EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

ALTERATIONS

What to expect at your appointments Timeline What is a bustle? Pricing and Cost

What to expect at your appointments

What to bring:

  • Wedding day undergarments

  • Wedding day shoes

  • Any accessories you'd like to try on with your dress

  • Form of payment

  • Calendar to schedule next appointment

What will happen:

  • You'll put on your dress!

  • We'll talk about how it feels and fits and what changes you'd like to make.

  • We'll pin the dress to fit you perfectly. It will look a little weird with a bunch of pins but trust the process!

  • We'll go through cost and payment and schedule your next appointment

  • We strive to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in our fitting room and on your wedding day!

How long does it take?

Wedding Dress Appointments: 1.5 hours

Bridesmaid/Special Occasion: 30-45 min

Pick up appointments: 15-30 min

Timeline

Everything in your wedding planning process takes time, and that includes alterations. As soon as you receive your dress, try it on and make an appointment!

At Carrie Ann Bridal, we have a 4-week turnaround time.

Many alterations only need 2 fittings. At the second fitting, you will take your dress home and store it until the big day! However, there are times when additional adjustments need to be made. Keep in mind it is completely normal to have 3-4 fittings

Scheduling your first fitting 3-4 months in advance will ensure your dress fits you on your wedding day with the added benefit of avoiding crunch time stress. If you are in a pinch, we do offer alterations services under 4 weeks for a $50 rush fee for bridesmaids and a $100 rush fee for brides on top of the cost of alterations.

First fitting: 3-4 months prior

Second fitting: 2-3 months prior

Third fitting: 1-2 months prior

Fourth fitting: 0-1 month prior

What is a bustle?

If you have any sort of train on your wedding dress, you'll probably find it beneficial to ask for a bustle.

Bustling up your train will allow you to dance the night away and not worry about holding onto it or guests stepping on your dress as you move through your reception.

Below are the most common bustle options we offer but this is where we can be creative! If you find any other inspo, show us your vision!

OVER

UNDER

BALLROOM

Pricing and Cost

The truth is that the cost of alterations highly depends on your dress style (layers, fabric, details) and what kind of changes need to be made.

The best way to find out how much it will cost is to come in person and get an accurate quote. With Carrie Ann Bridal, your first fittings are free! If you decide not to go through with the alterations, no stress no problem!

But we still want to be transparent with you! Here are average costs for our most common adjustments:

Straps and Shoulders: $40 - $70

Sleeves: $60 - 100

Bodice fit: $70 - $300

Adding a Belt: $50 - $95

Skirt fit: $70 - $250

Hem: $80 - $350

Adding a Bustle: $100 - $450

Steaming and Pressing: $30 - $100

The lower end of these prices are more typical for bridesmaids or other special occasions while the higher end applies more to bridal gowns.

Please let us know if you have any other questions about alterations!