Many brides arrive at their first appointment unsure what to ask for. Is a new neckline an alteration? Are sleeves a redesign? When does it make more sense to start from scratch?
The answer shapes your timeline, your budget and the kind of appointment you book. Here is how we explain the three services.
Bridal alterations: refining the gown you have
Alterations make your gown fit you perfectly while keeping the designer’s original concept. The design itself doesn’t change.
Typical alterations include:
- hemming the skirt and its layers
- taking in the bodice and side seams
- adjusting straps and the bust
- adding a bustle for the reception
Choose alterations if you love the dress as it is and simply want it to fit like it was made for you. Book your consultation three to four months before the wedding. See bridal alterations.
Gown redesign: changing the design of your own gown
A redesign changes the dress itself. Something is added, removed or reshaped so the gown becomes a version that never existed before.
Typical redesigns include:
- a new neckline, or a plunge closed with illusion tulle or lace
- sleeves or straps added, permanent or detachable
- a zipper converted to a corset back
- a reshaped silhouette or a new train
- a removable overskirt for a second look
- an heirloom gown, such as your mother’s, reworked for you
Choose a redesign if you love most of your gown but something is missing. The work takes four to five months, so book a design consultation about seven months before your wedding. Redesigns start from $2,500. See wedding gown redesign.
Custom gown: designed and made for you
A custom gown is created from the beginning around you: your body, your vision and your wedding. There is no existing dress to work within.
Choose a custom gown if you haven’t found a dress that feels right, or the changes you want would mean rebuilding most of a gown anyway. For custom gowns, we source the fabric. Custom gowns start from $4,800. See custom gowns.
Not sure which one fits?
Ask yourself three questions:
- Do I love the design, and only the fit is wrong? Alterations.
- Do I love most of the design, but want to change part of it? Redesign.
- Would I change more than I’d keep? A custom gown is often the better path.
Many projects combine alterations and redesign. A bride adding sleeves still needs the hem and bodice fitted. We plan both together, so every change works as one design.
What happens at the consultation
We look at your gown on you, talk through what you love and what feels missing, and recommend the right path. You leave with a clear quote before any work begins. The consultation fee is waived if you go ahead with us.