Fashion

Curious about how much adding a bustle to your wedding dress can cost? Well, the answer is right here!

Here is an in-depth guide into how much this alteration can cost:

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Bustle to Your Dress?

Most seamstresses start with a minimum of three bustles and this can cost around $50 – the length of the train, the design of the dress, the bustle type, the material, and the layers are just some of the factors that can impact price – you may pay around $250 for the whole alteration.

How Does the Length of the Train Affect the Cost?

The longer the train, the more bustles that you will need to secure the train. A long train means more material.

A few bustles alone would be not enough to do the job. As such, you will need to add as many bustles as necessary to ensure that the weight of the train is equally distributed.

In doing so, you can ensure that there is a smaller chance of one of the bustles breaking under the weight of the dress.

How Does the Bustle Type Affect the Price?

Contrary to popular belief, there is actually more than one type of bustle design.

The most common one is the American bustle, also known as the over bustle. Here, the train is hooked up to the back of the dress.

This style works well for ball gowns. It is also fairly simple and the resulting cost tends to be cheaper.

However, there is also the under bustle, which is also known as the French bustle. This is where the train is hooked under the dress. This style works best for A line dress or mermaid silhouette dresses.

This design is a bit more complicated as the material has to be gathered up and certain portions of it have to be kept out of sight. As a result, it is going to cost more.

Last, but not least, you have the Austrian bustle. This design is now becoming more popular and here, there are several points of bustles that go vertically down the middle of the dress.

This often does mean more bustles to create the desired ruching effect. As a result, you will have to pay more. Also, as it is a fairly new design for the American market, the seamstress may charge extra for this design.

How Does the Material Impact the Overall Price?

If your dress or train is made from lace, then the cost of the bustle is likely to go up. This is true for other materials that are equally as delicate.

The thing with lace and other delicate materials is that the seamstress has to be very careful when undertaking this project.

To begin with, sewing bustles – or any embellishment – for that matter is tricky. The lace can tear easily and this is something that the seamstress needs to avoid at all costs.

What’s more, the seamstress has to be careful about how the lace train is arranged as well. The train has to be arranged so that the lace isn’t likely to tear or shift when hooked into position.

How Does the Number of Layers Affect Bustle Cost?

Well, the more layers there are, the greater the number of bustles required to hold up these layers. As with the length of the train, weight is an issue here.

Pile too much of material onto a single material and it is going to fail. Due to this, the seamstress has to add more bustles to even things out.

Furthermore, with a greater number of layers, the seamstress has to work harder to create the right design and shape. After all, each layer needs to be arranged in such a way that the back of the dress is in line with the original design and looks beautiful.

How Does the Design of the Dress Impact Cost?

The bustles have to be placed according to the design of the dress. Therefore, the more complicated the design, the more careful the seamstress needs to be with how the bustles are placed.

This is because the design of the dress has to be maintained. The seamstress also needs to work hard to ensure that the dress looks just as good with the bustles in place.

Therefore, they will often charge you for the complex design.

If your dress and train has any kind of embellishment on it, then the bustle is going to cost you more. This is because the seamstress has to arrange the bustles so that the embellishments on the dress and train align with one another.

What’s more, they have to be extra careful not to dislodge or destroy any of the embellishment that is in place.

An Important Note About Bustle Cost

Before you buy a wedding dress, it is important to budget for the addition of the bustles. To err on the safe side, add in about $250 to the wedding dress budget.

However, if you would like a more complex design with a long, delicate train, then expect to pay even more than this.

The other thing to be aware of is that seamstresses may want to needlessly add bustles to the dress as they can make more money of it.

This is why you should pay close attention during the fittings. Always see how the train can manage with the least number of bustles.

Only if more bustles are really needed, add them in. Make sure to do so one at a time, though.

How Much Does a Bustle Cost?

The average cost of a bustle can be between $50 and $250 – the final cost will depend on how many hooks are put in, the design of your dress, the length of the train, the material of the dress, the bustle type, and more.

Your wedding is expensive enough and now you have to think of tipping the vendors too. So, is this is something that you have to do?

Here is all that you need to know about tipping etiquette for wedding vendors:

Do You Need to Tip Wedding Vendors?

There is no hard and fast rule here – some people choose to tip, while others don’t – most couples will be specific about which wedding vendors they do tip while others base the tip on the kind of service, in case gratuity is added in the bill, a tip isn’t required.

Should You Automatically Tip Vendors?

