my dress.

I would be perfectly fine paying 1/2 the estimated cost at drop off and the rest at pick up. That's fair to me. I'm just terrified I'll pay for it, she'll add the bustle & do a shitty job with it & there I am having already paid AND left with having to take it elsewhere to get fixed. I totally understand as a seamstress their time is very valuable, but if I've already paid then there is really no motivation to do the best job possible.