how much does it normally cost for a wedding dress to be altered?

Question

When I purchased by wedding dress it fit perfectly. However, I have lost some weight since the initial fitting and I was wondering how much the alterations for a wedding dress normally run.

Answer 1

It's a lot of money for the little altering they do. When I got my dress at David's Bridal (BIG mistake) they tried to charge me just $90 for taking my measurements...something I could have told them. I ended up getting that charge taken off as I was told by a new sales associate working there the whole cost of taking up the hem and getting fitted would be less than $100. To take up the hem, if I remember I think it was another $100, which in itself is a bit ridiculous, even though it had 4 layers to it...it was still way too much. So if you're getting your dress fitted and altered at a place like David's Bridal where they have to pay for their advertisement, chances are you'll be paying a lot. Take the dress to a private seamstress or a drycleaners.

If you're just getting the sides taken in and there is minimal design (sequins, rouching, etc) the cost should be no more than $50 for a private seamstress. At least that's what I would charge. And an additional $15 if there is any detail. If they need to measure you and want to charge you for it, resist, and tell them your measurements, if you know them.

I actually needed my dress taken in at the sides, but because of cost I didn't have that done. So I ended up with a gown that was falling off of me and I didn't even do any dancing for that to happen, so even if you're running on a budget, better to have the dress fit you than have horrible posture your whole night, and be uncomfortable. If you know how to do a little sewing, you can do it yourself. It's pretty easy.

Answer 2

I asked this question because I have been asked to make alterations on a wedding dress for a bride to be. I started sewing when I was 10, and I began sewing clothes for people when I was 12. I stopped sewing clothes for people when I was in my early 20s because people did not want to pay me what I thought it was worth and I am talking most of the time less than $15 for a whole outfit. I am now 58 and I have started doing crafts only for the past 3 years. Baby clothes, blankets, bibs for babies and adults and dolls. I stopped making those a couple of months ago because people that has seen my crafts love them but does not want to pay me the price I ask for and I am talking about dolls that would sell for $100 dollars or more I ask only for $35 at the most. Now this bride has been asking me to sew things for her for years and I have always turned her down. She has now asked me to add sleeves to her dress which is strapless and she wants a long train added with lace detail. It take a lot of time and effort to add detail to a garment. If you have to hem a garment you have to take the existing hem out carefully you don't need to rip the fabric. Sewing and altering is an art. I am very good at what I do even though I don't do it for a living. It is not as simple as some might think. A private seamstress may be cheaper but her or his talents are priceless. Pay them well. If you can't pay them what it is worth, then maybe you can't afford to have it done.

Answer 3

Completely depends on what material the dress is, who you take it to & how much needs to be done. I would expect anywhere from $50 to $100. Maybe more if you go to a high end alteration shop. They know you've gotta have it done & they take advantage of that. Congrats!!

Answer 4

My wife got hers on sale for $700, and paid $300 for alterations.

Answer 5

I had the following done: Shoulders taken up, sides taken in, bustle done, reposition sleeves (since shoulders were adjusted). Total cost: $225