Fitted Stitches Alteration Policies

We offer custom tailoring, alterations, and repairs for wedding gowns, heirloom gowns, veils, special occasion dresses and other formalwear gowns.

No, we do everything by appointment only so please allow the adequate time. 

This is probably the question on everybody's mind. We are unable to give you an exact cost over the phone or prior to your first appointment.  We do not charge a basic fee for alterations but per item(such as hem, taking in sides, adding a bustle and so on) that we will be working on.  Many things factor into this cost depending fabric type, how many layers, beading, lace and seam construction.  We can give you an average cost so you can plan on what you might need to spend but please know that that cost could go up or down once we see exactly what we are working with. The average for wedding gown alterations is between $350-550 For basic alterations.  

During busy seasons we are often booked up a month or two out so please contact us at least 3-4 weeks prior to needing your first appointment if you would like a selection of availability options. Sometimes we do have same week appointments open but it just depends on how busy we are.  If you need a specific date or time frame and your availability is limited please contact us ASAP so we can do our best to accommodate.  We do value your time but we also ask that you respect our schedule as well. 

We require at least 8 weeks for alterations to be done on wedding gowns. Please contact us at  3-4 months prior to your event to start the process.  Some customizations require longer time so please account for an additional 3-4 weeks for production time and extra fittings. 

Formalwear gowns such as mother’s dresses, prom, bridesmaids and others are best to allow 5 weeks.  We recommend having your gown finished and complete no later than 2 weeks prior to your event in case there needs to be any last minute change

Please understand that we take the upmost care with your wedding or formalwear dress and we are not a quick service business.  It is not something to be rushed or done quick over the course of a few days.  While the need for quick service alterations is necessary at times that is not what Fitted Stitches is in the business to do and we require adequate time to make things perfect. We take pride in our finished product and dress construction is not a simple thing.  There is never just a simple hem or a simple alteration on a wedding gown. 

We are so happy you asked!  On average there will be 3 fittings from start to finish.  The first fitting is the initial one where we pin everything and discuss what you would like done.  The second fitting is when you return again to try it on after the alterations have been done.  We will set up this appointment at the first fitting unless you need to set up both of them when you contact us due to schedule limitations or specific timelines. The third fitting is optional and reserved at the second fitting should there be any additional changes or finishing touches needed. All of these fittings are usually done in the timeline we listed in the previous question. 

If you have major custom alterations it may require more than 3 fittings so please keep that in mind. 

Please bring the shoes you will be wearing or something the same heel size. We cannot guarantee the correct hem length without the exact heel size. Also if you are wearing any special undergarments such as corsets, bra cups, or shape wear please bring that with you as well.  It can change the shape and structure of the fit so it is best not to be surprised on the day of your event if you add it later on. 

Our timelines are set up to allow us enough time to work on our dress without being rushed.  We want to provide you with the best quality of work as possible so please keep our timeline in mind for any body adjustments.  We do understand the desire to want to look your best on wedding day and we 100% believe that you will be beautiful just the way that you are.  We ask that you do maintain your body shape as much as possible once we have pinned and altered your dress to keep the fit correct. Please do not panic though if you do have a change in body size once the alterations are done.  We can make the necessary adjustments for an additional charge. 

We require a 50% deposit of the total alterations at the first fitting.  We will go over the total amount at the end of the first fitting.  The remainder of the balance will need to be paid by our last fitting when the dress is finished.  We also welcome payment in full at the first fitting if that works better for your budget. 

Payment options include cash, check at the first fitting only, all major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo or CashApp.

Yes you should absolutely get it dry cleaned first.  Buying a stock dress means there can be many different body oils and dirt on the dress.  It is best for everyone involved to make sure your dress is fresh and clean for your first alterations appointment.