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SewSuz
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Formal Gown Alterations

Two women in elegant purple dresses smiling outdoors.

Alterations for all formal occasions

Whether you are the Mother of the Bride or Groom, a wedding guest, or attending a black tie event, SewSuz can assist you with our dress alteration services. From wedding dress alterations to formal gown fittings, we have your alteration needs covered.

Young woman in a pink pleated dress stands in a garden with greenery.

WHEN DO I NEED TO BOOK FOR MY ALTERATIONS?

Advance booking for dress alteration services, such as bridal alterations, is highly recommended; this could be as soon as you buy or order your dress(es) and/or have your wedding/event date. 


A formal gown fitting is usually scheduled for around 6-8 weeks before your wedding/event date, with a second fitting around 3-4 weeks prior. Some wedding dress alterations may require three or more fittings, which cannot always be foreseen but will be booked in appropriately. 


Fittings are booked for up to 30 minutes per gown/outfit; some are quicker than others, but it all depends on what is required.

Woman in a flowing pink gown standing in front of floral curtains.

HOW MUCH DO Formal Gown ALTERATIONS COST?

No two dresses or bodies are the same, which is why our dress alteration services are tailored to meet your specific needs. Costs will vary depending on the required alterations, fabrics, layers, dress design/style, construction, any embellishments, etc. For formal gown fitting, I can provide an estimate prior to your first fitting based on the details and pictures you provide; of course, this is subject to seeing and fitting the dress in person. Please find a small price guide below of typical wedding dress alterations.


Formal Gown Alterations

Booking Fee

Upon confirmation of appointments for dress alteration services, I require a non-refundable booking fee of £20.00 per gown/outfit. This fee secures your pre-booked appointment times, including some of the time spent during formal gown fittings. Full booking terms will be sent with appointment offers. Please note that the booking fee is charged separately from any wedding dress alterations fees.

Per Formal Gown/outfit

£20.00

Hem

All prices are listed as from and may vary based on different fullness, layers, finishes, and design features including splits, embellishments, or any other 'non-standard' finishes. This also applies to dress alteration services, formal gown fitting, and wedding dress alterations.

Single layer

*from £30.00

Two Layer

*from £40.00

Triple layer Hem

*from £55.00

Shoulder Lift

*All prices are listed as *from and may vary with different styles, finishes, and design features or embellishments, including lace and beading, as well as the specific dress alteration services needed for formal gown fitting and wedding dress alterations.

Spaghetti straps

*from £30.00

Typically, the width is up to 1/2" wide, which is important to consider when utilizing dress alteration services, especially for formal gown fitting and wedding dress alterations.

Wider Shoulders

*from £40.00

Typically over 1/2" wide, our dress alteration services ensure a perfect fit for any occasion, including formal gown fittings and wedding dress alterations.


Take In/Let Out

*All prices are listed as *from and may vary with different styles, finishes, and design features or embellishments, including lace and beading, as well as the specific dress alteration services needed for formal gown fitting and wedding dress alterations.

Take in above waistline

*from £40.00

*Typically through side seams and does not involve alteration of the waist seam and skirts, our dress alteration services ensure a perfect fit for your formal gown fitting. *Letting out is subject to available seam allowances, and additional charges may apply to insert panels or a corset/lace-up back, especially for wedding dress alterations.

Take In through Waistline

*from £60.00

*Typically through side seams, our dress alteration services include grading skirts for the perfect fit. *Letting out is subject to available seam allowances, and additional charges may apply for services such as inserting panels or for a corset/lace-up back during formal gown fitting and wedding dress alterations.


Miscellaneous

*All prices are listed as *from and may vary with different styles, finishes, and design features or embellishments, including lace and beading, as well as the specific dress alteration services needed for formal gown fitting and wedding dress alterations.

Replace hook & Eye

*from £5.00

Add Belt

*from £15.00

*Subject to length. For those seeking dress alteration services, we offer professional assistance to ensure your formal gown fitting is perfect. Whether it's for a special event or wedding dress alterations, our team is here to help you achieve the ideal fit.

Add cups

*from £30.00

Add Waist Stay

*from £45.00

To enhance the fit of strapless gowns, consider adding an additional band, which is especially useful when utilizing dress alteration services. This modification can greatly improve the overall look during a formal gown fitting, ensuring that your wedding dress alterations meet your expectations for a perfect fit.

Glitter cleaning Charge

£30.00-£60.00

Garments containing glitter fabrics will incur an additional fee of £30.00. When providing dress alteration services, I find that these fabrics tend to shed within my studio as they would with wear. This is entirely normal and expected; however, to avoid contamination with other clients' garments during formal gown fitting sessions, this leads to additional clean-up time—not only on floors and work surfaces but also in the maintenance of sewing machines. 


**Any coloured glitters that are not traditional bridal white or silver will incur an additional fee of £60, particularly important during wedding dress alterations.

All other alterations priced subject to requirements


Steaming

For more information about our dress alteration services, including options for formal gown fitting and wedding dress alterations, please visit the 'streaming service' page.

Per Gown

*from £15.00

Beaded gowns will incur additional charges. For more information, please inquire about our dress alteration services, including formal gown fitting and wedding dress alterations.


Four elegant one-shoulder magenta gowns displayed on hangers and a mannequin.

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, shapewear, sew-in cups, underskirts, etc.  


- SHOES – These are essential for EVERY fitting, especially for formal gown fitting and wedding dress alterations! I cannot pin your hem without them!  


& anything else that you plan to wear that may affect the fit of your dress, particularly for our dress alteration services.

Can i bring someone to my fitting?

Of course! However, my studio fitting space is limited. Where possible, I ask that only those in need of dress alteration services are present, but I understand if you wish to bring someone along for support. 


For formal gown fitting sessions, I can host a maximum of three individuals at one time, which could be the bride plus two bridesmaids, the bride with one bridesmaid and a guest, or three bridesmaids together. 


Please note that children are not permitted unless they are booked for their own fitting, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This policy ensures a smooth process during wedding dress alterations.


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