For the Perfect Fit

Wedding Dress Alterations

Gown and Altar offer alterations services for both our collection gowns and wedding dresses purchased elsewhere. Our team of experienced bridal seamstresses will ensure a perfect fit for your special day. Whether it’s taking up a hem or completely remodeling an heirloom vintage dress we are here for you.

HOW MUCH DO ALTERATIONS COST?

Wedding dress alterations can be complex, no dress is the same. We will likely need to see your dress in person for a firm quote for any alterations.

The type of fabric and the way the dress is constructed will gauge the timing therefore cost of alterations.

So if you are thinking of buying a standard size dress make sure you factor an alterations cost into your wedding budget.

Here’s a general guide:

Standard Alterations ($500 – $800):

What it includes: Minor adjustments for a perfect fit, such as raising straps, hemming simple skirts (1-3 layers), adding a bustle, or small fit enhancements.

Ideal for: Gowns needing basic adjustments without major structural changes.

Advanced Alterations ($800 – $1,200):

What it includes: More intensive modifications like taking in more than one size, reshaping seams, hemming complex or multi-layered skirts (3+ layers), reshaping the bust, changing necklines, or adjusting bodice length.

Ideal for: Gowns requiring more significant resizing and gowns with hand draping, lace or bead detailing.

Customising and Vintage Transformations ($1,200 – $2,500+):

What it includes: Major design changes such as adding sleeves, lining, additional support and structure (boning and cups) adding or replacing skirt layers, restyling, or altering/restoring vintage gowns.

Ideal for: Brides looking for significant customization or a complete transformation of their gown.

HOW LONG DO ALTERATIONS TAKE?

Simple alterations will take a minimum of 2 weeks
Resizing and other extensive alterations will require 4-6 weeks.
Vintage gown remodeling please allow 4-12 weeks.
If your wedding date is between November and March please book ahead as these months are extremely busy.

THE PROCESS

Book an alterations appointment on our website or call us on 020 4440442
1st Fitting : Bring your dress and shoes in to our studio. We will fit the dress on you to determine what alterations are required.
A quote and time estimate will be provided following your appointment – if not on the same day. A 50% deposit is required if you decide to go ahead with the alterations.
Second fitting : If required we will fit the dress on you once the alterations have been made before closing up the dress and making any final alterations.
Collection : A final fitting to check the completed alterations and to take your beautiful dress home! Bring your wedding shoes to this appointment.

WHAT TO BRING

Your wedding day shoes
Underwear you intend to wear with your dress. We have stick on bra solutions available to purchase in store if you need extra support
It is best to come make-up and tan free as this can transfer easily on the dress and many bridal fabrics are difficult to spot clean.

CAN YOU DO BALLPARK PRICING FROM PHOTOS?

Have you found a pre-loved or sale dress that doesn’t quite fit or needs customisation? Are you wanting to enquire about alterations before making a purchase?

Ballpark Pricing

For an estimated cost, please refer to our alterations guideline above.

Helpful Tips Before You Buy

Here are some important considerations for specific gown types and situations:

If the Gown Is More Than a Size Too Small: If the dress is more than 4-6cm too small in the circumference anywhere (including the top edge, waist, bust, or hip), there’s unlikely to be enough fabric in the seams to let it out. While we can add a lace-up back, it might not achieve a perfectly tailored look on the front of the bodice without also letting out the dress through the seams, which can be a costly alteration.

Gowns with Lots of Beading, Sheer Panels, or Hand-Sewn Lace: These designs, while beautiful, are the most time-consuming to alter. If the dress needs resizing or extensive alterations, you’ll need to allow a significant budget. We generally don’t recommend purchasing a lace or beaded gown that is more than one size too small or two sizes too large. Strap lengths can be altered, but shortening the bodice length if the cups are misplaced or too big is quite tricky.

If the Gown Is More Than a Size Too Big: Simple designs are usually straightforward to alter down a size. However, if the dress is two sizes too large, especially in the bust area, it may require taking the entire bodice apart for tailoring.

Hemming: Plain fabrics are straightforward to hem. Anything with a lace edge or multiple layers of tulle, lining, or organza will require more time and cost.

Slip Dresses & Simple Crepe Gowns with No Waist Seam: Alterations to strap length, hemming, and taking in a size are usually straightforward for these styles.

“I absolutely love my wedding dress. I took Isabel my mother in laws 30 year old wedding dress and she created the dress of my dreams. The quality of work is amazing and Isabel made the whole process easy and stress free. Thank you!”

“Best experience ever! Isabel made my dream dress, it was absolutely perfect and I received so many compliments . My gown was made perfectly, the fabric and design was just impeccable . Isabel was such a delight to deal with and the gown fitted perfectly after it was made with not one tweek needing to be made Thank you so much!! Highly recommend”

“I purchased a custom designed wedding dress from Gown & Altar for my March wedding. Isabel is SUCH a meticulous and thoughtful designer, I couldn't have been more rapt with the dress and the expert, considered guidance from Isabel. The fabric and design were the perfect juxtaposition of movement with construct; the dress flowed beautifully and the fit was secure and comfortable. I couldn't recommend Gown & Altar highly enough, I loved every step of the process. Thanks again for my perfect dress :)”