Your wedding dress is one of the most important garments you’ll ever wear—and it deserves to fit you perfectly. At Tailoress Design, I specialise in bridal alterations that enhance comfort, confidence, and beauty on your big day.
The best time to get in touch is as soon as you’ve purchased your dress. This allows us plenty of time to plan fittings and make sure everything is just right. I recommend scheduling your first fitting 10–12 weeks before your wedding to ensure we have time for any adjustments, restyling, or custom additions.
Every bride and every dress is unique, so the number of fittings depends on the complexity of the alterations. Most brides require 2 to 3 fittings:
- First fitting – Up to 1 hour. We’ll assess the dress, pin adjustments, and discuss your needs.
- Second fitting – Around 30 minutes. You’ll try on the altered dress and we’ll check the fit.
- Third fitting (if needed) – Final tweaks and finishing touches.
I’ll guide you through each step with care and attention to detail, making sure you feel relaxed and supported throughout the process.
I also offer a professional steaming service to ensure your dress looks flawless and photo-ready on the day. This can be added to your final fitting or scheduled closer to your wedding date.
The cost of bridal alterations depends on several factors, including:
- The techniques required (e.g. hand-finishing, lace work, boning)
- The number of layers in the dress (especially with tulle, organza, lace edge or underskirts)
- The type of fabric (delicate materials like silk or lace require extra care)
- The complexity of the design and any custom additions
To provide an accurate quote, I kindly ask you to send a clear photo of your dress—front and back—along with a brief description of what you’d like done. This helps me understand the scope of work before your fitting.
If you’d like to come in for a consultation, I’d be delighted to welcome you. Consultations last around 30 minutes and are a lovely chance for us to chat through your dress, your vision, and what you’d like done. There is a £30 consultation fee, which helps cover the time and care I put into assessing and pinning your garment. This fee is non-refundable.
What to Bring to Your First Fitting
To make the most of your appointment, here’s a quick checklist of what to bring:
- Your wedding dress – Of course! Please bring it in its current condition.
- Shoes you’ll wear on the day – This helps with accurate hemming.
- Undergarments or shapewear – If you plan to wear any, bring them along so we can fit the dress properly.
- Accessories – Veils, belts, or straps you’d like to incorporate.
- Inspiration photos – If you’re considering restyling or custom additions, feel free to bring ideas.
And most importantly—bring yourself! I’ll guide you through everything with care and calm.
When to Book
The best time to get in touch is as soon as you’ve purchased your dress. This allows us plenty of time to plan fittings and make sure everything is just right. I recommend booking your first fitting around 10–12 weeks before your wedding. This allows enough time for any adjustments, restyling, or custom touches—without any last-minute stress.