Anyone know the cost for formal dress alterations?

Question

I am planning on going on a cruise in January. There will be one formal dinner and I am wanting to wear a very nice dress. My mother was married in a "homecoming" dress (It was bought from JcPenneys during Homecoming season).

For the cruise, I am wanting to alter it.
I want to:
1. Cut off 10-12 inches to make it a "knee" length gown.
2. Add more lining to make it "pouff" out a little more (for dancing).
3. Add a little lining to the bottom of the skirt on the outside, kind of like a trim (hard to explain)
4. Bring it in about 4-5 inches (my mom is bigger than me)
5. Re-do the straps and the neckline. (Make a sweetheart neckline and slim the straps down).

I'm new at this kind of stuff and I am wanting to know round-abouts how much this will cost me and how long it would take.

If you have any idea, please let me know.

Answer 1

Frankly, I think you would spend less getting a new dress. Alteration costs depend on where you go, and where you live, but looking at your list, that may run you $50+. The taking in and hemming won't cost much, but adding a new lining and re-doing the straps and neckline takes time and skills, thus costing more. You can get a decent dress on sale for less than that.

Answer 2

less then 50 $