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.