Unlike with other services, when it comes to a wedding, you aren’t really expected to tip. This is typically because you are spending quite a bit of money on the event already.

However, if you do want to follow certain social norms, then you can tip certain individuals.

That being said, this doesn’t mean that you should automatically tip everyone. When it comes to a wedding, it should largely be based on the kind of service that was provided.

For instance, did the vendor or employees associated with the vendor go above and beyond their service? If so, this can warrant a tip.

If they simply followed the letter of the contract, though, then you may not be compelled to tip them beyond what you are already paying.

Which Vendors Should You Tip?

This is a personal choice, as opinions can vary quite a bit here.

It is a universal opinion that you should tip the hairstylists and makeup artists that worked on you as well as your bridal party. In this case, don’t just tip for you but also each person that these individuals worked on.

Some people believe that you should tip the servers and the bartenders that handle the food and drink. These individuals are on their feet for the entire wedding and it is nice to provide them with some extra money.

Keep in mind that unlike with waitstaff at restaurants, the servers from catering companies and venues don’t rely on tips. They tend to have decent salaries which is why tipping is optional here too.

Some will also tip the main photographer or videographer as well as the assistants. Once again, these individuals have been on the move for the entire ceremony so it is a nice touch.

You can also tip the DJ or each musician of a band if you like. For musicians, it is a good idea to tip them equally unless one of the members had more duties than the rest.

Who Should You Not Tip?

As a rule of thumb, you don’t need to tip anyone who owns their own business and, as such, is their own employee.

This is because these individuals set their own prices according to the services that they provide. And, if they don’t have other employees, all of this money goes directly to them.

These individuals can include the florist, the photographer, the DJ, etc. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t tip them for a job well done, it is simply less common.

Keep in mind that if these business owners are using other employees for the event then it is a good idea to tip these individuals as they don’t make as much as their bosses do.

It is also unnecessary to tip those who have provided the venue. This is because they often have minimal involvement in the event. However, if any of the employees helped you to set up, then it is best to leave a tip for each individual rather than the venue as a whole.

Is There an Alternative to Tipping Business Owners?

So, what can you do for business owners instead providing them with a tip?

Well, one of the best things that you can do is to leave a glowing review and offer them up as recommendations for others. This gesture will often go a much longer way than a tip as it can result in better business for them.

Tipping According to the Contract

Now, before you decide who you should or shouldn’t tip, consider the contract that you are signing. Is gratuity or service charge included in this contract?

If so, then this is essentially like the tip and this amount is distributed among the people working for that vendor. Due to this, there is no need to contribute any more money.

You should also determine if you are being charged per individual for a service. In this case, you don’t have to forego the tip completely but you may want to leave a smaller one.

Tip So Your Guests Don’t Have To

You should also tip for the event that your guests don’t feel responsible for it. This is especially true for the bar.

Inform the bartender that you will be tipping them at the end of the night. This way, they will not leave out a tip jar and your guests will not feel obligated to tip.

This is something that you may want to consider for valet parking as well. Once again, inform your guests that the tips have been taking care of so that they will not need to shell out money.

Are You Required to Tip Wedding Vendors?

No, you aren’t required to tip wedding vendors, although there are some individuals like stylists, servers, musicians, and bartenders that you may want to tip – in general, there is no need to tip business owners or venues as they make more money.

 

Curious about how people afford weddings, particularly when costs are at an all-time high. Well, it turns out that there are a few different methods that people use:

Here is what you need to know about these avenues:

How Do People Pay for Weddings?

The top three ways that people afford weddings are by borrowing money from financial institutions, paying via cash or savings, or getting assistance from family members and friends – it is becoming increasingly common for couples to pay for their own wedding.

How Do Couples Pay for Weddings by Borrowing from Financial Institutions?

It is estimated that one in five couples will borrow money from a financial institution like a bank to pay for their wedding.

The most common way – around 40 percent of couples – to do this is to make payments via a credit card. It is believed that couples take out up to $8000 on their credit cards.

This means that many of these couples will start their lives together in debt. However, a significant portion of these individuals are attempting to pay off their debt within 12 months of taking out these loans.

Others expect to pay off their credit card loans within two years of borrowing the money.

There are also many couples who will take out loans for their wedding in addition to or instead of credit cards. The benefit of loans instead of credit cards is that the interest rate tends to be much lower. Therefore, the risk of continued debt is lower as well.

Some couples choose to take out loans specifically for weddings. These are aptly named wedding loans. Others, though, will take out personal loans instead.

