ALTERATIONS & MODIFICATIONS
OUR ALTERATIONS SERVICES
Freedom Brides maintains our reputation for being the foremost bridal stylist service in the San Diego region. With unmatched, charming customer service, integrity and honorable business practices every wonderful bride is treated like a Princess.
You can be assured that your grandmother, mother, mother-in-law, sisters, friends and every guest will be welcomed as VIP celebrities.
We give our attention to every detail and desire to make our brides SHINE!
Although brides would like everything to be perfect, sometimes life events are beyond your control. Whatever happens, enjoy the journey.
We are here to help.
When life happens, we ensure your gown will be impeccable! Trust us to exceed your needs. Whether it's weight changes, or the date changes, heels reach new heights, or the budget is too tight...we can manage all requests and surprises and still keep our deadlines whatever the need.
In order to make alterations a delightful experience, we would appreciate all brides to familiarize themselves with our alterations policy. Please ask any question in good time to prevent any unfulfilled expectations.
PLEASE READ OUR ALTERATIONS POLICY BELOW.
Thank you!
Alterations and Accessory Costs
Ever since we began providing luxurious wedding gowns for brides all over the country, Freedom Brides has offered low-cost, Basic Alterations. This saves our brides a lot of money and ensures that there will not be a huge additional bill to pay after the dress arrives. Due to our process of styling every bride with over 25 measurements, gowns are very close to a perfect fit when they arrive.
This peace of mind is a winner for our customers and one reason why brides come from out of state to select a gown from Freedom Brides and work with our experienced design team.
Here are some examples of the cost of alterations:
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Basic Alterations cost between $100-$300
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Standard "nip and tuck" for the figure-hugging, expert look.
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May include hemming inner layers, creating removable drop sleeves or adding lace.
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Extensive alterations may cost about $400 - $600.
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Hem a lace top layer, removing lace and replacing lace.
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Create a corset back for re-sizing.
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Re-size by taking in side seams.
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Reconstruction services could be as much as $700 and up.
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Complete modification of a dress, taking apart and re-patterning the gown to change the design or size extensively.
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Here are some examples of the cost of creating matching accessories:
VEILS
Hand made veils to perfectly complement your gown.
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Shoulder, Elbow, Fingertip:
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Adding bead on sides; $75 - $125
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Adding beads all around: $125 - $250
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Adding lace on sides; $75 - $175
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Adding lace all around; $175 - $30
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Floor length, train length, cathedral:
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Adding bead on sides; $125 - $225
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Adding beads all around: $225 - $350
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Adding lace on sides; $175 - $225
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Adding lace all around; $225 - $600
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SLEEVES
Prices depend on the length, style, fabric and amount of lace required. Most of our sleeves are removable for a comfortable reception with dancing.
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Drop sleeves $65 - $250
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Small lace sleeves that are loose around the top of the arm.
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Three quarter length sleeves $125 - $300
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Long sleeves that are held by elastic at the bicep.
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Full sleeves $165 - $300
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Sleeves connected at the shoulder with various options across the back.
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Removable or attached Jacket $200 -$400
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A separate bolero-style jacket that may be attached to the gown.
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ACCESSORIES
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Headpieces $15 - $200
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From hair clips to fully adorned tiaras, we offer a variety of tasteful hair pieces. We use carefully selected crystals and Demi-pearls, not glass and plastic.
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Belts $25 - $175
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Our beaded belts are intricate selections of different style pearls and sequins. We also create satin belts with delicate bows or large dramatic bows with long tails.
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Capes $175 - $1200
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Adorn your gown with a stunning dramatic cape, giving plenty of warmth or just a high end statement to grace your entrance down the aisle.
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PLEASE READ OUR FULL ALTERATIONS POLICY BELOW
We strive to serve every bride to the best of our abilities.
Types of Alterations
Please note that there may be several fittings needed to ensure a perfect fit.
Our gowns rarely need extensive alterations because we get it right the first time! We measure our brides carefully and our gowns almost always fit perfectly when they arrive.
BASIC ALTERATIONS
Usually includes inner layer hemming, one bustle, and some nips and tucks to get the perfect fit. This is sometimes included in the price of the gown. If the outer layer is lace, there may be an additional charge to remove and replace the lace.
MODERATE ALTERATIONS
If the bride has changed her weight or changed her mind about her shoes, etc. then alterations are to be paid by the bride.
EXTENSIVE ALTERATIONS
When more extensive alterations are required our experts at experienced at accomplishing everything needed. Our estimates are accurate; we charge 50% up front and the balance on delivery.
MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION
If you choose a gown off the rack, your gown may require major reconstruction. If you change the basic structure of the gown this is no longer an alteration, it is a modification. Modifications are discussed extensively with the bride and our designer, who will create a design sketch and require the bride's agreement by signature.
REFERRALS
When there is a situation that requires more extensive alterations than we can provide, or the deadline does not fit with our schedule, we reserve the right to refer you to our favorite local alterations professionals. In this situation you will need to pay for the alterations directly to the chosen professional.
COMPLEX ALTERATIONS
Beaded gowns are much harder to alter. ALL EMBELLISHMENTS MUST BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO SEW THE GOWN, THEN REPLACED, so please remember that will factor into the price and time necessary to complete the project.
Alteration Appointments
Alterations are completed on site, saving our brides additional trips to other locations.
You will be notified when your dress is here. Please plan on spending an hour to try on your gown for your first fitting.
Sometimes a dress may require several fittings. Please allow time in your busy schedule for your fittings. These appointments are completely free, so please be on time.
Please be prepared to return when the seamstress needs you. Your body style is uniquely you! We will need YOU to be able to size your dress accurately!
Several fittings may be accomplished on the same day with our "while-you-wait" service. Please bring something to do while you wait.
Bring your shoes if you have them, or shoes with the same size heel you decided when you ordered your dress.
Please also bring any undergarments you want to wear on your wedding day. Some garments do not work with the dress. This is the time to let your stylist assist you with the right under-garments to wear.
When an additional adjustment is required due to weight changes or shoe changes, there may be another fitting.
When an additional item or modification is requested, there may be another fitting.
Be sure to clearly explain everything you need the first time!
Do not wear heavy makeup when trying on your dress!
More complicated alterations may be sent to our local affiliates.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, even part way during alterations. Please be respectful to your hard-working Seamstress. They often work late to finish dresses in time for your fitting.
A tip is greatly appreciated to show your seamstress you are grateful for her beautiful handiwork.
Thank you!
Weight Changes
IF YOU PLAN ON LOOSING WEIGHT please let your stylist know. We are very experienced at ordering gowns for brides with plans for weight loss. Your stylist will suggest options.
Our gowns are ordered in the bride's exact size, with custom measurements. If a bride changes her weight then we charge for alterations. We ask to be notified of any significant weight changes. Sometimes we can adjust a gown in the manufacturing process.
We are not able to keep up with every bride's personal weight. We are not responsible for any costs related to weight changes. We will do our best to assist you and provide you with a fitted dress every time.
If a you are a bride who has worked hard to reach your goal weight and you need alterations, we applaud your efforts! We hope you will be encouraged and thrilled, even if it costs more to alter your gown.
WEIGHT GAIN
]Sometimes a bride may gain weight. We are very experienced at adding sizes to a gown and there are many options to provide a beautiful gown alteration.
In some cases it may be more cost-effective to re-order your dress in a different size. In this situation you are responsible to pay for any additional charges. No refund will be given for the first dress.
Freedom Brides may offer to consign a gown, but we cannot ensure when the gown will sell. Consigned gowns are subject to fees to compensate for stylist time. Each case will be evaluated individually. Freedom Brides makes no guarantee to sell a bridal gown in the event of weight changes.
Freedom Brides
ALTERATIONS POLICY
We Make Brides Shine!
This policy is always made clear with the purchase of every gown. We include an abbreviated alterations statement with the invoice.
Please note there is a copy in the guest seating area of the salon. We expect all brides to familiarize themselves with our policy and ask any questions to prevent any surprise or disagreement.
We are happy to offer alterations at a fair market rate. An estimate for those items will be given before work begins. Time and materials will be estimated but may change as the work progresses. Sometimes the final bill will be less, sometimes more. The bride will be kept informed along the way.
"Could you just..." is another alteration. We can accommodate most wishes and will let you know the cost.
Freedom Brides does not offer complementary alterations.
Typical Alterations:
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adding custom cups
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one bustle
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hem lining
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reduce straps
Basic Alterations:
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hemming up to 5 layers of the gown
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taking in straps
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small darts
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adding a few appliqués
Extensive Alterations and Design Sewing:
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any re-construction of the gown
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extra hemming
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taking in seams
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altering armholes or sleeves
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creating custom straps
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adding sleeves
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extra beading
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extra appliqués or lace
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corset lace-up backs and modesty panels
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any new design modification
YOUR FIRST FITTING
Alterations are completed on-site, saving many trips for the bride. Several ftttings may be accomplished on the same afternoon with our "while-you-wait" service. More complicated alterations may be sent to our local affiliates.
You will be notified when your dress is here. Please plan on spending an hour to try on your gown for your first fitting.
