Frequently Asked Questions

Most alterations fall between the $600-1400 range. It’s possible your total will be below or above this range, this is only an average. Resizing a dress from a larger size generally starts at $900. We do not offer quotes over the phone or via email because every bride and dress is different. The best next step would be to book a consultation and meet with us. 

Please be aware we only accept Cash or Check at this time. Be prepared to pay before taking your dress with you.

For Bridal and Formalwear we do not and we don't know of any reputable bridal tailoring company that does. Wedding dresses have a multitude of variety and it’s nearly impossible to estimate how much work will go into tailoring a dress without seeing it and touching it with your own hands first. 

Estimates are only good for that day and the consultation fee will be collected at the end of the fitting. Estimates and consultations are complimentary for those who leave their garment to be altered that day, otherwise, the appointment fee is $25. We only accept Cash and Check at this time so be prepared!

Your estimate will vary, but keep in mind that complexity has a direct correlation with costs. Dresses with delicate materials (silk, lace, dupioni, chiffon, scalloped edging, among many others) take hours of hands-on time and extra attention to detail. Beading is all hand-sewn (not all beaded dresses can be altered). Ball and full-train A-line gowns have a width and length that makes it difficult to use standard sewing techniques (and very rarely fall at the lower end of our price range). Each layer will need to be hemmed. Trims and finishes (including rhinestones) are also “high-touch” materials. Bustles vary depending on the cut of the train and the bride’s preference.

We recommend booking an appointment for your bridal gown at least 30-60 days before your wedding day to allow time for any necessary alterations. On few occasions we can offer a rush but those circumstances will incur a fee as we will be delaying our timeline for other brides. 

Many require at least two fittings so be prepared to make those appointments. Please be aware, normal hours are Tuesday-Thursday 10-3,. Outside of those hours are generally not available.

Yes…..BUT we prioritize our brides and formal accompaniments (Groom, Groomsmen, Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride, etc.)

We do alter regular clothing and men’s wear, although our offerings are limited and costly.  Some tailoring of suits is better accommodated to those that provide men’s tailoring exclusively such as Men’s Warehouse, and Captain’s Quarters. We also do not usually make custom pieces or make dresses from scratch or a pattern. However, if the timeline is generous and it is during a slow period we may accept these projects from time to time.  Keep in mind these projects can carry a large fee due to the extent of attention they require and all materials will be supplied by the client. They also require multiple appointments to ensure the fit and details are correct.

Please be aware the minimum charge is $20-25 and it is not guaranteed to be completed quickly because our Brides have a deadline and take priority.

After you book your appointment, you will receive an email confirmation. That email confirmation will list what you will need to bring with you, but we will ask you to bring your shoes and any undergarments with you. If you do not yet have the final shoe selection, a comparable height shoe is also fine.

Please try on your dress before you come into the studio. Having tried the dress on before we start to pin you up can help you quickly prioritize what changes are the most important for your comfort and look! And come ready to decide! Any additional client-requested appointments (if available) incur an additional $25 fee, since that is a fitting we can’t offer to another bride.

We are kind of like a fairy god-mother…We can perform most alterations, including adding bra cups, taking the bodice in or out, fitting the hips, hemming, etc. Just remember, the more alterations you anticipate, the more time we’ll need to get it back to you before the big day.

There are however some things we can’t do, and we will be forthright about these limitations at your fitting. For example, if you are planning on wearing heels and want to change into flats, we would not be able to make your dress one length for part of the night and then another for the second portion of the party. We also do not make dresses and do not provide redesign or recutting services.

Please remember that anytime we alter a dress it will not be the exact same as from the manufacturer. Alterations are addressing only the areas that need attention and will be done as neatly as possible but may have creative stitching to get the finished result. Beading and appliqué may be removed or relocated to fit the needs of the change and may not be able to be undone. we try our best to remove or repair stitching and blemishes but it is not guaranteed that every fix can be perfect.

TIP: If you haven’t yet ordered your dress and are stuck between sizes, we would recommend sizing up. We can usually make larger dresses smaller, but it doesn’t always look as right when we have to make smaller dresses larger!

Not usually - we will alter most dresses regardless of where it was purchased, as long as the dress retains its structural integrity and can be worked with. However, we do prioritize dresses from our referral partner’s Becker’s Bridal and Lakeside Bridal. These establishments are exceptional at ordering a dress that fits our brides well and require less additional alterations, saving them money in the long run.

The only exception is vintage dresses. We take a very limited number of vintage, keepsake, or heirloom gowns. These items require sensitive handling and can sometimes be compromised due to age, storage, and previous alterations.