The only downside with loans is that it isn’t easy for everyone to get approved. Ideally, you should have a strong financial history along with a good credit score.

Otherwise, your application may be rejected or you may be quoted a higher interest rate.

It is possible for couples to take out a loan together as this improves their odds. Or, if this isn’t possible, you could ask a trusted family member or friend to co-sign a loan for you.

How Do People Pay for Weddings in Cash?

As mentioned, a greater number of couples are tackling the cost of their wedding by themselves. At the same time, these couples don’t want to start off their married lives in debt.

As there is no rush for people to get married within a specific period of time, couples are taking longer engagements. They are using this time to save up an increasing amount and use these savings to pay for the wedding.

In some cases, the couples attempt to temporarily increase their income by taking on other jobs or taking on more responsibilities at work.

There are also those who will dip into existing savings. Now, those who do this are able to typically pay for their wedding without accumulating any or much debt.

The only disadvantage is that the couple then have to build up their savings from scratch again. Still, many find this preferable to being in debt.

How Do Couples Pay for Weddings With the Help of Family Members?

At one point, it was common – and expected – practice for the bride’s family to pay for most of the wedding if not all of it. The groom’s family pitched in.

However, as generational wealth fell with the 2008 market crash, this happened less and less. In fact, couples will cover about 50 percent of the cost of their wedding by themselves.

The rest of this may be made up by the bride and groom’s family. Although parents used to be the primary contributors, these days siblings, grandparents, and other family members will provide funds.

The only issue with having family pay for your wedding is that they then have the right to be involved. As a result, they often have to be consulted or provide input on important decisions such as the venue, catering, etc.

This can lead to conflict between the engaged couple and their families. And, if both sides of the family are pitching in, this can issues between the bride’s and groom’s families as well.

What is the Best Way to Afford a Wedding?

The best way to afford your wedding is to save up money specifically for this occasion. Not only is this the most stress-free option, but it also ensures that you don’t carry any debt into your new marriage.

If possible, you shouldn’t touch the savings that you currently have. These savings can be used for a mortgage, down payment on a car loan, or as a rainy day fund.

One of the ways that you can save up for a wedding is to have a longer engagement. Create a budget for your wedding and then determine how long it would take to save up for this kind of ceremony. This will give you an idea of when you should have your wedding.

The other option is to find another form of income. You and your partner can join a rideshare service, deliver food, sell clothes and belongings online, try freelance work, and other tactics to make some money.

Budgeting – The Key to Affording a Wedding

The best way to afford a wedding, though, is to have a wedding that you can actually afford. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do something less fancy.

However, wherever possible, try to save money. This could be getting married at an unpopular time of the year, not having a sit down dinner, or even reducing the number of people that you invite to your wedding.

In previous years, people would relegate much of the work to wedding vendors or creators. However, they are increasingly handling much of the tasks by themselves.

From decorating to DIYing center pieces, more and more people are cutting down of supplies and labor by tackling such jobs by themselves.

How Do Couples Afford Weddings?

The main ways that couples afford weddings is by taking out loans or paying for certain services using their credit cards – however, an increasing number of people are also either saving up money or using their savings while there are also those that borrow from family members.

As you may have found out, there is more to your wedding dress than the original price. You often have to get the dress altered so that it will fit you perfectly.

If you are curious about how much this will cost, then here is a breakdown:

How Much Will It Cost to Alter a Wedding Dress?

A single alteration on a wedding dress can cost anywhere between $40 and $1000 – the total cost of the alterations can be significantly higher – the cost of the alterations can depend on the type of alteration, the dress design, the material, the seamstress, and more.

How Much to Hem a Wedding Dress?

On average, it can cost between $120 and $250 to hem your wedding dress.

This is one of the most requested alterations on a wedding dress. This is because most bridal shops will make the dress longer to ensure that it will fit most people.

The reality is that there is no such thing as a simple hemming alteration. For one thing, you rarely have to just take the hem in. Keep in mind that making any changes to the hem can alter the shape of the skirt.

If this is the case, then other alterations must be made to the skirt to maintain its original shape.

There are other things that can cause this project to increase in price. The more layers you have on the dress, if there is any lace, if any portion needs to be re-beaded, all of this can result in a higher fee.

How Much Does It Cost to Add Cups to the Dress?

This is another common request. If you don’t want to wear a bra with your wedding dress then cups are the solution for you. These ensure that you have the appropriate amount of support.

Now, this is one of the easiest alterations to make as long as the design of your dress accommodates it. The insertion of cups should cost you no more than $50.

