What to Expect
Consultation
We offer in person consultations by appointment on Wednesday mornings. There is a $50 fee, which goes towards your alterations if you move forward with the alterations the same day. We are happy to provide an email consultation/ estimate, at no charge! All we need is for you provide photographs and a list of what you think needs to be done to your gown.
Fittings
1st Fittings: 30min appointment(bridal) 15min(maids/moms) We like to start a minimum of 10-12 weeks prior to the wedding, and require a $150(bridal) $50(maids/moms) deposit to hold your first appointment. The deposit is credited towards your alterations. Deposits are only refundable if you cancel 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. In the busier months we book up quickly so suggest booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Please bring the shoes you are planning to wear with your gown to your first appointment, if you don’t have the exact shoes something the same height is fine. If you are wearing specific undergarments, it is helpful to have those at the first appointment also. If you are wanting bra cups sewn into your gown, we have those in stock. At the first appointment we discuss what needs to be done and pin your gown. Our studio is small, but you are welcome to bring up to 3 people with you. Payment is required at the time of the first fitting.
2nd Fittings: 15-30min appointment At your second fitting, we go over all the alterations that have been completed and mark any additional changes that need to be done. It’s very important that you communicate any questions or concerns at this time. You will need to bring your shoes to this appointment also and if possible bring someone with you to learn how to bustle your gown. We are happy to video the bustle if you can’t bring someone. We do our very best to have everything completed and perfect at your second fitting. However, sometimes additional fitting are required, depending on the gown and how extensive the alterations are. Please keep this in mind if you are traveling from a distance. If you are having us press your gown it will not be pressed until after your last fitting.
Additional fittings: 15-30min Additional fittings may be required, as we want your dress to be perfect. We will schedule those as needed. If we fit your dress far in advance we suggest a final fitting 3 weeks before to make sure everything still fits perfectly. Extra fittings are usually required if we are doing major changes, such as adding a corset back, making custom sleeves, adding beading ect… We do not charge for extra fittings.
Custom vintage dress services
We would love working with you to recreate your loved ones vintage gown! We have a lot of experience turning your mom/grandmas gown, into a fun rehearsal or reception dress. We can also use pieces of the gown to add to yours or create a special veil. This service will require an in person consultation to go over what is possible and prices.
Accessories
We carry a full line of wonderful accessories, at reasonable prices. Including veils, jewelry, headpieces, belts/sashes and garters. If you are wanting to shop accessories let us know when scheduling your first fitting so we can allow extra time.
Pressing
There is an additional charge for pressing (see our price list) once you have had your last fitting, you can leave your gown and veil with us to press. We suggest picking it up the week of the wedding or weekend before. Your gown will be put in a long bag, so the train is down. PLEASE bring a larger empty car so there is plenty of room for your gown. You will want to plan on going straight home to hang it up. We do require you to sign a release form when picking up your gown. If you are planning to have someone pick the gown up for you please, let us know in advance so we can have you sign remotely. If you are traveling with your gown, you will want to make arrangements ahead of time to have it pressed at your destination.
Cleaning
After your wedding we are happy to help with the cleaning process. There us 2 options. The first is to just have your gown cleaned. The second is to have it cleaned and preserved in an archival box. (See price list) We have worked with 2 trusted services for over 15 years. Either way you bring the gown back to us and we do the rest. An appointment isn't necessary, but please let us know when you want to drop off to make sure we are open. We suggest having your gown cleaned soon after the wedding so stains and dirt don’t set in.