Bridal Alterations
What to Expect
Your wedding dress is one of the most memorable garments you will wear, and proper alterations can transform it from good to flawless, ensuring it fits perfectly and enhances your natural beauty. From the initial consultation to the final fitting, our goal is to cater to your needs and ensure you look and feel stunning on your special day!
Initial Bridal Consultation
When to schedule
As our bridal calendar books up quickly, we recommend securing a spot as soon as you’ve picked out your dress, even if you don’t have it in hand yet. A non-refundable initial consultation fee of $100 is due at the time of booking, which covers your initial consultation and subsequent fittings throughout your alterations experience.
The initial fitting should be scheduled at least 3-4 months before your wedding date. This ensures ample time for multiple fittings and any necessary adjustments. Plan for 30 to 60 minutes for your initial consultation.
To book your appointment, please contact us at 636-744-6562.
What to bring (to your first and all subsequent fittings)
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Wedding dress: Plus any accessories like veil and jewelry, so you can see the whole look.
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Foundation garments: Bring the bra or bra alternatives, shapewear, slip, etc., that you’re considering wearing on your wedding day.
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Shoes: If possible, bring the shoes you plan to wear with your dress.
What to expect during the initial consultation
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Vision: We will discuss your vision for the fit and style of your dress. Please bring any inspiration photos or ideas you may have. We will take notes on which aspects of the dress should be adjusted, including any customizations.
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Measurements: We will take initial baseline measurements for reference.
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Timeline: We will outline the timeline for anticipated fitting dates. Plan for two to five fittings. Most major alterations will occur in the month leading up to your event date, with the final fitting typically two weeks before the wedding.
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Estimated Pricing: We will go over the initial anticipated alterations and provide a price range estimate.
Standard Wedding Alteration Timeline
Most brides require 2-3 fittings. The exact number may vary based on the complexity of the alterations.
Your feedback is crucial during each phase of your alterations. Please let us know along the way if you have any concerns or adjustments you would like to make.
Recommended Timing
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Secure Your Spot: 6-12 months before your wedding, call us as soon as you have your wedding date set, even if you haven't started dress shopping yet!
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Initial Consultation & First Fitting: 3-4 months before the wedding.
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Second Fitting: 8-10 weeks before the wedding.
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Additional Fittings: If applicable, will occur within 3-6 weeks before the wedding.
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Final Fitting: 2-3 weeks before the wedding.
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Dress Pickup: At your convenience within 2 weeks of the wedding.
We can also coordinate to have your gown freshly steamed and ready for pickup on your wedding day or delivery to your venue. Explore our exclusive gown delivery and steaming services for a stress-free wedding day!
Common Bridal Alterations and Pricing
Price Range
Bridal alterations average from $500 to $1100 or more, depending on the complexity, intricacy (such as lace and beading), customizations, and amount of work required.
Prices vary depending on the details of each dress, including the materials used. A more specific ballpark will be provided during the initial consultation.
Common Wedding Dress Alterations
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Hemming: Depending on the material types, average range is $100 to $300+
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Taking In/Letting Out Hips: Average range is $150 to $300+
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Taking in/ Letting Out Bodice: Averages $75 to $250+
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Raising or Lowering Waist: Average range of $100 to $300+
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Adding Corset Back: Starts at $175 to $250+
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Adjusting or Adding Straps or Sleeves: Averages $50 to $200+
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Adding Bustle: Depending on the number of bustle points, $100 up to $275+
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Push-Up Cups & Sewing In: $30-$50
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Sew-on Belt: $40 to $75
Complex Alterations
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For more intricate changes, such as redesigning major aspects of the dress or detailed customizations, please discuss your ideas during the consultation. These alterations may require additional time and incur higher costs at a time and materials fee.
Additional Services or Fees
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Gown Steaming: $50 to $125+
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Gown Delivery and Touch-Up Steaming: Starting at $150.
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Hoop Rental: $45+
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Hoop Purchase: $90-$125
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Zippered Dress Bag: $15
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In Stock Veils: $50 to $350+
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In Stock Belts: $25 to $200
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In-Stock Accessories: We have a wide selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, and more at affordable price ranges to help you achieve your bridal look.
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Rush Fees: Additional $100 (for services commissioned within 8 weeks of wedding date)
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Glitter Surcharge: Additional $75 for dresses with glitter due to required shop cleaning after each fitting and while working on the dress.
Payment Terms
A non-refundable initial consultation fee of $100 is due at the time of booking,which covers your initial consultation and subsequent fittings throughout your alterations experience.
The final balance is due at time of pickup. We accept cash, check, Venmo, and credit cards. A convenience fee of 3% will be added to all credit or debit card transactions.
Something Old
Something NEW
Give your wedding dress a beautiful new chapter with custom heirloom creations by Still Her Dress. Whether it’s transforming your mother’s gown into a modern bridal robe or turning alteration scraps from your own dress into cherished keepsakes like bouquet wraps, garters, and pocket squares—we craft timeless treasures that celebrate love across generations.
A proud extension of Alterations by Debbie, Still Her Dress blends creative artistry with heartfelt craftsmanship. Let us help you honor your story with keepsakes designed to last a lifetime.
