Wedding dress alterations

YAY Congratulations on finding the one!!!

I went through the same thing for one of my dresses. I literally just went down the list, talked to folks and tried to feel out their working style based on my needs. Two people I couldn't reach so I moved on down the list, one lady had a long wait list, one lady had you go online and look at her schedule but it never would let you book; plus the website was just too much so I felt that we were already off to a bad start so I kept moving on down the line. Then I finally spoke to a lady who was super nice; she gave me a ton of need to know things about alterations and what to expect as well as suggestions for certain items so I went with her! I've loved my experience so far with her. I also looked her up on FB and her business was there, not many pictures but I did get the chance to see a little of her work.

I'd say ask for a ballpark figure on how much a bustle cost, the hem or how much it would be to take something in, etc. If they're not willing to give you a ball park figure I'd stay away from them. Every seamstress knows their average price (even though all dresses are different) they should be willing to give ballpark figures. If they are good they'll also have questions for you about your dress that will help start the conversation.

Also I've learned that most bridal gowns come in the height of 5'9 so I'm 5'4 and my shoes were 4 1/2 inches high so I didn't need a hem thankfully. At that in house place a hem was about $180. My reception dress which was done by the lady from the list was $538 for a bustle, a hem, a lot to take in and she added breast cups that made my boobs look like magic LOL and like one other small thing. At first I thought that was a lot but she was cheaper than the in house alterations for my ceremony dress.

As far as the bustle which I think can be the most expensive thing, there are many ways to do them so I guess that can be a question for them...what style bustle can they do? It does matter on the type of dress sometimes. Here are two pictures of the most common styles. I have both styles because of the dresses fabrics. My ceremony dress which is Mikado Silk, the train is a little heavy so the French style went great for that dress (like the first picture). The French style is my favorite because it goes all the way around and just looks seamless. My reception dress is super light with a flowy train so list lady did the American style on that dress. I'd just say plan to save anywhere between $250 - $600 at least for alterations. I hope this helped some.

No problem at all honey! Take care!!!