Davids Bridal alteration question

[catwub]

I know this is really reaching but I am trying to get SOME idea of what I will be looking at for alterations. My dress needs to be down sized a size in the bodice and hemmed about3 inches. It is basically the same for my junior bridesmaid and my flower girl. The bodice is about a size too large but we had no choice for length. They will both need about 2 inches in hemming. thanks for ANY help you can give, don't worry I am really just looking for ballpark, not actual figures.

Thanks one and all
Catwub

 

[SRUAlmn]

Just subbing because I was wondering the same thing. My length is ok, but I think they will have to adjust the bodice 1-2 sizes. I asked when I set up my appointment, but they obviously can't even give you an idea. If you don't get an answer by May 7 I'll be able to help

 

[audisight]

I've been working at Davids for about 2 years as a bridal consultant, I can tell you that the alterations are broken down into 3 levels. Simple hems are $75 (this is the least amount they will charge you), intermediate hems are $90 and difficult hems are $120. Most of the hems are difficult. If you tell me the style number I can tell you which level your hem falls under. To take the dress in the cost will depend on the detail on bodice. To take in is usally about $60. If you need a bustle the over bustles are $35 for the first 3 and $5 for each bustles after that. Under bustles are $50 for the first 3 and $7 for each one after that.
Alterations for you JB and FG will run you $35-$60 for a hem and $25-$40 to take in.
I hope this helps! If you have any more questions let me know.

 

[audisight]

I forgot to tell you that $120 is the most they can charge for a hem. Also please remember to take the exact petticoat and shoes you wil be wearing on the day of the wedding, both items are needed to get the hem just right.

 

[catwub]

audisight-
Thanks for the valuable tip!! If no one told me I guarantee I would not have thought about taking the shoes, etc! My dress 3 is T8823 and my girls are wearing FG9309. Thanks for any help!!I appreciate your taking the time to answer.


Have a great day
Catwub

 

[SRUAlmn]

I've been working at Davids for about 2 years as a bridal consultant, I can tell you that the alterations are broken down into 3 levels. Simple hems are $75 (this is the least amount they will charge you), intermediate hems are $90 and difficult hems are $120. Most of the hems are difficult. If you tell me the style number I can tell you which level your hem falls under. To take the dress in the cost will depend on the detail on bodice. To take in is usally about $60. If you need a bustle the over bustles are $35 for the first 3 and $5 for each bustles after that. Under bustles are $50 for the first 3 and $7 for each one after that.
Alterations for you JB and FG will run you $35-$60 for a hem and $25-$40 to take in.
I hope this helps! If you have any more questions let me know.

This is SO HELPFUL!!! Thank you so much! I also wondered about having the overlayer tacked down to the underlayer. Another DIS bride had the same dress as me and she said the two layers kept shifting all day and that she suggested having them tacked together. Any idea what this might cost? My dress is style number CT129 (Oleg Cassini.) I will only have my gown to take. My girls' dresses are from somewhere else.

 

[audisight]

That is a great dress!! The hem for your you dress will be $120 and I'm 75% sure to take in will be $60. I'm not sure on the hem for you FG, but I go back to work tomorrow so I will ask alterations and let you know tomorrow night (it will be kind of late I get off at 10pm and have an hour drive home). If you have any more questions let me know. I'll be more then happy to help!

 

[audisight]

I LOVE THAT DRESS!!!!! I have no idea what the cost will be to tack the layers together but I can ask when I go to work tomorrow, like I said in the other post it will be kind of late. I'm almost sure it will be $60 to take the dress in. If you have anymore questions please just let me know. I love my job and really enjoy helping brides in any way I can.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I LOVE THAT DRESS!!!!! I have no idea what the cost will be to tack the layers together but I can ask when I go to work tomorrow, like I said in the other post it will be kind of late. I'm almost sure it will be $60 to take the dress in. If you have anymore questions please just let me know. I love my job and really enjoy helping brides in any way I can.

