bridal alterations

book a fitting

Schedule a consultation to meet with us at our Old Town Alexandria studio.

We are as specialized as it gets as DC’s only bridal-only tailor!

If your wedding date is less than 2.5 months away, please email us first at hello@befittedtailoringco.com with a photo of you in your exact dress and your wedding date!

Your consultation may be canceled if you book under our standard alterations range (or if we are full), request customizations that we cannot accommodate, or select an appointment type that differs from the alterations you need (e.g., booking a wedding dress fitting for formal gown). We will notify you by email, so please double-confirm that your email address is one you actively check. When in doubt, book early when possible!

Our Bridal Fittings Process

The executive summary

Generally, we need a minimum of 3 months for wedding alterations (3.5 months is our standard)
- We will space out our fittings into 2-3 appointments, ending likely 1-3 weeks before your wedding
- A 50% deposit is due at the first fitting so we can get started on your gown
- Rush orders are usually do-able and kick in when we do not have our full range of time (rushes are accepted on a case-by-case basis). Fees include a 20-50% surcharge
We do not provide estimates online but do provide them in-person (consultation-only is $50)
Regarding pricing, most people fall between the $695-1600 range
- Note that not all gowns can be completely resized (this includes sample gowns)
- We also take a very limited number of dress customizations a season if you are looking for a redesign
  - This includes adding sleeves, recutting necklines, adding boning, etc.
We do not sell dresses (nor do we make them) and it does not matter what boutique you got your dress from
- We do not reconstruct, redesign, or tailor vintage or heirloom gowns
If you have a dress-specific question, the best way to reach us is by email at hello@befittedtailoringco.com

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Types of Alterations

Strap and sleeves; taking up existing seams/straps
Tapering sleeves and thinning out straps
Bodice adjustments; taking in and out the bust, waist, hips
Neckline position adjustments
Building in bra cups/bust support (or removing boning)
Hem and length adjustments to both lining and outside skirts
Removing layers of crinoline (aka de-poofing!)
Bustles, both American (traditional) and French (under)
Resizing sample gowns (your mileage may vary!
... and more!

garments we tailor

Wedding dresses
Rehearsal gown
Reception gown
Overskirts
Jumpsuits
Toppers/boleros
Capes
Sashes and belts
Veils (your mileage may vary)
Incorporating components of a vintage gown into a new gown
… and more

Materials we work With

Crepes, both silk and polyester
Satins, silks, and charmeuse
Chiffons
Tulle
Lace and scalloping
Illusion-mesh
Organza
Taffeta
Mikado
Synthetics
Beadings and sequins
Scalloping and horsehair braids
… and more!

A gentle reminder that booking a consultation does not guarantee that we will be able to alter your dress, especially if your dress is a rush order (we won't know for sure until you're in and every dress/body is different!). Please see our full terms of service online here. Come with an open mind and let's get ready to rock this together!

Your mileage will vary, but keep in mind that complexity has a direct correlation with costs. Dresses with delicate materials (silk, lace, dupioni, chiffon, scalloped edging, among many others) take hours of hands-on time and extra attention to detail. Beading is all hand-sewn (not all beaded dresses can be altered). Ball and full-train A-line gowns have a width and length that makes it difficult to use standard sewing techniques. Dresses with several layers get hemmed sometimes 5 or 6 times. Trims and finishes (including rhinestones) are also “high-touch” materials.

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Fitting Process and Steps

what to expect

We’ve perfected our process by altering thousands (!!) of wedding dresses!

Our time together will be focused on getting the best, fit, and feel of the dress so come ready to decide!

FITTING 1: THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE

For your first fitting, we’ll have about 30 minutes for a consultation. We'll get you in your wedding dress and walk you through how the dress could fit better (and pinning too, if relevant!).

We will then share a quote, have you sign our tailoring agreement, and put down 50% as a deposit. Folks seeking an estimate-only will pay the $50 appointment fee and take their gowns back with them same-day.

FITTING 2: A FIRST ROUND OF SEWING

At your second fitting, we will block off another 20-minute session with you. We will show you the first round of alterations and get you back into the dress. We may even have your gown ready for you that day!

We will then walk you through some steaming and pressing options, and schedule your last fitting if the dress is not already ready for you that day.

FITTING 3 (if needed): finished!

At your last fitting which is roughly 20-30 minutes, we will get you into the dress one last time and confirm that all fits well.

Then we will share some words of wisdom for dress care and offer some pointed guidance for your specific dress, including bustle instructions.

We’ll end by closing your final balance. Then you will be off on your *marry* way and the dress is yours again!

Aftercare: Dry Cleaning and Preservation

wedding dress dry cleaning + preservation drop-off

After you've picked up your dress, and *gotten married* (!!!) we’ll invite you to come back for the full suite of after-care services. We will dry clean your dress for you (and box it too if you’d like!).

Schedule Drop-Off

curbside pick-up

About 2-3 weeks after your drop-off, swing by for a curbside pick-up. Store your box in a cool, dry place (like under your bed or in a closet) and not your attic, basement, or garage.

Schedule Pick-up