How much does Wedding dress alterations cost?

Based on 867 real quotes from businesses in United States.

$55

TYPICAL

$130

$300

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Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.

Key takeaways

Wedding gown alterations can add substantially to the cost of a dress, so budget accordingly
Seamstresses and bridal shops may charge a flat rate, a la carte fees, or an hourly price for alterations
The best way to save money on alterations is to schedule them well in advance of your wedding day

When planning your big day, finding your dream wedding dress is probably at the top of your list. Whether you shop online or in bridal salons, keep in mind that your ideal bridal gown will probably need alterations to be a perfect fit.

Wedding dress alterations run the gamut from minor tweaks to significant structural changes. You may want to nip the waist to accentuate your curves, add beading or lace, raise a hemline, or remove old-fashioned embellishments to modernize a family heirloom into your perfect dress.

Finding the right seamstress or dressmaker can ensure that your wedding gown looks and fits exactly the way it should on your special day. Here’s what you’ll pay for wedding dress alterations and how to find the right pro for the job.

Learn more: How much do suit alterations cost?

Total cost of wedding dress alterations

The average cost of wedding dress alterations ranges from $200–800. Seamstresses and bridal shops may charge a flat rate, a la carte fees, or an hourly price for wedding dress alterations, depending on their pricing structure, what alterations are necessary, and the time required to perform them.

If you’re charged an hourly rate, the average price is $30–40 per hour.

Costs of different wedding dress alterations

Alterations can range from a few minor changes to an entire transformation. When going for a fitting, wear the same undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. Here are some of the most common wedding dress alteration services and their average prices.

Hemline. Hemline alterations can include adjusting the length of the skirt, adding lining, and adding beading to the hem. Average cost: $75–300.

Bodice. You may add bra cups, replace zippers and buttons, reshape the neckline, or take in or let out side seams. Average cost: $50–200.

Sleeve and shoulders. This could include adding cap or long sleeves, altering sleeve length, tapering sleeves, adding or adjusting straps, and raising or lowering shoulders. Average cost: $60–350.

Skirt alterations. These include adding a bustle, taking in or letting out the skirt width, and removing, adding, or shortening a train. Average cost: $40–300.

Embellishments. Embellishments include minor aesthetic changes like adding a sash or belt or adding or repairing appliques, beadwork, or lace. Average cost: $20–100.

Cost factors

The following issues can increase the price of wedding dress alterations.

Last-minute alterations. Typically, anything less than 3 weeks’ notice is considered a rush service and incurs an additional fee of $25–40 per alteration. So leave plenty of time: 2–3 months ahead of your wedding date, or longer during peak wedding season, to avoid last-minute surcharges.

Gown complexity and material. The style, material, and original price of a wedding dress can affect the alteration process. If the materials are especially expensive, delicate, or require custom ordering, the cost of alterations can go up.

Measurements and consultations. While often included in the alteration price, some seamstresses or bridal boutiques charge a small measurement or consultation fee, usually between $20–40, that covers the first fitting, second fitting, and final fitting.

How to save money

Here are a few strategies that might help reduce the cost of wedding dress alterations.

Compare flat fee vs. a la carte pricing. Some bridal shops charge a flat alteration fee of $400–800 that includes everything needed to make your dress fit perfectly. Others charge for each individual change. Choose wisely, depending on how many alterations you need.

Buy shoes after your fitting. You can save money on hemming by choosing wedding shoes with the right heel height for your dress, rather than buying your shoes first.

Consider a corset back. Rather than pay to have your dress taken in or out around your midsection, choose a gown with a corset or lace-up back to adjust it yourself easily. Bonus: A corset back accommodates a woman’s natural weight fluctuations for less stress as you approach your big day.

FAQS

How much does it cost to resize a wedding dress?

If you just need the bodice taken in or let out, the cost is typically $50–200. Skirt width alterations range from $40–300. A full set of wedding dress alterations costs an average of $200–800.

Is it expensive to alter a dress?

Alterations can run the gamut in price from $200–800, since there’s a wide range of alteration options to choose from that require varying levels of labor and materials. In some cases, you’ll pay more for an independent dressmaker than at a local or chain bridal shop.

How much can a wedding dress be altered?

If desired, wedding gowns can be completely transformed during the alteration process. For example, if you want to modernize and resize a family heirloom, a skilled dressmaker can often do it. The cost will depend primarily on the number and extent of changes requested and the time required to make them.

Find wedding dress alterations in your area.

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