Wedding Dress Alterations
We know that finding your dream wedding dress is just the first part of your journey.
After you’ve said “yes” to your dress, it’s time to make sure it fits like a dream. Our expert Alterations Specialist team is dedicated to ensuring your wedding dress makes you feel like the best version of yourself on your special day. So let’s dive in and walk through everything you need to know about the alterations process at The Wedding Shoppe. We can’t wait to make your wedding dress fit like it was made just for you!
What You Should Know
When do alterations begin on my wedding dress?
We will begin alterations on your wedding dress 4 to 5 months before your wedding day.
For Custom Design Changes: If your dress requires custom alterations (adding sleeves, lowering the back, lining the bodice, etc.), we start the process 5 months in advance to ensure every detail is meticulously crafted.
For Standard Alterations: Begin 4 months prior to the wedding if it’s just the usual tweaks to get that perfect fit.
These time frames allow our skilled team of Alterations Specialists enough time to work their magic on your wedding dress, while also providing ample opportunity for multiple fittings and adjustments as needed.
Remember, this isn’t a one-and-done situation; it’s a gradual process of refinement to ensure your dress fits you beautifully when the day arrives.
We will text you with plenty of time to schedule your 1st Alterations Appointment. With limited appointments available, it’s crucial you let us know as soon as possible if you would like to do your alterations with TWS or have found your own seamstress to complete the work on your wedding dress.
Guidance for our out-of-town brides
At The Wedding Shoppe, we understand that coordinating travel for alterations can add an extra layer of complexity to your wedding planning. We’ve found that most of our out-of-town/state brides prefer the convenience and ease of having alterations completed closer to home. However, if you’re dedicated to maintaining the complete TWS experience, we’d be more than happy to accommodate you.
If you can commit to an appointment each month, for the four months leading up to your wedding, our team will expertly alter your dress to your specifications. However, we want you to be aware that custom work typically requires a few additional appointments. This increased frequency of travel may not be ideal for every bride, so we encourage you to carefully consider what is most feasible and comfortable for you.
Shoes and Undergarments
It is essential to have your chosen shoes and undergarments prior to beginning the alterations process. Shoes are vital in determining the hem length and influencing your posture, while undergarments such as bustiers, strapless bras, and body shapers significantly impact the overall fit and appearance of your gown. Without these key elements, we cannot proceed with alterations.
How much will alterations cost?
Alterations are an art form as individual as each bride and their chosen wedding dress. It’s a meticulous process that ensures the dress hugs every curve, drapes perfectly, and captures the vision of the bride-to-be. Due to the personalized nature of alterations, it’s virtually impossible to quote a price without seeing you in your dress. This is because the cost can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the dress design, the type of fabric, the level of detailing, and the specific alterations needed to create the perfect fit. Although it varies, the average cost for our high-quality alterations, including bodice, sides, hem, and bustle, typically lands around $700. Rest assured, our Alterations Specialists are not just seamstresses, they are artisans who have a deep understanding and proficiency in tailoring wedding dresses purchased from The Wedding Shoppe.
I’ve decided to make a custom change to my wedding dress after I purchased it. What do I need to do?
If you’ve decided to make a custom change to your gown that wasn’t previously discussed during your bridal appointment or with an Alterations Specialist, we invite you to schedule a Consultation Appointment. This appointment is designed to explore your desired changes and ensure their feasibility. We’ll discuss any additional materials needed, such as fabric, lace, or appliques, and provide you with a detailed price quote for the alterations. Please note that this consultation carries a nominal fee of $25, which is credited towards the cost of your alterations. It’s an essential step in ensuring that we can bring your custom alteration vision to life while providing you with a precise timeline for completion. Let’s make your dream dress even more uniquely you!
How to Secure Alterations Services
We’re thrilled that you’ve found your perfect wedding dress at The Wedding Shoppe! As we embark on the next exciting phase of your bridal journey, we wanted to share important details about our sought-after alterations service.
Appointments for alterations are in high demand, and we want to ensure we can help as many brides as possible achieve their desired wedding day vision. We will reach out to you via text when it’s time to schedule your alterations.
It’s essential that you let us know promptly if you would like to proceed with alterations at The Wedding Shoppe or if you have made alternative arrangements with your preferred seamstress. Our slots fill up quickly, and we don’t want you to miss out on an appointment.
To guarantee your spot on our exclusive alterations schedule, we require a $200 non-refundable deposit.
