what to expect
More often than not, a ready-made gown won't fit perfectly and will need to be adjusted.
The fit of your gown is of utmost importance and it completely elevates the way you will feel wearing it.
I work with you, personally, on an individual basis to ensure an impeccable & comfortable fit.
Please remember to bring your undergarments and shoes.
If you would like, you can bring up to two guests with you. Any more may create distractions and a stressful environment for the bride and seamstress. If this happens, we may need to put the fitting process on hold and have you come back by yourself for a re-do appointment. Children under the age of 10 are not permitted.
If you need to get your dress cleaned, please do so before we begin alterations.
Scheduling
Please schedule your fitting appointment as soon as possible.
It takes 6-7 weeks to alter a wedding gown.
Special occasion dresses take 2-3 weeks to alter, but can be rushed if we have enough availability.
It is recommended that you schedule all of your fittings as soon as possible. We book up quickly, so it's important that we secure your fitting days in advance as we cannot guarantee availability.
Consultation & Fittings
Undergarments and shoes are a MUST at the first fitting. If you are unsure about what to wear under your gown, we will determine and recommend options at the time of your fitting.
Tip:
What you are wearing under the dress, will directly reflect how it fits on the outside. Choose something that cooperates with your dress, not competes in shape and silhouette. Normally, we fit the dresses in such a way that corsets are not necessary, However, we do have a variety of corsets and bra pads at our studio that can be tried on and ordered upon request.
Posture may be slightly affected with a high heel shoe and may change the way the dress hangs on you, therefore it is imperative to bring your shoes to every fitting.
During the first appointment, we discuss and pin what will be altered. We will do everything one step at a time and make sure we have the same vision. Typically everything is pinned at the first fitting, but there are instances where we need to separate the process into multiple fittings. In this case, we would pin the top of the dress and leave the bottom for the following fitting.
At the end of the first fitting you will be given an invoice with prices for all the alterations.
* Arriving more than 15 minutes late to an appointment may result in having to reschedule
*If possible, bring a guest for second opinion and to help you with design decisions
*50% deposit is due at first fitting for wedding gowns. We accept Cash, Quickpay, and Credit (3% transaction fee applies) No checks
*Weight gain/loss may result in additional alteration fees, so please try to maintain your weight once we begin.
* If we need an additional fitting, we will schedule it at a later time
* Should you decide that you'd like to have your gown pressed before your wedding, we will schedule a steam pickup after the last fitting. Otherwise, the dress will need to be picked up at the last appointment
* Bring your veil to your first appointment if it's long and you'd like to get it bustled (for the first dance, cake cutting....)
* You can bring your accessories and do your hair for your final fitting to visualize how everything looks together
Customization & Design Consultation
We don't normally meet for consultations and price quotes. If you need a specific quote or have a question, please fill out the form below. We can quote you based on your pictures.
A non-inclusive $50 fee is applied for a design/ alteration consultation for the first hour. $30 for each additional hour.
If you'd like any custom additions/changes to your gown, be sure to provide us with the appropriate materials and accessories at the first appointment. Please seek recommendations and materials before your appointment. Contact us if you need assistance or have questions.
Bustles & Trains
There are three main styles of bustles, the over bustle (American), under bustle (French), and ballroom bustle (hem)
Each of them are described in detail below
Each have their own share of advantages and disadvantages and not every dress silhouette is compatible with every style bustle.
OVER Bustle
The over bustle is also known as the American bustle because the length of the train is brought up and attached on top of the skirt in the back. This is the most common bustle style because it doesn't add very much bulk to the dress and is simple to button it up. There will be a series of buttons and loops attached to the back of the dress. The number of connections (buttons) depends on the length and shape of the train as well as on the number of layers there are in the dress.
UNDER Bustle
Just like the over bustle, the under bustle also has another name, the French bustle. Rightfully so, because as opposed to the extra fabric being brought up, it is attached underneath itself. This bustle style is tied up with rings and ribbons that are marked with corresponding numbers and creates an entirely new silhouette. It is the ideal "princess bustle" because it creates a statement and a adds visual interest to the dress. Not every dress is compatible with this bustle style as it works best with wider style gowns, such as the A-Line. The more fabric and width there is to the dress the more ribbons will need to be added to hold it all up off the floor
BALLROOM Bustle
The ballroom bustle, also known as the hem or German bustle is great for gowns that have a lot of details on the back of the skirt. This bustle folds under itself from the bottom so no details are hidden as a result. It is tied very similarly to the French bustle, with rings and ribbons marked with corresponding numbers. Usually, this bustle requires the biggest amount of connection points (ribbons). Because of the nature of this bustle, the weight of the train is distributed all along the back of the hem making it the perfect choice for the bride who will be dancing a lot at her reception. This style of bustle can be added onto any type of gown, except those that have a lace trim on the hem
Pressing
Depending on the material that your wedding dress is made out of, it may require to be pressed after the alterations are completed. We recommend doing some research to see if you'd prefer to get your gown pressed closer to your venue location, but we do offer dress and veil pressing if you'd like to get it all completed all in one place. If you are looking around for someone to press your dress, be sure that they work with wedding gowns and have good reviews. If your wedding gown requires pressing, it is our recommendation to schedule your pickup as close to your wedding as possible ensuring it looks pristine and crisp for your big day. If you have chosen to have your wedding dress pressed with us, it will either be pressed for your final fitting, or a separate dress pickup will be scheduled closer to your event date.
Prior to pickup, your gown will be pressed and spot cleaned. We hang it on a cardboard bust form and wrap & stuff it with tissue paper. We hang the train in a way that minimizes the amount of wrinkles acquired during your travels.
Pickup
You can take your gown home at the end of your final fitting in exchange for the payment. If minor tweaks need to be made, sometimes we can finish those as you wait so you can take your gown home that same day. We don't rush, and if it's something that requires more time we go ahead and schedule another fitting for you.
The bustle lesson is reserved for the final fitting so please bring up to two guests with you as we will be instructing them how to do the bustle.
Some girls like to wear their hair similar to how they will on their wedding day and bring their jewelry. This is usually the last time you will be wearing your gown before you get married in it.
Communication
We are committed to making this an amazing experience for all involved. If you have any questions or concerns please let them be known.
As your designer (and friend), my priority is to help and guide you through this process. I am satisfied with our work together when you are.
The best time contact us is m-f between 10am to 6pm. We welcome clear and open communication (phone call, email) hello@agadesal.com | 773.599.3485
we put a lot of care into each dress altered and guarantee that your gown will fit you perfectly for your event. See some alteration transformations in the gallery.
Pricing
If you'd like a quote on alterations, send in a picture of the front, side and back of yourself wearing the dress including any relevant details and let us know what changes you'd like made. We will do our best to estimate pricing for you
hello@agadesal.com
This price list is based on a typical order.
Depending on the complexity of the garment, we may alter the price accordingly.
*If extra fabric or notions are required, it will be an additional cost
