Alterations FAQ
Helpful Things to Know
Quick answers to common questions. You’ll find more detailed explanations throughout the page.
When should I schedule my first fitting?
About 2–3 months before your event date. Appointments open 6 months in advance.
Are consultations required?
No. Consultations are optional and available for those who would like guidance before scheduling a fitting. ($30)
How much do alterations cost?
Pricing varies by gown and work needed. A full breakdown is provided at your fitting.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Your dress, shoes (or similar heel height), and undergarments/shapewear.
Do I need to buy a bra before my fitting?
Usually not. Bra cups can often be added, and we carry options in stock.
How long are appointments?
Wedding gowns: about 1 hour
Special occasion dresses: about 30 minutes
When do I pay?
The remaining balance is due at pickup. Cash/check (preferred), card, Venmo, or PayPal accepted.
How can I avoid rush fees or extra appointments?
Scheduling early helps the most, as our calendar often fills months in advance. Plan your first fitting 2–3 months before the wedding, bring your shoes and undergarments, and try your dress on again about 3 weeks before your event to keep everything on track.
What if my timeline is short?
We’ll always try to help if we have availability. Rush fees may apply.
What if I need changes after I take my dress home?
Additional adjustments after pickup are treated as new work.
Do you do the work in-house?
Yes. All alterations are completed in-house with care and attention to detail.
Will my dress fit perfectly the first time?
Most gowns take more than one fitting and may require an additional pickup visit to fully perfect the fit.
TIMELINE & BOOKING
When should I schedule my first fitting?
We recommend scheduling your first fitting 2–3 months before your event date for the most accurate fit. Our calendar opens 6 months in advance and fills quickly, so booking early is encouraged.
Can I book earlier than 3 months before my wedding?
Yes. We’re happy to complete alterations earlier if you prefer. Just know that if your body changes after pickup, any additional sewing will be treated as new work.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. We are by appointment only so we can give each client focused, uninterrupted attention.
Do I schedule one appointment per dress?
Yes — please schedule one appointment for each gown you plan to bring. If you have multiple dresses, booking back-to-back appointments works well.
Can I schedule my fitting directly with Kendra?
Yes. For clients who would like their fitting personally guided by Kendra, a Designer Appointment may be scheduled for $30 to reserve her time and expertise.
How far in advance do appointments open?
Our calendar opens 6 months in advance.
CONSULTATIONS & COST
Are consultations free?
Consultations are $30 and include a professional fit assessment and discussion of alteration options.
How much do alterations cost?
Pricing varies depending on the gown, fabric, and work involved. During your fitting, we’ll walk through everything and provide a clear breakdown before any work begins.
When do I pay?
The remaining balance is due at your pickup appointment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash or check (preferred), credit card, Venmo, or PayPal.
Is there a discount for cash or check?
Yes — we offer a 2.5% discount for payments made by cash or check.
TIMELINE & RUSH FEES
What if my wedding is soon?
We will always do our best to help if we have availability.
Rush fees may apply:
-Under 2 weeks: 10%
-Under 10 days: 20%
-Pickup outside normal availability: 40% overtime fee
What if I need changes after I take my dress home?
Any additional sewing requested after pickup is treated as new work and may include additional charges.
Should I try my dress on again before the wedding?
Yes — we recommend trying it on about 3 weeks before your event to allow time for any last adjustments and avoid rush fees.
WHAT TO BRING
What should I bring to my fitting?
-Your dress
-Shoes (or similar heel height)
-Undergarments or shapewear you plan to wear
These items affect fit and hem length.
What if I don’t have my shoes yet?
We can still begin alterations, but you may need a separate hem appointment later:
-Full additional appointment: $60
-Hem-only pinning: $30
Do I need to buy a bra?
Usually not. We can often add bra cups during alterations, and we carry multiple types in stock.
Should I bring shapewear?
If your dress is fitted through the hips, shapewear (like Spanx) can help create a smooth silhouette.
APPOINTMENT DETAILS
How long does a fitting take?
-Special occasion dress: ~30 minutes
-Wedding gown: ~1 hour
How long is a pickup appointment?
-Special occasion dress: ~15 minutes
-Wedding gown: ~30 minutes
What happens at the first fitting?
We assess the fit, pin adjustments, discuss options, review pricing, and confirm your pickup timeline.
FIT & EXPECTATIONS
Will my dress fit perfectly the first time?
Most gowns require a fitting and then a pickup adjustment check. Occasionally, a small follow-up appointment is needed to perfect the final fit.
