My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

So I just posted my dress fitting pictures and I have to warn anyone from going to Moonlight Couture in Merrick.

I had ordered my dress w/ them and when I asked how much alterations and bustles cost they say 'oh we won't know until you are fitted, but usually around $150 for the alteration' So that seemed like a good price, I had no problem with that. So I go there yesterday, get fitted, mind you the only alterations that need to be done is it needs be shortened and needs to be taken in VERY LITTLE on the sides (typical normal stuff, nothing big) I also needed a crinoline slip, which when I went to see my dress when it came in last month, they told me that I wouldn't need a slip! Well, I definitely needed a slip for fullness and that cost $125!! Then the seasmstress does the bustle, I love it, it has a lot of 'points' and it took forever.

So we get to the counter, and she starts ringing us up and she says 'OK your total is $650' I almost fell to the floor and died! I asked her why it was so much and she explained that it was $250 for the bustle, $250 JUST for the alterations and $125 for the crinoline slip! Now that the wedding is next month, the money funds are running very low so this was like a big blow to the gut for me! At that point I felt trapped, there was nothing I could do, I wanted to take my dress and run out of the store and take it somewhere else.

But get this, my dress itself was only $700!!!!! The alterations cost AS MUCH as my DRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry but I just think it is ridiculous how they could possibly charge that much.

Sorry for venting but I just wanted to know if you all think this is just as ridiculous as I do!

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

Holy Crap!!!! That's nuts.
My sister-in-law's alterations were $450 & her jaw dropped to the ground when she found that out...her dress was from Iman Bridal Couture

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

I think your absolutely right for feeling this way!!! Thats a ridiculous price for alterations! I would be soooooo angry that i honestly would refuse to give her that much money and argue it out with her b/c thats just not right that theyre taking advantage of people like that.

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

im sorry

But maybe they thought you knew that a bustle is an added expense, not included in alterations in most salons. The more intricate, the more expensive.

and the slip is also seperate from alteration cost.

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

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Posted by Jess5790

im sorry

But maybe they thought you knew that a bustle is an added expense, not included in alterations in most salons. The more intricate, the more expensive.

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Yes once the seamstress was done with the bustle, I totally knew that the price was going to be high because if it, not $250 though. I don't really have a problem with the price for the bustle really, but $250 for regular alterations? I dunno am I making a big deal about this? How much to 'typical' alterations cost...just to be taken in on the sides not even a half an inch...and a hem?

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

How many points were in your bustle?? Usually is is around $10 a point if i remember correctly...

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

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I dunno am I making a big deal about this? How much to 'typical' alterations cost...just to be taken in on the sides not even a half an inch...and a hem?

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I'm paying $150 - this included alterations to the bodice & the bustle (Approx. $75 each)
And I didn't need any alterations on the skirt or hem.


*My alterations were at Lillette's

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

where ive asked

these are capped prices
wedding plaza alterations 250
lilletes alterations 295
both bustles are 15-20 per point

phyliss 175 includes also most busltes but knowing me ill spend extra for an intricate one

i think if you had minimal alterations done you shouldnt have paid 250. Tell them they told about 150 before. Dont give up.

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

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Posted by DCSFreez

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I dunno am I making a big deal about this? How much to 'typical' alterations cost...just to be taken in on the sides not even a half an inch...and a hem?

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I'm paying $150 - this included alterations to the bodice & the bustle (Approx. $75 each)
And I didn't need any alterations on the skirt or hem.


*My alterations were at Lillette's

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Wow thats a GREAT price! Darn, Lillette's is literally 2 minutes from my job and on the same road as Moonlight Couture! It just stinks because Lillette's doesn't carry the maker of my gown and I doubt they would alter my dress since I didn't purchase it there. Thanks for your response:)

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

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Posted by Jess5790

where ive asked

wedding plaza alterations 250
lilletes alterations 295
both bustles are 15-20 per point

phyliss 175 includes also most busltes but knowing me ill spend extra for an intricate one

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Ok so I guess then my price falls into all the ones that you checked out, I guess maybe it's not that unheard of to pay lots of $$ for alterations. I just got so overwhelmed because my wedding is in 33 days and there is still so much stuff to buy!! Thanks for your help!

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

that is crazy! can you get the crinoline slip elsewhere like david's bridal?

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

Geez, I'd be PISSED!!! My dress also costs about $700, and I would feel like I was hit by a train if they dropped that bill in front of me.

I cannot BELIEVE they didn't warn you as you discussed the alterations how your bill is adding up. That is frankly dishonest.

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

I am not sure how much mine will be since mine has not come in yet, but I made sure they wrote specific prices in the contract when i purchased the dress.

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

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Posted by Summer07Bride

I am not sure how much mine will be since mine has not come in yet, but I made sure they wrote specific prices in the contract when i purchased the dress.

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Totally should have done that! Damn!

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

jeez! that's insane!!!! sorry about the cash crunch! I know how you feel!
I am sure you will look amazing in your dress though!!!!

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

I'm sorry to hear about your added expense. That *****!! However, I'm not shocked with that store. When I called them to inquire about a certain dress they were very rude, so I didn't even bother to go in there.

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

WOW!!!!!! thats nuts...i would of def taken my dress and ran!!

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

wow...that is alot of money....that is just crap that they can charge so much for alterations

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!

thats crazy - did they give you an alteration cap when u ordered it?

Re: My dress alterations cost $500!!! VENT!