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Yes, Ma'am!
You're Satisfied or Your Money Back!

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Yes. My head seamstress (Mom) is able to make general repairs, alterations and tayloring for local customers besides bridal alterations for FitForaBride. She repairs, customizes and alters skirts, dresses, tailored garments and gowns.
Visit her website in a new window.

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It depends on what kinds of alterations are needed and probably even more on the type of gown and the type and placement of its trim. For instance, it will take a lot longer to adjust the hem of a gown with intricate appliqués all around it than one with a plain straight hem. Similarly, a seam that needs to be taken in is a snap . . . as long as there is no lace over it or beadwork that has to be all removed and sewn back on by hand. And letting a seam out can be a whole new, exciting experience.

So it varies. You can usually figure on anywhere from two weeks to two months. That’s why I always encourage brides to start their fittings early. It will avoid that exasperating last minute rush and give us more time to make sure everything is perfect. Slow and leisurely is always more pleasant. I can get you through in less time if needed but it’s not as much fun and it may cost more, too.

Another thing that can save you time, as well as a lot of money, is to take accurate, industry standard measurements so you get a good fit to begin with. If you haven't already bought your gown, I can help you with that if you wish. We can bring your alterations cost to a minimum and, often, eliminate the need for adjustments altogether.

Ask me about a money-saving fitting tip called, in the industry, “Hollow to Hem”. Not everyone wants you to know about this, but I do. If the store orders your gown too big, its whole look may well have changed by the time your seamstress gets it fitting you. Complete, accurate measurements (and a store willing to order according to them) will avoid this possibility and save you money, too.

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Yes. . . Please come by appointment only.  Call me first  to make your appointment. I can serve you much better this way.

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Your initial fitting will only take about twenty minutes, but there is usually lot’s of stuff to talk about and many options to consider, so I always allow us at least an hour together. Your bridal gown will require at least one additional fitting —Maybe two if extencive alterations were needed. Your bridesmaids get off easier since their dresses are usually of a more simple construction. The initial fitting is all that’s usually needed and a quick try-on at pick-up time just to make sure everything is right.

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If you already have your shoes, petticoat, under slip or bra be sure to bring them with you for your first fitting and any subsequent appointments. That’s because all of these items will have an impact on your dress fit. The height of your shoes will affect how your skirt needs to be hemmed as does the “poof” of your petticoat. In fact, selecting higher or lower shoes or fluffier or flatter petticoats, can be used to make minor hem adjustments without painful surgery, saving you time and $$$. Similarly, the fit of your top will be affected by the type of bra you’re wearing. So you can see that, along with your gown, all these other items will be needed in order to get that perfect fit.

If you already have these, be sure to bring them with you, but if you haven’t gotten them yet, don’t worry, it’s really better that way anyway. Together we will try on your gown and select the perfect bra-petticoat-slip combination. And from my one hundred plus styles of shoes, dyeable and otherwise, we can make just the right selection for you. —and your bridesmaids, too, for that matter. While we are at it we can also see which veil will go best with your other attire. You will then end up with a true bridal ensemble —with every item selected to match all the others and compliment the whole.

It’s much more difficult to shop for each item separately, trying to visualize how it will go with the others. When buying pieces individually, you won’t get to see the whole look until later. That is a distinct disadvantage and maybe even a disappointment later when you put it all on together. I have said many times, it really is best to assemble your entire outfit all at one time, selecting each piece and systematically building a complementary bridal ensemble. I attempt to keep a good selection of all the main items for your selection.

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Gowns vary greatly in style and complexity and even the stated sizes will vary. Bodies do, too. So, depending on the complexity of the gown and the type and extent of adjustments needed your cost will probably be between $100 and $265. Look at my general guide to alteration costs to get an idea. At any rate, when you come in for your first appointment, I will give you a firm price so you will know exactly where things stand and, of course, you are not under any obligation to continue until we are both happy.