This deposit is applied to your alterations costs at your first appointment and secures a dedicated slot on our schedule specifically for you, ensuring that our expert team can work their magic on your dress.
Please note that the appointment is not officially scheduled until we collect the deposit and have you sign the invoice, solidifying your commitment. This process ensures that we can allocate the necessary time and resources to provide you with the exceptional service you deserve.
Whether you choose to entrust your alterations to us or pursue an alternative route, we’re here to support your decision and help you shine on your special day.
Alteration Appointments
1st Appointment
Your vision is about to take shape at your 1st Alterations Appointment! This 45-minute session is dedicated to discussing your desired fit and any custom changes you have in mind. Our expert Alterations Specialist will pin your dress to illustrate the planned alterations.
Learn More
Payment for your alterations is due at this first appointment, this transparency allows us to start the meticulous process of shaping your dress to your figure without delay. Please remember to bring along the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your big day to ensure the precision of alterations.
We understand the importance of shared joy in this process, so we welcome you to bring one guest along. Having just one trusted guest ensures clear communication between you and the specialist, and gives our expert the space required to work on your dress effectively.
During this significant appointment, we start with adjustments to the bodice before moving on to the hem and bustle. We’ll also schedule the rest of your fittings at this time. Remember, keeping these appointments is vital as rescheduling can be tricky and might lead to rush fees. This 1st Alterations Appointment sets the stage for the transformation of your wedding dress into a piece that’s uniquely tailored to you.
2nd Appointment
The 2nd Appointment is another exciting milestone in the alterations journey at The Wedding Shoppe. This 45-minute session is all about reviewing the progress made on your wedding dress since your first fitting. Our Alterations Specialist will ensure that the initial alterations, primarily focused on the bodice, have been executed as discussed, and your gown is shaping up beautifully.
Learn More
At this point, we’re eager to hear your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable as it allows us to adjust and refine any elements to align with your vision even more precisely. If you, the bride-to-be, are satisfied with the progress so far, we might start working on the hem and bustle.
Remember, this is a collaborative process – your comfort, confidence, and joy are our guiding lights. Please bring your chosen shoes and undergarments to every appointment, they are essential in achieving the proper fit of your dress. We encourage you to bring one guest for support and celebration.
3rd Appointment
Your 3rd Alterations Appointment at The Wedding Shoppe is all about fine-tuning and making any last-minute tweaks to ensure that your wedding dress is fitting just as you’ve always imagined. This 30 minute appointment is a time for us to revisit all the alterations made so far, from the bodice to the hemline, ensuring everything is aligning with your vision. We understand the importance of your dress fitting flawlessly on your special day, and we want you to feel nothing less than stunning.
Learn More
Please remember to bring your chosen shoes and undergarments to every appointment.
Do bear in mind that if there are any custom alterations, you may need additional fittings. Your Alterations Specialist will guide you through these details if necessary. As usual, we recommend you bring one guest to share in this special experience. By the end of this appointment, we hope to see you glowing with joy and excitement, just steps away from walking down the aisle.
Final Fitting
The final fitting at The Wedding Shoppe is the moment when you get to see all the intricate details and careful adjustments come together. This appointment is the perfect opportunity to check everything, from the placement of the bustle to the way your gown drapes with your wedding shoes on.
Learn More
During this session, our specialist will meticulously examine your dress once more, making sure that every bead, seam, and layer is just as you envisioned. We highly recommend bringing a trusted individual to your final fitting, specifically to learn how to bustle your wedding dress. The bustling process can be intricate, and having someone familiar with your dress and its unique bustle design will ensure that you can effortlessly transition from ceremony to reception without any worries. We encourage you to make a video recording of the bustling demonstration during the final fitting. This serves as a valuable reference for both you and your helper on the wedding day. With the excitement and busyness of the day, it’s easy to forget the specific steps involved. By having a video guide, you can easily refresh your memory and confidently recreate the stunning bustle that perfectly compliments your dress.
We want to make sure your dress is perfectly prepared for its big debut at your wedding. Most likely our Alterations Specialist will need a bit more time to press and pack your gown with the utmost care, so we’ll schedule a “pick up” appointment for you. This way, you can be assured your dream dress will be ready and waiting for your special day.
