The place where I purchased my wedding dress charges $400 min. for alterations (minimum implying that it can be more but depending on the exact alterations you have done).
Does anyone think this is outrageous besides me?
Can anyone recommend a fantastic seamstress that has a ton of experience with bridal alterations in Chicago that can alter my wedding gown for less?
Can't recommend anyone in Chicago, but I do think that $400 minimum is kind of outrageous. My dress fit almost perfectly on arrival - the seamstress had to tighten the little off-the-shoulder sleeve/straps just a little so they wouldn't flop around, and do the bustle. For that I paid $70. I can't understand why there would be such a high minimum, when if they did a decent job of measuring (and you don't have some kind of off-standard measurements) you might need very little done to the dress! Maybe try the Chicago area board for a recommendation.
I would go through the phone book and look up alterations, call around and get some price quotes. That does sound like a bit much, that better include a french bustle, (where the dress is hung up on the back, but with no string showing) Usually it costs more to do that. I also noticed that when or if you purchased your dress for a "decent" price, like at a David's Bridal, they always jack you when it comes to alterations, thats how they make their money! I would also check out craigslist.org in your area, you might be surprised the people and small businesses you can find! Good luck!
melissa- i know someone really great in Skokie. she's altering my dress and the total is going to be about $270, which was a lot more than i was expecting, but she did a LOT of work.
french bustle, the top part had to be taken in a LOT, and the bottom needed to be shortened; my dress was lace all over and it took her a long time to take it apart.
The place where I purchased my wedding dress charges $400 min. for alterations (minimum implying that it can be more but depending on the exact alterations you have done).
Does anyone think this is outrageous besides me?
Can anyone recommend a fantastic seamstress that has a ton of experience with bridal alterations in Chicago that can alter my wedding gown for less?
Thanks,
Melissa
posted by emmkae 46 posts 4 months agoCan't recommend anyone in Chicago, but I do think that $400 minimum is kind of outrageous. My dress fit almost perfectly on arrival - the seamstress had to tighten the little off-the-shoulder sleeve/straps just a little so they wouldn't flop around, and do the bustle. For that I paid $70. I can't understand why there would be such a high minimum, when if they did a decent job of measuring (and you don't have some kind of off-standard measurements) you might need very little done to the dress! Maybe try the Chicago area board for a recommendation.
posted by suzanno 1,955 posts 4 months agowhere did you buy your dress from?
posted by emmeeay-L 12 posts 4 months agoI would go through the phone book and look up alterations, call around and get some price quotes. That does sound like a bit much, that better include a french bustle, (where the dress is hung up on the back, but with no string showing) Usually it costs more to do that. I also noticed that when or if you purchased your dress for a "decent" price, like at a David's Bridal, they always jack you when it comes to alterations, thats how they make their money! I would also check out craigslist.org in your area, you might be surprised the people and small businesses you can find! Good luck!
D
posted by danigirlygirl 50 posts 4 months agomelissa- i know someone really great in Skokie. she's altering my dress and the total is going to be about $270, which was a lot more than i was expecting, but she did a LOT of work.
french bustle, the top part had to be taken in a LOT, and the bottom needed to be shortened; my dress was lace all over and it took her a long time to take it apart.
pm if you want her info!
posted by vee 172 posts 4 months ago