Your wedding dress is likely the most important piece of clothing you’ll ever wear. After finding the perfect gown, the next step is making sure it fits like a glove through alterations. Most brides need some type of alteration, whether it’s taking in the waist, hemming the length, or adjusting the bust. So how much should you budget for wedding dress alterations?
On average, brides spend between $500-$750 on alterations. But prices can vary widely depending on the complexity of the adjustments needed, who does the work, and geographic location. Read on for a detailed breakdown of alteration costs.
Who Needs Wedding Dress Alterations?
It’s very rare for a wedding dress to fit perfectly off the rack. Even if you order a custom gown, changes to your weight and body shape can happen leading up to the big day. Plan for alterations no matter what.
Brides who especially need dress adjustments include:
- Brides who lose/gain a significant amount of weight
- Brides with hourglass or pear-shaped bodies
- Brides who are petite or plus-sized
- Brides who buy sample or off-the-rack dresses
Don’t try to alter the dress yourself or with a friend. Leave it to a professional for the best results.
Average Cost of Wedding Dress Alterations
As a rough estimate, expect to pay $500-$750 for your alterations. But that can increase based on these factors:
- Complexity of adjustments: Simple hemming will cost less than taking in sides, adjusting a backless dress, or reworking beadwork.
- Fabric and embellishments: Delicate fabrics like chiffon/silk and intricate beading/lacework will drive up pricing.
- Number of alterations needed: Plan for $50-100 per “area” altered – bodice, sleeves, skirt, etc.
- Experience level of seamstress: Alterations from a bridal salon or independent specialist will cost more than a local tailor.
- Rush fees: Waiting until the last minute for your first fitting adds rush charges.
- Geographic location: Urban areas like Los Angeles or New York City will charge higher prices.
As you can see, costs add up quickly! That $750 average alteration quote might make more sense now.
Itemized Wedding Dress Alteration Costs
Want an even more detailed breakdown? Here are typical price ranges for common wedding dress alterations:
Hemming
- Shorten skirt: $100-$300
- Hem lace overlay: $150-$500
Length adjustments like hemming make up over 50% of alterations. Plan for $100-300 depending on the fabric. Delicate fabrics like lace might start at $150.
Bodice
- Take in/let out waist: $75-$150
- Adjust bust cups/add bra cups: $50-$150
- Raise/lower neckline: $100-$300
- Add corset back: $150-$300
- Add pads/boning: $50+ per area
The bodice might need many changes to fit properly. Simple waist adjustments start around $75-100. More complex back corset ties or neckline changes average $150-$300+.
Sleeves
- Shorten/lengthen: $100-$250
- Take in/let out sleeves: $75+
- Add cap sleeves: $150-$300
Sleeves need precision fitting to allow mobility. Shortening/lengthening averages $100-250. For reference, small adjustments like taking in sleeves start at $75.
Skirt & Train
- Add tiers/layers: $300+
- Add bustles: $150-$300
- Take in side seams: $100-$200 per seam
Multi-layer skirts and cathedral trains have the most alteration potential. Each tier or bustle point added will be $150+. Simple take-in of side seams averages $100-200 per seam.
Who Should Do Your Wedding Dress Alterations?
You have a few options of where to get alterations done:
- Bridal salon: Most convenient option; they did the fitting and know the dress best. Expect higher pricing.
- Independent alterations specialist: Usually the highest quality of work. Prices vary.
- Local tailor/seamstress: Budget option for simple hems, but quality varies. Riskier for complex gowns.
Ideally, you should use whoever will do the best job – not necessarily the cheapest option. For intricate or expensive gowns, an independent specialist is a safe bet.
Tips to Save on Your Wedding Dress Alterations
Looking to cut costs on alterations? Try these tips:
- Start dress shopping early so you have time for multiple fittings before final alterations.
- Choose a style with less embellishment that will require fewer adjustments.
- Ask if rush fees apply and avoid last minute alterations.
- Get quotes from both independent specialists and local tailors.
- See if your alterations specialist offers new customer discounts.
- Avoid additional changes after your first fitting, if possible.
Booking early fittings and minimizing complex changes will yield the best price. And don’t be afraid to negotiate or find the best deal!
Wedding Dress Alteration Cost Checklist
As you budget for alterations, here are the main things that impact cost:
- Complexity of adjustments needed
- Embellishment of dress fabrics/beading
- Number of areas needing alteration
- Experience level of the seamstress
- Rush fees for last minute changes
- Geographic location
Typical range is $500-$750 but costs can easily be higher for intricate gowns. My best advice is to get an itemized quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about the cost of alterations? Here are some common queries:
Does size matter? Plus size or petite brides may need more adjustments which could increase cost.
Can I negotiate prices? Definitely! Many alterationists expect brides will comparison shop. Politely ask if they can match a better quote.
How many fittings should I expect? Plan for 2-3 fittings. The first evaluates needed changes. The second is to check adjustments and make final tweaks before the finished gown is ready.
What is a “rush fee”? Some alterationists charge for expedited services within 1-2 months of the wedding. Waiting until the last minute leads to higher prices.
While wedding dress alterations have a wide pricing range, brides typically spend $500-$750 for adjustments. The specific cost depends largely on the complexity of the gown and how many changes are required.
I recommend calling alteration specialists early to get quotes for your specific dress. Ask what potential adjustments usually cost so you can plan your budget accurately. And remember to factor alterations into your overall wedding gown budget!
