bridal alterations
Whether youβre keeping it simple, redesigning a family heirloom, or want a fully customized look, our skilled seamstresses are here to serve you.
Donβt worry, wedding dress alterations donβt have to be as stressful as you may think
youβre probably not getting a wedding dress altered EVERYDAY. Thatβs why Weβve made it easy to prepare for the alterations process, so you can take some of the guess work out of timeline, budget, and fittings.
Use our bridal ALTERATIONS guide to Take a peek at what itβs like to work with us.
When to get started
We begin the alterations process with an initial fitting a minimum of 10-12 weeks before your βneed by dateβ. ALL OF OUR APPOINTMENTS ARE BOOKED ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS WHICH IS INCLUDED IN THIS TIMELINE.
To get a better idea of what that turnaround time looks like, click on the current month below to view the estimated completion date.
Be sure to submit your request as soon as possible so that we can ASSURE the requested services can be completed in a timely manner.
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Estimated completion:
March/April
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April/May
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May/June
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June/July
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July/August
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August/September
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September/October
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October/November
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November/December
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December/January
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January/February
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Estimated completion:
February/March
Our Process
each time you come in, We will assess the completed work from the previous fitting(s), then begin pinning your hem and bustle. This is a lengthier process as we pin each skirt layer INDIVIDUALLY
Initial Fitting
THE PINNING BEGINS! WE WILL ONLY FOCUS ON THE TOP HALF OF YOUR DRESS TODAY. A QUOTE WILL BE GIVEN FOR YOUR ALTERATIONS. A 50% DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED FOR US TO BEGIN WORK. YOUR FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS WILL BE CONFIRMED.
Second Fitting
The day youβve been waiting for: taking your dress home! Bring a loved one with you to learn how to fasten your bustle with confidence on your wedding day.
Final fitting
This is the final OPPORTUNITY to make sure everything is exactly how you want to look and feel before we wrap up the alterations process.
Pick up
A few of the designers weβre familiar withβ¦
Alexandra Grecco
All Who Wonder
Amsale
Carol Hannah
Carolina Herrea
Claire La Faye
Dan Jones
Dearheart by Carol Hannah
Elizabeth Dye
Essense of Australia
Jenny Packham
Jenny Yoo
Justin Alexander
Leanne Marshall
Lela Rose
Lovers Society
Made With Love
Madi Lane
Martina Liana
Modern Trousseau
Oscar de la Renta
Pronovias
Suzanne Neville
Stella York
The Law
Truvelle
Vagabond
Vera Wang
Watters
& Many more
FAQs
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We recommend reaching out as soon as youβve purchased your dress. We begin the alterations process with an Initial Fitting 2-3 months before your βneed by dateβ.
For example, if you are taking bridal portraits before your wedding date, your Initial Fitting should be scheduled no less than 2-3 months prior to the date of your portraits to accommodate appointments.
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The number of fittings is dependent on the services needed. Typically, 4 fittings from Initial Fitting to Pick Up appointment, unless otherwise discussed with your seamstress
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- Ensemble cannot be held responsible for fit or additional costs (alterations or materials needed) due to weight loss/gain, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, plastic surgery, failure to wear the same shoes or undergarments from first fitting, etc.
- Clients are advised to not introduce any major lifestyle changes that may influence body weight and type as not to disrupt the fitting process.
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We love working on dresses of all ages and styles! However, if your secondhand gown isnβt preserved, we prefer that your gown be professionally dry cleaned (we love the vintage style, but not so much that vintage smell :) ).
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- It is important to bring the exact shoes you are planning to wear on the day of your wedding as to ensure consistency throughout the alterations process.
- Shoes; heels, flats, sneakers, etc. are required for all garments at all fittings
- Please bring any undergarments you plan to wear on the day of your wedding as these can affect the fit of your dress.
- Undergarments are required; panties and a bra with support (unless you are not planning on wearing one with your gown). Sports bras and bralettes are a no-go.
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- We kindly ask that you bring no more than two guests to your fitting as there is limited seating in the shop.
- Due to the sharp tools and hot irons in our shop, we recommend that no children be left unattended during your fitting for their safety.
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Depending on the type of fitting, appointments could last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half.
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50% of the estimated total will be invoiced and is due at the initial fitting. The remaining balance is billed after 30 days.
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Because of the various types of wedding dress designs, it is difficult to give any price estimate prior to seeing the gown in person.
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- We do not offer steaming services for bridal gowns.
- While a professional steam will eliminate all wrinkles in your gown, it is not guaranteed that your dress will stay wrinkle free after being put back in garment bag or during transport. We always recommend using a hand steamer to touch up your gown on the day of your wedding.
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We request that you reach out to us as soon as possible to ensure that we have room for your project in our schedule. Anything beyond standard alterations will need more sewing time which can result in a higher alteration cost.
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We do charge rush fees for any gowns that must be completed within less than 4 weeks.
4 weeks to complete: $200
3 weeks to complete: $300
2 weeks to complete: $400