How Much Does It Cost to Add Straps to the Dress?

At a glance, you may assume that adding straps to your wedding gown is an easy task. And, in some cases it is.

If the design of your dress accommodates the addition of sleeves and if the straps are simple, then it may cost as little as $50 to add the straps.

On the other hand, if the gown design has to be changed or if the straps boast a complex design, then this will be more work for the seamstress. Thus, the cost can go up to $250.

How Much Will Sleeve Alterations Cost?

When it comes to the sleeves on your wedding dress, you may want to either shorten the sleeves or add sleeves to the dress.

Shortening the sleeves can be a bit more work than most people realize. This is why it can cost around $40 to $80 per sleeve.

In addition to shortening the sleeve, you must ensure that the shape and dimensions of the rest of the sleeve are maintained. If there is any beading or other design on the sleeve, then the seamstress may need to add these details once the sleeves have been shortened.

Adding sleeves to a gown can be a costly option. It can be around $200 to $400 in total.

This is because you have to find the same material or use lace or chiffon which can be tricky to work with. In some cases, the original design of the dress allows you to make these changes without any issue. In other instances, the design has to be altered before the sleeves can be added.

How Much Does It Cost to Take the Sides In?

Many people like to buy a dress that is just a little bigger so that it can be altered to fit them perfectly. If so, you will need to take the sides in of your dress. This also needs to be done for people who have a smaller waist than their bust and hips.

If the dress is rather loose and the material isn’t too tricky, it should only cost you around $30 to take the sides in.

You should be aware that it is rarely that simple. For one thing, the thicker or more delicate material needs a greater amount of care. This is especially true if there are any additional elements like beading or lace.

It is also rarely as easy as simply taking the side in. You may also need to change the shape of the bust and even the skirt so that the final shape looks more natural.

How Much Do Bustle Alterations Cost?

Interestingly enough, most wedding gowns don’t come with a bustle. Instead, these elements are added to ensure that it is easier to move around with the train of your dress.

The longer or wider the train is, the more bustles that will be needed. If your train isn’t that long or wide, then it may cost as little as $40.

On the other hand, if you need numerous bustles added, the cost can go all the way up to $150.

You should be aware that some seamstresses may attempt to add more bustles than you need just to drive the price up. Due to this, you should always step in to decide just how many you will actually require prior to alterations.

Bride Alterations Price List

Here is what the average price list may look like for wedding dress alterations:

• Adding Straps: $50 to $250
• Adding Sleeves: $200 to $400
• Shortening Sleeves: $40 to $80
• Altering the Neckline: $250+
• Bra Cups/Chest Area: $20 to $40
• Side Seams: $30 to $100 for each side
• Altering the Back: $200+
• Turning Zipper into Corset: $150
• Hem: $120 to $250
• Bustle: $40 to $150

How Much Will the Alterations to a Wedding Gown Cost?

The cost for an individual alteration can cost between $40 and $1000, which means that the total cost can be much higher – the price for each alteration is determined by the alterations, the design of the dress, the materials of the dress, the materials used, the seamstress, and more.

If you are buying a dress at David’s bridal shop, you are likely going to need at least some alteration. It is the only way to ensure that your dress will suit you perfectly.

Of course, forewarned is forearmed. Here is all that you need to know about how much the various alterations are going to cost you:

How Much Will David’s Bridal Alterations Cost?

The alteration for a wedding dress at David’s Bridal can be between $20 to over $200 per alteration – the total cost may be significantly higher – the cost for each alteration will depend on the material and design of the dress as well as the complexity of the task.

An Average Price List for David’s Bridal Alterations

The first thing to bear in mind is that the following prices are an estimated cost. The actual cost can vary. To get a better idea of how much a single or total alteration will cost, you will need to speak to seamstresses at David’s salon.

• Shoulder alterations: $20+
• Add bra cups: $25+
• Shorten sleeves: $35+
• Side alterations: 35+
• Over Bustle: $35 for three and $5 for each bustle after this
• Under Bustle: $50 for three and $7 for each one after this
• Hem alterations: $75+
• Adding corset back: $250+

How Much Do Bra Cups Cost?

Now, bra cups are one of the most affordable alterations to get done on your dress. These are a good option if you don’t want to wear on a wedding day but still want some support.

For the most part, inserting bra cups into a dress is fairly straightforward, which is why the price is low.

