All of our services are offered by appointment only. To reserve your fitting, please visit our booking page and fill out the alterations inquiry form.
All appointments are held at our sewing studio, located inside The Guild in Cleveland, TN.
~ Your dress in its bag (Unless it is already in our studio from a previous appointment)
~ Your shoes
~ Your underthings (bra, petticoat, Spanx, etc if you will wear them under your gown)
~ Any fabric, appliqué, or accessories you want sewn to your gown
Yes! We kindly ask that you bring no more than two guests, ages 12 and older. Our fitting space is designed for comfort and focus but is also part of our working studio, where there are sharp tools and delicate gowns. For safety and to maintain a calm, productive atmosphere, we are not able to accommodate large groups or young children.
At Fitted Stitches, we treat every gown and garment with the utmost care. To ensure the highest quality craftsmanship, we require the following minimum timeframes when booking your alterations:
Please keep these timelines in mind when scheduling your appointment.
Rush alterations may be available outside of these timeframes for an additional fee.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes—absolutely. If you’ve purchased a stock dress, it’s likely been tried on by many brides, which means it may carry body oils, makeup, or dirt that aren’t always visible. Starting with a freshly cleaned gown ensures the fabric is at its best and protects both you and your seamstress during the alterations process. A clean dress not only helps us achieve the best possible results, but also gives you peace of mind knowing your gown is truly yours from the very first fitting.
Please Note: Fitted Stitches is not responsible for any stains, fabric wear, or damage (including loose beading, pulled threads, or discoloration) that may be present prior to alterations. We strongly encourage professional bridal dry cleaning before your first fitting to avoid issues and to preserve the integrity of your gown.
This is the question on everyone’s mind—and the honest answer is that we can’t give you an exact cost over the phone or before your first appointment. Because every gown and every bride is unique, we do not charge a flat fee for alterations. Instead, pricing is based on the specific items we work on—such as hemming, taking in sides, adding a bustle, or reshaping the bodice.
Several factors affect your final cost, including fabric type, number of layers, lace, beading, and seam construction. While we can provide an average range to help you plan, the exact price will be determined once we see your gown in person and pin it at your first fitting.
For reference, the average cost for wedding gown alterations falls between $550–$800 for a perfect fit. Your final cost may be higher or lower depending on the complexity of your gown and the work required.
Payments & Deposits
To secure your alterations appointment, we require a $50($35 for formalwear) non-refundable deposit at the time of booking to reserve your spot. At your first fitting, a deposit of 50% of the total alteration cost is due before alterations can begin. We will review and confirm your full alteration estimate during this appointment.
The remaining balance is due by your final fitting when your gown is complete. If it’s easier for your budget, you are also welcome to pay in full at your first fitting.
We’re so glad you asked! Most alterations require 2–3 fittings from start to finish.
We’ll schedule your next fitting during your first appointment, unless you prefer to set all dates in advance due to scheduling needs or specific timelines. In most cases, all fittings can be completed within the standard timelines listed above.
For gowns requiring major custom alterations, please plan for the possibility of additional fittings to achieve your perfect fit.