06/24/2026
❓️❗️❓️ The ever CONSTANT question ❓️❗️❓️
WHY ARE WEDDING GOWN ALTERATIONS SOOOOOOO DANG EXPENSIVE⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
Wedding gown alterations can range from $100 to over $1,500...it's A LOT...but, WHY❓️
Well, we aren't hemming a pair of jeans, a shirt, a simple summer dress...we are altering your WEDDING GOWN...you know, the gown you probably paid THOUSANDS for. And, if a seamstress screws it up, they are buying you a new gown! So, most importantly, WE TAKE OUR TIME, measuring twice & cutting once!
I like to start at the top and work my way down. Each side of the bodice can take 2.5 hours...that's $125 PER SIDE! Then, the hips, 2 hours per side, another $100. Strap adjustment, 1.5 hours, so $75 for each strap. Add beading that has to be sewn back on, more time added!!
Hemming... that is a lot of where your money is being spent. Most gowns have at least 3 layers, some gowns, many more. Of course, cutting the netting or "tulle" underneath is pretty easy... It's the solid layers that add up. First, we have to press where we want our hem mark, then we cut, pin ALL AROUND, sew in place & press. Hems are super time consuming and can reach sometimes 3 to 4 hours each...$200 per hem!
Bustle...add $25 per point. Some gowns have a crazy amount of points.
I always tell people you are not paying your seamstress to actually sew... you are paying them to "prep." Prep time is a timesucker!!
🍾🥂💐💍💎🌿 So, there it is! 🌿💎💍💐🥂🍾
That is why you want to find a salon who gets you fitted to perfection! The closer the fit, the less alterations that have to be completed. If you are a size 2, and you find a gown, that is a size 6, and you need alterations, plan on spending a $1000.
Again, if you find someone for $12.50 an hour or someone who "thinks" they can alter your wedding gown...MOVE ON!
Wedding gown alterations require a special type of seamstress and training, and finding a good one is totally worth it.🩵
