The Process

Mansfield seamstress making alterations to wedding dress and stitching buttons

The alterations process starts with a chat about your dress, so that you can tell me your ideas and I can share technical suggestions. Please do reach out with any special requests - we love working on heirlooms passed down through families, preloved dresses and creating something entirely personalised to you

Our Services

  • Hem shortening

    Lace hem alterations

    High-low hems

    Removable underskirts

    Bustles

    Wrist loops

  • Sides taken in

    Reshaping

    Back length shortening

    Zip taken in

    Corset back addition

    Neckline reshaping

    Bardot alteration

    Cup or fillet addition

  • Shoulder lift

    Strap and sleeve shortening

    Strap and sleeve making

    Strap and sleeve replacement

    Bra strap carriers

  • Modesty panel addition

    Silicone elastic addition

    Embellishment addition

    Belt addition or shortening

    Belt making

    Veil shortening

    Dress steaming

    Dress packing

    Adding sentimental items

    Adding something blue

    Restyling dresses

    Lace appliqué work

    Beading

First

Fitting

At your initial consultation we will discuss your vision for your dress, decide on alterations and design changes, and book in your future fittings.

You will have between 2 and 3 further fittings before your dress is ready to wear. The amount you need will depend upon how much work is carried out, which areas of the dress are altered and whether the area worked on is embellished.

We start work with the bodice, ensuring that it is altered to the right size so that it sits in the correct place on the body, before we begin to look at hems.

Second

Fitting

The second fitting is when we will check the updated fit of your dress and have further discussions about decisions that still need to be made.

In order that we can make further tweaks if necessary, embellishments will be removed for this fitting and the dress will have unfinished seams.

If you are having work done to the bodice and hem, we will adjust the length now that your dress is sitting in the correct position on your body.

If you are having alterations that don’t affect the hem position, we will have altered the lining layers by the second fitting so that you can walk in your dress before outer fashion layers are finalised.

Further Fittings and Collection

Now that you are happy with the fit and any new additions, we will put back all linings, bindings and embellishments, and complete the hem.

You will have the opportunity to walk and sit in your dress, and iron out any final details before your collection.

Depending on where your event is taking place and how your dress will be transported and stored, we will give storage and steaming guidance as well as on-the-day advice.

For destination weddings we can pack your dress in your own carry-on luggage, allowing you to keep your dress with you at all times.

FAQs

  • Please bring the shoes, underwear, hoops/crinolines or shapewear that you intend to wear with the dress to all appointments, as these impact the fit and length.

    It can be helpful to bring veils and accessories to the initial consultation so that we can see how they work with the dress and if they need to be considered during the alterations process.

    If you are planning to switch shoes during the event, please bring both pairs and let us know during the initial consultation so that we can discuss your requirements.

  • Each dress varies in cost depending on factors such as embellishment, construction methods, custom made additions such as sleeves, how many layers of hems and how these have been finished - most dresses have a combination of different types including narrow rolled, cut net, lace appliqué and horsehair braid.

    It is for this reason that we don’t offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ pricing structure, and you will only pay for the actual work completed on your dress.

    We will discuss the cost breakdown of the proposed alterations before we start work on the dress, so that you can decide what you would like to spend, so please get in touch to explain what you would like to have done to your dress.

    Typically a bride will spend between £100 and £500.

    We take a 50% deposit at the first fitting and the balance upon collection of your completed dress.

  • As well as standard alterations to hems, shoulders and side seams, we are happy to complete custom design changes from the addition of sleeves, straps, belts and modesty panels to swapping a zip back for a corset back - all with your choice of fabrics and finishes.

    We are trained in pattern cutting so can make bespoke additions to your outfit or redesign a preloved dress. Find out more about us here.

  • We suggest booking your first fitting 8-12 weeks in advance of the wear date. This allows time to for us to have multiple fittings together, to source and order any fabrics or trims that might be required, and of course to complete the work on your dress.

    We understand that sometimes alterations might be needed last minute and we will always do our best to help.

    Our busiest time is March to September, so please get in touch as soon as possible to ensure we can fit you in.

  • We work primarily from our relaxed home studio in Pleasley, near Mansfield.

    Here you will have the opportunity to see where the alterations to your dress are carried out and have fittings within the space - we have a spacious changing area and comfy chair for a friend or family member to join you, and everything is on the ground floor.

    Working in this way means that we have all the materials and equipment we might need to hand during the fittings. Need a set of cups adding at the third fitting? No problem. Decided you want a modesty panel at the bust? We will have the fabrics to design that with you.

    You may prefer to have alterations at your home, or by prior arrangement at the store where you purchased your dress for an additional fitting cost per appointment. We are flexible depending on location and are happy to discuss the best place for fittings with you.

  • We want to ensure that you don’t feel rushed during your appointments - it’s so important to have enough time to make decisions and discuss the options for your dress.

    Each appointment usually lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The initial appointment is usually the longest, so that all the important details can be decided.

  • We understand that fitting things into your calendar during the wedding build up can be challenging, that’s why we offer evening and weekend appointments.

    Currently our fitting days are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, giving us the other days of the week to sew your dresses.

Let’s Work Together

Let us know about your plans and ideas for your wedding dress