We recommend reaching out to us as soon as you have purchased your dress (yes, even before you have received it) so we can get you on our books! We likely won’t start on your alterations until about 8 weeks before your wedding, but it is important to get that first fitting BOOKED as we do fill up quickly.

On average, we see our clients for 3 fittings. In the case of a highly customized dress (build ups, redesigns, sleeves, or extensive alterations) you can expect an average of 5 fittings.

It is imperative that you bring THE wedding shoes you have decided on, as well as any bras, undergarments or shapewear you will be wearing with your gown. Changing any of these details can impact the fit of your gown dramatically and result in additional alteration charges. Please bring these items to every fitting.

We request that we have access to your dress for a minimum of 6 weeks. We can work within shorter timeframes if a rush service, fee, and timeline is agreed upon by both parties. We have been known to work with out of state brides in as little as 3 days.

We love creating custom pieces! Below is listed some of our common customizations:

• New sleeves
• Neckline changes
• Full size takedown (taking a dress down 1 or more sizes all around)
• Build Ups
• Add skirt layers

 Occasionally there are projects that are too time intensive for our current schedule and we will not be able to accommodate such customizations. Please reach out if you have have questions about availability.

It would be best for you to reach out to us as soon as possible to ensure that we have room for your project in our schedule. Anything beyond simple fit alterations will result in a higher alteration cost and will likely need more sewing time as well as more fittings. Plan your first appointment accordingly to give us a fair amount of time. Coming in a minimum of 12 weeks before your wedding is preferable.

Most definitely! We are constantly seeing new fabrics and designs. Some dresses, if innovative enough, will have a component of something that we have never seen before and may require more problem solving than other gowns. We are excited to always be learning new techniques and fabric characteristics!

In short- yes! These dresses will not differ from anything else we see in our shop!

Be aware that Sample dresses, or dresses purchased off-the-rack may need a little bit more love to get them perfect for your day! When purchasing these dresses, be sure to check the condition they are in as well as making sure all components are accounted for (buttons, Appliques, beading, etc). If the gown is dirty, consider getting it cleaned previous to bringing it in for alterations.

At Heming & Fitz, we offer a range of alteration services tailored to the complexity of your needs. Below is a breakdown of our alteration tiers to help you understand what to expect in terms of work and pricing.

Standard Alterations | $500 – $800

If your gown requires simple adjustments to ensure a perfect fit, you fall into this category. Standard alterations include:

✔ Raising straps or shoulders

✔ Hemming a gown with low to mid-volume skirts (1–3 layers)

✔ Adding a bustle

✔ Minor alterations to enhance the gown’s fit

This tier is ideal for brides who need foundational adjustments without significant structural changes.

Advanced Alterations | $800 – $1,200

If your gown needs more intensive modifications to achieve the ideal silhouette, your alterations may fall within this range. Advanced alterations include:

✔ Taking in multiple sizes or reshaping darts and side seams

✔ Hemming gowns with 3+ layers or high-volume, intricate hems

✔ Reshaping the bust for a more customized fit

✔ Changing necklines

✔ Performing a waist-hem alteration (when the bodice length needs adjustment)

These adjustments require additional expertise and precision to maintain the gown’s integrity while achieving your desired fit.

Custom & Transformational Work | $1,200 – $2,500+

For brides looking to make significant changes to their gown, custom work is the best option. Custom alterations include:

✔ Adding custom sleeves or creating a full build-up

✔ Lining an unlined bodice for added coverage or support

✔ Adding or replacing skirt layers for volume and movement

✔ Reworking, redesigning, or reinventing a gown’s structure

✔ Alterations and restoration work on vintage gowns

Custom alterations involve detailed craftsmanship, and pricing will depend on the complexity of the design and materials. Prices in this category start at $1,200 and can reach $2,500 or more depending on the extent of the transformation.

If you are anticipating a weight change either through medication or change of routine, we suggest waiting until your weight has plateaued before beginning alterations. A dramatic change of weight can change the alterations needed dramatically and incur additional charges as we make the necessary changes.

If your weight changes unexpectedly before your wedding we will ensure that we carve out the time to help you get your dress where it needs to be. If you have already picked up your gown from alterations, I would suggest trying it back on one week before the wedding to ensure that the fit is still correct.

We will work with you to create a bustle that works well with your gown as well as the preference you have for how it looks. You may always opt out of adding a bustle.

We are often able to accommodate any timeline, though we do charge rush fees for any gowns that we must complete within less than 4 weeks.

• 4 weeks to complete: $200
• 3 weeks to complete: $300
• 2 weeks to complete: $400
• 1 week to complete: $500
• 3 days to complete: $650
• 1 day to complete: $750