Post # 31
Member
814 posts
Busy bee
My alterations ended up being $800ish, 2/3 of what my dress cost by itself! We chose to use the alterations provided by the store and it was a NIGHTMARE! My dress was all but ruined. We then took it to the seamstress someone had recommended before alterations had been started to begin with. She basically had to completely rebuild my dress! The store manager never saw anything wrong with the screwed up alterations and we were never able to get any money back. It was a nightmare!
Post # 32
Member
1117 posts
Bumble bee
I paid over $1000, so I feel your pain. It was $500 just to take in the waist of my ballgown, ughhh. But it was worth it–my dress fit perfectly.
Post # 33
Member
894 posts
Busy bee
UGH They totally take advantage of this. I havent went dress shopping yet but I am very petite and i KNOW ill have to alter whatever dress I get in every way possible to fit me. Dreading that already.
And 250 for the bustle…? Doesnt that just require adding buttons/hooks? sigh.
Post # 34
Member
4243 posts
Honey bee
My alterations are considerably more than anticipated. I was hoping to pay only about $150 or so, but ended up spending $300. I spent $650 on the dress itself so I’m not pleased, however the seamstress recommended a corset back once she saw how the dress was fitting on me. I had considered changing it to a corset anyway so that sealed the deal…and also doubled my alterations budget. :/ I wouldn’t normally spend that much altering a dress, but seeing as this is a one-time deal I am making an exception.
Post # 35
Member
1511 posts
Bumble bee
The shop where I bought my dress says alterations are included in the price (essentially free). They typically mark up the price of their dresses, but I checked and my dress is the same price at other salons where they don’t include alterations in the price. Needless to say I’m skeptical. Sounds wayyy too good to be true. Although I’ll need minimal alterations so the cost should be negligible anyway. Did I mention NJ has no tax?
Post # 36
Member
391 posts
Helper bee
My seamstress is charging $150-175 for hem and bustle. She’s very reasonable and has a little shop in her home. I would def shop around. I don’t like those all inclusive packages if your dress doesn’t need a lot of work.
Post # 37
Member
185 posts
Blushing bee
- Wedding: September 2015 - North NJ
Bridetobe2015MLH: I live in Boston and mine is costing $800. I am getting a lace dress hemmed, taken in, and 7 point bustle. I cried when I got the quote.
Post # 38
Member
859 posts
Busy bee
Wow, all of a sudden my alterations seem totally reasonable!
$90 – Take in Sides
$200 – Hem
$45 – 3 point bustle.
All paid in cash (no tax).
The only reason that the hem was so much is because of the lace all along the hem and the amount of layers.
Post # 39
Member
18 posts
Newbee
littlebee94: if it helps at all Casablanca will make your dress the legnth you need for no extra cost… I get the feeling a lot of stores might not tell you that….it’s worth keeping in mind. They will also mix and match the tops and botoms of any of their dresses ( this cost me an extra $100, So I ended up getting my made to my legnth (I’m 5 feet) and got a top with slightly more coverage because my chest is on the bigger side ha!
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