How much are wedding dress alterations?

Some brides might not factor in the cost of alterations ontop of purchasing their dress but most reputable boutiques, should notify you before purchasing. Bridal alterations may take a long time to complete and is no quick work but the results are phenomenal with a well tailored dress for your special day.

Your dress is unique to you, and as such - it’s tricky to quote before seeing you in it. We don’t offer a one price fits all cost - as we charge for the work that you need to make your dress fit you perfectly and each dress is always made differently via the designer / manufacturer.

The average cost for standard alterations is around £450- £500 including fittings, and can be more or less depending on the work we need to do on your dress. Heavily embellished + lace dresses are normally closer to the £600 - £700 price region as an average.

Standard alterations would normally include; shorten, lift shoulders, take in + bustle.

However, I think it’s really important to know what these charges may be before you commit to working with me. 

Take a look at our price guide below + drop us an email if you have any questions. If you look and think AHHHHHH! help, theres too many options and I dont know what is needed, we always provide a written quote after your first fitting detailing exactly what you need doing to ensure your dress is fitting perfectly!

Alteration Charges

Hems & Length Adjustments

Two-layer plain straight-stitch hem — £115

Each additional straight-stitch layer — £55

Additional plain tulle layer — £25

Decorative Layers

Braided layer — £165

Each additional braided layer — £65

Lace, heavily embellished or beaded layer — £195

Structural Alterations

Shortening from the waist — £95

Train removal is charged at the equivalent cost of the applicable hem shortening.

Bustles, Buttons & Fastenings

Bustle from — £30

Three-point popper bustle — £35

Bodice & Skirt Adjustments

Two plain side seams — £135

Two detailed side seams — £165

Two plain bust seams — £135

Two detailed bust seams — £165

Plain tulle dart — £45

Lace tulle dart — £85

Additional boning added (per two pieces) — £35

Two plain skirt seams — £105

Two detailed skirt seams — £135

Each additional plain skirt seam — £55

Each additional detailed skirt seam — £85

Bust Cups

Bust cups added — £40

Bust cups removed, repositioned or added (customer-supplied) — £25

Straps, Armholes & Sleeves

Shorten spaghetti straps — £40

Shoulders lifted, one layer/tulle — £65

Shoulders lifted, fully lined — £105

Shoulders lifted, embellished, lace or with sleeves — £140

Shorten sleeves, plain — £60

Shorten sleeves with cuff or detail — £75

Shorten heavily embellished sleeves — £90

Take in sleeves, plain — £50

Take in sleeves, embellished or lace — £80

Lower plain armhole — £75

Lower detailed armhole — £135

Line straps with ribbon (per inch) — £3.50

Build up lace at straps, from — £55

Zips

Zip replaced or added — £95

Zip replaced or added with detail or buttons — £120

Belts

Stitch belt into side seams — £50

Stitch belt directly onto dress — £60

Stitch belt, moving zip or buttons — £75

Make belt from fabric offcuts — £95

Take in plain belt — £55

Take in detailed belt — £85

Reconstruction & Modifications

Please note: all reconstruction work must be clearly specified on your booking form.

Change zip back to lace-up with modesty panel — £340

Create panel for corset back — £160

Insert panels into side seams — £250

Add lining to bodice, all round — £335

Add lining to bodice, front only — £255

Add lining to skirt — £335

Add split — £160

Close split — £70

Add bespoke sleeves

From £175
Lace from £245
Beaded from £295

Bespoke veils
From £150

Neckline & Back

Change plain neckline, front only — £175

Change plain neckline, all round — £275

Build up lace at neckline, from — £55

Change detailed neckline, front only — £225

Change detailed neckline, all round — £325

Create overskirt or cape using fabric offcuts — £335

Plus the cost of lace, hand-stitching, or detailing