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I will need a deposit of half the alteration cost at your first fitting and the remainder with your second fitting. A deposit on the cost of your accessories will also be necessary before I can order them. And your entire balance needs to be paid by pick-up time. I can accept almost all forms of payment; cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

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Certainly I will. You are free to purchase your bridal needs wherever you wish. And I’m glad to be of help in any way that I can. However, It is very difficult to put together a harmonizing clothing and accessories group buying each piece separately at different times and under different lighting conditions. I have tried to include everything that you will need right here (as much as I can, anyway). We can put on your dress and select each piece to complement the whole effect. You will end up, then, with a bridal ensemble in the true sense of the word.

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Not unless you dropped it in a mud puddle. It’s usually better to have it cleaned after any needed adjustments have been done. As part of my bridal services I do a “FreshUp”. If there is light soil from the floor around the hem or some makeup stains on the bodice my freshing up technique will make your dress white as new and you will love how it smells so fresh and clean, too. Some stains or severe soil, however, may never come clean even with professional dry cleaning. Additionally, some new gowns are made of a material on which I can’t use my process. If there is a question in your mind, bring it as is and let me look at it. If it needs professional help, you can have it done after the alterations are completed. That way it will be fresh and clean and wrinkle-free —fit for a bride.

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There are a couple of different possibilities depending on your computer and software settings. Some of the later browsers have Automatic Image Resizing that reduces the size of really big pictures to fit within your screen area. Several of the images on my pages are larger than your computer screen in order to see details and style numbers. If Automatic Image Resizing is turned on, these pictures may be scaled down to fit into your screen area but, as a result, you can’t see enough detail. In Internet Explorer open the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Open the Advanced tab and scroll down to the Multimedia heading. Uncheck the check box next to Enable Automatic Image Resizing.

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Of coarse, the best way is “word of mouth”; talking to someone who was here before you. But if you don’t have recommendations, look in the yellow pages or search on the internet for local services. THEN. . . Make sure they have had a lot of experience on wedding gowns. But, experience isn’t everything! You need to feel comfortable regarding both her expertise and personality. If you don’t feel right on your first visit, excuse yourself and try someone else till you get a better gut feeling. Often alterations offered by dry cleaners are a poor bet.

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Pick a Dress that has princess seaming and a front panel with two side panels. That way the dress can be adjusted to flatter your figure. When choosing sleeves, usually the semi sheer —netting with lace— looks more attractive than the solid fabric ones.

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If your gown has beading, other than just solid pearls, silver looks beautiful with Ivory. If it has only beads with a few clear sequins, it would be better to use pearls as your accents.

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Velvet capes, shawls and jackets look stunning, will keep you warm and they go with any gown. Most of these items need to be custom made. If you are not sure which one would compliment your gown, send me a picture and I’ll be happy to try to help.

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That’s very common especially in the heat of the summer. And if you're coming here, the «heat of the summer» should not be taken lightly. Before dressing, rub Babys’ corn starch powder on.

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When you're getting it altered have the side seams through your rib cage area taken in snugly. (You should still be able to breath, though) You can also have your seamstress put in an under belt. It’s attached to the gown right under the bust. It helps keep everything standing straight and upright.

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If you’re on a weight lose program keep track with measurements, not your weight. Note what changes are being made in your measurements. You will soon have an idea regarding future changes. You should order no more than one size smaller than your current size if you have to wait the common 4 to 6 months for the bridal salon to get your gown. If you won't have that much time, order the gown according to your present measurements. In either case you can easily have it taken in just before the big day.

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That depends on how far along you will be on your wedding date. Most women have a growing spree in their bust and stomach areas at three to four months and then again at six to eight months. So if you’re going to be less than 3 months you can usually wear a regular gown. If you’re going to be 4 to 6 months along, pick a dress that has an empire waist and princess seam lines. If you will be 6 to 9 months, have a seamstress make the gown for you. Just go pick out your favorite maternity pattern. Have her use bridal materials, and even though the pattern is shorter, she can extend it to floor length. You will be beautiful.

