bridesmaid & formal wear fittings
book a fitting
Schedule a consultation to meet with us at our Old Town Alexandria studio!
Formal gowns include bridesmaids, mother of the bride/groom, and evening gowns.
We do not tailor casual wear, business attire, lehengas/sarees, or home items.
Our Formal Gown Fitting Process
The executive summary
Generally, we need a minimum of 4 weeks of gown alterations (5-6 weeks is our standard)
We will have 2 fittings; 1 initial session and 1 pick-up (we’ll have you try it on before you go!)
The balance is due at the first fitting so we can get started on your gown
Rush orders are usually do-able! Fees include a 20-50% surcharge
We do not provide estimates online but do provide them in-person (consultations are $30)
Regarding pricing, most people fall between the $180-350 range; we are a la carte style vs. rigid, set packages
We do not sell dresses and it does not matter what boutique you got your dress from
If you have a dress-specific question, the best way to reach us is by email at hello@befittedtailoringco.com
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
... and more!
materials we work with
Beadings
Chiffons (polyester and silks)
Tulle
Satin, silks, charmeuse
Lace
Tafetta
Sequins
Horsehair braids
… and others!
GARMENTS WE TAILOR
Bridesmaid dresses
Maid/Matron of Honor gowns
Mother of the Bride and Groom gowns
Evening Wear, including full-length gowns
Gala and military ball gowns
Prom dresses
… and more!
Please note, we do not alter casual or streetwear. Think fancy party dress!
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!
Fitting Process and Steps
what to expect
Sequins, feathers, chiffon, tulle, we’ve done it ALL!
We’ve run so many lovely ladies through this efficient process and can’t wait to help you, too!
FITTING 1: the pinning and fit sesh
For your first fitting, you will have about 20 minutes blocked off with us one-on-one. We'll have you change into your dress and walk you through how the dress could fit better. You will need final and exact shoes at this time. We are able to fully steam and press your gown (including all inside linigs) for an additional fee.
We will then walk you through a quote, check you out (the balance is due at time of first fitting), and then we’ll hop to the calendar to book your pick-up.
fitting 2: pick-up + celebration
At your last fitting which is roughly 15 minutes, we will get you into the dress one last time and confirm that all fits well. We’ll have you do a little spin in the mirror, and then she’s yours again to go back home with you.
We’ll impart some words of wisdom, including how to travel with the dress if you are going out of town for the wedding.
Real Weddings, Real Events
DESIGNERS WE’VE PERFECTED + brands we’ve mastered
brands we’ve worked with (evening)
Adrianna Papell
Alex Perry
Aidan Mattox
Alice + Olivia
Badgley Mischka
Bronx and Banco
Carolina Herrera
Chiara Boni (and La Petite Robe)
Cult Gaia
Dress the Population
Galvan
Halston
J. Mendel
Marchesa Notte
Moda Operandi
Mac Duggal
ML Monique Lhuillier
Naeem Khan
Pamela Roland
Rene Ruiz
Revolve
Rickie Freeman (and Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman)
Sachin & Babi
Tadashi Shoji
Terani Couture
Theia
Valentino
Vera Wang
Zuhair Murad
… and more!
brands we’ve worked with (Bridesmaid)
Alfred Sung
Amsale (and Nouvelle Amsale)
Azazie
Baltic Born
BHLDN
Bill Levkoff
Boohoo
Birdy Grey
Daymor
Dear Cleo
Dessy
Fame and Partners
Grace Loves Lace
Jenny Yoo
Kennedy Blue
Lovely Bridesmaids
LoveShackFancy
Lulus
Madeline Gardner
Marchesa
Moda Operandi
Mon Cheri
Occasions by Hayley Paige
Pantora
Reformation
Revelry
Show Me Your Mumu
Watters
WTOO
… and more!
The Latest on our Instagram
follow us @befittedtailoringco
Our most recent *actual* weddings, below!