Bring your shoes if you have them, or shoes with the same size heel you planned on wearing when you ordered your dress.
Please also bring any undergarments you plan to wear.
ADDITIONAL FITTINGS
As with any store several fittings may be necessary, depending on the extent of the alterations. These fitting are often time-consuming and are another free service we offer to our brides.
Sometimes a dress may require several fittings. Every time an adjustment is requested there may be another fitting. Be sure to clearly explain everything you need the first time!
Please note that any additional alterations requested by the bride will add to the cost and time of delivery.
We will only ask you to return as many times as necessary to ensure a good fit. This is standard practice. Be prepared to have 1-3 fittings for most alterations, or 3-4 fittings for extensive alterations, especially if additional work is requested.
Please be prepared to return each time the seamstress needs you. Thank you!
DELIVERY DATE
Our brides have never received their gown late for their wedding, and never will.
Please be sure to order your gown in plenty of time to allow at least 2 months for alterations. We accommodate every bride and do our best to avoid stress. If you order your gown at the last minute please be prepared to receive it at the last minute.
Most bridal stores require 3-6 months for alterations, we make every effort to complete our alterations within weeks or even days.
We understand the concerns of brides nearing a wedding date. Please be assured we make every effort to keep our brides from being anxious. The bridal industry recommends ONE YEAR to purchase a gown. Gowns ordered prior to 6 months may be delivered fairly close to the wedding date.
Our staff will give you an approximate date which will not be considered a promise or breach of agreement if that date is not possible to be met. Absolutely nothing said in a conversation is a contract or expectation of the actual delivery date. These are discussions, evaluations and a decision-making process. This is an estimate of how much time a project might take, but different situations require different amounts of time as the project is worked on.
The expected delivery date is an estimate and may change. When the seamstress gets into the project she may find it more extensive and therefore the date may change. We do not make any guarantee as to the delivery date of a gown that requires extensive alterations.
We will do our best to ensure the gown is a priority, however supplies may take longer to arrive, or circumstances beyond our control with an affiliate vendor do happen.
We “triage” every situation. The bride with the closest wedding deadline will have priority over all other work.
WEIGHT CHANGES
IF YOU PLAN ON LOOSING WEIGHT please let your stylist know. We are very experienced at ordering gowns for brides with plans for weight loss. Your stylist will suggest options.
Our gowns are ordered in the bride's exact size, with custom measurements. If a bride changes her weight then we charge for alterations. We ask to be notified of any significant weight changes. Sometimes we can adjust a gown in the manufacturing process.
We are not able to keep up with every bride's personal weight. We are not responsible for any costs related to weight changes, even if you have informed us. We will do our best to assist you and provide you with a fitted dress every time.
However, If a you are a bride who has worked hard to reach your goal weight and you need alterations, we applaud your efforts! We hope you will be encouraged and thrilled, even if it costs more to alter your gown.
WEIGHT GAIN
]Sometimes a bride may gain weight. We are very experienced at adding sizes to a gown and there are many options to provide a beautiful gown alteration.
In some cases it may be more cost-effective to re-order your dress in a different size. In this situation you are responsible to pay for any additional charges. No refund will be given for the first dress.
Freedom Brides makes no guarantee to sell a bridal gown in the event of weight changes.
Freedom Brides may offer to consign a gown, but we cannot ensure when the gown will sell. Consigned gowns are subject to fees to compensate for stylist time. Each case will be evaluated individually.
VEILS
Free veils are plain veils. Custom veils are priced individually, according to the embellishments.
Lace, appliqués, beading and other embellishments are available at a reasonable cost to the bride. Brides may design their own veil and be assured our seamstresses will complete their design at a reasonable hourly rate.
OTHER ALTERATIONS VENDORS
Our preferred alterations specialists are in various locations. They are professional and highly courteous and will do an amazing job! If you require a shop closer to your area we will try to find one for you, but at this time we cannot promise the same quality of work from any other alterations service. We are not responsible for outside vendors.
CONCERNS
Freedom Brides maintains its impeccable service record, integrity and business practices towards our wonderful brides. If you find yourself in the situation where you need to express concern, we always want to hear your opinion and we will direct you to our Business Manager who will take care of your needs.
Our staff will under no circumstance be treated with rudeness or be subjected to unfair demands from the bride or guests. We reserve the right to refuse service to brides who are demanding and unappreciative of our professional efforts.
ALTERATIONS is a privilege extended to our brides to help them. If we are not respected for giving hundreds of dollars of discount to our brides we will terminate the offer of alterations and services.
In these circumstances we will return the UNFINISHED gown and suggest the bride go to a different alterations shop. We will expect payment for ALL alterations before releasing the gown.
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BRIDE
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