How much did you spend on dress alterations?

I spent $300 on my alterations, which I was not entirely happy about since my dress was only $500! But then again, the dress I chose was the last of its kind and has quite a bit of beading.
It all depends on the design, material, and how much they have to change about the dress. This was at David’s Bridal, btw.
I hope your alterations aren’t too expensive!

Mine was $365 for hem, bustle, bra inserts, cap sleeves

I just paid $305 for hem, bustle and to be taken in just a bit at the chest. This was with David’s Bridal which is also where I got my dress on their clearance wall. I felt off a bit about paying more for alterations than I did for my dress, but I’m just thankful I caught my dress on such a great sale, that total price was in my original budget.

I paid $319 at David’s Bridal. The dress needed 15 bustle loops, then adjustments to the straps, waist, shoulder, belt attachment and cup inserts. There were pins all over! My dress was $800 on sale. I’m not sure if there was someone who could have done it cheaper, but I felt most comfortable going to DB again since they made the dress.

I spent $130 on taking my dress in for several parts, fixing button loops and stretching out the back part. I went to a local Alterations person and it saved me hundred of dollars! I recommend checking many reviews if you decide to go this route vs a bridal store!

I went to a bridal salon for my alterations and am spending about $400 for a hem, slim straps added, taken in, and a multi point bustle. If you find a regular alterations place its usually cheaper than a bridal salon I just decided to leave it where I bought it for convenience especially since they'll store it until my wedding and press it right before as well.

I spent $480 to shorten my dress by about 8”, add a bustle, and shorten the straps.

I went to David's Bridal for a quote, since
I purchased my dress there. To take in the bodice, sides and back,shorten straps, hem and bustle they quoted me $400.

I went to a local seamstress recommended by a friend. She did all of the above.....for $35! Quite beautifully I might add and in two days!
I paid her $100, even though she didn't want to take it. Had to go back two more times, due to stress weight loss, she refused more money.
Such a lovely lady! Bridal shops will definitely drive the price up. Look for a local seamstress. Good luck!

I'm having 2 dresses altered and the total is a little over $1,000. One is getting bustled, shortened the other is being shortened, a couple holes repaired and taken in.

My alterations are $410. The main cost is the hem because there are appliqués all along the bottom of the dress that have to be removed then sewn back on by hand, and there are a total of five layers that need hemmed. I’m also doing a French bustle, changing to a corset back, and we’re going to see if I still need some padding in the chest once it fits properly up top. I went to a local seamstress and read lots of reviews before choosing her.

Ok now I'm feeling like I just got ripped off today. I had my first fitting and to add cap sleeves (not including the price of the sleeves), hem, taking it in, and bustle, and pressing the gown it is $950.

View Quoted Comment Did they show you a breakdown for each item? My breakdown was something like $200 for hemming the appliqué layer and hand sewing, $10 per layer to cut the tulle and lace layers, $100 to add a corset back (labor and materials), and $80 (I think) for bustle.

View Quoted Comment No they didn't 😕 just listed the work and put the price

View Quoted Comment Are you still getting married 8/2? I wonder if they increased the price as a “rush.” My seamstress stressed scheduling early, so she has 9 weeks to get alterations complete and we have 3.5 weeks from final fitting to wedding for any last minute stuff.

I went a cleaner & alteration shop and spent $105 getting a bustle and having it steamed.

I found a local seamstress that was highly recommended online. I spent $130 on my alterations. She hemmed my dress (3 layers) and added an 8-point bustle. She also hemmed my bridesmaids' dresses for $30. She also steamed all of the dresses. I know that her prices are extremely cheap and other people are unlikely to find someone with similar prices.

Oh, and I should note that my out-of-town bridesmaid had her alterations done at David's Bridal and spent well over $200 for her dress to be hemmed and slightly taken in.

View Quoted Comment Yea I am, that does sound like a plausible reason! Just another reason covid sucks and made me spend more money! Ugh!

I’m glad to see the responses on this post. I’m only planning on getting my dress hemmed and getting cups put in. But this has at least given me a ball park of what to expect.
Thanks ladies!

I haven’t had my dress altered yet...I was anticipating anywhere from $300-500 but since I had my dress customized and so far it fits like a charm...I’m thinking I may only need to add a bustle. I got it on a sale where the customization was free too!

My alterations were just under $500.