Dresses that are older, samples, or previously altered may not support the changes you'd like to see. In those situations, we will be honest with you and let you know the limitations of how we can help. Alterations to these types of garments are usually priced at the top of our price range.

Please note that we do not offer recutting services (i.e., redesigning existing dresses to accommodate different neckline/waistline/backline, paneling, etc.); we work with existing seams on the dress to fit the gown closer to your body shape. 

We will sometimes create sleeves and  we may be able to attach existing sleeves you already have. If you have a customization in mind or your dress has a specific problem area you believe reconstruction will help with, please call us prior to your first fitting so we can get you some quick thoughts on what is possible.

Dresses that are pre-loved or a sample may need cleaning services. The bride is responsible for covering dry cleaning expenses before the first appointment or will be required to pay for full cleaning services with us before we can begin tailoring. For the safety of our team, we will not alter a used dress that has not been cleaned.

If you bought a sample dress or have a dress that is two or more sizes too big or too small, we will do our best to help you but may reach the conclusion that we cannot guarantee the right fit for you.

We would encourage you to book an appointment with us to get an estimate. If you choose to just take the estimate, the appointment fee will apply. We always recommend being measured for a dress; resizing alterations can add up quickly and usually begin at $995.

Keep in mind that a fluctuation of 10 lbs in weight equates to a full size up or down. If this applies to you, it is sometimes more cost effective to look for another gown.

If you are planning on losing weight before your wedding, please plan on doing so before coming in for your first fitting. Weight fluctuations will change the way your dress fits, and sometimes a general diet and/or exercise routine will result in weight loss and weight gain in ways and places you can’t control!

If you want to try to hit the gym before the big day, please make sure to make any adjustments greater than 5 lbs before your first fitting. Refitting (if even possible) could incur additional fees (because when size is a moving target, it makes it nearly impossible for us to get a precise fit!). 

And don’t forget to make sure you’ve hit this goal weight at least 2 months before the wedding so we have enough time to alter your dress for you!

Absolutely, and you’ll be surprised what a difference finishing touches can make on the final look and feel of your gown. We can steam or press your dress for a surcharge. Ask us about cleaning, boxing, and preservation after your wedding if you’d like a keepsake box.

We use a third party to professionally clean, package, and box your dress.  After your big day, bring your dress in and we will carefully box and send it off! When it arrives back to our studio, we’ll give you a call to pick up or deliver (for a fee).

If you are planning on selling or donating a dress, you may just want to have your dress cleaned. 

We may be able to deliver your dress if your wedding is within 20 miles of our shop. Wedding dress delivery means we will bring your wedding dress to your hotel or venue the day before your wedding or the morning of (availability is not guaranteed). Delivery includes full steaming and pressing. We will set up your dress for you and have everything set so all you have to do is literally step into your dress and proceed to be married!

Ask about our dressing services day-of for you and your bridal party.

Our studio is cozy; please limit yourself to one guest for a fitting. Guests will need to be seated for the entire fitting/pinning portion of our session to make sure we can give you and your gown proper attention.

If you choose to bring someone along for the fitting, ask someone who knows you well and can be real with you. Please do not bring little ones with you if possible (Infants in a carrier are fine) Pets are not allowed. Our studio is not child or pet safe and we cannot be held liable for injuries. Most of our gowns are white and we take great care in keeping the floor and space clean for the respect of our clients. You will be held responsible for any damage done to our space.

The majority of brides come solo. We think this is a smart decision as too many cooks in the kitchen can sometimes leave you feeling more confused as opposed to trusting your gut. If you need an honest second opinion, we'll be happy to give it to you.

Yes, and we would recommend that you absolutely do.

Getting your measurements taken ahead of time can save you a whole lot of hassle later. Please bring the shoes you’d like to pair your dress with along with any photos/forms required before you ship them off to the dress designer.

Measurements appointments cost $25.

We accept cash and check upon completion and generally do not have change on hand.

We usually do not require a deposit, as we will have your dress as collateral. Custom alterations or additions may require a deposit for materials. 

Please be sure to be prepared to pay at your final fitting. You will not be able to take a dress home with you if there is an outstanding balance on it, and all deposits are non-refundable. 

You can always find the rules of the road on our website here. These terms and conditions are subject to change, and the latest version will always be on our website.

Please make sure you are certain about your dress before booking an appointment. 

Cancellations, no-shows, and estimates-only will incur the standard appointment fee. You can cancel your appointment up to two days in advance without penalty. There will be a link in your confirmation email that gives you the option to do so!

We do not at this time, however we can sometimes accommodate this if materials are provided.  We can talk about a design and the fabric needed and go from there!