So, you're wondering what's behind the cost of the alterations...
I often hear brides, bridesmaids, and Mother of the Brides/Grooms say this: "I paid ____ (stating a really good price) for my dress, so I'd rather not pay more than that for my alterations." or... "I am already putting out a lot of money for this wedding, I'd rather not put out that much more." I totally understand. Weddings and the events that surround them can be pricey.
OR... I read reviews that belong to other seamstresses and dissatisfied brides are stating, "She charged me $100 to hem my wedding dress. What a rip-off!" Oh my! Take a moment and REALLY think about the time the seamstress put into that hem... pinning up each layer during the fitting, straightening out those layers after the bride leaves (and making it blend in evenly on each side of the dress with the train), pressing in the crease for the hem on each layer, hemming the different layers, and then, pressing it again. Some dresses take about 4-6 hours to hem!
Some formalwear shops will charge an alterations fee for Bridal gowns where brides need to pay a flat fee of $500.00 no matter what you need to have done on your dress and then, you pay for the alterations on top of that fee. Alterations for bridesmaid's gowns will begin at $200.00 at those same shops. Most seamstresses will charge approximately $35.00 per hour or they charge by the alteration. On top of the hourly fee, some will charge a fee each time you come in for a fitting as well as to press your dress.
I happen to charge by the alteration and I do believe that my fees are reasonable. I do not charge fitting fees and I always press and spot clean each gown with care before it leaves my sewing studio.
Additionally, there is a link between the quality of the dress and the length of time it takes to alter a dress. If your dress is of high quality, the fabric is easier to handle (the fibers in the fabric are of a higher quality), the seams are made to be altered, and the dress is much easier for the seamstress to deconstruct and alter. If the dress is purchased off the rack, or is less expensive, or perhaps was a sample and was "tried on" by many people, those dresses are typically a bit more challenging to alter. This is because the fibers in the fabric have broken down from being handled so much.
So, knowing all of this, let's use the example of a hem. A bridesmaid will say to me, "How much does it cost to hem my dress? It has three layers and I only paid $175.00 for the dress. I really don't want to pay a lot." Below is a comparison of what I charge for hemming a bridesmaid's dress with a full skirt that has three layers. Next to it is what I could charge if I charged $35.00 per hour (and yes, it really does take a full day to get this work done if you want a nice outcome).
OR... I read reviews that belong to other seamstresses and dissatisfied brides are stating, "She charged me $100 to hem my wedding dress. What a rip-off!" Oh my! Take a moment and REALLY think about the time the seamstress put into that hem... pinning up each layer during the fitting, straightening out those layers after the bride leaves (and making it blend in evenly on each side of the dress with the train), pressing in the crease for the hem on each layer, hemming the different layers, and then, pressing it again. Some dresses take about 4-6 hours to hem!
Some formalwear shops will charge an alterations fee for Bridal gowns where brides need to pay a flat fee of $500.00 no matter what you need to have done on your dress and then, you pay for the alterations on top of that fee. Alterations for bridesmaid's gowns will begin at $200.00 at those same shops. Most seamstresses will charge approximately $35.00 per hour or they charge by the alteration. On top of the hourly fee, some will charge a fee each time you come in for a fitting as well as to press your dress.
I happen to charge by the alteration and I do believe that my fees are reasonable. I do not charge fitting fees and I always press and spot clean each gown with care before it leaves my sewing studio.
Additionally, there is a link between the quality of the dress and the length of time it takes to alter a dress. If your dress is of high quality, the fabric is easier to handle (the fibers in the fabric are of a higher quality), the seams are made to be altered, and the dress is much easier for the seamstress to deconstruct and alter. If the dress is purchased off the rack, or is less expensive, or perhaps was a sample and was "tried on" by many people, those dresses are typically a bit more challenging to alter. This is because the fibers in the fabric have broken down from being handled so much.
So, knowing all of this, let's use the example of a hem. A bridesmaid will say to me, "How much does it cost to hem my dress? It has three layers and I only paid $175.00 for the dress. I really don't want to pay a lot." Below is a comparison of what I charge for hemming a bridesmaid's dress with a full skirt that has three layers. Next to it is what I could charge if I charged $35.00 per hour (and yes, it really does take a full day to get this work done if you want a nice outcome).
|
SEW GLORIOUS
Three layers (bridesmaid dress): $65.00 for first layer $35.00 for each additional layer (2 layers) $135.00 TOTAL |
HOURLY RATE $35.00
1.5 hours for first fitting 2 hours to straighten each layer, match them to the one above and below it for evenness, and press each layer prior to sewing 2 hours to sew a french hem in each of the layers 0.5 hours to press the hem in each layer 6 hours total X $35.00= $230.00 |
I do this work because I love to sew and I really do want people to feel beautiful and special when they wear the garments they bring to me. I also don't want to undercut the rest of the seamstresses in the wedding industry in Central Pennsylvania. I kindly and respectfully urge you to think twice about supporting those who are doing so. Even if you do not choose to use my services, please find a seamstress who does quality work and charges accordingly to industry standards.
That being said, I hope this provides a comprehensive explanation as to the thinking behind the cost of alterations and I also hope you choose Sew Glorious as YOUR formalwear alterations seamstress.
That being said, I hope this provides a comprehensive explanation as to the thinking behind the cost of alterations and I also hope you choose Sew Glorious as YOUR formalwear alterations seamstress.
