seamstress frequently asked questions

BUSTLES!!! What the heck is a bustle you might ask?!?! It's how we get that beautiful train of yours up off the floor so you can dance your ass off the whole night!! There are all different types but heres the run down:
🇺🇸 American: The outer bustle. You've probably seen this one before. Ya know, hooked to her butt. Dangling off in not the most flattering spot. Well don't you worry, I will NEVER put this bustle at your booty!! This style works with small hooks and loops and can either be pinned up high near the waist, or lower near the back of the knee: but NEVER on the butt. And if your seamstress suggest this, JUST SAY NO!

🇫🇷 French: The under bustle. Also called the "waterfall". This works with a series of ribbons (either beaded or colored) on the underside of your train that when tied together, pulls the train up and underneath. Keeps the volume low and underneath so that you won't be sitting on it all night.

💃 Ballroom: The disappearing bustle. ITS MAGIC!! One minute your train is there, and the next, ITS GONE! This works with a series of loops and hooks on the underside of your train that when connected, folds the train underneath to give the illusion that there never was a train!!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bustle?

To book an appointment please go to the contact page and fill out a submission form base on your specific requirements. Replies are guaranteed within 24 hours of receiving them. 

How do I book an appointment?

At your first appointment, you will be greeted with a smile and welcomed into my studio. I will remove your dress from the bag and remove any tags still attached, asses the train, and prepare the dress behind the dressing wall. Once you are in the dress, we will talk about everything that needs to be done and I will offer my professional opinion based on what I see. We start at the top and work our way down the dress and I will go over pricing as we go. A semi-quote will be given based on what needs to be done, and your full quote will be given at the second appointment.

What happens at a first fitting?

You should book your first fitting with your seamstress AT LEAST 3 MONTHS before your wedding but it is always recommended to contact a seamstress immediately upon the purchase of your gown. The earlier the better! The closer to the wedding, the more expensive alterations become, and rush fees will be added for anything less than 10 weeks. If your dress is being ordered and you have a delivery date, DO NOT wait for the dress to arrive before contacting a seamstress.

When should I book my first appointment?

An overtime charge is a fee you pay to get onto my books when I am already booked full. As a bridal seamstress, I am often booked 8-10 months out of the year and have to say no to a lot of people. If you are still wishing to get an appointment with me, there will be an overtime fee. This means that I will be working extra hours to work on your dress and work you into my work load.  
This fee is based on what your individual dress requires. For more information please email me so we can discuss details.

You can view our bridal alterations prices here. Fitting packages are separate from the cost of alterations and are non-refundable. 

These prices are not final and are subject to change at any time. I try to be as open and transparent about pricing as possible. Typically, quotes are given at the first appointment, and you may choose to make payments leading up to your final appointment. All remaining balances are due upon completion of alterations. 

What is an overtime fee?

You will want to make sure to ALWAYS bring your shoes. If you don’t have your shoes, we cannot look at the hem and length of your gown. If you have ordered your shoes and are waiting for delivery, you may bring a pair of shoes that matches the heel height; and we can work with that. 

If you have any undergarments that you may or may not want to wear, please feel free to bring them. i.e., spanks, skims, shapewear, biker shorts, strapless bra, sticky boobs etc. I do offer a variety of bra cups that I can stitch into the dress, and we can try them out during your fitting. 

What do I bring to a fitting?

Yes, you can bring up to 3 people to your appointment. I do ask that you please avoid bringing young children to any appointment; if possible. I have many sharp objects, needles, scissors and pins in my studio. I understand that sometimes this may not be an option and I am happy to accommodate young children if need be. Please let me know ahead of time if you plan to bring any children. 

Can I bring someone to my appointment?

Once the alterations process begins, you will need to maintain your current weight. As a woman, you may fluctuate during your monthly cycle, or simply from the stress of wedding planning. Significant weight change can result in your dress having to be re-altered closer to the wedding, which increases your final cost. Sensitive topics such as this will be discussed further during your appointment. I want all of my clients to feel their best and to feel confident in their dresses. My job is to make the DRESS fit YOU, not you fit the dress. If you are on a weight loss journey for your wedding, you should communicate this to your seamstress upon your first inquiry.

What if I lose or gain weight?

If you can be flexible with scheduling appointments, paying a rush fee, and my schedule allows it; no, it is not too late! Please contact me ASAP to discuss your options. 

My wedding is a month away, am I too late?

I tell all my brides to expect to pay anywhere between $400 and $1200+ their fitting package. The more beading, lace, details you have; the more expensive your alterations can be. Written quotes are given by the second appointment. Please see the Pricing page for more information.

What do alterations cost?

Rush fees are added to any alterations needing to be done in a short amount of time. This is because I work on dresses for months at a time, so adding a dress into an already full schedule requires longer sewing days, often sewing on my off days and into the evenings. I work on your wedding timeline, as well as many other brides. 

For bridal, you want to start 12 weeks or more, before your wedding. Rush fees begin at 10 weeks or less. 
10 weeks = $75
8 weeks = $150
6 weeks = $250
4 weeks = $400

What is a rush fee?