Wedding Dress Alterations -- Cost

[David and Laura]

So I just had my first fitting on Saturday. The salon called be back today; I guess I was supposed to sign something before I left authorizing them to make the alterations. They quoted me $550 for just the first set of alterations(there are a few other things they want to do at the second fitting). If I have the salon do everything, I am guessing I will end up paying around $700 Does that sound right?

 

I use an awesome tailor for pants and everyday dresses, and I know she does wedding dresses, too. I am debating on taking the dress to her to get a second quote.

 

What do you think?

[JulieG]

I say get a second quote. That seems insanely high. I am having major changes to my dress and its all lace and its only costing me $225, which I thought was a lot of money.

 

What are you getting done?

[TATrisha]

Yeah. I say go somewhere else. That's insane expensive!

[jak27]

I think it completely depends on the bridal salon. To me, it sounds high but not outrageous b/c it's a wedding dress and I've never had to have one altered before so I wouldn't know any better!

 

But a second opinion never hurts, as long as you completely trust the tailor!

[LCBride2007]

oh yikes. without knowing the details of the dress (i forgot what it looks like, sorry!) it's tough to say. but my dress had some detailed beading, and was less than $200 to alter. granted, it just needed to be taken in on the sides some - not shortened - but still. that seems like a lot!

[David and Laura]

Well, they do have to do A LOT to it; take in the sides, the length, and the straps, etc. I am pretty sure they ordered the dress a size too big.

[JulieG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by David and Laura Well, they do have to do A LOT to it; take in the sides, the length, and the straps, etc. I am pretty sure they ordered the dress a size too big.

I still think that is way to much money. Mine has to be shortened, taken in at the sides, train removed, halter strap added and the whole thing is lace. So, I think they are waaaaay over charging you and I say take it somewhere else. In my experience, bridal stores don't even do that good a job on dresses that they alter, I think a taylor would do a way better job, as long as they have experience in bridal gowns.

[JaimeLynne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by David and Laura Well, they do have to do A LOT to it; take in the sides, the length, and the straps, etc. I am pretty sure they ordered the dress a size too big.

If they ordered it a size too big, isn't that their fault?

I would definitely take it to your tailor ~ it sounds like you trust them and if you have a reputation with them they will probably be more likely to give you a fair price. I wouldn't even bring up to them how much the salon said they'd charge you. To me that sounds outrageous, but honestly I haven't even started looking at dresses... I hope it doesn't cost that much! It never hurts to get a second opinion tho. Good luck!

[David and Laura]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julesr I still think that is way to much money. Mine has to be shortened, taken in at the sides, train removed, halter strap added and the whole thing is lace. So, I think they are waaaaay over charging you and I say take it somewhere else. In my experience, bridal stores don't even do that good a job on dresses that they alter, I think a taylor would do a way better job, as long as they have experience in bridal gowns.

Thanks, I am going to take your advice. I have no idea what is normal, but that def. seemed high to me.

[LisaG]

That seems a little high. Mine was only $100... I say get a 2nd quote.