Helen, and the room at the back
Alterations
Three fittings and a written quote from £180, carried out here by Helen, on gowns from us or from anywhere else.
A gown that fits is a gown you stop thinking about. Helen's whole job is to make you forget what you are wearing by the time you reach the front of the church.
Helen does all the alterations herself, in the room at the back, and you meet her at the first fitting. She pins the gown on you in your wedding shoes and writes a quote before she cuts anything. Usually there are three fittings: at about ten weeks, at five, and two weeks before the wedding.
She alters gowns bought elsewhere too, including from online shops and from your sister. The only thing she asks is that you come early enough, because a beaded bodice takes as long as it takes.
How it works here
- Done on site, by the woman you meet at the first fitting
- A written quote before anything is cut
- Three fittings, in your wedding shoes
- A bustle lesson for whoever will be doing it on the day
- Steamed and bagged the week before the wedding
What it costs
Most bridal alterations cost between £180 and £400, quoted in writing at the first fitting. Bustles from £45, sleeves added from £120. Every price is on the prices page, and your timeline works out your dates.
Questions about alterations
Can I bring a dress I bought online?
Yes. Allow twelve weeks if you can. Helen will be honest if the dress cannot become what you hoped.
What if my size changes before the wedding?
It usually does, in one direction or the other. That is why the last fitting is two weeks before, and small changes at that fitting are included in the quote.
Two hours, a pot of tea and no sales talk.
Appointments are free and there is nothing to sign. Tuesday to Saturday, on Eastgate. Saturdays go first, so look at the weekdays if you can.