HELP! Alterations question

[NJ_bride]

Hi everyone! I went for my first fitting yesterday and we have a big issue for what they are trying to charge me for alterations. Here is the senerio I bought a couture gown in february through a bridal shop where the designer was having a trunk show. The designer hereself measured me for the dress and made the entire thing from scratch for me. I know they do a size larger becuase you can take in but not let out and of course it needs to be hemmed to be the right length with my shoes. But I am not making any changes to the dress and I did not gain any weight, I lost a little but not drastic.

They want $500 for alterations! The dress was a lot but to my mom and I isn't what we were paying for was a custom dress? We were expecting maybe $300 in alterations since it has to be all done by hand. I was hoping you guys could advice? Had we known this much I would have bought a cheaper dress and spent the $500 bucks in alterations to make it the way I wanted. I just think that is a little extreme.

[kate.com]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJ_bride Hi everyone! I went for my first fitting yesterday and we have a big issue for what they are trying to charge me for alterations. Here is the senerio I bought a couture gown in february through a bridal shop where the designer was having a trunk show. The designer hereself measured me for the dress and made the entire thing from scratch for me. I know they do a size larger becuase you can take in but not let out and of course it needs to be hemmed to be the right length with my shoes. But I am not making any changes to the dress and I did not gain any weight, I lost a little but not drastic. They want $500 for alterations! The dress was a lot but to my mom and I isn't what we were paying for was a custom dress? We were expecting maybe $300 in alterations since it has to be all done by hand. I was hoping you guys could advice? Had we known this much I would have bought a cheaper dress and spent the $500 bucks in alterations to make it the way I wanted. I just think that is a little extreme.

Hi! find someone else to do the alterations. I am in the same boat, but am taking it to another seamstress. Just get a reference, but if it simple it shouldn't be a problem (by hand too)... You shouldn't have to pay more than $300. You are paying wedding mark up my friend.

[syl1115]

I agree with Kate. Find another seamstress. BUT DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST! I don't want you to be in the same position I was. My seamstress ruined my wedding dress and Bridesmaids dress. We had to get new ones because they could not be repaired. Get references and ask for examples of his/her work. Check the BBB also. Good luck.

[Jenn]

$500 is definitely high! Like the others said, find another seamstress and it should be way cheaper. I bought a couture gown off the rack, had the zipper changed to a corset, dress hemmed, bustled, cups sown in, and it was taken in twice and it was $325 total.

[Jen_S]

I agree 500 is high. I would look for another seamstress, I see you are in NJ I bought my dress in Allentown PA and am getting my dress done by the store who they use I can refer her if it is close for you.

[NJ_bride]

Yes, I live only 20 minutes from the PA border so if you don't mind sharing I would appreciate the referall. Thanks!

[KAMAY11]

I am going to go against everyone here and say that yes-$500 does seem high, but what exactly do they have to alter? My best friend had her dress altered (there was quite a bit of work involved) and it came to $500. If your dress requires a lot of changes, then I'd say that price is the norm.

...just my thoughts...

[NJ_bride]

Hi Kaylee,

 

See that's the thing I didn't make any changes. The alterations are as follows, hem, take in waist, put in bustle. Pretty much the standard I think?

[DanielleNDerek]

$500 does seem high if that's all the changes you are making.

[KAMAY11]

You're right-that does seem very high for what you need done....i was just thinking that if you had to change a lot on the dress then the price would would be higher!

What you're getting altered is pretty much what I had done for my dress and I paid $250...Look elsewhere!!!

Good Luck!!