All About Alterations

We know Alterations are a big part of your wedding gown experience and we consider it part of our expert service to be with you from the moment you choose your gown until the alterations are completed to make sure you are getting the look you are after.

Here are some of the most common questions.

How much can I expect to pay for Alterations?

Alterations costs are dependant on each Bride's special needs and requirements.  Standard Alterations are usually between $700 and $1500 but of course there are always exceptions based on the work that is requested by each Bride.  Alterations are an additional service, completely dependent on your individual requirements, and are not included in the price of your gown.

What Standard Alterations can I expect?

Most brides will need standard alterations to perfect the fit to their gown.  Standard Alterations include:

• adjustment to hem length,
• addition of a bustle
• Minimal take in for gown sculpting to your body
• Addition of bust cups
• minor strap adjustments

What are considered non-standard Alterations?

Some brides chose a more bespoke option to customise the gown to their unique preferences.  These non-standard Alterations or customisations can include (but are not limited to):

• Neckline changes
• Bust shaping
• Size adjustments
• Making of sleeves
• Overskirt additions
• Lining gowns additional to original
• changing length or position of boning in corsetry
• Changing length or removing train
• Additional placement of lace appliques
• Additional Beadwork

If you require any of the above in addition to standard alterations, you can expect the price of your alterations to exceed $1500.

What size will my gown be ordered?

We ALWAYS do our best to order your gown as close to your measurements and needing the least amount of alterations as possible.⁠ We go through this process at the time of purchase and show you where you are measuring in regards to the Designers sizing.  Together we identify the best size gown to order.  We make a recommendation about the size we believe is best for you to order and ultimately each Bride has the final decision in what size is ordered.  This is signed off and agreed to with you and noted on your Tax Invoice.

Please note:  The Length of your gown is not something determined by sizing and is not custom made for every order (see next question).  Each gown arrives in a standard length determined by the designer and any customisations to the length of your gown will be done in alterations. 

We highly recommend our alterations specialists who have many years of experience working with our gowns and our designers.

What about the length of my gown?

Gowns arrive with a standard length. Length is not increased or decreased with size. Whether or not you require a hem is up to your requirements, your preferences, your height, and the heel height of the shoe you choose to wear. Once these decisions are made, you will know whether you need a hem adjustment or not.⁠ Of course, we can help advise you during your appointment. Most of our brides require a hem to be done as part of their alterations.  Hems with many layers, and with detail (beadwork or lace appliques) will be more expensive than gowns with minimal layers and no detailing.
⁠

Do you have in house Alterations & Dressmakers?

Yes, we offer in house alterations with experts that have years of experience working with us.  We are one of the few Bridal Brands in Perth to do so.

We believe this is an essential and complete service to offer you, to ensure the gown you purchase and the vision you are after is followed through, from selection of your gown, to the moment you walk down the aisle. Our stylists are with you from start to finish.

Our seamstresses and specialists are all extremely experienced and have worked with all the designers in our store. You won't have to worry about your gown looking different from the one your purchased.  We support you through this process to ensure that the vision discussed when you purchased your gown is achieved.

I've heard Alterations can be expensive?

Yes they can be but not necessarily.  Alterations work like any other specialised service......the more you require to be done, the more it will cost.  This can also depend on the details of the gown you choose.

We have seen Brides that have required absolutely no alterations and we have seen Brides that request many changes, and turn their gown into a unique one-of a-kind gown.  

If alterations costs are a factor in your wedding budget, then please mention this to your stylist and they can best advise you during your appointments to find your dream gown, and one where your alterations cost will be kept to a minimum.

When do I start getting my gown Alterations?

We advise to start alterations 2 months before your wedding (or 3 months if getting married in January or February to allow for the busy Christmas period or you have additional alteration requirements).
This gives you and the Dressmakers reasonable time to do alterations as well as a little wiggle room in case you need an extra fitting appointment for any extra changes.

Your “try on” appointment will be booked once you have been advised that your gown has arrived.  Your try on appointment is an appointment to see your ordered gown for the first time, and double check that it has been ordered, and delivered to the exact specifications of your order.  After this appointment you will be booked in for alterations with one of our expert seamstresses.

Please note we offer try on appointments Monday to Friday 10am-5pm.  We also offer Try On appointments on Thursday evenings until 8pm.  Try on Appointments are not available to be booked online and cannot be booked on a Saturday.

From your try on appointment, you will then see how your dress is fitting you and your stylist can help advise if any alterations are required.  Please be aware that most Bride’s will require a hem length to be adjusted at a minimum, however it is not uncommon for a Bride to require absolutely no additional alterations.

Our Dressmakers are available for alteration/fitting appointments ONLY on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-4pm.  Each fitting appointment lasts for 60 mins.  Alterations appointments cannot be booked online.

Whats the Difference between Designer Variations & Alterations?

Variations are not to be confused with Alterations.

If you require a sleeve, that is a variation. Want to change the neckline of your gown? That again is a variation. Variations are bigger changes & require more work and shouldn't be considered as part of your alterations budget.

See above for information about what are standard and non standard alterations.

What do I bring to my Alterations Appointment?

Your shoes, Your dress (if you have already collected it), your hoop petticoat (if you have one), any undergarments you plan on wearing on the day.

How many fittings appointments will I need?

Usually 2-3 fittings will be enough to complete the necessary standard alterations to your gown. This entirely depends on how much work you are requiring to be done to your gown.  

Non standard alterations may require more than 3 fittings.

Anything else?

ALWAYS talk to your Dressmaker and our stylists during your appointment if you are worried about anything. We can work through options, solutions and any concerns far easier and more efficiently during your appointment and you can leave your appointment feeling assured.  We really appreciate our clients talking to us at the time if you have any concerns or questions and this is strongly preferred to an email or phone call after the appointment.

Dressmakers can always suggest alternatives if you have any concerns and this is best done face-to-face in the moment.    

Quotations are always given at your first fitting and agreed to in writing before the Dressmaker proceeds with any work.  If you need the chance to think about your alteration quote, you are more than welcome to do so.  Fitting fees for their appointment time are incorporated into your quote and if you are wanting time to think about your quotation, only the fitting fee will need to be paid on the day of quotation.

We do not communicate with family members or friends on your behalf and will not provide confidential information about your gown or work being done to anyone other than the client named on the Tax Invoice.  This is our strict policy and we will not be able to speak with any family members and friends calling on your behalf about your order or services provided to you.