Wedding Dress Alterations Surrey
Bryony's vintage wedding dress was taken in on the bodice, bust waist and top of skirt to match with wedding dress alterations Surrey. The straps were adjusted and relined for a lighter look. The back neckline was lowered and buttons added. I also made her custom veil.
The Dress Alchemist
- Wedding Dress Alterations
Alterations for size or styling to shop bought or vintage wedding dresses are important to make a dress look like it belongs to you and to give you confidence on your big day. Very few people are a standard dress size so most dresses need adjustment to the bodice, hem length and straps. Changes to the style; adding straps, changing the neckline or adding lace appliqué can transform an off the peg dress into something uniquely special.
I take on a limited number of alterations per month.
I am now taking bookings for the 2026 season. Booking early for the popular summer sewing slots is encouraged.
See FAQ below for an in depth look at how your alterations will be accomplished and guide prices, or download the same information as a PDF leaflet for wedding dress alterations Surrey.
I have worked in bridal alterations for more than 22 years and there is very little I cannot manage. If you are unsure your dress can be altered the way you would like I can offer advice at a free fitting consultation.
For price guide, scroll down.
Wedding dress alterations surrey
FAQ
How long do wedding dress alterations take?
I usually accomplish most alteration jobs in 1-2 days sewing, however I normally space your fittings 1-2 weeks apart to allow me to fit your sewing around other work and commitments.
I recommend alteration work is started 3-6 weeks before your wedding day to allow for any weight change. Most good seamstresses will get very busy, especially in the summer months so pre-booking your sewing slot in advance is essential.
Check my availability for sewing slots suitable to your wedding date by submitting an enquiry here.
How many fittings will I need?
Two is usual, one to pin the changes and another to check everything is perfect before you take the dress away. Occasionally a third fitting date is scheduled, if a further tweak is needed. My suggested timeframe of starting 3-6 weeks before your wedding allows plenty of time for fittings.
Taking apart your dress to alter it is often taking things right back to basics, even for what seems a minor change.
This bodice was taken off the dress completely to be re-boned, the neckline changed and slimmed at the sides.
Booking In
I take a limited number of alteration bookings per month and am usually fully booked 3-4 months in advance, possibly even sooner for busy summer months. Please enquire in good time to avoid disappointment for your wedding dress alterations Surrey.
A booking-in fee of £80 secures a sewing slot for you in my schedule. This is deductible from your final bill. Weekday fittings are free, evening and weekend appointments are charged at £40 each.
You are welcome to bring your dress in for an early assessment and firm quote, before booking-in. Or you can book your ideal sewing slot without visiting and I will see the dress for the first time at the fitting appointment. I have altered more than a thousand dresses in my time so unless your alterations are very out of the ordinary an early assessment would be for your peace of mind rather than my benefit.
Chelsea's dress had a lace-up back conversion to accommodate early pregnancy alongside more usual alterations.
"Felicity just got me straight away. The minute she saw the dress I had chosen and started chatting to me about my interests, I knew I'd made the right choice to ask her to make the alterations. She really understood the aesthetic that I wanted and catered to needs. Felicity was so helpful and understanding, especially after discovering that I was pregnant and needing to make further alterations to the back of the dress (which in the end I much preferred!) I received so many compliments on the day, and I was so grateful to Felicity for ensuring that I would feel confident and comfortable. THANK YOU!"
-Chelsea Eves
How much do wedding dress alterations cost?
A typical wedding dress alteration cost is £300-£600
I charge £80/h for sewing work. Costs will differ from dress to dress depending on how each dress is constructed. Fuller skirts, multiple layers, lace edges, beading detail or delicate fabrics are all elements likely to increase the cost of your alterations. Very occasionally work might take longer than a seamstress expected at the outset. My breadth of experience at cost estimation means I very rarely have to charge more than my original quote.
Can you give me a quote by email?
No. I only give firm quotes in person. But if you send me pictures of your dress I can let you know if there is anything about your dress style that might take us outside the usual costs outlined below.
I can give a firm cost estimate at a pre-fitting consultation or at your first official fitting as best suits you.
A consultation appointment is free on a weekday for your wedding dress alterations Surrey.
"Everything you did was absolutely perfect & I can't thank you enough! The day went perfectly & thanks to the alterations you did it made me feel super comfortable in the dress, especially having everyone's eyes on you all day"
- Lisa Duffy
Price Guide
All prices are a guide only.
Costs are as individual as each brides’ requirements.
