FAQs

I offer a very bespoke service. No body or surgery is the same, hence why we have alterations and make the dress a perfect fit for you. However, I think it’s really important to know what these charges may be before you commit to working with me. I can offer you a bespoke estimate after we’ve been in touch and I’ve seen the gown. Typically, the most frequently required alterations cost £250-£450, but you can visit my Prices page for more.

Of course I can accommodate such changes, these things happen, however it has become necessary to allow the business to operate smoothly and give every customer and dress the attention it deserves to introduce some percentage upcharges on last minute requests. These apply to additional wedding gowns, second evening gowns maids added without notice before the fitting dates.

RUSH FEES

First fitting falling less than 7 weeks before wedding +10%

First fitting falling less than 5 weeks before wedding +25%

First fitting falling less than 3 weeks before wedding date +50%

First fitting falling less than 2 weeks before wedding date +100%

The % fee is added to the alterations costs not fitting charges. They are standard if we can accommodate it in our fitting schedule.

As soon as you have a dress and a wedding date. A good wedding dress seamstress can be hard to come by and will book up quickly. It’s best to start a conversation early with them and find out the booking process. If deposits are required, get this done and secure your time. 

I like to work to a 12-8-4-week appointment system. These three fittings need to be booked in advance to allow me to plan my work schedule and so that you can book off any time you may need to attend fittings.

My advice would always be to get to your desired shape before we start fittings on your gown. I am however a realist and know that life gets in the way and things change. The pattern I work to allows for changes to be made and a new fit be done at the second fitting. In my experience, this works well and we can always tweak our plan to suit your needs.

Get in touch. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s happening. Although my schedule works for most people, I know things change and if you’ve decided to add a strap at the last minute, changed your shoes – or any number of things – just reach out. I’ll send a new quote for the additional work and we can get you booked back in. We might need a little flexibility on your part to schedule time with me, but ultimately I want your gown fitting perfectly.

This may sound silly, but you would be surprised how often this occurs. Just let me know and I can revise your quote. You then don’t have to encounter the complete look of shock on my face when you pull a 12-layered princess gown out the bag, when I quoted for a three-layer fishtail. It happens!

YES. I cannot guess the height of your shoe. Neither is it advisable for me to pin with you in barefoot if you’re wearing flats. You will stand differently and even the slightest of rise on the sole can make a difference.  

Ultimately, if I’ve already completed your hem, this can be a problem. If you opt for a higher shoe and the gown is then too short, this is extremely difficult to fix in most cases. Equally, if you opt for a lower shoe and you need to pay for another hem revision, that’s also not ideal. It’s best to decide on your shoes before the first fitting and stick to it. If you REALLY have to change your shoes, stick to the same height or be mindful of the above.

It’s really important to have the correct foundation garments on when we start so I can adjust your dress around them. A strapless bra fits completely differently to a balconette with straps.  Likewise, Spanks or similar completely distort how our body sits within the garment. If you’re undecided on some of these things, it’s better to bring a selection to try at the fitting and make a choice. Changing undergarments after the first fitting can result in further work being required and ultimately, more charges.

Broadly speaking, anything you’re wearing under your dress. A bra, shapewear or underwear, hoop petticoats… even tights. If you intend to wear it with the gown on the day, wear it to the fitting.

There are solutions here if the problem is that you want more than you can naturally offer to fill the shape of the gown. I have various styles of bra cups that can be stitched into your gown.

If it’s that you need a little support, then I can add additional boning in most cases. However, if you absolutely cannot go without wearing the support of a bra, it’s best to choose a gown that can accommodate one, even if we have to be a little creative with where we sit your straps. 

I have a wide range of fabrics available that can be ordered to best match your gown. That said, if you know when  purchasing your gown that this is a requirement, then I would enquire with the store if you can purchase matching fabrics. With most made-to-order gowns in bridal boutiques, this is certainly the case and if you order this at the same time, it will match perfectly in design and colour. 

Repairs, almost certainly. Beading can be fixed, buttons or loops replaced and small tears in tulle disguised or repaired. A quote will be offered before repairs are undertaken. With cleaning, this may depend on the fabric of the garment. For most gowns, I can spot-clean if there are minor marks, or I have a contact that offers a hand-washing service that can be taken whilst the garment is with me. If your gown is pure silk and cannot be cleaned by any other method than dry cleaning, it’s best to get this done before you visit, or check there will still be time in the four-week window after your final fitting.

Of course you can, however my fitting room doesn’t allow for a full party of maids. I suggest bringing just one or two people to your fittings, for whom I have seating.

In the height of the season this can be difficult and I would ask you to give as much notice as possible and be flexible with the new times I offer you. Things happen, of course, but in the height of a busy wedding season, my spare appointments are few and far between. Where possible, please stick to our arranged fitting times.

If you are having your fittings at one of our affiliated stores, this will have been arranged by the store.  Your fitting will be in that same location you purchased your gown.  If you are in any doubt where you have your fitting booked just ask.

This will vary from store to store as we have set times within our agreement with them.  Please book your fittings in plenty of time to allow time to be booked off work where necessary.  Fittings conducted in stores are on weekdays only, specific to each store. Please check with us or your retailer what days these are.