Timelines

Due to a high volume of gowns to be fitted, we recommend calling to schedule your first fitting appointment about 5 months ahead of your wedding date.. Alteration appointments are first-come, first-served so calling to schedule early is key!

Your first appointment must be approximately 10 weeks before your wedding date. If your appointment is less than 10 weeks out, we may charge a rush fee between $50-150 based on workload at that time. If you schedule less than 8 weeks ahead of your wedding, Victorian Bridal reserves the right to refuse alteration services. Your second fitting will be a few weeks after the first, and the third (and typically final) fitting will be about 2-3 weeks before your wedding. Occasionally, a bride may need four fittings if custom work is being done, or the dress requires a lot of tailoring due to weight loss/gain.

Gown pick-up: After your final fitting, Victorian Bridal will press and steam your dress and gowns are ready for pick-up Wednesday the week of the wedding. Earlier pick-up times are available upon request.

What to Expect

First fitting: Once in your gown, the seamstress will assess what alterations are recommended, explain these to you, and pin the fabric. You must have the shoes you are wearing for your wedding in order for the length of your gown to be pinned accurately. If you do not bring your shoes with you to each fitting, you will be charged a fee of $50 as this delays the work timeline for your gown.

Second fitting: You will try on your gown and the seamstress will check the progress of the alterations. Any adjustments needed will be made at this time, and you must have your wedding shoes for this fitting.

Final Fitting: This is the last check before you wear your gown on your wedding day! Again, bringing your shoes with you is essential! You will try your gown on, the seamstress will check everything over, and teach your mom, maid of honor, etc. how to bustle your train.

Bridal Alteration Pricing

Bridal alterations range between $299-499 depending on the work that needs to be done to your dress. If alterations are extensive due to weight loss/gain, pricing may fluctuate. Custom work such as adding specially-made straps, a modesty piece, etc. will incur an additional charge.

Timelines

Due to a high volume of gowns to be fitted, we recommend calling to schedule your first fitting appointment about 3 months ahead of the wedding date. Alterations are first-come, first-served so calling to schedule early is key!

Your first appointment must be approximately 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. If your appointment is less than 6 weeks out, we may charge a rush fee between $25-75 based on workload at that time. If you schedule less than 6 weeks ahead of your wedding, Victorian Bridal reserves the right to refuse alteration services. When your dress is done, we will call you and you may come to pick up your dress at your convenience, unless the seamstress schedules a second fitting.

What to Expect

First Fitting: Once in your dress, the seamstress will assess what alterations are recommended, explain these to you, and pin the fabric. You must have the shoes you are wearing for the event in order for the length to be pinned accurately. If you do not bring your shoes with you to this fitting and when you pick up your dress, a $50 fee will be charged if changes need to be made. Any undergarments you plan to wear with your dress need to be worn for this appointment.

Second Fitting/Pick-up: Depending on your dress and the alterations needed, the seamstress may schedule you for a second fitting. If not, you will receive a call when your dress is complete. For pick-up, you must bring the shoes and undergarments you’re wearing with the dress and try it on to check the fit.

Moms and Maids Pricing

Alterations for mothers dresses and bridesmaids dresses vary greatly in price depending on the work needed. If alterations are extensive due to weight loss/gain, pricing may fluctuate. Listed below are general price ranges for some of the most common alterations.

Hem (shorten length) - $50-75

Side Seams (take dress in or let out) - $35-65

Shorten Straps (or take up shoulders) - $25-45

Add Bra Cups - $14