When you’re getting ready to walk down the aisle and say “I do” to the love of your life, you want everything to be absolutely perfect, especially your gown. You want to feel and look like a real-life Disney princess, so your wedding dress needs to fit like a glove and flatter you in every way. Chances are, that won’t happen right off the rack. Your wedding dress may need alteration before the big day, but how much does it cost and how long does it take? Read on to find out everything you need to know.
How much does a wedding dress alteration cost?
The cost of wedding dress alterations varies depending on where you live, what you’re having altered, and how quickly you need it done. If your gown needs only very minor changes, you could spend as little as $100. However, extreme adjustments could run up to $1,000 or more.
For instance, Brides explains that basic hemming — whether to adjust the length, pull in or let out sides, or simply get a better overall fit — is pretty much guaranteed to be necessary for all gowns. As a result, these are usually less expensive and time-consuming, in many cases.
However, things get a bit pricier if you’re hoping to add more details to your wedding dress. For instance, if you want to add beading or buttons, change the length of the train, or apply lace or straps, be prepared to shell out a bit more cash.
If you’re getting your alterations done at boutiques located in big cities, you can expect to pay more than businesses located in smaller towns. However, you should call around to several places to find the best price. It’s important to note that some boutiques charge a flat rate for all alterations needed, while others have a separate fee for each individual job.
How long does a wedding dress alteration appointment take?
You can usually expect your first wedding dress fitting to last around an hour. During this time, the seamstress can do any necessary measurements as well as discuss the alterations needed with the client. Subsequent appointments will be shorter since you’re simply doing fine-tuning. The more appointments you have, the shorter they should be as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit.
How many appointments will you need?
Exactly how many appointments you’ll need all depends on how many modifications the gown needs, the extent of the changes, and whether or not your body stays the same leading up to the wedding. However, many brides-to-be need only two or three appointments, meaning it shouldn’t be too much of a time commitment.
“The gown will start to take shape when the fitter starts pinning and tucking the fabric and sculpting it to the bride’s body,” Nicole Sacco, former director of fittings and sales at Kleinfeld, tells Brides regarding the first fitting. “At the second fitting, the bride should have a better idea of how the gown will fit.”
Sacco adds that you should schedule your final fitting roughly a week or two before the wedding. This is to ensure it hugs your body in all the right places on the day.
