BRIDAL ALTERATIONS
Make it yours...
From "the" dress to YOUR dress...
A nip here, a tuck there & likely a hem alteration; most Bridal gowns will require some sort of alteration to make it truly yours.
Whether bought off the rack, ordered through a boutique or a preloved/sample gown you need to feel comfortable & confident in the most precious gown you’ll ever wear.
WHEN Should I BOOK FOR MY BRIDAL ALTERATIONS?
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm! BOOKING IN ADVANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED; this could be as soon as you buy or order your gown(s)/outfit(s) &/or have your wedding date.
As a small, one woman, business I work strictly by appointment only with a limited capacity of 3 new brides per week.
Do I need to have my dress before booking?
No. Ideally we'd have an idea of the fit at the booking stage BUT fundamentally your wedding date will dictate when fittings begin.
*A booking/fitting fee applies for all bridal, bridesmaids & formal wear (per dress) upon confirmation of appointments. Alterations are charged separately to the booking/fitting fee.
When do Alterations begin?
The ideal lead time for a 1st fitting for standard fit alterations, is 8 weeks prior to your wedding date.
Wedding Dress fitting appointments are scheduled for up to one hour.
Most dresses will require two appointments: 1st fitting followed by a 2nd fitting/collection (usually around 4 weeks before your wedding date).
Some may require three or more appointments; this cannot always be foreseen however any extra fittings will be booked and additional work charged as appropriate: this could be at any point of the alterations process and cannot always be foreseen.
*The exception to these timescales is for anyone who may be pregnant or recently post-partum (3-4months at the time of fitting). Appointments in these circumstances may be booked on a date closer to the event subject to my availability & will incur rush fees of +25%. It is still advisable to book in advance if you are or find out you’re expecting, but please notify me at the earliest opportunity if dates need to be amended for this reason.
I'm planning to make body changes...can these be accomadated?
Ultimately your dress will be altered to fit your measurements at the time of your first fitting.
I advocate that your partner loves you as you are and body changes are not required to make your dress "fit better". Alterations elevate the fit to make you feel both comfortable and confident in your dress and your own skin.
If you are however planning any body changes including weight loss/gain or surgeries of any kind please ensure that your goals are reached & maintained in time for your first fitting & where possible recovery time from any surgery is accounted for; if recovery is ongoing, please let me know at the earliest opportunity so that we can work around this together.
If your measurements do change after your fitting(s) which results in the need for additional alterations (i.e. if you lose weight & the dress needs to be taken in or hemmed more, or if you gain weight and the dress needs to be let out), additional charges will be applied.
"Absolutely over the moon with the service from Suz. She transformed my wedding dress to look like it was made for me. The finish and quality was perfection. I felt a million dollars. Suz was calm and warm and made the fitting process so relaxed. Cannot thank her enough and 100% recommend."
Kate
Officially recommended by
and others across the South West
I'VE LEFT BOOKING MY ALTERATIONS UNTIL LAST MINUTE...CAN YOU HELP?
Sometimes BUT not always.
Any rushed timelines that can be accommodated will be subject to rush fee’s.
The % fee is added to the alteration’s costs only, not booking/fitting charges and may be applied up to 6 weeks before the wedding date during peak season. These are set as standard, if possible, to accommodate at short notice or with shorter turnarounds.
· 1st fittings and alterations to be carried out up to 4weeks before an event will be subject to +25% of the final alterations cost.
· 1st fittings and alterations to be carried out up to 2weeks before an event will be subject to +50% of the final alterations cost.
*Any rushed timelines, including last minute body changes, will require full flexibility should any additional fittings be required at short notice.
"Suz is amazing! After probably leaving it a little bit on the edge of too late (don’t do this) she responded quickly and booked me and three of my bridesmaids in swiftly. When we attended she was friendly, interested and she was confident with what needed doing which meant I had no concerns."
Jess
HOW MUCH DO BRIDAL ALTERATIONS COST?
How long is a piece of string? o two dresses or bodies are the same.
Typically I advise alterations to cost £250-£600+ for “standard fit alterations” however this will depend on the dress & your requirements:
What are the fabrics & finishes?
Is there lace?
Any beads?
How many layers are in the hem & what are the finishes?
GLITTER?! - This will incur additional cleaning fee as most understand following their first fitting.
These things will all be taken into consideration!
All costs will be confirmed upon fitting before any work commences. I require a minimum 50% first payment of the total balance due at the first fitting or within 24hours of first fitting.
All payments/outstanding balances are to be paid prior to or upon collection of items.
What alterations might i need?
“Standard fit alterations” may include:
· Shoulder lift or repositioning off shoulder straps/sleeves
· Take in/let out side seams
· Hem
· Bustle
“Major fit alterations and/or design changes” will likely incur additional costs which could include but is not limited to:
· Removal or reduction of a train.
· Shortening a bodice
· Extensive resizing; 3+ sizes. Taking in through multiple seams (not just the sides), adding panels and/or sourcing materials.
· The addition on a corset back.
· The addition of bespoke sleeves or straps.
· The addition of pockets.
· Lining sheer bodices.
The possibilities are endless...
Do you offer consultations?
If you would like a consultation prior to an alteration fitting or booking, this can be arranged through quieter months October-February, subject to availability. This is not always necessary & often only advised by myself for more intricate fit alterations including re-sizing fits & design changes, however can be helpful in some cases to plan budgeting or to calm nerves.
A consultation fee of £20.00 applies & will be offered to take place within one week of request, especially where an alterations booking is not confirmed.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO FITTINGS?
-Your DRESS(es).
-A full length BREATHABLE STORAGE BAG & HANGER.
- Any FOUNDATION GARMENT(S) e.g. bra, any shapewear, sew in cups, underskirts, etc.
- SHOES – These are essential for EVERY fitting! - I cannot pin your hem without them!
& anything else that you plan to wear that may affect the fit of your dress.
CAN I BRING SOMEONE TO MY FITTING?
Of course! BUT my studio fitting space is limited. Where possible I ask that only those in need of fitting are present however understand that a bride may wish to bring along someone for support.
· I can host a maximum of one additional guest with a bridal fitting (bride + one). This is particularly important for any dress with a train - which is most wedding dresses.
· I can host a maximum of three in one sitting for bridesmaid fittings (bride + 2 bridesmaids or bride + bridesmaid + guest)
· Children are not to attend unless booked for their own fitting.