Turnaround Time - It takes approximately six to eight weeks from initial fitting to final pick-up when altering a wedding gown.  Bridesmaid dresses and other formal wear should be brought in four to six weeks in advance of the wear date.  We generally do not recommend starting your alterations much earlier than these time frames because of the close fit required in these types of garments.

Over the years we have heard the question "What if I lose weight?" countless times when women bring in their garments months prior to the wear date.  We will, of course, start the work sooner if you wish but you will be responsible to pay for any additional work caused by weight loss or gain.

Bridal and Formal Wear Alterations

the dressing room began as a bridal and formal wear alteration service business.  We have many years of experience specializing in this niche and take great pride in the quality of our work.  This level of quality comes from specializing in one thing and becoming great at it.  We do not mend jeans, make drapes, repair the zippers on winter jackets, or anything other than making and altering bridal and formal wear.  That is what we love to do and that is what we are good at!

Leah

custom veil and gown alterations

June 2006

Rush Job - Periodically we are asked to do a job in less than the normal time frame as discussed above.  The reasons may vary, but regardless the reason, this does place a great strain on our schedule during our peak months.*  We may or may not be able to accept the work.  If we are able to fit the work into our schedule there will be a 100% rush fee applied to the bill.  This means that labor charges totaling $75 will become $150.  It is not our intention to penalize you too harshly but rushing a job through the process puts a strain on the business, our other customers, and our families.  Additionally, we are committed to guaranteeing our customers with the highest quality work.  Rushing work through the process greatly hampers our ability to provide high quality work.  We strongly recommend that you call to secure availability as soon as you are able.

*Our peak months are April though October.  During our non-peak months, though we reserve the right to charge a rush fee, it may not be necessary.  Application of the rush fee will be made on a case by case basis during off peak months.

Fitting Appointments - Please wear or bring suitable undergarments and the correct shoes to your fittings.  Proper foundations are essential to the perfect fit.  Changing foundations or shoes mid-way through the process could change the fit of the dress and will result in additional charges to alter the dress.

Pick-Up - Generally, we aim to have alterations completed ten days to two weeks prior to the wear date.  This allows time to take care of unexpected problems and to return your gown to the retailer for pressing.  A good full-service bridal salon will press your gown at no charge but, if necessary, The Dressing Room is available to press your gown for a small fee.

Fees - Because every manufacturer constructs their dresses differently it is impossible to give quotes for alterations without first seeing the dress, how it is constructed and how it fits you.  We have made it a policy to not give firm quotes over the phone or by e-mail.  We can, however, tell you that in 2009 the average charges for a traditional wedding gown were about $150-250, the average bridesmaid alteration charge was $50-65, the average mother of the bride/groom was $75-100.  At your first fitting, you will be given a detailed invoice for the work that is to be done.  You can, at that time, make your decision whether or not to have us proceed with your alterations.

Images of Racine - please see this link for information on fittings at Images.

e-mail the dressing room to set up an appointment

or call 262-925-1319

Please note (4/16/10) - We are in the process of moving and have a huge workload already.  Because of this combination I unfortunately will not be able to accept any new work that is needed in less than one month.