Formal

We consider formal to be any suit or uniform, garments with significant beadwork, and garments sold as bridesmaid/prom outfits. Formal dresses tend to be multiple layers and include satins, chiffons, and laces. Not all satin, chiffon, or lace garments are formal but many of the dresses are. Formal or Daywear is usually determined by the way the garment is made.

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This process usually takes 1+ month from the first fitting to the event date. This is to give sufficient time for additional fittings if necessary. Usually 1, but sometimes 2-3 secondary fittings are needed to ensure a proper fit. We will usually warn you if any secondary fittings may be needed. We can usually complete your garments faster, but additional charges do apply.

 

To start, we prefer an appointment (usually 30 min) where the person wearing the garment(s) can come into the shop, try them on, and we can pin/mark and discuss the alterations needed. Fittings are not required, but especially during bridal season (March-Sept) they are helpful in ensuring timely assistance. After we are in agreement about which alterations are desired or needed, an estimate will be written up detailing those changes and providing an estimated time to compete (which determines the cost). The person wearing the garment can then determine if all, some, or none of the alterations will be completed by us. If all alterations are approved, work can begin. If some of the alterations are approved, the unapproved items will be removed from the estimate. If none of the alterations are approved, the garment(s) leaves with you and nothing is owed. If the alterations need to stop in the middle of the process, you will be charged for the work completed to that point based upon the number of hours of work completed. If a secondary appointment is needed (usually 30 min), we will contact you for scheduling and discuss further changes at that time as well as an updated estimate if needed.  The goal is to have the dress out 1 week before the event.  The garments can stay at the shop as close to the event as desired, so long as it is picked up during regular business hours.

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Alterations start at $60/hour and may go up depending upon timeline. This will be discussed at your first appointment. In general, 1+ month is charged at $60/hour, 2-4 weeks is charged at $60/hour plus a $20/item rush free, less than 2 week lead time is charged at $90/hour, and less than 2 working day lead time is charged at $120/hour.