Thank you so much!! We really enjoy your help too

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

Audisight,

Do they charge the same for Bridesmaid dresses for alterations? Between the dress, shoes & wrap I'm already over $200 for my outfit and that doesn't include alterations.

Thanks!

 

[audisight]

No they do not charge the same for Bridesmaids dresses since they do not have nearly as much detail. I know that the most they can charge for a BM and FG hem is $60. Hope this helps!

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

No they do not charge the same for Bridesmaids dresses since they do not have nearly as much detail. I know that the most they can charge for a BM and FG hem is $60. Hope this helps!

Thanks, what if it needs to be taken in? The style dress is #8567.
Thanks

 

[heatherlynn444]

no offense, but i thought the prices for alterations at David's were ridiculous. we took all our dresses to a local seamstress who charged half that much and we were very happy. so if you know someone...its a good way to save money. I do love david's bridal though! so no hard feelings!

 

[SRUAlmn]

no offense, but i thought the prices for alterations at David's were ridiculous. we took all our dresses to a local seamstress who charged half that much and we were very happy. so if you know someone...its a good way to save money. I do love david's bridal though! so no hard feelings!

That's what my mom suggested. Her seamstress told her she does bridal gowns all the time for a LOT less. The problem is my mom is in PA and I'm in SC and I don't 'know' anyone here enough that I trust them with my dress

 

[heatherlynn444]

That's what my mom suggested. Her seamstress told her she does bridal gowns all the time for a LOT less. The problem is my mom is in PA and I'm in SC and I don't 'know' anyone here enough that I trust them with my dress

karen- maybe you could find a friend who gets things altered/hemmed? thats what i did. i didn't know anyone directly, but found a good one someone reccommened (someone that I tursted reccommended hhaaha)

 

[pixie08]

So can they take the dress out an inch or 2? The dress just barely zips and i don't want to suffocate in it!

 

[audisight]

I will admit that the alterations at David’s are more then you would pay elsewhere. The good thing is that if for some reason they mess up the dress, the store will get you a new one. If you do take it somewhere else make sure you trust them and know the kind of work they do. I have had brides take their dresses to an outside seamstress and they did great work. I have also had brides who had their dress completely ruined because of a bad alteration job. Sometimes if you are have a good relationship with your consultant she may be able to refer you to another seamstress (we are not supposed to, but I know I let it slip every now and then ) G

 

[catwub]

audisight,
I cannot thank you enough for the insight!!! I actually overestimated a little, so I am okay...I hope I know it is high, but I agree that unless you REALLY know a seamstress or have a very trustworthy recommendation, I would rather be safe than sorry. Again, thanks so much for the help!!

Catwub

 

[audisight]

First, I want to say I am sooooo sorry for posting this so late. The last few days have been so crazy at work. However, I hope this makes up for it.

What I am about to post is a price list for basic alterations.
Disclaimer: This is for David’s Bridal alterations only. The prices may vary depending on the work you need and only an alterations specialist can tell you for sure what level you garment falls on.

Bridal Gowns only (prices go from simple, intermediate and difficult)
Take up Halter 20 30 40
Take up shoulders 20 35 50
Shorten straps 10 20
Take in/let out at bust 35 50 60
Take in/let out at waist 35 50 60
Hem 75 95 120
Open or close slit 10 15 50
Over bustle first three 35
Each additional over bustle 5
Under bustle first three 50
Each additional under bustle 7
Adding bra cups 20
Adding Velcro to veil 10
Rush Fee (2 week from pick up date) 25
Taper in/let out side seams on skirt 30 35 40

I will post the Non-bridal next

 

[audisight]

I spoke to the alteratons manager about your dress. She said that is was a great idea to tack the dress and it can be done. She recommended tacking the dress in various spots on the skirt because just tacking the bottom won't do much. Each tack should be $5 and she thinks you might need eight. I hope this helps!