A few days ago, I went in for my appointment at Bridal Alterations, which is part of Designer Alterations at Queenstown Road in Battersea. The Pronovias store recommended this alterations service. If you buy dresses at the Pronovias store, they have their own in-house alterations but for the dresses they sell at sample sales, they recommend an external alterations service company. I looked at their brochure and my cousin, the fashion designer estimated that the alterations would cost about £700. Thats the price of a new dress for some people so I thought it would be a bit too much. However, the Pronovias saleswoman said that my alterations shouldnt cost more than £200. With such a difference in prices, I didnt know how much to expect.

I saw another bridal alterations place in Battersea called Busting Divas and I observed that their prices were a lot more reasonable. For example, to make a dress from scratch it was £500 whereas Designer Alterations charge from £1,500 for bespoke dresses. But my cousin warned me against going to any old alterations place because they could really ruin your dress and what you have already paid for  

First of all, I had a lot of trouble finding the Bridal Alterations store. Queenstown road runs on either sides of a round about so print out a map or get satnav if you are heading their way. Also, they have a small area for free parking, which is useful as we were driving there. The seamstress who looked at my dress took me into their fitting room and helped me into my lingerie and then dress. She said that I would have to take in from the back and the sides, and at the bottom would have to shorten the hems. Because my dress has three layers, I would be charged twice for shortening the hems – first the tulle at the bottom and then the lace bit. She estimated that shortening the hem of the bottom layer would be £90 and then the lace would be about £150. I thought those prices were a bit steep. Then she said that to take in from the sides and the back, it would be £240. I thought this was a reasonable price because I knew the bulk of the work would be taking it from the sides and the back and thats the most important bit. 

In addition to these estimates, Bridal Alterations charge a £20 fee for every half an hour it takes to do a fitting. I dont know if other alterations services have this policy. I thought an initial consultation would be free, but then again, as my fiance says, everyone is out to make money in London. Whilst paying the deposit, the lady asked me where my wedding was and she didnt even look up when I spoke. Also she said “lovely” and I think she would say lovely even if I had said my wedding was in Mars. The seamstress said my dress was gorgeous towards the end, made me think she said it to close the deal. Is it just me or am I getting more cynical because the wedding industry is such a rip off! I also noticed that a little bridesmaids dress on the wall had an alterations price tag of £120. I only know that Suri Cruise wears dresses that expensive.

So I have my appointment in 2 weeks time to get my last fittings and see that the alterations I asked for were correct. I guess its another way for them to make £20. Interestingly, when we were looking at the diary, she said she was only free in June and then pointed out that there was a £3 a week fee for storing the dress!!!!! So beware of all alterations places, they will charge you wherever they can. In fact, I was thinking its funny how tailors earn more than lawyers per hour. Welcome to the wedding business.

I’m pasting the prices for Bridal Alterations if you want to have a look: 

Related posts:

1. Wedding Dress Alterations and Dry Cleaning
2. A Tale of Two Veils
3. My wedding dress from Pronovias
4. Old Man gives me advice on Wedding Dress
5. Wedding Lingerie