Welcome to I Do Bridal Alterations by Sara
I have over 35 years experience sewing and 15 years altering wedding dresses. I’ve taken several specialized classes in wedding dress alterations and bustling.
Below are some questions that I would love for you to read over before choosing to contact me.
What type of client do you Serve?
I do alterations and modifications to wedding dresses and formal dresses. Formal dresses include brides maids, mother of bride/groom, prom and pageant dresses.
What are your hours?
Hours are by appointment only.
What should I bring to my fitting?
Your dress (of course), your shoes you plan to wear, as well as your undergarments you plan to wear. If you are not sure about undergarments, we can discuss and I can recommend some at the consultation appointment. If you do not have your shoes, you may wear something of similar heal height. Just be aware that it’s not always easy adding to a hemline if your shoe heal height is higher than you predicted and changing the hemline a second time will incur additional charges.
Whom should I bring to my appointment?
I have a small space and only have room for 1 other person. We may be able to accommodate 2 people, but please let me know ahead of time as I only have one extra chair. They may end up sitting on the floor.
How long is the appointment?
Appointments can be anywhere from half to a full hour long. Initial consultation appointments tend to last an hour. Please be aware of this if you have small children.
What are your payment policies?
A deposit of $100 ($50 for non brides) is due once you have decided I will be altering your dress and have signed a simple contract. We can set up payments through the next few fittings, but payment will be made in full before you can take the dress home. I take Cash, Venmo and Credit Cards. Check payments will place a hold on the dress until the funds have cleared.
How far in advanced do I need to make the appointment?
The initial appoint for wedding dresses should be 4-6 months before the wedding. Other formal gowns, depending on the work needed, should be at least 2 months before the event. All gowns that are less than 2-3 weeks before the event will be charges a rush fee.
Can I store my dress with you until the event?
Yes!
Do you offer steaming and pressing services?
Yes.
Do you have a gown cleaning service?
I am currently taking a gown cleaning class. Until that time I am not comfortable doing the work myself, I have a local dry cleaner I work with if you need your dress cleaned.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
We will have a fitting where we discuss what alterations or modifications are needed and work up a contract and price estimate.
What is the difference between an alteration and a modification?
An alterations is taking in a tuck here and there, adjusting straps, hemming and bustling the gown. A modification is making a change to the gown such as adding a gusset panel, changing the height to the bodice area, adding sleeves, adding a modesty panel, changing out the zipped back to a corset style closure, etc.
Are photos allowed during fitting?
Yes, but please do not post any unflattering photos of your sewist. That’s not nice and she is the one working on your gown. 😉
Do you have a written price list?
No! I cannot estimate what work is needed until I see you in the dress up close and personal. All dresses are different and all brides are build differently.