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.
Factors Influencing Pricing
There are several factors that can influence the pricing of wedding dress alterations.
The complexity and customization of the dress play a big role as well as the materials used.
Dresses with delicate fabrics lace and tulle may require more time and effort to work with resulting in a higher cost.
Additionally specific alterations such as adjusting the neckline reshaping the bust area or adding additional beading or embellishments can add to the overall cost.
The location and the seamstress or boutique can also influence pricing with larger metropolitan areas typically charging more for their services.
It is important to note that some alterations specialists charge by the hour while others may have a flat fee for specific alteration services.
Overall it is recommended to get a quote in writing before committing to any alterations to ensure transparency and avoid any surprises in cost.
