Post # 1
Member
407 posts
Helper bee
Hello Hive – I want to alter my gown to have more of a sweetheart neckline. David’s Bridal will not do this due to policy. So I just paid David’s $55 to put a bustle in and add some cups. So after some research and recommendations by other DC/NoVA area brides, I contacted a seamstress and got a price quote. She said $125 just to alter the neckline. My hesitation is since the dress was under $400 to begin with, is it worth the extra $$$ in alterations? If you add it up, it is about 50% of the dress price. What should I do???
Post # 3
Member
163 posts
Blushing bee
I think it’s a good price! You were lucky to find a dress so cheap, I think that even with the alterations the cost of the dress will still be pretty good!
Post # 4
Member
49 posts
Newbee
Get what you want. I was going to pay to have a sweatheart neckline as well. I ended buying a different dress (that was 25% more then budget EEEEP!) that had the sweatheart already. But I really like the difference it looks on.
Post # 5
Member
4024 posts
Honey bee
If you like and want the sweetheart, do it! That is a really good price, and the dress was such a good deal anyways, so its not like you are paying more for a dress that cost thousands already. I love sweethearts, so I would do it 🙂
Post # 6
Member
407 posts
Helper bee
Thanks everyone, you are right. If I do not do it, I will still obsess over it I am sure. ha! I just threw some numbers at my Fiance ( he has not seen my dress and will not until the big day!) and he said it seemed like a good price too and I should do it if it will make me happy. I will schedule an appointment!
Post # 7
Member
291 posts
Helper bee
Go for it. I think it’s a GREAT price!
Post # 8
Member
407 posts
Helper bee
OK, I made the appointment. However, when I told my Mom about it, she was not too thrilled. She really thinks I should leave the dress as is. *sigh* I told her we have some time, so I will try it on again after I get it back from the store (should be first week of March) and if it looks ok, then we can cancel the alterations appointment. It is just frustrating because I was torn between this dress and a more expensive one (which had the sweetheart). I settled on this less expensive dress with the idea that we could alter it to look like the more expensive dress. So I am a little confused why my Mom is not feeling the same way now. Oh well…
Post # 9
Member
1909 posts
Buzzing bee
@808mjm202: It sounds like you were so happy and excited to go for it, especially after your Fiance gave his support. You have time to think it over, and your plan to cancel your alt appt is a good one if you change your mind to keep the original bustline as is. These dress decisions are SO tough, I feel your pain…
Post # 10
Hostess
23620 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Yeah, alteration costs really hurt but it sounds like a pretty good deal. I myself am toying with the idea of sweetheart vs non sweetheart when my dress gets in, and will probably do it. Really, it’s about what will make you feel most beautiful!
Post # 11
Member
17 posts
Newbee
I got my dress neckline altered from straight to sweetheart for $90. $125 sounds a little high.
Post # 12
Member
165 posts
Blushing bee
I think it looks gorgeous the way it is. But I also think you should do what you want and will just have to do what makes you happy and realize you can’t always please mom. My mom doesn’t like any of the dresses I like, but I have to choose what makes me happy!
Post # 13
Member
407 posts
Helper bee
@pink.sequins: pengoala: Thanks for the support!
@Ms. Vintage: Yes, I thought it was high – that is why I posted this poll. But majority seem to think the price is fair. Perhaps it is the location (DC area) that drives price up. Also, this seamstress is in high demand in the area. We will see when I actually go, perhaps she will adjust her price after seeing the dress in person.
@ratana187: Yes, it is hard because my Mom is the only female near me (BM/MOH live in other states and my Mom is only one who has seen me in my dress) so I value her opinion very highly.
Post # 14
Member
255 posts
Helper bee
I think if you shopped around for another seamstress you may find someone to do it for slightly less, but if this person comes recommended I wouldn’t worry about it as you probably are only going to save $30-$40 max and this isn’t something where the cheapest option is necessarily the best!
Also, I think the sweetheart neckline on this dress will be much more flattering! Go ahead and do it! 🙂