The only time that the cost of this alteration will go up is if you need to order in plus size cups. If the bodice of the dress has a very specific design and the insertion of the bra cups needs to take this into account, then the price may go up once more.

How Much Does It Cost to Shorten Sleeves?

This is another alteration that may or may not be straightforward depending on the kind of sleeves.

If the sleeves are made from solid material, then the seamstress should be able to shorten it for you without any issue at all.

On the other hand, if the sleeves are made of lace or something equally delicate, then it is going to take more time and effort for the seamstress. As a result, the price is going to go up.

This will also happen if there is any beading or embellishment on the sleeves.

For one thing, the seamstress has to be a lot more careful about how the sleeve is taken in. For another, they may need to remove the embellishments and then re-sew them onto the sleeve in a particular pattern.

In this case, the price can go up quite a bit.

How Much Does It Cost to Take the Sides In?

Taking in sides is often the cheapest option as it is simpler. That being said, this does depend on the bodice of the dress.

If the bodice is made of thick and unyielding material, then the seamstress is going to have to spend more time taking the sides in.

It can also be quite tricky to do this if the much of the bodice is made from lace or another kind of material that will tear easily or show sew marks.

In some instances, it isn’t as simple as merely taking the sides in. This is because taking in the sides may alter the shape of the bodice.

If this happens, then the seamstress will need to make other alterations to guarantee that the original design of the bodice is maintained.

Needless to say, this will require more expertise, work, and time and you will have to pay a higher price for it.

How Much Does It Cost to Let the Sides Out?

In other instances, the bride wants to let the sides out so that the bodice will be bigger. If the alteration is minor, then it may be a fairly simple procedure.

However, if the bodice needs to be let out quite a bit, then the seamstress may need to add some additional material, likely in the form of paneling.

Here, you may need to pay for the additional material use. Also, if the panels will be made of lace or something that is equally difficult to sew with, the cost is going to go up for you.

How Much Does the Over Bustle Cost?

It is likely that you are most familiar with the over bustle, also known as the American bustle. Now, this kind of bustle is fairly easy for the seamstress to manage, although this will depend on the design and material of the dress as well as how long your train is.

The first three loops for your bustle will cost you $35. For every addition after this, you will be charged $5.

The thing about the bustle is that there are some seamstresses that like to add more and more bustles to the dress as they can end up making quite a bit of extra cash. Due to this, they may try to convince you add several more than you need.

As a result, you need to think about this carefully – it isn’t just about the price but also about convenience. After all, you don’t want your bridesmaids having to spend ages trying to fix the train to the various bustles, do you?

When you are in your initial fitting, try various styles and positions to determine the least number of bustles you will need to get the job done.

How Much Do Under Bustles Cost?

You may not be as familiar with this type of bustle – it is also known as the French bustle. This does cost more, but the additional cost can be worth it if the design suits your dress.

Once again, this should be decided at the fitting. Have your seamstress show you both options so that you can decide which one looks better.

The first three bustles cost $50 and you are charged $7 for every bustle after this.

As with the over bustle, make sure that you aren’t being convinced that you need more bustles than is actually necessary.

In this instance, having too many bustles can throw off the elegant appearance that the under bustle affords you.

How Much Do Hem Alterations Cost?

Hem alterations are one of the most commonly requested alterations. Nearly every bride needs to have the dress shortened at least a little.

The starting cost of a hem alteration is $75. This is because the cost will often depend on how complex this task is.

If the dress has a single layer and is made from satin or something similar, then the hemming will be fairly simple and can be done quickly.

On the other hand, if you have several layers, you are likely going to be charged for every layer. Also, if any or all of the layers are made from something like lace, you are going to be charged more for this as it is delicate work.

How Much Does It Cost to Alter the Back of the Dress?

Changing the back of the dress from a zipper or something similar to a corset back is a rather difficult task. It can be made all the more difficult if the bodice has a complex design or if it is made of something like lace.

Due to this, this is arguably one of the more expensive alterations that you can pay for at the bridal salon. It can start at $200 but can become pricier depending on any other changes need to be made.

Keep in mind that other alterations may need to be made to the bodice so that the shape and design looks good despite the addition of the corset back.

The upside is that adding a corset to the back may save you the cost and trouble of having to take the dress in or let it out if you lose or gain weight before your wedding.

How Much Will You Have to Pay for Alterations at David’s Bridal?

The cost of alterations can vary based on numerous factors – this includes the design of the dress, the material that it is made from, the complexity of the alterations, and more – on average, the cost of a single alteration may be anywhere from $20 to over $200.