DO YOU ALTER GOWNS PURCHASED ELSEWHERE?
Absolutely! Helping you achieve your perfect look is our top priority.
MY MOM ALSO NEEDS ALTERATIONS…
No problem. Our expert seamstress will alter gowns for anyone attending your wedding! With over 28 years of experience altering gowns for brides, mothers, bridesmaids, flower girls, and more you can feel confident in knowing your bridal party will look their best.
WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY FIRST FITTING?
It’s generally recommended to schedule your first fitting about 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding. Any earlier, and you run the risk of having to alter the dress more than once, and any later could put you in a time crunch. However, no one knows better than we do the unpredictability of weddings, so if you wish to schedule earlier, or are already in a time crunch, we will still be accommodating.
WHAT IS THE COST OF ALTERATIONS AND WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
The price of alterations varies depending on what needs done and the complexity of the job, and everything is always detailed on your alterations slip. Altering a plain gown is less intensive than altering a beaded gown and releasing a gown if it is too small is often more expensive than taking a gown in. Remember, though, whether you take in ¼” or 3” it both costs the same, so you’ll want to schedule accordingly. Alterations are paid in full at the first appointment.
HOW MANY FITTINGS WILL THERE BE?
It depends on what you want done, but three fittings tends to be the average. We might be able to get it done in two, but complex jobs, such as building up and creating jackets may require three fittings or more. In order to make the process as seamless (pun) as possible, it’s best to do your first fitting at the size you will most likely be on your wedding day. This helps to avoid unnecessary fittings, and means you can focus on how stunning you look in your gown, instead of wondering if it will be ready in time.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FIRST FITTING?
You should bring the shoes and undergarments (bra/corset) that you will be wearing on your wedding day. Many of our brides choose not to wear a bra under their wedding gown and opt to have cups sewn in. We recommend this for our Size B or smaller brides. Otherwise, please bring your bra/corset to all fittings.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE FIRST FITTING?
Typically, the first fitting takes about one hour. Our seamstress will pin you where needed so you can get an idea of the finished product. We’ll discuss options with you such as how you want to bustle your train, how poofy you want your dress and whether or not you want built in cups.
WHEN IS THE 2ND FITTING?
The second fitting is generally 2-3 weeks after your first appointment.
WILL MY DRESS BE STEAMED/PRESSED?
Of course! When you purchase your gown from The Wedding Shoppe our seamstress will press the dress before you pick it up at no charge, though there is a charge for gowns not purchased at The Wedding Shoppe.
WHEN DO I PICK-UP MY DRESS PRIOR TO THE WEDDING?
After all the fittings are complete, a last appointment needs to be scheduled to pick up your dress. We recommend you pick-up your gown a few days before the wedding, but we don’t mind if you pick-up the day before. We’ll gladly store your gown until you are ready for it.
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY WEDDING GOWN AFTER THE WEDDING?
We offer an excellent cleaning and preservation service. Please see Gown Preservation for more details.