Pick-Up Appointment
At this final appointment, our Alterations Specialist provides detailed instructions on how to transport your dress and hang it until your big day. While the urge to try on your dress one last time is understandably compelling, we advise restraint. Trying the dress on again could potentially necessitate additional pressing and packing, delaying your ability to take it home immediately. Our goal is to have your wedding dress ready, so it’s flawless on your wedding day. The pick-up appointment is your moment to take a breath and savor the reality – your gorgeous wedding dress is ready, and so are you.
Important Alterations FAQs
How many people can I bring to my alterations appointment?
At The Wedding Shoppe, we strive to create a serene and focused environment during your alterations appointments. To ensure that each session runs smoothly and efficiently, we kindly request that you bring only one guest with you. This policy has proven to be beneficial for several reasons. First and foremost, limiting the number of guests allows our talented Alterations Specialists to have ample space to work their magic. It ensures they can maneuver around the dress with precision, ensuring every alteration is executed flawlessly. Furthermore, having fewer people present enhances clear communication between you and the Alterations Specialist. It creates a tranquil setting where your concerns, preferences, and desired alterations can be discussed without distractions. This dedicated one-on-one time allows for a more personalized and tailored experience.
We also understand that wedding planning can be a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. By limiting the number of guests, we aim to create a calm and stress-free environment for you. It allows you to focus solely on the alterations process and the incredible transformation of your dress, providing a more enjoyable and memorable experience. Our team is dedicated to making your alterations appointments exceptional in every way. By adhering to this one-guest policy, we ensure that your time is maximized, your vision is fully realized, and the journey to your perfect fit is a seamless and delightful one.
Be Kind — Be On Time
Punctuality is key to ensure a smooth and efficient alteration experience. We kindly request that you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment, as it greatly impacts the overall schedule and fairness to other brides. When a bride is late, it can disrupt the carefully planned timeline for our dedicated Alterations Specialists. This delay not only affects the bride who is running behind but also has a ripple effect on subsequent appointments. We believe in providing each bride with undivided attention and exceptional service, and being late jeopardizes that commitment. In the event that you are unable to arrive on time, we may have to reschedule your appointment to a later date. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur, but we ask for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining the efficiency of our alterations schedule.
Please also note that missed appointments without a 48-hour notice incur a $45 fee. Additionally, if multiple rescheduling or rush appointments are required due to missed appointments, rush charges may be incurred to ensure that your dress is ready on time for your wedding day.
Canceling, Missing and Rescheduling Appointments
We highly encourage our brides to attend their pre-scheduled appointments with our talented Alterations Specialists. Our appointment schedule fills up months in advance, and rescheduling can be quite challenging due to the high demand for our services. Canceling or rescheduling appointments with less than 48-hours notice will result in a missed appointment fee of $45. In the event that rescheduling becomes necessary, it may lead to a cancellation fee of $45 and additional rush fees to accommodate the altered timeline and ensure your dress is ready in time for your wedding day. We strive to avoid any unnecessary stress or rush charges, which is why we encourage you to commit to your scheduled appointments and honor the timeline we have carefully designed for you.
Your cooperation in attending the pre-scheduled appointments allows us to provide the best service possible, ensuring a seamless and delightful alterations experience. We appreciate your understanding.
I Still Need Bridal Accessories
The perfect accessories complete your bridal look. If you’re in need of a veil, jewelry, headpiece, or any other accessory, please let us know when scheduling your first alterations appointment. We are here to help you find the ideal pieces that will enhance your dress and make you feel absolutely stunning.
Please note that we are unable to keep accessories with your wedding dress during the alterations process. We want to ensure the utmost safety and care for your accessories, which is why you will take them home with you. This way, you can keep them secure and be confident that they will be ready to accompany you on your wedding day.
Communication Throughout the Process
Open and clear communication is vital throughout the alterations process. We are here to help you feel the most beautiful on your wedding day, and your satisfaction is our top priority. If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your dedicated Alterations Specialist or your original Bridal Stylist. We value your feedback and want to ensure that every detail of your dress is perfect. Remember, we can only address your concerns if we know about them. Whether it’s a small adjustment or a significant modification, it’s best to course correct in the early stages of the process rather than waiting until the end when time is limited. Our team of passionate Alterations Specialists genuinely love what they do, and they genuinely care about you, our bride. They are dedicated to ensuring your dress fits beautifully and reflects your unique style and vision.
Together, let’s embark on this journey of transforming your dream dress into a reality. Trust in our expertise, communicate openly with our team, and rest assured that your wedding day will be a celebration of love and beauty that surpasses your expectations.
