Dress alterations-please help!

[Melsy]

Hello guys,

A few weeks ago I had my first fitting in my actual dress.They measured me and went through what they needed to do.She asked me why a 10 had been ordered as it was way too big for me and even asked if there was enough time to send it back for a new one.They measured me originally and decided a 10 would fit me.( I havent lost weight) So they took it in,shortened the straps,put in some bra cups.Tryed it on monday and wasnt too inpressed.Its not that bad,but around my waist,just above my hips its pulling.I will attach a pic of my dress,the design should fall,not pull.When i pointed this out to her she said it might be a bit tight.I was baffled becasue she measured me,shouldnt it fit me perfect? she also said it was because i have a small waist but have hips and curves,thats why.so thats my first issue.
The second is I also needed it taken up and a bustle put in to hitch up my train.She asked me to sign for the amount and told me it would be $595 in total.I was gobsmacked and asked her to explain how it got so frikin expensive.the bottom is $180 to be taken up with the train,and and extra 35 per layer.(i have 3)I dont know what to do as I need it to be done.The $595 includes everything,bra cups,straps etc.This seems extreme to me,and for that amount i would want my dress to be perfect!
The last thing is that on the fron near my belly botton there is a small mark.I know it wasnt there at the first fitting.I mentioned it to her as soon as i saw it,we said we would have a look at the end.However when she told me the cost i got sidetracked and forgot.I am worried if i ask them to get the mark out it will make a bigger stain and ruin my dress. my fabric is very fragile and even the pins were leaving massive holes.
I just want to know what people paid for their alterations and what i should do.I have bought everyhing off them,my dress,jewellery,headpeice,veil,bmaid dress and jewellery,suits and now the alterations and really i think the price of alterations is beyond belief.i have spent thousands with them.i really dont know what to do.If i ask them to let the dress out a bit they will charge me.heeeeeeeellllllppppppppp meeeeeeeeeee

[DJPlus]

Can't help with the reasonableness of cost of alterations Melsy, but just wanted to say that it is a beautiful dress and I fully understand your concerns.

I hope the girls can help and that it is resolved to your satisfaction.

[Melsy]

thankyou, thanks for reading my essay! I wouldnt mind paying that much as much if i was 100% happy with it.I have been wondering if i am stressing when i shouldnt be,i dont know if people would know its not how its meant to be or not but i do and it annoys me!

Thank,i love my dress too,love that its not the same as a lot out there too.

[Kitkatswing]

I had to pay I think around $400 for alterations to my dress...

Cant really help you with yours.. But man Iwould be annoyed and refuse to pay until the dress is right!!!

[Nannous]

Stunning dress!
Don't pay until it's perfect!
Tell her you will pay her the money after all the alterations are done and you are 100% happy with the dress.

[Lacey Lou]

I wouldn't pay either until you were 100% happy.

My alterations are costing me $320. For the hem (2 skirts and everything else under there!! There is heaps!) for my straps to be tightened and a small stitch between the bust line.

[Melsy]

I havent paid a cent yet,so wont until I am happy.
My Mum and my fiance's Mum have a backround in dressmaking,so I have arranged a fitting with them to come with me.I wish i had taken them from the start but with my work hours and theirs it just didnt happen.
I think they may be taking advantage of me because there wasnt someone older than me aqnd i dont know any better.She didnt listen to us,my sister(my bmaid) was unhappy with her dress under the arms.(it was gaping)we bought it up last time and she was like "oh there is nothing wrong with it" we asked for it to be fixed.we got there the other day and it was the same.She was like "why didnt you say this last time?" ARRGGHHHH!!! She fixed it there and we are happy with it.She speaks soooo fast and has a french accent so we can barely understand her anyway. thanks everyone for helping me,I was so stressed about it yesterday,i wasnt working so its all i could think about!

[DJPlus]

Hopefully with your Mum and FMIL with you, you will be able to sort it out. Good luck and let us know how you go.

[chessa]

I paid around $380 for a three layer skirt and alterations to a boned bodice.

Do NOT leave until you are happy!

I left being unhappy with my dress and I felt uncomfortable on the wedding day.

Take people with you if you can, especially those who are outspoken.

Take care, the alterations sound on the pricey side of reasonable, if you can understand that :)

BUT if there is a stain on the dress that was NOT there before, totally get that all cleared up before you leave the store.

Good luck xoxo

[Kylie141109]

my alterations cost $503 (or something like that) this included hoop hire tho.