Want to find out how long alterations take? pricing questions? Whether your vintage gown can be restyled or altered? our guest policy? scroll down for answers to these and other frequent questions!

Guest Policy

We know that alterations can be intimidating, especially for something that is so important (and expensive). Because alterations are a personal choice and require concentration from both the fitters and the bride, we kindly ask that brides not bring a guest for the first two fittings. This gives us the chance to talk through our plan for the gown with you while we get to know each other. We want you to think of our Ettesperts as trusted girlfriends who happen to be pros at designing and sewing. We are here to advise you on alterations, styling, custom ideas, accessories, even wedding planning, so don’t be shy about asking us questions, and don’t forget that you can bring a guest to the third/pickup fitting, so choose someone special who can learn how to do your bustle and cheer you on!

Want to share with your crew? We are masters of Facetime and Zoom and will be happy to help so that you can have your whole squad virtually join the party during your fitting.

Why can’t i bring a guest to the first two fittings?

We started this policy at the beginning of the pandemic, and have found that not having lots of additional opinions or ideas (in the form of additional guests) allowed us to build better relationships with our brides. Fittings run more smoothly and our clients said that they left feeling more confident about their decisions, so we decided to make it a permanent policy. At the end of the day, you are the one who has to love the choices you’ve made about your wedding gown, and your opinion is the one that matters most in the process. We are here to help you rock the aisle your way, so use the time with your Ettespert to make sure you get all your questions answered.

Don’t worry, you’ll still get to have the moment when you wow your crowd: Pick a trusted bestie to bring to the third appointment. This person will be learn how to dress you and do up your bustle, and will be there to take pictures of you looking amazing in your perfectly-tailored gown!

We know this policy isn’t going to be a hit with everyone, but for the brides who do get it, we promise you’ll have a great experience with us.

Please note that in order to be fair to our other guests and staff this policy cannot be flexed unless medically required or in very extenuating circumstances.

pricing

The majority of our alterations fall between $600-$1500, depending on the extent of work, type of fabric, etc. We will give you a cost estimate in your initial fitting. Unfortunately we cannot give quotes over the phone or via email without seeing you in the gown in person. Vintage alterations are usually within this price range; full heirloom gown restyling through our partner brand Mignonette Bridal begins at $1600. Read more about heirloom gown restyling here.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY APPOINTMENTS? HOW MANY ARE THERE? What happens at each?

We recommend booking as soon as you purchase your dress. There is a $50 appointment fee which holds you in our fitting and workroom calendar and is credited back to your total alterations costs.

There are three alterations appointments:

1) First fitting (about 3 months before your wedding): This is when we look at the gown with you and talk through the first round of alterations. Bring shoes of the height you plan to wear and any undergarments you want to wear (we can advise on shapewear during the fitting too). We can provide bra cups too! This is when you receive your price quote.

2) Try-on appointment (about 2 months before the wedding): This is when we see how the first alterations went and decide if we need to make any other changes. Now is a great time to try on our amazing selection of veils and jewelry!

3) Third/pickup appointment (about 14 days before the wedding or departure date): This is usually when your alterations are finished. Pick a bestie to bring, because this is when we will show them how to help you get dressed, and they will also learn how to do your bustle while we film a bustle video for you!

4) Hooray, you’re getting married!

We totally get that shipping dates for wedding dresses are not in your control, so don’t panic if you won’t have your dress the full three months before the wedding. Give us a heads-up once you know about any delays. Please be aware that any due date within eight weeks of your wedding will be charged $100 rush fee per garment, six weeks will be $150, and under four weeks (if we are able to accommodate) will be an additional $200.

We cannot accommodate children or pets in the space - we don’t want anyone stepping on a pin!

what should i bring to my appointments?

Please bring shoes of the heel and platform height you plan to wear (so we can mark your hem), and any undergarments you plan to wear to all of your appointments. If you need advice on shapewear, bra cups, boob tape, or anything else, we are happy to help!

What if my dress is the wrong size?  Can you still alter it?

In a word, yes, but be aware that  if you have bought a sample or a dress that is two or more sizes too big or too small resizing can be pricey and may require additional fittings. If you are concerned about whether your gown can be resized, and what it will cost, we recommend setting up a pre-alterations consultation for us to look at the gown with you.

What if i want to customize something about my gown?

We love helping you to personalize your look! Whether you want to add an illusion neckline, add sleeves, make a topper, create wings or a cape, or even add beading or lace, our team of expert designers and seamstresses can help you create your dream dress! We have hundreds of laces, nets, and other fun fabrics and trims to play with! Custom work is charged individually, so reach out to find out more.

i have a vintage gown i’d like to wear. can you help? can you restyle it? can you restore it? can you clean it? also what’s the oldest gown you’ve ever restored?

Our partner company, Mignonette Bridal, specializes in heirloom gown revamping (read more about that here) - reach out today to learn how we can help you transform your vintage gown into a modern masterpiece! If you are interested in alterations, cleaning, or restoration, just drop us a line to set up an appointment. We can make a gown bigger or smaller, change the neckline, add a new skirt, remove sleeves - the sky is the limit. We can also help with full cleaning and stain lightening. The oldest gown we have ever worked on is from 1890!

Do you sells veils, belts, hair accessories, and jewelry?

Yes we do! We are proud to carry full collections from Deborah Moreland, Halima Grime, JL Johnson, and more! We can also work with you to create a custom piece. And yes, we have tiaras now too!

Do you offer gown cleaning and preservation?

We are proud to offer eco-friendly gown cleaning and preservation through Great Lakes Wedding Gown Specialists.

This all sounds great, but i have another question.

Awesome! Feel free to email us with your questions at info@ettetailor.com

I’m ready! how do i book? Can I book online?

Email us at info@ettetailor.com or fill out our contact form to book. We take our role as part of your wedding-day team very seriously, so instead of an online booking option we want to get to know you and wedding look a little bit before your first appointment. We love when you email us and tell us about your big day with the date, photos or a link to your gown, and any specific alterations you need or concerns you have. This helps us make your alterations process as seamless (lol) as possible.