Alterations

While they do not work in or at our boutique, we have a team of seamstresses who are exclusive to Maggie Louise brides and are highly regarded for their talent.

Outsourcing this element allows us to provide our brides with the most conservative pricing for the alterations process. We’ve worked with each of our seamstresses since opening in 2012, and they’ve taken care of thousands of our happy brides over the years.

Bridal gown alterations pricing typically ranges anywhere from $350 - 750, depending on the gown, the designer, and the changes needed. Standard alterations (general tailoring, hem, bustle) cost an average of $400 with our seamstresses.

You will see your seamstress approximately 2-3 months before your wedding week. Exceptions will apply for extensive alterations needs, the seamstresses’ seasonal preferences, and for traveling brides.

We will help you with this! When the time comes, we will tell you when and how to reach out to the seamstress, as well as the best way to get in touch with them. Since we do not have access to or control over their personal calendars, you will be coordinating your fitting appointments with them to find the best time for you both.

The fitting process typically requires 2-3 visits to the seamstress. Ideally, you’ll see her for the first initial fitting and then a final fitting, but if there are additional changes needed during the second visit, a third trip may be required.

You will meet with the seamstress in their studio space (either their home or work studio).

All locations are within 20-25 minutes from Maggie Louise. We’ll send you the address and directions at the appropriate time to ensure you have all important information easily accessible.

If you need any assistance in getting in touch with your seamstress, please let us know!

We do keep them very busy, which can sometimes result in delayed responses to text messages or calls. If you do not receive a response within 24-48 hours, feel free to reach out to them again or to let us know you need help!

No, but we highly recommend it!

Doing so enables us to make sure your alterations process goes as smoothly as possible. Outside of our trusted seamstresses, we cannot vouch for quality of work, estimated pricing, or timeline. Please do let us know if you plan on using someone else, so that we can still assist you in the best way possible and check in along the way.

A bustle is the sewing process of transitioning a wedding gown to function as if it has no train by lifting up the train or tucking it into itself.

All gowns arrive to Maggie Louise without a bustle. Your seamstress can add a custom bustle in your gown based on what functionally works best for its style. Make sure you take someone with you to your final fitting, so the seamstress can teach them how to bustle your gown on the wedding day.

We recommend having your shoes on hand by the time you gown arrives to Maggie Louise.

They are a must for beginning the alterations process, and the seamstress will need you to have them at your first fitting. If for some reason you don’t have them by this point, you will need to bring a pair of shoes similar in height to what you plan to wear, so they can hem your gown to that specific length.

Be aware–changing shoe height during the alterations process could require an entirely new hem, thus incurring a double charge.

You will not need to wear a bra under your gow—cups will be sewn into your gown if desired during alterations. Underwear is personal preference, but we do recommend nude colored. (Some styles will require seamless underwear depending on the fabrication of the gown). If you feel more comfortable with shape-wear undergarments, please be sure to take them to your first fitting, so you will have an idea of how they look and feel with your gown.

We recommend taking bridal portraits as close to the wedding date as possible.

Please make sure to notify us and your seamstress when your portraits are scheduled, because this does change the timeline and process of alterations. We will all do our best to accommodate alterations prior to your portraits, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee another round of alterations between your portraits and wedding date. It is important to communicate this thoroughly with your seamstress to ensure everything is ready to go for the big day!

While we take your measurements when ordering your custom gown, there are standard alterations that every bride will need to tailor the gown to fit perfectly before the big day — bodice tweaks and bust alterations, hem, bustle, etc. More extensive tailoring can also be needed if weight fluctuation has occurred between time of ordering and gown arrival; however, don’t stress about your weight! Just make sure you are feeling your best, and the seamstress will make sure it fits beautifully for the big day!

Unfortunately, no. Our seamstresses are currently working at maximum capacity to take care of all of our brides.