Dress Alterations in London 

Timing varies by dress type and complexity. Casual dress alterations typically take 5-7 working days. Evening gowns and prom dresses usually require 7-10 days. Wedding dress alterations need 6-8 weeks with 2-3 fitting appointments to ensure absolute perfection. When you bring your dress in, we’ll give you a confirmed timeline based on your specific alterations and our current schedule.

Start your wedding dress alterations 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. This allows time for your initial fitting, major alterations, second fitting for adjustments, and final fitting for perfection. Order your dress 6-9 months before the wedding to account for delivery time plus alteration time. Never leave it to the last minute—complex bridal work cannot be rushed without compromising quality.

For casual or evening dress fittings, bring the shoes you’ll wear with the dress—heel height significantly affects dress length. For wedding dress fittings, bring your actual wedding shoes, the undergarments you’ll wear (strapless bra, shapewear, etc.), and any jewelry that might affect fit. If you’re having a veil, bring it to ensure it works with any back details or bustle.

Absolutely! We specialise in working with embellished dresses. Our tailors carefully work around beading, sequins, and lace appliqués. If alterations require removing and reattaching embellishments, we do so meticulously to maintain your dress’s original appearance. This level of detailed work is why we recommend booking early for complex formal and bridal dresses.

For dresses that are too large, we can typically take in 1-2 full sizes while maintaining proper proportions. For dresses too small, our ability to let out is limited by existing seam allowances, usually up to one size. If your dress is dramatically different from your size, we’ll assess during consultation and advise honestly whether alterations are feasible or if a different size would be better.

For simple casual dress hemming on lightweight fabrics, we can sometimes accommodate same-day service if you visit early in the day and we have availability. However, most dress alterations, especially those involving bodice work, complex hems, or delicate fabrics, require several days to ensure quality. Wedding dresses and formal gowns always require advance scheduling with multiple fittings.

Yes! Adding sleeves to strapless or sleeveless dresses is a popular alteration, especially for brides wanting coverage for religious ceremonies or personal preference. We can create cap sleeves, short sleeves, three-quarter length, or full-length sleeves using matching or complementary fabric. This service requires fabric sourcing and typically 2-3 weeks for completion.

Dress alteration costs vary significantly based on dress type, fabric complexity, and work required. Simple casual dress hemming is quite affordable, while wedding dress alterations involving bodice resizing, multilayer hems, and bustle installation represent a larger investment. We provide clear, upfront quotes before starting any work so you know exactly what to expect. As a general guide, budget £80-£150 for casual dress alterations and £200-£500+ for wedding dress alterations depending on complexity.

Yes! We love working with vintage and pre-loved dresses, whether you’re updating an inherited wedding gown, modernising a vintage find, or perfecting a second-hand purchase. We approach vintage pieces with special care, understanding their unique construction methods and preserving their character while making them wearable for today.

Your satisfaction is our priority. We conduct fittings throughout the alteration process (especially for bridal and formal dresses) so you can see progress and provide feedback. At your final collection, we ensure the dress fits perfectly and make any necessary adjustments before you leave. Our master tailors take pride in getting it right, which is reflected in our 5-star rating.