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It’s both very common and appropriate. You’re both marking a new beginning to the rest of your lives.

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It’s your wedding. you need to feel good about the whole thing. But you can do that and also satisfy your friends and family. Just have one layer of veiling attached to a comb. Place it in the back under your bun-updo curls. If even that little bit of fluff bothers you, take it off right after the ceremony. These little “veilettes” can look very pretty.

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It depends on the style and details of your gown. Some brides have simply put little rhinestones or pearls on hairpins through their curl-updo. Or, how about putting some small fresh flowers on the comb?

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You could have your seamstress make a ring pillow from the material. —Or a keepsake garter. Or for after the wedding, have some pillows made to put on your bed.

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Not a toss garter, but for memories a keepsake garter might be nice. You can still wear it under your gown. It’s sexy when hubby finds it on you later! And all of those little mementos you save are fun to drag out and reminisce over years later.

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You probably don’t need one. But it is another pretty item to carry through your beautiful event. It’s also good to have your touch up powder and lipstick handy.

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That depends on how “open” the toe is. If you’re not sure, put a knee high on one foot and leave the other one barefoot. Which foot feels best about itself?

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Gloves are worn purely for photo glamor. If you wear them, make it fun not stressful. When exchanging rings, hold your left hand out as if he was to kiss it. Have your new husband remove the glove and give it to his best man to hold in exchange for your ring. Rehearse this well beforehand and it will go smoothly.

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If it makes you feel sexy and beautiful, I doubt that there will be many complaints from him. But, you don’t have to look like a porn star to be “sexy”. In fact, a really raunchy getup will work just the opposite! You might take him with you into my lingerie pages to see my (mostly) tasteful, but sexy lingerie pieces. You will probably soon begin to get an idea about his preferences.

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There is no set rule concerning that. Some have had radically different outfits. Others, just subtle differences if any like hair pins, gloves or slightly different shape or color bouquets.

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That’s often a challenge. Bridesmaids often have their personal opinion as to what they should wear. Go ahead and pick what ever color you want. Most girls will be happy with the way look after their make-over. The two piece separates are very popular for this exact reason. They look good on almost every body. If you would like some personal professional help, email me with a description or picture of your gown and the approximate sizes of your bridesmaids. I might be able to give you some ideas.

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With a little online research you should be able to find exactly what you want. There are more and more companies selling bridesmaids’ and flowergirls’ dresses now-a-days. Even if you don’t want to buy online, you can get ideas about dresses you can look for locally.

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It can look stunning if well done. Especially in a semi formal ceremony or if a portion of the wedding is outside in fall or winter. I helped a wedding group select a black and white color setting with red as their accent color. The girls wore black matte satin pants with a white matte satin top with black criss-cross straps on the back of their tops. They each carried a shawl, black on one side and white on the other. They wore black shimmer shoes and silver and black earrings. It turned out to be beautiful!

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It depends on how far along she will be on the wedding day. Use the measuring procedure in my Pregnant Bride answer. Usually it’s better to order just one or two sizes bigger than she was before getting pregnant and order a little extra material just in case it’s needed in the seems.

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I’ve seen a lot of wedding photos. If they all wear something different, it always stands out! Usually not in a positive way. I always try to encourage my brides to have the girls wear all the same jewelry. Usually that becomes the bride’s Thank You gift to her girls.

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While it’s generally best for the bridesmaids to comply with the bride’s wishes about their dresses’, (whose wedding is it, anyway) it might be thoughtful of you to let them choose their own style for their comfort. As far as color goes, a solid black shoe can usually be worn with any dark color dress as long as the dress is full. A clear or silver shoe looks good with medium colors. As a general rule, shoes should be dyed to match light color dresses. White shoes just make to much of a bold statement. If, on the other hand, the dresses are along the straighter lines, shoes will be plainly visible and so it probably would be important for everybody to have matching shoes.

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