# Formal dress alterations — in 1–2 working days > Evening gown, cocktail or gala dress not sitting right? We alter most formal dresses in one to two working days — hem, waist, straps and zip. No weeks of lead time like a wedding dress. Dress hem from €18, straps from €15, zip from €25. Workshops across Berlin, Brandenburg and the Altmark. - Source: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/festtagskleid-aendern - Language: en-GB - Updated: 2026-09-12 - Business: wiederjut — tailoring and alterations since 2003, workshops in Tangermünde, Bernau bei Berlin, Berlin and Strausberg. - Full site text: https://wiederjut.com/llms-full.txt ## In short - Hem from €18, evening and cocktail dress from €25, straps from €15 - Zip from €25 - Usually one to two working days — no weeks of lead time - No appointment needed — just come in - Workshops in Berlin, Brandenburg and the Altmark ## How quickly it's done Most formal dresses are ready in one to two working days — a shortened hem or a taken-in waist often the same day if the workshop has room. No weeks of lead time like a wedding dress: formal wear runs as a standard alteration. Only elaborate work on multi-layered tulle, sequins or an integrated bodice takes longer — we'll give you a firm date at the fitting. ## What we alter on a formal dress The most common work on evening, cocktail and ball gowns. - Shortening the hem — matched to your heel height, single-layer or with lining and tulle. - Taking the waist in or out — so the dress sits cleanly instead of pulling or sliding. - Adjusting bust and back — cups, darts and back neckline to your figure. - Shortening or moving straps — so they stop slipping and sit at the right neckline height. - Replacing a zip — when it sticks or has burst just before the event. - Small repairs — open seams, loose sequins, torn loops. ## How the alteration works From dropping by to the finished dress. 1. **Drop by** — Bring the dress and the shoes you'll wear on the day. No appointment for small jobs; book one for a calm fitting. 2. **Fitting & pinning** — We pin the hem, waist and straps while you're wearing the dress, then give you a firm price and pickup day. 3. **Workshop** — The work usually takes one to two working days. If we're busy or the fabric is demanding, we tell you up front when it'll take longer. 4. **Pickup** — Balance on pickup, cash or debit card. Tight on time? Ask about express — often it's same day. ## Prices All prices include 19% VAT. Final price once we've seen the dress. - **Hem:** Plain dress or skirt from €18, lined or layered evening and cocktail dress from €25. One to two working days. - **Straps:** Shorten, move or re-sew, from €15. - **Zip:** Dress or skirt from €25, jacket or coat from €30. - **Waist & bust:** On request. Depends on fabric, layers and work involved. ## What to bring to the fitting So the hem and fit are right on the first go. - The shoes you'll wear on the day — heel height decides the hem. - The right underwear or a bustier — strap and neckline height depend on it. - Someone to come with you if the dress fastens at the back and you need a hand getting into it. - The date of the event — so we set the pickup safely before it. ## Tricky fabrics, assessed honestly Chiffon, satin, lace and sequins don't forgive a second row of needle holes — old marks stay visible. We unpick sequins along the hem edge by hand and set them back afterwards, and with multi-layered tulle each layer is finished on its own. If a fabric won't take an alteration cleanly, we say so openly — better an honest no than visible botched work on the day. ## If the event is tomorrow We can often do plain hem and seam work the same day — call ahead so we can keep a slot free. For same-day repairs like a burst seam or a stuck zip, just drop by. What we can't reliably promise at the last minute is elaborate fit work on multi-layered dresses. ## Frequently asked questions about formal dress alterations ### How long does altering a formal dress take? Most formal dresses are ready in one to two working days. Plain hem or seam work often the same day. Only elaborate work on tulle, sequins or a bodice takes longer — we'll give you a firm date at the fitting. ### What does it cost to shorten an evening dress? Hem on a plain dress from €18, on a lined or layered evening dress from €25. Straps from €15, zip from €25. Waist and bust on request — depending on fabric and work. We give the final price after the fitting. ### Can a dress with sequins or lace be altered? Yes. We unpick sequins along the hem edge by hand and set them back afterwards, and work lace along its pattern. If a fabric won't take a clean alteration, we say so openly. ### Do I need an appointment? Not for small jobs and same-day repairs — just drop by. For a calm fitting with pinning, it's best to book an appointment. ### Can it be done at very short notice before the event? Plain hem and seam work often the same day — please call ahead so we can keep a slot free. We can't reliably promise elaborate fit work on multi-layered dresses at short notice. ### What should I bring to the fitting? The shoes you'll wear on the day and the right underwear or a bustier. Both decide the hem length and the strap and neckline height. ## More guides - What a tailor changes that brands cannot: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/perfekte-passform-schneider - The fit problems built into every mass-market piece: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/fast-fashion-passformprobleme - How to read a suit fitting — top to bottom: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/anzug-fitting-regeln - Dirndl & Tracht alterations: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/dirndl-tracht-aendern - Taking clothes in to fit: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/kleidung-enger-machen - Suit alterations: what's possible, what it costs: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/anzug-aendern-lassen ## Contact & workshops - wiederjut Tangermünde: Lange Str. 62, 39590 Tangermünde, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/tangermuende-elbemarkt-lange-62 - wiederjut Bernau: Berliner Straße 52, 16321 Bernau bei Berlin, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/bernau-berliner-strasse-52 - wiederjut Berlin Baumschulenstraße: Baumschulenstraße 36, 12437 Berlin, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/en/standort/berlin-baumschulenstrasse-36 - wiederjut Strausberg: Große Straße 63, 15344 Strausberg, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/strausberg-grosse-strasse-63 - WhatsApp: https://wa.me/4915233958491 - Appointment: Not needed for most alterations. For wedding dresses, please call ahead. - Languages: We advise in German and English. - Payment methods: Cash, debit card - All locations: https://wiederjut.com/en/standort