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Wedding Dress Alterations Surrey

wedding dress alterations surrey and sussex

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 appliquĂŠ 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 spaces still available for late summer weddings and beyond.

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.

View or Download pdf

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.

 

alterations to a neckline surrey specailist

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 ÂŁ80 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 ÂŁ40 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 ÂŁ300-ÂŁ600

I charge ÂŁ80/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 ÂŁ80-ÂŁ160
Bust and Waist ÂŁ90-ÂŁ180
Bust, waist and hip ÂŁ100-ÂŁ240
(may include multiple layers of skirt)

 

Hem length
Front only, tapered into train from sides
Prices from: ÂŁ80 hemmed layers
ÂŁ40 cut edge layers (tulle and net)
ÂŁ160+ 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 ÂŁ20 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 ÂŁ80-ÂŁ220 depending on style and materials required
Create sleeves from ÂŁ300 + materials

 

Change back fastening to:
Lace up with eyelets from ÂŁ120
Lace up with loops and flat lacing from ÂŁ150
Buttons and loops from ÂŁ150
Add buttons next to zip from ÂŁ90

 

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 fully booked until the end of May with spaces for weddings later in the summer still available.

 

book a 30min
alteration consult
book in without
pre-consult

 

 

Please note I have a ÂŁ250 minimum charge for bridal alterations. Most sets of wedding dress alterations cost something ÂŁ300-ÂŁ600 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

book a 30min
alteration consult
book in without
pre-consult

"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

london wedding dress alterations for fun loving brides
wedding dress alterations specialist london

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.

 

follow me on instagram@felicitywestmacott

As a bespoke bridal designer, it`s my job to make sure your dress looks like it`s part of you.

For this bride, I designed a dramatic satin dress, with a statement bow and asymmetrical ruching across the front and back of the bodice. A more traditional bodice that might have a lace up back, or simple a concealed zip down the middle, but for this dress I didn`t want to break up the flow of the fabric going across the body, so I had to come up with an elegant (and easy to use) solution. Not only did the fastening need to impossible to spot, it also needed to provide support for the bride, so she felt secure in the dress throughout the day.

I created two panels of ruched silk dupion in this beautiful rose gold colour. The panels were secured at the side, not the back, with the top panel being firmly attached with poppers. The panel underneath had hooks and underneath that I made a built in corset behind a heavy-duty zip. Because of the weight of the dress, and how fitted it was, the zip had to work harder than usual, so it was actually very useful to be able to fully hid it. It meant the bride could be fully supported, without the zip interfering with the design.

All that work meant that this bride didn`t have to worry about hitching up her dress or any wardrobe malfunctions, she could just focus marrying her husband and having a gorgeous day with friends and family.

What detail in your wedding dress are you most excited to obsess over?

#bespokeweddingdress #rosegoldweddingdress #bridalboutique #smallbusiness

922 9
Open post by felicitywestmacott with ID 18009485072716170
As a bespoke bridal designer, it's my job to make sure your dress looks like it's part of you. For this bride, I designed a dramatic satin dress, with a statement bow and asymmetrical ruching across the front and back of the bodice. A more traditional bodice that might have a lace up back, or simple a concealed zip down the middle, but for this dress I didn't want to break up the flow of the fabric going across the body, so I had to come up with an elegant (and easy to use) solution. Not only did the fastening need to impossible to spot, it also needed to provide support for the bride, so she felt secure in the dress throughout the day. I created two panels of ruched silk dupion in this beautiful rose gold colour. The panels were secured at the side, not the back, with the top panel being firmly attached with poppers. The panel underneath had hooks and underneath that I made a built in corset behind a heavy-duty zip. Because of the weight of the dress, and how fitted it was, the zip had to work harder than usual, so it was actually very useful to be able to fully hid it. It meant the bride could be fully supported, without the zip interfering with the design. All that work meant that this bride didn't have to worry about hitching up her dress or any wardrobe malfunctions, she could just focus marrying her husband and having a gorgeous day with friends and family. What detail in your wedding dress are you most excited to obsess over? #bespokeweddingdress #rosegoldweddingdress #bridalboutique #smallbusiness

My goal this year is to use up as much of my existing fabric stash as I can. Having been a seamstress for several decades now, I have amassed a huge pile of fabric over the years. That, and I just can’t throw anything away. As a result, I have an island’s worth of gorgeous, unusual and tragically under-utilised material, begging to be used for its purpose – creating unique and beautiful wedding dresses.

So, when Amy approached me about creating some looks for a steampunk Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shoot, it felt like the perfect opportunity to dip into my stash.

As a result, everything was made from fabrics in stock – nothing was bought new. In fact, some of the scraps of lace are from my mum’s stash, so parts of this dress are from the 50s and 60s. I trimmed the gown with scraps of vintage and antique lace, sequins and tulle, as well as torn blue silk for the very Alice bows. They had a long while waiting to be used, but finally these frabrics have their home.

Content creation and creative lead: @reeldealsocial
Lead photographer: @nicolaashleaphotography
Celebrant: @stardustceremonies
Styling and flowers: @foxgloveandblack
Photographer 2: @candiceharrisphotography
Model 1: @rosy053
Model 2: @s.frosties
HMUA: @house_of_belles
Tea set: @teacupswishes
Dress/suit: @felicitywestmacott
Cake: @thecakelabuk
Shoes: @houseofelliotlaceboots
Drinks: @bittersweetbartenders
Stationer: @calistaandbelle
Venue: @wortonhall

45 4
Open post by felicitywestmacott with ID 18004666718915340
My goal this year is to use up as much of my existing fabric stash as I can. Having been a seamstress for several decades now, I have amassed a huge pile of fabric over the years. That, and I just can’t throw anything away. As a result, I have an island’s worth of gorgeous, unusual and tragically under-utilised material, begging to be used for its purpose – creating unique and beautiful wedding dresses. So, when Amy approached me about creating some looks for a steampunk Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shoot, it felt like the perfect opportunity to dip into my stash. As a result, everything was made from fabrics in stock – nothing was bought new. In fact, some of the scraps of lace are from my mum’s stash, so parts of this dress are from the 50s and 60s. I trimmed the gown with scraps of vintage and antique lace, sequins and tulle, as well as torn blue silk for the very Alice bows. They had a long while waiting to be used, but finally these frabrics have their home. Content creation and creative lead: @reeldealsocial Lead photographer: @nicolaashleaphotography Celebrant: @stardustceremonies Styling and flowers: @foxgloveandblack Photographer 2: @candiceharrisphotography Model 1: @rosy053 Model 2: @s.frosties HMUA: @house_of_belles Tea set: @teacupswishes Dress/suit: @felicitywestmacott Cake: @thecakelabuk Shoes: @houseofelliotlaceboots Drinks: @bittersweetbartenders Stationer: @calistaandbelle Venue: @wortonhall
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in
from design to completionbespoke wedding dressesFelicity Westmacott
Dorking, RH4 1RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
Dorking, RH4 1RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in

 

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