Common Size Alterations:
Take in dress at sides
Bust only £80-£160
Bust and Waist £90-£180
Bust, waist and hip £100-£240
(may include multiple layers of skirt)
Hem length
Front only, tapered into train from sides
Prices from: £80 hemmed layers
£40 cut edge layers (tulle and net)
£160+ lace edge layers
Double the cost for hems all round, taking up the train as well
Bustles
Usually free with other alterations
for simple “button and loop”, over or under bustles.
From £20 if no other work required
or for more complicated bustle arrangements
Other alterations such as reducing bodice cup size, narrowing or shortening sleeves, removing trains etc can be quoted for at a consultation.
Common Style alterations:
Create straps from £80-£220 depending on style and materials required
Create sleeves from £300 + materials
Change back fastening to:
Lace up with eyelets from £120
Lace up with loops and flat lacing from £150
Buttons and loops from £150
Add buttons next to zip from £90
Other style alterations such as adding lace applique or beaded detail, changing the neckline front or back, adding a sash or beaded belt or narrowing a skirt shape can be quoted for at a consultation.
I am
"the dress alchemist"
I have altered more than 2000 wedding dresses during my sewing life and there is very little I cannot manage. If you are unsure whether your dress can be altered the way you would like I am happy to offer advice and help at a consultation appointment.
Alteration ConsultaTions
At an alteration consult I can check the changes you want are possible and give a quote. I cannot give more than a ball-park price guide by email.
For alterations a pre-consult is optional. Many brides needing just straight forward sizing alterations opt to book in without the extra visit. If the changes you need are more than 2 dress sizes down, increasing the size or more complicated style changes, a consultation is advisable.
I take on a limited number of bridal alterations per month. I am now taking bookings for the 2026 season. Booking early for the popular summer sewing slots is encouraged.
Please note I have a £250 minimum charge for bridal alterations. Most sets of wedding dress alterations cost something £300-£600 but if you actually only need one change (like the straps lifted or a bustle button) it might be cheaper to find a less specialist seamstress who can help for a lower charge.
Ready to book?
book in for wedding dress alterations surrey
"Felicity did some alterations to my wedding dress !! She was so professional and very understanding. She did an amazing Job and couldn't be happier with the outcome of my dress .Lovely person who makes you feel so comfortable !! Definitely would recommend !!! Felicity also altered my bridesmaids dresses including readjusting a dress for my pregnant sister at the time, a wonderful job done !! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING !!"
-Nseko Salalha
Thank you again for the dress, it was so comfortable on the day thanks to your work!
-Emily Budd
I look forward to hearing from you to book your wedding dress alterations Surrey.
I`ll let Emma explain her alteration journey with me in her own words:
"Thank you so much for the alterations to my wedding dress. I came to you with a dress that didn’t really fit me properly. Having a larger cup size you did your magic and made the dress fit me. Couldn’t recommend enough, so much knowledge and attention to detail. I absolutely loved the alterations to the back and it looked amazing. Thank you for making me feel confident in my dress. Would recommend to anyone."
Emma needed extensive alterations. With her bigger bust and narrow hips, it was unlikely she was going to find an off-the-rail dress that was going to fit perfectly in all the right place. So that`s where I came in!
I took in the dress where it was too big, around the hips and waist. For the bust, I had an extra challenge, since Emma`s dress was backless, so I had less to work with. I added cups for support, and boning for a smooth shape. After a few more structural changes, I finished off with some lace on the straps, for both support and because it looks so pretty.
I think Emma`s words say it all really 🥰 thank you Emma, for trusting me with your wedding dress alterations. You look absolutely beautiful!
I still have some bridal alternations slots for the first half of 2026, so drop me a message to grab one!
Photography - Nikos Pomonis
From every angle, the Poinsettia dress is STUNNING!
This bespoke wedding dress has already been snapped up by a bride, but if you want an outfit that sparkles in the sun during your summer wedding, or that glitters under the lights at your reception, drop me a DM. Let`s make your dress dreams come true ✨
Wedding shoot suppliers:
Producer & Photographer / Videographer - @KalaWeddings.UK
Content Creator & Shoot Assistant - @TheProfileBride
In association with @HelloDorking
Location - @BurfordBridgeWeddings
Bridalwear - @FelicityWestmacott
Menswear - @Dapper_Dorking & @WestDawMens
Lingerie - @VictoriasLittleBraShop
Cake - @PuttyCakes
Flowers & Décor - @FlowersByElaine
Furniture, Props, Décor & Jewellery - @WindibankAuctioneers6906
Hair - @thebridalhairartists & @TeresaWellerHairArt
Make-up - @SiSalon_
Décor - @IndigoGrey.uk
Drone Operator - @LukeWhatleyBigg
🍋La Dolce Vita in Dorking🍋
How lovely to have a destination wedding on your own doorstep. That was the aim of this styled wedding photoshoot - we wanted to bring a slice of Italy to Surrey. A slower way of life, enjoying the small pleasures; the bright yellow of a lemon, the sun of your skin and bringing together of two people who love each other.
I provided two looks for this shoot; my Poinsettia dress and a simple satin shift with a lace capelet. All the drama for the ceremony, and something a little more comfortable to relax in afterwards.
Suppliers
Producer & Photographer / Videographer - @KalaWeddings.UK
Content Creator & Shoot Assistant - @TheProfileBride
In association with @HelloDorking
Location - @BurfordBridgeWeddings
Bridalwear - @FelicityWestmacott
Menswear - @Dapper_Dorking & @WestDawMens
Lingerie - @VictoriasLittleBraShop
Cake - @PuttyCakes
Flowers & Décor - @FlowersByElaine
Furniture, Props, Décor & Jewellery - @WindibankAuctioneers6906
Hair - @thebridalhairartists & @TeresaWellerHairArt
Make-up - @SiSalon_
Décor - @IndigoGrey.uk
Drone Operator - @LukeWhatleyBigg
Vintage elegance with modern tastes 💜
This Bridgerton-inspired wedding dress is now for sale 🥳 I`m currently clearing space in my shop in Dorking, so I have extra room to create even more unique, unusual and quirky wedding dresses.
You can find the outfit on my Etsy (link in bio), where you can purchase either the whole set (dress, bolero, dip dye overskirt), or just the base dress. The stays (corset) and petticoat shift I made specifically to go with this dress are also up there - having the shapewear that would have been used during the period really adds to creating an authentic silhouette.
Tag someone who would look perfect in this outfit!
I love a Mother of the Bride who radiates style ✨️
For her daughter`s wedding day, Tracey wanted something special. So I designed this bespoke three piece ensemble in a stunning electric blue satin and sequin beaded tulle. She wanted the whole set to look both formal and relaxed, with the materials we chose elevating the simple shapes of the design.
And she found a hat that matched our shade of blue perfectly!
Some of my favourite features include:
🔹the key-hole back with a covered button
🔹the wide-legged trousers that look like a skirt
🔹the asymmetrical cut away front of the jacket
Making something completely one-of-a-kind for a MOTB on such a special day is always a joy. If you would like something unique, flattering and in exactly the style you want, drop me a DM!
“I cannot stop thinking of you. From the mornings you ease, to the evenings you quiet, to the dreams you inhabit, my thoughts of you never end.”
Who doesn`t want to run away from the world for a while? To take their lover by the hand and find a moment of quiet; to dance, to read, to hold each other.
The romance between Daphne and Simon in Bridgerton was so electric. Even though they had a wedding in the series, I wanted to re-imagine the wedding dress Daphne would have worn, adding a bit more personality and colour into a classic Regency silhouette.
I wanted to keep the brilliant combination of old and new design elements the show does so well. So, along with the empire line waist, square neckline and boned stays (corset), I used modern fabrics like tulle, beaded lace and shantung. And, of course, the pink and lilac dip dye skirt.
Could you see this dress on the next season of Bridgerton?
If the attraction you feel to this dress is as strong as Simon`s attraction to Daphne, then it`s currently on sale in my shop (link in bio). There`s only one, so grasp it whilst you still can, before it finds another lover!
VENUE | @commissionershouseweddings
CONCEPT & STATIONERY | @ribbonsnwren
PLANNER & STYLIST | @lilyjonesevents
PHOTOGRAPHER | @katehennesseyphotography
VIDEOGRAPHER | @lukebatchelorproductions
MODELS | @monamiepics & @kaiimodelling
FLORIST | @cocobloom2019
HAIR & MAKE UP | @sjbhairandmakeup
DRESS | @felicitywestmacott
SUIT | @couchmanbespoke
CAKE & COOKIE FAVOURS | @allshapescake
LACE BOOTS | @houseofelliotlaceboots
VEIL | @tulleandflo
HAIRPIECES | @vintageadornments
JEWELLERY | @varoshebespokejewellery
CROCKERY & GLASSWARE | @atouchofvintageuk
LINEN | @northfieldslinen
MUSICIAN | @welshiewithaharp
MUSICIAN’S DRESS | @matchimony
SHOOT ASSISTANT | @_shanhunt_
Photography Credits on this Page
bryony in front of wood panels: Georgina piper
chelsea in floral print dress: matilde barker
beach wedding couple: siobhan byrne
Nuria with draped neckline: Emmanuel Okedele
emily with the flowing train: sussexkentphotography
nseko and bridesmaids: Emmanuel Okedele