Wedding Dress Alterations Surrey
Charmaine Mossman wears a Charlie Brier two piece with fringed skirt. I under took alterations to the waistband size, skirt length and straps on the top.
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 fully booked until the end of May with some spaces still available after that for late summer weddings.
See FAQ below for an in depth look at how your alterations will be accomplished, or download the same information as a PDF leaflet.
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.
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 simply 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 alterations per month.
I am now taking bookings for 2025. I am now fully booked on alteration slots to the end of May with some spaces after that for late summer weddings still available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
Ready to book?
"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
Last month`s window display before I change it to something new.
For the display I featured three red wedding dresses:
First is the Elodie dress, made in stunning red silk with a sequin top. I love the bow at the back that extends into a train, as well as the hand-beaded back necklace.
For the middle wedding dress, I took inspiration from Romani gypsy styles, using ivory silk chiffon, accentuated with red floral lace and trimmed with matching coloured ribbons.
And finally, on the right, is the Aurora dress, made in layers of soft blush pink tulle, with gorgeous, floaty balloon sleeves. I think this dip dye combination of deep burgundy, crimson and red is really beautiful.
Do you have a favourite dress out of these three?
All three of these dresses are available, so drop me a DM, or check out my Etsy to find the wedding dress of your dreams 💜
#weddingdress #bridalboutique #colourfulweddingdress #ukweddingdress #dorking #dorkinghighstreet #surrey #sussex #bespokeweddingdress
As a wedding dressmaker, one of my favourite things to do is add colour to my designs. Whether making the dress from scratch, or dying an already bought dress, the colours a bride chooses tell me a lot about who they are as a person.
The most common colours I get for dip dye overskirts and wedding dresses are blues. Followed by purples and pinks. I love getting green commissions, although they happen a lot less often.
Tell me if you think your colour choice is true to you?
~
#weddingdress #colourfulweddingdress #dopaminedressing #uniqueweddingdress #uniquebride #altbride #alternativebride #alternativeweddingdress #ukweddingdress #surrey #dorking #bespokeweddingdress #customweddingdress
🌺🪩Strictly Ballroom!🪩🌺
It`s here, it`s finally here! This wedding photoshoot concept has been living rent-free in my head for YEARS. At least five. Five years of dreaming of a wedding styled around the iconic Baz Luhrmann film (not to be mistaken with Strictly Come Dancing, which was partly named after Strictly Ballroom).
I had so much fun organising this shoot, as well as making all the outfits you see here. That`s a wedding dress, a wedding suit and three bridesmaids looks.
There will be much more content around this shoot to come, but for now, let`s just bask in all this colour, texture and joy!
Suppliers
Dresses @felicitywestmacott
Photography @jessicajillphoto
Video/content @weddingstorytellerco
Venues @theoldtimberstore_se1 @malt.maltby
Florals @jemimainthewoods
Event Equipment Hire @cohire
Bride Models @michele_and_graziella
Bridesmaid models @Lisaeggy3 @Boobzylou @oleksanacoaching
Choreography @oleksanacoaching
Hair and Make-up lead @melindabridal @melinda_grant
Hair and Make-up @beccibrushes
Celebrant dave_the_celebrant
Guitar @shanetheojoseph
Stationery @theinkmoth
Jewellery @CatherineMarche
Cake @gwynethjohnsoncakedesign
Neon Sign @thisisasignuk
Headdress @Creationsbylivfree
Millinery @beverleyedmondsonmillinery
Shoes @shoesbylarisa
Confetti @proper.confetti
#strictlyballroom #bazluhrmann #ballroomdancing #ballroomdance #latindance #wedding #weddingdress #weddingsupplier #bespokeweddingdress
One final little sneak peek before I show the fabulous photos from this fabulous day!
1 sewing machine
2 bride outfits
3 bridesmaid dresses
21 talented wedding suppliers
and lots of stage smoke!
Make sure you`re following me to see what I`m so excited to share. Photos coming this weekend!
~
Dresses @felicitywestmacott
Photography @jessicajillphoto
Video/content @weddingstorytellerco
Venues @theoldtimberstore_se1 @malt.maltby
Florals @jemimainthewoods
Event Equipment Hire @cohire
Bride Models @michele_and_graziella
Bridesmaid models @Lisaeggy3 @Boobzylou @oleksanacoaching
Choreography @oleksanacoaching
Hair and Make-up lead @melindabridal @melinda_grant
Hair and Make-up @beccibrushes
Celebrant dave_the_celebrant
Guitar @shanetheojoseph
Stationery @theinkmoth
Jewellery @CatherineMarche
Cake @gwynethjohnsoncakedesign
Neon Sign @thisisasignuk
Headdress @Creationsbylivfree
Millinery @beverleyedmondsonmillinery
Shoes @shoesbylarisa
Confetti @proper.confetti
#bespokeweddingdress #weddingshoot #weddingdress #ukwedding #ukbride #ukweddingsupplier #londonwedding
I`m so excited to share with you all a project I`ve been thinking about, and wanting to bring to life, for years. A few weeks ago, with the help of lots of amazing and talented people, my hard work came to fruition!
But for now...can you guess what the theme is?
Leave a comment with what you think my inspiration was...
“My detachable skirt was the best. So many people were very impressed with your work. Thank you so very much, I LOVE MY SKIRT!”
For real bride Christina, I created one of my iconic dip dye overskirts. Christina went for a beautiful monochromatic ombre, going from bright sky blue, all the way down to a deep, rich navy.
Whether it`s matching your bouquet, your groom`s pocket square or your bridesmaids, having an overskirt really helps tie the colour palette of wedding together.
If you want to add some colour to your wedding, but don`t quite feel brave enough to dye directly onto your wedding dress, then a dip dye overskirt is the perfect solution. Have a look at my Etsy (link in the bio) to find out more.
What colours would you pick?
