Just a little reminder...
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Don't forget your event shoes for every fitting!
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Bring any undergarments and shapewear you plan to wear on the day of your event
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Bring a method of payment to the first fitting
All About Alterations...
Fittings and alterations can be stressful and new process for many brides, so it’s very important to our staff that we make this process as enjoyable and comfortable as we can. We want to work together with you to achieve the perfect fit for your wedding day, and we care that you are comfortable expressing what changes you’d like to make. To prepare for your fittings, here is a quick guide on exactly what you can expect from our process at Forget Me Knot:
First Fittings:
We like to get started right away to ensure that there is plenty of time to ensure the perfect fit, so we generally aim to schedule the first fitting at least three months before the date of your wedding. It is normal for your dress to need alterations, so the focus of this appointment is to pin your dress in all the right places and address all the changes to be made and any custom elements you are interested in making. This is the first step in the process of making the dress truly yours, and our experienced staff is here to listen to ensure we get it just right!
On the day of your first fitting:
Plan for your first fitting to take around an hour and keep in mind that most of this time will be spent standing in your dress and wedding shoes. Many brides feel inclined to come to their fitting on an empty stomach; we do not advise this as we want you to be comfortable and ensure a truly accurate fit.
This is the time for us to discuss the fit of your gown and any desired custom changes to your dress and veil. Our experienced seamstress will then recommend the alterations necessary to achieve the perfect fit.
At the end of your fitting, we will make an itemized list of the work you and our seamstresses have discussed.
Full payment for the cost of alterations will be due at this time. Our prices depend on the complexity of work to be performed. Additional charges may be applied if any new alterations are decided upon at the second fitting, but generally you can expect to make a single payment the day of your first fitting. Finally, we will schedule you for your second fitting, which is generally 6-8 weeks from the first appointment.
Second Fittings:
The second fitting is when we will see the progress that has been made on your dress and check the fit of the structural alterations that have been made. It’s important to us that we get your dress exactly how you want, so we encourage you to share your input during this fitting as well as there will still be time for our seamstresses to work on it before the final fitting.
This fitting will also typically take around an hour, so please be prepared to be standing in your shoes and dress for the duration of the fitting. More pinning may take place as necessary to get the perfect fit, and we will go over any final touches to be completed for your next appointment.
Final Fittings:
This fitting will also typically take around an hour, so please be prepared to be standing in your shoes and dress for the duration of the fitting. More pinning may take place as necessary to get the perfect fit, and we will go over any final touches to be completed for your next appointment.
Pricing Guide:
The cost of bridal alterations varies greatly depending on many factors. Basic fit adjustments can be around $450-$750. More complex alterations typically vary between $850 and upwards of $1,200. Additional design elements such as custom sleeves, bows, beading, etc., can add an extra cost. The price depends on the complexity of the dress and the specific alterations you'd like to make. Here are a few specific things that impact the cost of alterations:
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How many layers of fabric
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Type of fabric: very delicate, lace, beaded, etc
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Boning or horsehair
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Custom design alterations (adding sleeves, bows, skirts, etc.)
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Condition of gown: Heirloom, vintage, floor sample
About that Bustle...
Everything you need to know about bustles
The bustle is a very important part of the alterations process as it pulls the train of the dress off the ground, keeping the dress clean and more importantly keeping the bride free to dance and move freely on their wedding day. Generally, the bustle it put up between the ceremony and the reception, and most bridal photos are taken before it is up. Putting up a bustle can be a confusing task, so we recommend designating someone to assist you. We suggest bringing this person to your final fitting so we can demonstrate how to bustle the dress as well as practicing as home to feel comfortable with the process.
Most wedding dresses do not come with a bustle nor are they designed with one in mind, so our experienced seamstresses will work with you to find the perfect way to keep you comfortable on your wedding day. Bustles are usually put up with buttons and loops or ties that we hand sew to the dress to the dress. There are different styles depending on the design of the dress as well as the needs of the bride. If you plan on dancing the night away, we will plan to create a bustle with plenty of supports to keep you dancing all night long.
