Question 1

CAN YOU ALTER A WEDDING DRESS THAT WAS PURCHASED ELSEWHERE?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can.  We would recommend that you book this service as soon as you purchase your dress to reserve a space in our busy diary and to allow sufficient time for us to do the work.

Question 2

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ALTER A WEDDING DRESS?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the amount of work needed and also the time of year.  Allow for between 4 weeks to 12 weeks.

Question 3

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR ALTERATIONS?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the amount of work involved, the details, the materials used and the way the dress is made - Average spend for bridal gown adjustments is around £360.00 (this could be less or more depending on the gown and the alterations.

Question 4

IS THE ALTERATION COSTS INCLUDED IN THE DRESS COSTS?

Accepted Answer

When you buy a dress that is ready made, this is known as 'Off the peg', where the wedding dress is made in the nearest size to your measurements so the cost you pay is for the dress only.
Bespoke wedding dresses should not (generally speaking) incur any additional charges as the dress is made to fit you.  Do check with the store what the alterations policy is so that you are not caught unware.

Question 5

HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS WILL I NEED TO ATTEND FOR FITTINGS?

Accepted Answer

A professional dressmaker will need to see you for at least 2-3 fittings to ensure that your dress fits like a glove and also to maintain the high quality workmanship

Question 6

WHEN SHOULD I GET MY DRESS ALTERED?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend booking a place with our dressmaking team and fitter, as soon as you purchase your dress.  99% of wedding dresses will need to be altered to fit you even if that only requires shortening the hemline.  Booking early means that you have a confirmed space and availability to do the work.  You will need to book an appointment to discuss the alterations with the seamstress and to obtain a quote for the work, and to schedule for its completion. Allow yourself extra time if it is needed.

Question 7

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A WEDDING DRESS ALTERED?

Accepted Answer

This depends on how busy the workroom is at the time of receiving your dress.  As a guide, the average turnaround is from 4 to 8 weeks for booked work.  Alterations can be completed in a couple of days but allow yourself time to schedule appointments and further corrections to be made if needed.  If you need your dress back sooner, be prepared to pay extra for the service. Why?  Because extra hands will be needed to get the work completed on time

Question 8

HOW TO FIND A GOOD DRESSMAKER IN YOUR AREA?

Accepted Answer

Get recommendation from brides who married the previous year as they will have gone through the process and be able to recommend highly the services that they used. Alternatively, we recommend researching professional reviews website  to determine if the business you intend on using will meet the standard required and deliver on time.

Question 9

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN SHOPPING FOR MY WEDDING DRESS?

Accepted Answer

Take a pair of heels with you similar to what you plan to wear on the day.  Wear nude or flesh toned underwear and a well fitting and supportive bra.  If you wear padded bras, then take one with you as an option for different dresses.

Question 10

WHAT IF I LOSE OR GAIN WEIGHT ONCE MY DRESS ARRIVES?

Accepted Answer

Discuss and agree a schedule with your dress fitter that allows you to lose weight and for the dress to be fitted closed to the wedding date.  If you have a fluctuating problem due to medication or pregnancy, then probably better to work with a dress designer who will be more flexible and help you to address your needs without the worry.

Question 11

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SHORTEN A GOWN?

Accepted Answer

To shorten a wedding dress usually involves working with multiple skirt layers and each layer has to be individually shortened. Also the type of material will be an added factor. It is best to get a quote for the work based on your wedding dress.

Question 12

HOW MANY SIZES CAN A DRESS BE ALTERED?

Accepted Answer

Usually around 2 dress sizes maximum.  Beyond this scope will require a major re-cut of the garment so that the balance and details are redistributed equally.  This is a detailed, time consuming and costly process so think very carefully before deciding to make a snap purchase because it is on sale.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions