FAQs
How much are wedding dress alterations?
I offer a very bespoke service. No body shape is the same, hence why we have alterations and make the dress a perfect fit for you. However, I think it’s really important to know what the cost may be before you commit to working with me. You can email pictures to me for a rough estimate. I will give you a more bespoke estimate after I’ve seen the gown during your 1st fitting. Typically, the most frequently required alterations cost £250-£550, but you can visit my prices page on the website for more detail.
What are the most common alterations?
I would say the most frequently requested alterations are
Hem lift
Take in or let out
Shoulder or strap lift
Bra cups
Bustle loops for lifting the train in the evening.
When do I need to book my seamstress?
As soon as you have a dress and a wedding date. A good wedding dress seamstress can be hard to come by and will book up quickly. It’s best to start a conversation early with them and find out the booking process. We try to book your 1st appointment in 10-12 weeks before your wedding date.
When will you start work on my gown?
I like to work to a 12-8-4-week appointment system. These three fittings are booked in advance at your 1st fitting to allow me to plan my work schedule and so that you can book off any time you may need to attend fittings.
What if I change shape?
My advice would always be to get to your desired shape before we start fittings on your gown. I am however a realist and know that life gets in the way and things change. We can make tweaks to fit at the 2nd fitting
What if I need you after my final fitting?
Get in touch. I can't help if I don’t know what's happening. Although my schedule works for most people, I know things change and if you've decided to add a strap at the last minute, changed your shoes – or any number of things – just reach out. I’ll send a new quote for the additional work and we can get you booked back in. We might need a little flexibility on your part to schedule time with me, but ultimately I want your gown fitting perfectly.
What If I change dress before my first fitting?
This may sound silly, but you would be surprised how often this occurs. Just let me know. You then don’t have to encounter the complete look of shock on my face when you pull a 12-layered princess gown out the bag, when I was expect slim fit and simple
Will I need my shoes before my fitting?
YES. I cannot guess the height of your shoe. Neither is it advisable for me to pin with you in barefoot if you're wearing flats. You will stand differently and even the slightest of rise on the sole can make a difference.
What if I change my shoes after my first fitting?
Ultimately, if I’ve already completed your hem, this can be a problem. If you opt for a higher shoe and the gown is then too short, this is extremely difficult to fix in most cases. Equally, if you opt for a lower shoe and you need to pay for another hem revision, that’s also not ideal. It’s best to decide on your shoes before the first fitting and stick to it. If you REALLY have to change your shoes, stick to the same height or be mindful of the above.
What about undergarments?
It's really important to have the correct foundation garments on when we start so I can adjust your dress around them. A strapless bra fits completely differently to a balconette with straps. Likewise, Spanks or similar completely distort how our body sits within the garment. If you're undecided on some of these things, it's better to bring a selection to try at the fitting and make a choice. Changing undergarments after the first fitting can result in further work being required and ultimately, more charges.
What does the term undergarments include?
Broadly speaking, anything you're wearing under your dress. A bra, shapewear or underwear, hoop petticoats… even tights. If you intend to wear it with the gown on the day, wear it to your fitting.
What if I can’t wear a bra with my dress?
There are solutions here if the problem is that you want more than you can naturally offer to fill the shape of the gown. I have various styles of bra cups that can be stitched into your gown.
If it's that you need a little support, then I can add additional boning in most cases. However, if you absolutely cannot go without wearing the support of a bra, it’s best to choose a gown that can accommodate one, even if we have to be a little creative with where we sit your straps.
I want a sleeve added to my dress. Can we match the fabrics?
I have a wide range of fabrics available that can be ordered to best match your gown. That said, if you know when purchasing your gown that this is a requirement, then I would enquire with the store if you can purchase matching fabrics. With most made-to-order gowns in bridal boutiques, this is certainly the case and if you order this at the same time, it will match perfectly in design and colour.
I bought a sample/pre-loved dress that needs repairs and cleaning. Can this be done?
Repairs, almost certainly. Beading can be fixed, buttons or loops replaced and small tears in tulle disguised or repaired. A quote will be offered before repairs are undertaken. With cleaning it’s best to get done before you visit, so if any extra repairs are required they can be done at the same time.
Can I bring someone to my fitting?
Of course you can, however my fitting room doesn’t allow for a full party of maids. I suggest bringing just one or two people to your fittings. I do recommend that you avoid bringing young children as they can distract from the appointment.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my fitting?
In the height of the season this can be difficult and I would ask you to give as much notice as possible and be flexible with the new times I offer you. Things happen, of course, but in the height of a busy wedding season, my spare appointments are few and far between. Where possible, please stick to our arranged fitting times.
Do you offer weekend fittings?
I offer fittings on a Saturday, between 10:00-16:00.
When can I come for a fitting?
I offer fittings during our opening hours Tuesdays, Thursday- Saturday. I can’t offer fittings outside of these times as I have to be able to stitch your gown between fittings and my other days are sewing days.
You didn’t reply to my message, what's the best way of reaching you?
If you need to contact me urgently or you require a quick response, the best way to contact me is through WhatsApp.
I always aim to respond within 24 hours (with a Sunday exception, if you contact me late on a Saturday I’m unlikely to reply until Monday). And finally, I never mind being prompted to reply, so please feel free to nudge me.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Ellel, Near Lancaster. I work on a strict, appointment-only basis. You cannot turn up without an appointment.
Is there parking?
Yes, on the driveway or off the road in front of the driveway.
How will I know I'm at the right address?
Google Maps is brilliant these days, right? Pop the address into the sat nav and it’ll bring you right to me. I have a welcome sign on the door and a floral wreath (it changes seasonally, but is always colourful!)
When is payment required?
Once we’ve met for your first fitting and I’ve finalised the quote for your alterations, payment is due on collection or your final fitting.
How do you accept payment?
I do have a card payment machine, I accept cash or banks transfer. I no longer accept cheques as a payment method.
How much can a dress be let out or taken in?
As a rule most bridal salon gowns can be let out at least one dress size, sometimes a little more depending on the grading. That said it is always best to check what seam allowance is in the gown as this is what we will be using. High street dresses are not made with any seam allowance so these gowns are unable to be let out. If your gown cannot be let out to the desired amount I may advise other solutions to the problem and will always quote in advance of starting additional work.
Taking in is more straightforward. A standard take in can reduce a gown by up to two sizes. If it requires more sizes than this it can still be achieved but the additional work to achieve this will come at an additional cost. Estimates provided in advance.
Do you store my dress?
I will have your dress from the date of our first meeting until that final fitting date, usually 4 weeks before the wedding date. Unfortunately I cannot store your gown for any longer as I simply do not have the room to do so.
Out of the main season I sometimes have space to store dresses for an extra few weeks. This is charged at £10 per week.
Is my gown insured when it’s stored with you?
YES, your gown is covered under my business insurance and I have safety and security measures in place when storing, transporting and working on your gown. I do however suggest you get WEDDING INSURANCE and depending on the price of your gown consider listing it on your home insurance policy for when you collect it from me ready for your wedding day.