Finding the right person to do your wedding dress alterations is a decision that is almost as important as finding your dream dress itself. On your wedding day, your dress should look like it was made specifically for you and your body, so nailing the alterations process is crucial. There are a few different options for where to go for your wedding dress alterations, but the best choice for you will depend on your budget and what kind of experience you are looking for. With a little help from our friend Kati of Topaz Thimble, we’re breaking down the options to help you decide who should do your wedding dress alterations.
The Boutique Where You Purchased Your Wedding Dress
Many bridal boutiques offer in-house alterations. These can be done by a seamstress or tailor who is a part of the boutique’s staff, or a partner sewist who works as an independent contractor for the boutique. One of the major advantages of having your dress altered at the boutique where you bought it can be convenience. Since you have already shopped there, you will likely have a rapport with the boutique staff, trust them, and feel comfortable there. In addition, the boutique can likely give you an estimate on dress alterations before you purchase, and certainly at your first dress fitting. Generally speaking, alterations done by a bridal boutique tend to be a little more expensive than those done by an independent seamstress or tailor. Furthermore, it is important to note that if you have your dress altered where you purchased the gown, these services are taxed in Pennsylvania. Be sure to factor this into your overall budget!
Some, but certainly not all, boutiques hire separate garment fitters and sewers, so the person who conducts your dress fittings may or may not be the same person who will work on your dress. If the boutique uses partner sewists, work on your gown may or may not be done at the boutique. Some partner seamstresses work out of their own studio and take dresses there to complete the alterations. This could make you feel more nervous or worried about the alterations process and how your dress will look afterwards. The environment at the boutique can feel a bit more traditional and “bridal” but with so many other brides-to-be present, it can also be fast-paced and overwhelming to some.
An Independent Seamstress or Tailor
There are many independent seamstresses or tailors – such as Topaz Thimble and The Iron Horse Atelier – who specialize in wedding dress alterations. These skilled sewers operate out of their own studios and offer a boutique experience. At your fittings, the only people present will be you, the seamstress, and whomever you choose to bring with you. This intimate environment tends to be calmer and you receive a ton of one-on-one attention. You will work very closely with the seamstress, which will likely instill a strong sense of trust and confidence that you may not get if you choose to have your alterations done elsewhere. Because these sewers operate independently, their costs tend to be more expensive when compared to general alterations providers. However, these services are not taxed in Pennsylvania since they are provided at a different location from which you purchased the dress. Reputable and skilled independent seamstresses and tailors can be a little difficult to find but we have narrowed down our favorite Pittsburgh wedding dress alterations specialists in the Burgh Brides Vendor Guide.
General Alteration Providers
There are some regional and national retailers and dry cleaners that offer alteration services. This is usually the least expensive option, and these services are not taxed in Pennsylvania. However, be sure to do your research! At some national chains, the sewers may not have a lot or any experience with wedding dresses, which require particular attention to detail. Their ability to do custom work may be limited as well. If a general alterations provider is your choice, we suggest doing with a local retailer, such as Alterations Express or Owl Premier & Bridal. After the alterations are complete, you may have to request a final fitting, versus simply picking up your dress and taking it home to try on, which is usually the standard. The environment at national retails can be very in-and-out, so if you’re looking for an alterations experience that will put you in the wedding spirit, this likely isn’t it. Again, this is when we’d recommend a local retailer.
