Wedding dress alterations: cost, fittings & timeline

01

What the alteration costs

The most common work on a wedding dress is the hem — with us from €45. Fit (taking in or letting out) and bodice depend heavily on fabric, layers and the work involved, so we quote those on request after the fitting. As a rough guide: while a simple hem stays in the tens of euros, extensive fit or bodice work on multi-layered dresses can run into the hundreds. We give the firm final price once we've seen the dress on the body — no surprises.

02

Wedding dress alterations — price guide

All prices include 19% VAT. Final price once we've seen the dress.

Hem

From €45. Usually one to two working days.

Fit (take in / let out)

On request. Depends on fabric, layers and work.

Bodice

On request. Lacing and boning are priced individually.

Strap adjustment

From €15.

Zip replacement

From €25.

03

How many fittings you need

Usually one fitting with pinning is enough — then the work happens in the workshop and you collect the finished dress. Only for extensive fit or bodice work on multi-layered dresses does a second fitting make sense. That's a difference from many bridal studios, which schedule two to three appointments over several weeks.

04

Your timeline — relaxed, not weeks of waiting

How the alteration works with us, without planning weeks ahead.

1. 01

   Wait until the dress is here

   You only need to come once you have the dress and the wedding shoes — not weeks before.

2. 02

   Book an appointment

   For bridal we work by appointment so we can pin in peace. A call or a quick visit is enough.

3. 03

   Fitting & pinning

   We pin the hem, fit, bodice and straps while you're wearing the dress. You get the final price and the pickup day.

4. 04

   Workshop: one to two working days

   Most dresses are ready in one to two working days. We flag elaborate layers up front.

5. 05

   Pickup just before the day

   You collect the dress when it suits you — even at short notice before the wedding.

05

When you should start

With us you don't have to start eight weeks ahead. As soon as the dress and shoes are here, you can come — plain hem work often even just before the day. Allow a little more room only if the dress is very elaborate (full-length lace, an integrated corset, sequins) or a second fitting is needed. If the wedding is imminent, call ahead — even in peak season we move urgent jobs to the front and keep a slot free.

06

Alter or buy new?

A dress whose cut you like and that only needs length or waist work can almost always be altered — for a fraction of a new one. But we'll say openly when the work isn't worth it or when an alteration would ruin the character of the dress. Better an honest assessment than expensive work that doesn't make you happy in the end.