Frequently Asked Questions

Timing & Booking

How far in advance should I book my alterations? I recommend booking your alterations 10 to 12 weeks before your wedding day. If you are getting married during the peak summer season (April to August), my diary fills up very quickly, so please get in touch as early as possible to secure your spot.

How many fittings will my wedding dress need?

Every dress and body is wonderfully unique, but most brides require a minimum of two fittings. Usually, the process takes two to three fittings to ensure everything is absolutely perfect. We will keep tweaking until you feel completely comfortable and confident in your gown.

How long does the alteration process take?

Typically, the entire process takes between 8 to 10 weeks from your first fitting to the final collection day. This gives us plenty of time to make careful adjustments, hold your follow-up fittings, and ensure every detail is flawless without any last-minute rushing.

What if my wedding is very soon and I need a rush job?

Try not to panic! While I always recommend booking early, I know that last-minute emergencies happen. Please contact me directly as soon as possible to discuss your timeline. I will always do my absolute best to accommodate rush alterations whenever my schedule allows. Rush jobs will incur a rush service charge.

Your First Appointment

What should I bring to my first fitting?

Please bring your beautiful dress, the exact shoes you plan to wear on the day, and any undergarments or shapewear you will be using. If you have chosen a veil or specific hair accessories, bring those along too so we can see the complete look!

What happens at the first fitting?

Your first fitting is a dedicated 1-hour appointment where we get to know each other. I will assess your dress, listen to exactly what you want, and pin the necessary adjustments while you are wearing it. Afterward, I will provide a clear, bespoke quote for the work needed.

Is there a charge for the first fitting?

Yes, there is a £35 fee for your initial 1-hour consultation and fitting. Because every dress is unique, this dedicated time allows me to properly assess the garment and provide an accurate quote. A £40 booking fee is required to secure your booking in my diary.

Services & Capabilities

What kind of alterations can you do?

I can handle almost any alteration you need! This includes delicate bodice adjustments, hem shortening, adding beautiful bespoke sleeves, creating a bustle for dancing, inserting modesty panels, or converting a zip to a corset back. I can also skillfully take dresses in or let them out.

Do you work on dresses from any shop?

Absolutely. It doesn't matter where you found your dream dress. I regularly work on gowns from Wed2Be, luxury independent boutiques, and online retailers. I also love altering pre-loved dresses, eBay finds, and vintage gems discovered in charity shops to give them a second life.

Can you work on very delicate fabrics like lace or chiffon?

Yes, you can trust me with your most delicate fabrics. With my degree in Fashion and Textile and years of high-end industry experience, I have extensive expertise working with everything from fine lace and floaty chiffon to heavy satin, intricate beading, and structured corsetry.

Do you do bridesmaid dress alterations too?

I certainly do! I offer full alteration services for bridesmaid dresses to ensure your entire bridal party looks beautifully cohesive and feels comfortable. I also expertly tailor prom dresses, elegant evening wear, and provide menswear tailoring for grooms and groomsmen.

Can you make a bespoke dress from scratch?

Yes, I would love to! Drawing on my fashion degree and design background, I can work with you to design and create a completely custom-made dress from scratch. It is a wonderful, collaborative process to bring a unique vision to life just for you.

Can you transform my wedding dress into a christening gown?

Yes, this is one of my favourite services to offer. I can carefully repurpose the beautiful fabric, lace, and details from your cherished wedding dress to create a stunning, heirloom christening gown for your little one. It is a deeply special way to preserve your memories.

Practical Information

Where are you located?

My studio is based in Salfords, Surrey, perfectly situated right between Horley and Redhill. It is a very convenient location, easily accessible for brides traveling from Crawley, Reigate, Caterham, Merstham, East Grinstead, and all the surrounding Surrey areas.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is! Coming to your fitting should be completely stress-free, so there is easy parking available right by the studio. You won't have to worry about carrying your beautiful, heavy wedding dress far from your car.