Frequently Asked Questions

Can you alter a sample gown that is too big for me? Or a little tight?

We can make most gowns up to 10 sizes bigger or smaller. If you are shopping feel free to test us a pic from your shopping appointment and we can let you know what is possible.

I want to wear heels for my wedding then switch to flats. Can you hem my dress for both shoes?

Hems only work if we hem to the higher heel. A difference of an inch won't affect the hem. If you wear 3-5” heels we recommend changing to a wedge sneaker or platform shoes for dancing, We can often make your bustle adjustable to 2 heights.

How many fittings do you typically do?

Most wedding dress alterations require 3 fittings. For restyling, we may have as many as 6. We do the final fitting a week before the wedding to allow time for final tweaks. Suits, jumpsuits, and LWDs often only need 2 fittings.

How long does a dress fitting take?

Most consultations take an hour. Subsequent fittings take 30-60 minutes.

What do I need to bring to my fitting consultation?

You just need to bring your wedding dress or suit and a pair of shoes with the heel height you plan to wear. We have everything else you need, including shapewear, corsets, and even sticky cups you can try with your look. If you have special undies or accessories to try with your dress, feel free to bring those as well. We ask that you have your wedding shoes by your 2nd fitting.

Can I bring guests to my fittings?

Due to limited space, we ask that you bring up to two guests to your fitting. We are happy to have your bridal team join us through Zoom or Facetime. Let us know in advance so we can set up a meeting. If you have a large bridal party and would like to do fittings together we can arrange a private appointment.

What happens if my plans change and I need to cancel my alterations?

Most alterations we pin are in hands within a week of your fitting. We would only charge for the alterations work done. We can not refund payment for alterations that are complete.

What happens if I have to cancel my wedding?

If you cancel your wedding we will work with you to make the unfortunate circumstance as painless as possible, helping you to store, resell or donate your gown.

How long does it take to alter a vintage dress?

Vintage and antique dresses usually require up to six fittings, depending on the amount of work required.

I am bigger/taller than my mom/grandmother. Can you make her dress bigger?

Most brides are older (and larger) than the original wearer of the dress. We have several tricks we use to upsize dresses and we can make a dress up to 10 sizes bigger.

My gown is an antique and is torn in parts. Can you make fragile antique dresses wearable?

We have restored dresses from as far back as 1895, and we have restyled and resized dresses from the 1920s - 1980s. We can reinforce dry rotted fabrics, or source vintage fabrics and lace to use for repairs or replace parts of a dress. Susan’s background in costuming and experience handling vintage and antique dresses means your heirloom will be in very experienced hands.

Can you alter/restyle vintage veils?

We can alter or restyle your vintage veils. We often make vintage headpieces and veils that are attached to modernized hair accessories.

What should I bring to my vintage alterations consultation?

You just need to bring your dress and shoes with the heel height you plan to wear. We have shapewear, corsets, and crinolines in stock that you can try with your dress.

What should I bring to my vintage restyling appointment?

For restyling projects we recommend collecting images of necklines, sleeves, skirt shapes, etc., that have the look you are going for. If you have Google Doc or Pinterest Board, please email those to us ahead of your consultation. If you are unsure about what you want, Susan is happy to guide your restyling.

Do you charge for vintage consultations?

For vintage refurbishing or resizing we will charge a consultation fee of $50. For vintage restyling consultations, we charge a $100 fee. During your appointment, we will go through your inspiration, discuss restyling options, and create a sketch of your new design.

How much do you charge for vintage services?

Some vintage dresses run the same as usual alterations, which average $600 - $995, but most work on vintage and antique dresses runs $1500 and up. We recommend leaving some wiggle room in your budget to allow for changes as we go through the process.

When should I schedule my first fitting?

Bridal alterations typically take 6-12 weeks or more. Suits, bridesmaids, moms and party dresses take 2 fittings in 2-4 weeks.

How many fittings do you typically do?

Most wedding dress alterations require 3 fittings. For restyling, we may have as many as 6. We do the final fitting a week before the wedding to allow time for final tweaks. Suits, jumpsuits and LWDs often only need 2 fittings.

How long does a dress fitting take?

Most consultations take an hour. Subsequent fittings take 30-60 minutes.

How long does the typical alteration process take?

Bridal alterations typically take 6-12 weeks, though with so many couples eloping we have a lot of 2 week turnarounds. Our rush service is 3 fittings in 4 days. In a pinch we can do alterations overnight.

How long does it take to alter a vintage dress?

Vintage and antique dresses usually require up to six fittings, depending on the amount of work required.

My wedding is coming up quickly. Do you offer rush alterations?

Recently we have had lots of elopements so lots of 1-2 week turnarounds. Our rush service is 3 fittings in 4 days, but we have altered gowns overnight in a pinch. Our rush charges are as follows; less than 4 weeks 30%, 3 weeks 40%, 2 weeks 50%.

How much do wedding dress alterations cost?

Most salons that offer alterations charge a flat rate for taking in the sides, hemming and creating a bustle. In Baltimore, a standard flat rate is $800, in and NYC it’s around $995. At The Wedding Dresser, we itemize and charge only by the amount of work needed.

How much do you charge for vintage services?

Some vintage dresses run the same as usual alterations, which average $495 - $995, but most work on vintage and antique dresses runs $1500 and up. We recommend leaving some wiggle room in your budget to allow for changes as we go through the process.

Do you charge for styling appointments?

You are always welcome to come into the studio to try on accessories with your dress. If you are not doing alterations, you are welcome to bring your dream dress and get advice from our stylists.

How do you accept payment?

For alterations we charge a 50% deposit and 50% upon delivery. We accept payment by cash, check or credit card including Amex. Bespoke separates and restyling must be paid in full when ordering.

Do you charge for consultations?

Due high demand we usually start with a free virtual consultation for alterations, restyling and vintage. In-person consultations are $35. You can book your virtual or in-person consultation on our website.

Do you charge for vintage consultations?

For vintage refurbishing or resizing we charge a consultation fee of $100. For vintage restyling consultations, we charge a $100 fee. During your appointment, we will go through your inspiration, discuss restyling options, and create a sketch of your new design.

What is your accessories return policy?

We accept returns of jewelry, headpieces and accessories in exchange for credit. Bespoke pieces and shapewear are non-refundable.

What happens if my plans change and I need to cancel my alterations?

Most alterations we pin are in hands within a week of your fitting. We would only charge for the alterations work done. We can not refund payment for alterations that are complete.

What happens if I have to cancel my wedding?

If you cancel your wedding we will work with you to make the unfortunate circumstance as painless as possible, helping you to store, resell or donate your gown.

Do you charge for consultations?

Due to COVID-19 we usually start with a free virtual consultation for alterations, restyling and vintage. In-person consultations are $50. You can book your virtual or in-person consultation on our website.

Can I bring guests to my fittings?

Due to COVID-19 we ask that you limit yourself to one guest. We are happy to have your bridal team join us through Zoom or Facetime. Let us know in advance so we can set up a meeting. If you have a large bridal party and would like to do fittings together we can arrange a private appointment.

How are you keeping staff and clients safe during COVID-19?

We have a large, well-ventilated studio with high ceilings and will be keeping windows open and fans running. We ask that you and your guests wear face masks.