So much of the entire bridal/wedding process is entirely new to a lot of people. Therefore, there are tons of pieces to the “perfect day” puzzle that are hard to find where they fit, or are entirely unknown. One of the pieces I get the most questions about is alterations. So, here’s just a little bit of the basics to help! For information regarding specific alterations, I would highly recommend reaching out directly to a seamstress.

First, what even are alterations? By definition, alterations are the action or process of altering or being altered. What does this mean in bridal? Alterations are the next step after you have purchased your gown, whether its a new order gown or off the rack, almost every single bride will need some level of alteration to make that special garment fit just right.

If I ordered my gown, why would I need alterations? Most of us are not children of fortune 500 CEO’s, royals, celebrities, etc. That means most of our day-to-day clothes comes from ready-to-wear manufacturers. Ready-to-wear is exactly what it sounds like, clothing that is not intended for tailoring and is already ready to wear when purchased. This can be purchased from any department store, Target, Walmart, etc. The clothing is NOT meant to have a “perfect” fit. The same shirt, dress, pair of pants, etc. will fit people differently based on their stylistic preferences, sizing choice, body shape, etc. but is not designed with the intentions of the garment being tailored to the purchasing individual, it is designed to be worn as-is. Bridal is a lot of people’s first, and only, step into the world of couture, or rather, the direction of couture. Most bridal gowns, worn by the average bride, are not actually couture pieces, but the closest a lot of us will come to a couture dress-making experience. You are not face-front of the designer having them work directly one-on-one with you, which is what keeps costs down, but they are certainly NOT ready-to-wear garments. Gowns are designed with the intentions of the garment being tailored to the purchasing individual. Measurements are taken at the time of purchase, for new order gowns, but this will only get you so close since you are not face-front of the designer having them work directly on the gown on you. The measurements taken at your bridal appointment are used to order your gown from the designer to the CLOSEST standard size, not to exact fit. However, unless the bride has fluctuated in weight since the time of initial measurements, the gown is usually very very close in fit. From there, to get the perfect fit which every bride wants on her wedding day, you will need to see a seamstress who is a specialist in bridal or formal alterations.

Where/when do alterations take place and how much does that cost? Alterations are never included in the cost of the gown. Alterations are always billed as a separate service whether the alterations take place in shop or elsewhere. There would be no way for the shop to ensure they cover cost of alterations without grossly overcharging everyone as every single bride’s needs and wants are different when it comes to gown fit. Some bridal shops offer in-house alterations with a seamstress who travels to the shop for fittings. Typically speaking, this is when and where alterations will be the most expensive. One, because the seamstress has to commute to that shop to provide their service and two, because, typically speaking, the shop will take a commission of up to 40% of what the seamstress charges for their services from their profits. Therefore, they will need to increase their pricing to cover the lost profit margin. Other shops do not offer in-house alterations, but will offer a list of trusted seamstresses they refer out to. This is typically when alterations will cost a little less because the customer will travel to the seamstress (vs. the seamstress and the bride commuting) and the shop will take a much smaller referral fee from the seamstress, if the shop charges a fee from the seamstress at all. Some shops do not offer in-house alterations nor do they offer a referral list, in which case you will need to independently source a formal wear specialist to handle your alterations. In my boutique, we do not offer in-house alterations, but I DO have a referral list of three highly talented women who I whole heartedly trust to bring your already gorgeous gown to the level of perfection. I do not take any commissions or referral fees from my seamstresses. Whether the shop you purchase your gown from has in-house alterations, you choose to use an independent seamstress from a referral list, or source your own, I would expect basic bridal alterations to range anywhere from $300-$800 depending on the style, level of intricacy of the gown, and where you purchased your gown (services in larger cities/more affluent areas will likely be on the pricier end of the spectrum). Alterations including customizations to the gown (like adding sleeves, changing the back to/from a zipper/corset or lowering the backline, a custom overskirt, a custom cape, changing the neckline, etc.) may cost more. Additionally, the cost of alterations are based on the labor, skill, and costs of the seamstress, NOT the cost of the gown. Purchasing an inexpensive gown does not mean the cost of alterations will be less expensive and purchasing an expensive gown does not necessarily mean alterations will be more expensive. Many brides are a little bit shell-shocked when they purchase a gown, typically off-the-rack or second-hand, for a great value and find the alterations are more than the gown cost. Don’t let this keep you from purchasing off the rack or second-hand, that will still typically get you the absolute best value for that gown, but do not expect what you paid for the gown to change the cost of alterations.

All in all, if you are wanting that bridal magazine, Pinterest worthy, envy evoking, total PERFECTION fit, alterations are an absolute must. Whether it be just taking up the straps, a hem, adding a bustle, or completely customizing your gown, proper alterations are what will really level-up your bridal look and give you that perfect couture level fit.