Alterations & Restyling

Special Occasion Garment Alterations

I offer expert alterations and redesigns on a wide range of ready-to-wear special occasion clothing. The types of garments I accept for alterations work include:

wedding attire (for the bride and her entire party)
prom and evening gowns
theater and dance costumes
reenactment attire
vintage and heirloom dresses

And for Brides Only…

I offer a specialized pressing and finishing service for wedding gowns which includes full steaming, hand pressing (of underskirt layers as well as delicate lace or embellished fabric), small surface repairs (replacing a few missing beads, a broken hook and eye, removing hanging threads, etc.), as well as tissue-packing for brides who will be traveling.

About Fitting Consultations

All fittings are conducted by appointment only at my Prescott, Arizona studio.

At the time of the first fitting, I will assess your fitting issues and give you a written work statement that we will both discuss and sign. Once signed, this document becomes our binding work contract. You’ll never have to worry about surprise charges. The total you see on that work statement is the balance you’ll pay.

Once the alterations have begun, if you wish to make changes to the original work statement, we will need to come to a new agreement and amend the work statement to reflect that.

Most dresses will require at least one additional fitting (wedding gowns with extensive alterations can require three or more). I do not charge for “extra” fittings. All fittings are included in the original work statement.

At each of your fittings, you should plan to wear the undergarments and the shoes you will be wearing with your dress (if a hem is part of the alterations). I will not mark a final fit or a final hem if you are not wearing the exact undergarments and shoes you plan to wear to your event.

Especially for brides: You are more than welcome to bring other people to your fittings… and to take as many pictures as you like! If you do plan to bring others to any appointment, please mention that to me at the time of scheduling so that I can allow a little extra time.

Free Initial Consultation

Alterations cannot be properly estimated without seeing the garment and the fitting issues first hand. For that reason, I do not give estimates over the phone or without being able to see the garment on your body.

However, because I understand that price is usually a consideration when it comes to alterations, I offer a free initial consultation during which we can meet in person and assess your fitting issues. If, after this half- hour  meeting, you’d like to wait to decide on going ahead with the alterations, I will give you a detailed written estimate of the work we’ve discussed, and  I will keep a copy of this estimate on file until the date of your event.

When to Begin the Fitting Process

For extensive alterations on garments such as wedding gowns or complex costumes it’s a good idea to schedule your first fitting at least two to three months in advance of your event. Keep in mind that complicated alterations can require the need to schedule three or more subsequent fittings.

For garments with less complicated alterations (simple hems, adjusting straps, etc.) I recommend beginning alterations three to four weeks in advance of your event.

Alterations On Short Notice

Alterations that need to be completed and delivered within one week from the time of your initial call are subject to a rush fee of $50 – $100 depending on the complexity of the alterations.

This fee is dependent upon my weekly workload and may be waived accordingly at my discretion. While I cannot guarantee that I would be able to accommodate a last minute alterations project (especially during the busy prom/wedding season, March through October), I am always willing to do so if I can.

In other words, even if you only have a few days until your event, do give me a call… it never hurts to ask!

Terms of Payment

A 50% non-refundable deposit is due at the first fitting with the remaining 50% due when you pick up your gown.  I accept major credit cards, cash, and at my discretion, personal checks (local only).

DkBrownHeartButton