BRIDAL ALTERATIONS
Let’s chat about what to expect during your alterations experience.
You’ve found your dream dress but it needs a little help in the fit department, or it needs a lot of help to be resized, or you love it but want to add some custom touches before you fall in love with it! I’m here for all of that. It is my goal to achieve that unique bridal look for you that will be cherished for a lifetime!
Fitting Schedule
First fitting (10-12 weeks before wedding): We will chat about your gown changes and a little about your wedding, any details I should know about pertaining to your dress. Then you can just relax and look beautiful while I mark and pin areas that we’d like to see changed.
Second fitting (6-8 weeks before wedding): At this point I will be checking the foundational fit and making sure all is perfect before doing any finishing stitching or handwork. I never do a final trim on anything until I check fit and consult with you. If your dress is fairly simple it’s possible this will be your final fitting.
Final Fitting (3-4 weeks before wedding): Your dress is all finished! After a quick try-on, you get to take her home. If you have a bustle for your gown, I will show you how to do it and give you a “cheat sheet” for it. Please bring a friend or family member that can learn how to do the bustle and help you on the wedding day.
Brides are encouraged to book months in advance! Alterations less than an 8 week window will be charged an overbooking fee of $100. This fee increases the closer we are to the wedding date (eg. $200, $250, $300 etc.).
All brides select one of the three fitting packages offered and complete package payment to reserve their spot on my alterations calendar.
Packages
Package I
Complimentary initial consultation call
Customized initial gown fitting
2 additional 45 minute follow up fittings
$95, Plus cost of alterations
Package II
Complimentary initial consultation call
Customized initial gown fitting
2 additional 45 minute follow up fittings
Steaming & Pressing services
Wedding Day Emergency Kit
$195, Plus cost of alterations
Package III
Complimentary initial consultation call
Customized gown fitting
2 additional 45 minute follow up fittings
Steaming & Pressing services
Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Gown cleaning & preservation services ($350 value)
$495, Plus cost of alterations
Heirloom Reinvention
For those who have an heirloom or vintage piece they would like recreated into a new sentimental piece. Possibilities are endless, re-styled ceremony gown, reception dress, re-styled veil, getting-ready robe…see inspiration here.
$175+ Price dependent on scope of redesign, must also select a fitting package
Gown cleaning & Preservation
Every dress should be cleaned soon after the wedding day. If you want to continue to love your gown for years to come, the wisest thing is to get it cleaned and preserved in an heirloom quality box.
I partner with Memories Preservation to make the process convenient and stress-free for all my brides. Once you drop off your gown with me, any repairs needed are complementary and done by me personally. I send your dress to Memories be cleaned, pressed and professionally packed in museum-grade quality materials. Your dress will arrive in a beautiful shadow box with a window. Anytime you miss your dress you can take her out for a peek!
$350
Payment
I believe in transparent pricing. Once you fill out my inquiry form with photos of your dress, I will send you an estimate of the cost of alterations.
Typically my brides can expect to pay $500-800+ for basic fit alterations. Cost of labor depends on the intricacy of the dress design. The more intricate the dress is with beading, lace or details the higher the cost.
For alterations that include resizing beyond 2 sizes or customizations, expect to pay $900-1200+. Half the payment for alterations is due at the first fitting. Invoice will be communicated and emailed during the first fitting so there are no surprises. Final payment is due prior to final fitting.
Reserve
Maven Sewing Co.
services
If you are interested in my services and would like to book an appointment, click below to inquire. I will follow up soon with more information!
FAQ
When should I book my first appointment?
Right now! My services book up quickly so you should inquire now so I can make sure you’re on my calendar. Your first appointment will be scheduled ~3 months before the wedding day.
How long do alterations take?
This all depends on the amount of changes are being made to your unique dress and level of difficulty of the alterations. Alterations can take 3-6 months to complete, so reach out early to book with me. Most brides should anticipate having 3 fittings. As a rarety they could have 4-5.
What should I bring to my fittings?
Three things: your gown, shoes and undergarments.
You must bring your shoes or I cannot mark or pin your hem length. If you have chosen your shoes but they have not arrived yet, you can bring a heel of the same exact height. However, if your shoes arrive and you don’t love them, you cannot change your shoes after the hem is pinned and basted or it will cost extra.
Where are you located?
I am located in Colorado Springs, in the Old Colorado City neighborhood. Conveniently right off of I-25.
What if my body changes during the alteration process?
As women, it’s very natural that we fluctuate during our monthly cycles, or during stressful days of wedding planning. I am very understanding of this, however significant body changes that we did not talk through at the beginning of alterations will require re-altering the dress and I will charge for the additional work. It is best if you try your best to keep your body the same once we start alterations.
I believe in open and free dialogue about this topic and want you to feel good about your body at the end of our time together. my goal is to fit the dress to you, not the other way around.
How much do alterations cost?
For typical fit (taking in, shoulder adjustment, hem, bustle..) expect to pay $500-800. The more intricate the dress design or customization the higher the cost will be.
What is a bustle and why do i need it?
I would strongly recommend adding a bustle to any wedding dress that has a train.
A bustle is a series of buttons and loops that draw the train up and out of the way for the reception and dancing. There are four main styles: American, French, Ballroom and Austrian. Check out my instagram for examples. I even sometimes use a combination of two to bustle the outer train layers and lining layer separately.
Can I bring people with me?
Yes, I allow up to 2 people to come with you to your fittings. Please notify me ahead of time if you intend to bring small children or persons who use a wheel chair. My building is ADA friendly.
I prefer to not have small children around my scissors, machines and pins but I know it sometimes cannot be avoided.
What payments do you accept?
I’m a venmo-only girl! This is my preferred method of payment, if you would like to use a credit card venmo has the option to add a credit card to your account. I will (reluctantly) receive cash or check in a pinch.
I already booked alterations for 2024, do I need to choose a fitting package?
If you booked with me before November 1st, you’re all set!