FAQs
What do I bring to my appointment?
Dress, shoes, and any undergarments/ shapewear wear you plan to wear with the dress. Accessories such as a veil or jewelry are optional.
If it is a consultation, then the only requirement is you and your dress. If you have them, you are welcome to bring shoes or shapewear but they are optional.
When should I schedule?
To ensure availability, bridal alteration appointments should be scheduled up to 6 months before the wedding date. Alterations on the gown should begin 3 months before the wedding. Less time can result in rush fees.
Mother of the bride or groom and bridesmaids can begin as early as 3 months in advance, and as late as 4 weeks before the wedding date. Please keep in mind it can take around two weeks to get in for the initial appointment so booking 6 weeks out from the wedding date is ideal to avoid rush fees.
Prom, pageant, and quinceanera gowns should schedule 2 months in advance. Alterations can begin as early as 10 weeks before the event, and as late as 6 weeks in advance to avoid rush fees.
If you are looking to have custom work done, or significant alterations please reach out for a consultation so we can mutually decide on an appointment schedule. Custom Gowns should expect to start planning at a minimum of 6 months before the event.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is always appreciated, but not required.
If you are happy with your service please leave us a review on google, it makes our day!
How many fitting appointments are needed?
Bridal gowns can usually be completed in three to four fittings. Most other gowns can be completed in two to three fittings.
Gowns with higher complexity or customizations may require additional appointments.
What is your turn around time?
Turnaround time varies on the complexity of the alterations and time frame; but general alterations for formal gowns are four to six weeks. Bridal gowns are ten to twelve weeks from the first appointment until pick up.
Rush jobs- what is considered a rush job, and is there a rush fee?
For formal or bridal party gowns, less than three weeks from the first appointment to pick up is considered a rush job. For Bridal, having less than eight weeks from the first appointment to pick up is considered a rush job.
All rush fees are based on a percentage of the total alterations cost. This percentage changes based on the amount of time from the first appointment until pick up.
Do you offer steaming or preservation services?
No, we do not.
How much will alterations cost?
Costs are variable and will fluctuate based on the garment and alterations complexity.
Consultations vs a first appointment
Alterations by Ashlee does offer consultations for brides. We recommend scheduling consultations at around 6 -8 months out if you are looking at going to from multiple businesses to get quotes. We have no problems with brides looking at more then one business ro be able to make an informed decision.
A consultaion involves bringing your dress in ahead of time so we can discuss alterations in detail. During the appointment, the gown is partially pinned to help you better visualize the final look and to help determine what adjustments may be needed. Detailed notes will be taken, and at the end of the consultation we’ll review each recommended alteration along with estimated pricing.
After the consultation, all pins will be removed and the dress will go back home with you. Scheduling your first fitting appointment at this time is also optional. The consultation fee is $65, and $25 of that fee will be applied toward your future alterations.
When and how do I pay?
Payments are flexible, they may be made in full at the end of any appointment, or done in payments at each appointment. The gown will not be returned until full payment for the alterations that have been completed have been received. No down payment is required.
Payments accepted: Credit Card, Cash, Venmo
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, we understand sometimes life can get in the way. As long as you reschedule 48 hours in advance, there is no fee. If you need to reschedule with less then 48 hours, then there is a $20 fee.
If you wish to cancel alterations part way through the process, then you only need to pay for the alterations that we have begun up until that point.