What if my weight fluctuates?
This is why we recommend alterations 2–3 months before the event. Major body changes after pickup may require additional work.
CARE & DURABILITY
What if something comes loose after alterations?
Gowns go through hours of movement, hugs, dancing, and bustle weight. While we reinforce everything carefully, small elements can occasionally shift.
If something appears to be a workmanship issue, we’re always happy to take a look.
EXPERIENCE QUESTIONS
Do you do the work in-house?
Yes. All structural and detail work is completed in-house by our team.
Will I have the same seamstress each time?
We work as a team, but your gown is handled with consistent care and documentation at every step.
Can you add custom elements like sleeves or lace?
Yes — custom detail work is available depending on timeline and complexity.
Custom Design FAQ
Helpful Things to Know
Quick answers below, with more details throughout the page.
How long does a custom dress take to make?
At least 2 months is required. More time is recommended for complex designs.
How many appointments are needed?
Most custom gowns include a design consultation, mock-up stages, a final garment fitting, and pickup.
Is there a fee for custom design consultations?
Yes. Custom design consultations are $60 and include a one-hour session focused on developing your ideas, selecting direction, and creating a sketch or AI rendering to help bring the vision to life.
How much does a custom wedding dress cost?
Custom gowns typically start around $2,000 and average about $2,500 with alterations included.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. Half of the total is due before work begins.
Can you copy a dress I found online?
No gown is copied exactly. We use inspiration to design something unique to you.
What should I bring to my appointments?
Shoes and undergarments help us design and fit your garment accurately.
Will my dress require multiple fittings?
Yes. Multiple visits are a normal part of achieving the best fit.
What if I live out of town?
Your gown can be shipped, and a discount is applied to account for alterations done locally.
Can the design change after we start?
Small adjustments are often possible early in the process.
When is the final payment due?
The remaining balance is due at pickup.
GETTING STARTED
How do I know if custom is right for me?
Custom is a great option if you haven’t found the dress you envisioned, want specific features added, or would like something designed to suit your body and style from the start.
What if I’ve never designed a dress before?
That’s completely normal. Most clients come in with inspiration rather than a full design. We’ll guide you through the process and help shape the details into something that feels like you.
What if I’m not sure what I want yet?
That’s okay. The consultation is a collaborative process. We’ll talk through ideas, silhouettes, and fabrics to help you discover what feels right.
Can you help me choose what will look best on my body?
Yes. Part of the design process is helping you select shapes, structure, and details that complement your body and feel comfortable to wear.
Is custom more stressful than buying a dress?
Most clients find the opposite. Because the dress is built with your input and fitted along the way, the process tends to feel calm, intentional, and personal.
TIMELINE & APPOINTMENTS
How long does it take to make a custom gown?
A minimum of two months is required. More complex designs or fuller schedules may require additional time, so earlier planning is encouraged.
How many appointments should I expect?
Most custom garments involve a design consultation, mock-up stages, a final garment fitting, and a pickup appointment. Additional fittings may be needed depending on design complexity.
What happens at the design consultation?
We discuss your ideas, review inspiration, sketch the design, select fabrics, and provide a price estimate. This appointment begins the planning process for your gown.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
How does the mock-up process work?
Custom garments are developed in stages: a foundation mock-up to establish shape and structure, a refined mock-up fitting to contour and refine details, and a final garment fitting once the dress is fully constructed.
Will the design be final after the consultation?
Major elements are set early, but smaller refinements may happen during the mock-up stages to ensure the best fit and overall look.
What if my body changes during the process?
Small adjustments can be made at later fittings to maintain the best possible fit.
DETAILS, PAYMENT & FINAL STEPS
How much do custom wedding gowns cost?
Custom wedding dresses typically start around $2,500 and average about $3,500, with alterations included. Final pricing depends on fabric, detail work, and design complexity.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A payment of half the total is due before work begins. The remaining balance is due at pickup.
Can you recreate a dress I found online or in a store?
We do not copy gowns exactly to preserve designer integrity. Instead, we use inspiration to create a one-of-a-kind design based on the elements you love.
What should I bring to my fittings?
Please bring shoes (or similar heel height) and undergarments or shapewear. These help us determine accurate proportions and fit throughout the process.
What if I don’t live nearby?
If your garment will be shipped and fittings are not completed in-house, a discount is applied to account for alterations that may need to be done locally.
What happens at pickup?
You’ll try on your completed garment, we’ll check final fit details, and you’ll take your gown home. The remaining balance is due at that time.
