Ebay wedding dress - getting alterations

serious_saver

I bought a second hand dress off ebay. I haven't tried it on yet, because it hasn't arrived, but I suspect it will require significant alterations and it will probably be much too big.

I know that if you get a dress which is too many sizes too large you basically need to have it taken apart and rebuilt. This obviously makes the cost quite high but I'm going to do it anyway. The dress was a £3,000 dress new so I feel like I'll be a getting a good deal no matter what.

Does anyone else have experience of doing this which they would be happy to share and how much did you end up paying for the alterations?

cazziebo

I'd say shop around and try to get some insight into skill of the dressmakers. I've found that prices are no indicator of end product when it comes to alterations. I've had dresses altered very expensively with some poor finishing.

I didn't need a lot of alterations to my ebay wedding dress. It was a bit low under the arms which would mean I couldn't wear a bra (not an option at my age!). The dressmaker suggested taking some material from the hem, and patching it in. She also took the bust in at different parts (little tucks to keep the shape and style but give a neater fit). The result is stunning. The cost - £35.

serious_saver

Thanks cazziebo, that's really useful to know.

I'm not expecting it to be cheap to do but as I only spent £150 on a £3000 dress I still think I'll be quids in (even if it costs the same again to have it altered.

If the worst comes to the worst and it can't be altered for me, I'll try re-selling. If that fails I'll have a very large amount of silk taffeta and lace to play with.

jenhug

not offering any help, but can we see the dress? lol

serious_saver

Hopefully this will work

http://s985.photobucket.com/user/serious_saver/media/IanStuart-Pasha_zpseae92c3e.jpg.html

bizzylizzyh

serious_saver wrote: »

Hopefully this will work

http://s985.photobucket.com/user/serious_saver/media/IanStuart-Pasha_zpseae92c3e.jpg.html

Have to say it is Beautiful !!

serious_saver

I know! I'm totally chuffed :j

cazziebo

Wow - that's breathtaking - absolutely showstoppingly stunning!

serious_saver

It's an Ian Stuart dress, which I could never afford at full price

Maysie

I struggled to find anyone with any pricing online.

I went with a tailor in the next street. It cost £260 to alter mine and that was taking up length (5 layers) and taking in bust and adding darts for a nicer shape.

serious_saver

Maysie wrote: »

I struggled to find anyone with any pricing online.

I went with a tailor in the next street. It cost £260 to alter mine and that was taking up length (5 layers) and taking in bust and adding darts for a nicer shape.

I was thinking about £150 - 200. So that's a bit more but not so much that I wouldn't go for.