Post # 1
Member
190 posts
Blushing bee
I’m panicking a little here.
My dress is a sample and, while it fit pretty well in the waist, the bust was large. I decided I wanted my alterations done by a pair of seamstresses that I met at a wedding show who seemed really knowledgeable and nice. They also had amazing reviews on Yelp.
So I contacted them back in May and explained what alterations I needed done. I needed the bust taken in, a hem, a bustle, and I wanted removable cap sleeves added. They told me that based on the work I wanted, I should bring my dress in early June. So I brought it in, they looked it over and gave me a quote. I left my dress with them on June 10th for my September 10th wedding. They told me I would likely need two more fittings.
Its now nearing the end of July and I haven’t seen my dress since. I emailed them at the beginning of the month asking when they would be ready so I could clear a day in advance to come in, and they basically said “don’t worry, we’ll let you know”. But my wedding is in 48 days! And I’m pretty sure I’ve lost weight, so the bust will need to be taken in even more. They say to give them 6-8 weeks for the total alteration process, but it’s been 6 weeks for just the first step.
Probably unrelated, but since I left my dress, they’ve earned their first bad (like, one star bad) review on Yelp.
Tell me about your alternation process, Bees. Am I being crazy? Are they doing this intentionally so that the alterations are done a week or so before the wedding? I want to see my dress! 😂
Post # 2
Member
2226 posts
Buzzing bee
So I got my dress altered where I bought it from but it came into the shop in August and I tried it on. I didn’t go back for my fitting for alterations until the later half of December. I went for my second fitting in the last week of January, this allowed them to check it fitted and do any further alterations needed. I picked the dress up the week before our end of February wedding. Just call them up and ask when you’ll be in for your second fitting.
Post # 3
Member
248 posts
Helper bee
My dress was custom made and sent to my moms house, so I didn’t see it until about two weeks before the wedding. I had some small alterations to do and they were done in the week before the wedding. My seamstress says she keeps her schedule so that she can complete emergency work (like my dress).
Post # 4
Member
815 posts
Busy bee
lattefairy :
– bought my dress in august
– got alterations in feb / took it home in feb
– wedding in july
— no issues!
Post # 5
Member
270 posts
Helper bee
Had to have the hips let out, bust taken in and bustle added to my dress. Took in for first appointment in June. She took out the side seams and sewed a temporary seam to fit me again right then and there. Told me it would be ready the following week but I haven’t been able to make it back up there (it’s in a different state). If I had needed it back, I’m sure I could have taken it home at my second (and last) appointment the following week.
Post # 6
Member
667 posts
Busy bee
My dress was ordered in october. It came in in February and I made my alterations appointment for March. Due to living out of the area, I made arrangements to have have alterations appoints on Wednesday and Sunday. My dress needed a hem, bustle and straps taken up. I had a corset back dress which allows more flexibility for the plus or minus 5 lbs. All alterations were complete the Sunday and I took my dress with me. Flew it home with me.
Post # 7
Member
67 posts
Worker bee
I have a separate corset top and tulle skirt. My wedding is Oct. 1, but will need it a week sooner to travel home. Anyway, I had my first appointment around July 15th, where they pinned everything. I think they will take in the top of the corset, and the skirt needs to come down around 4 sizes for my next fitting already scheduled for end of August. At that appt, I will decide about adding a corset back, and they can measure for hemming and (maybe) trimming the train. My last fitting will then be mid-September and pick it up 3rd week of September. Good luck!
Post # 8
Member
163 posts
Blushing bee
I bought a sample dress as well and the alterations are basically cutting the dress in half. It’s a size 10 and it’s going to be a 0/2 I think. I took it in in May and she asked if it would be ok to do the second fitting in July. I said sure because my wedding is still a long ways away. She said it would take longer because of the grad/prom season. Maybe that’s what caused a delay on yours. I think the first alteration is the one that takes the longest. Once you have the first fitting, the little touch ups shouldn’t take as long. If they do take awhile for the first one, perhaps take it to a different place for the second fitting if you’re not happy with the delay.