When should I start the alterations process?
If your body fluctuates, we recommend starting the alterations process 8 to 10 weeks before your wedding date. If you tend to stay the same size and do not anticipate any changes in your body leading up to the wedding, you’re welcome to start as early as you would like.
Most dresses will require 3 fittings in total.
Please also keep in mind you will need to bring the exact shoes you plan to wear with your dress to every fitting, as well as any undergarments you plan to wear.
If we are able to accommodate dresses that need to be completed in under 6 weeks, they will be subject to a rush fee starting at $250.
When should I book my appointments?
Since our schedule can fill up quickly, it is recommended that you book your appointments once you have an anticipated arrival date for your dress. To ensure that we have time to complete each bride’s dress in time for their wedding, we limit the number of dresses we take per wedding date. When a wedding date is full, we are no longer able to accept dresses for that date. Once you have received a confirmation email in response to your appointment request, you will have secured a spot for your wedding date.
How do I get started?
Visit our BOOKING PAGE to see our most up-to-date availability. On the day of your fitting, one of our master seamstresses will pin your dress to show you the alterations necessary to provide an ideal fit. After your dress is pinned, you will be given a price estimate for the alterations. The estimate is based on the number of hours needed to complete your alterations. The price can increase if more time is needed to complete your alterations or if other alterations are added. We will keep you informed of any changes to your bill before charges are incurred.
New Bride Appointment
A New Bride Appointment is for the bride who is ready to get started on alterations and has no major design changes or uncertainties about her dress.
Consultation Appointment
A Consultation Appointment is best for brides seeking a design change, brides bringing in vintage gowns, or those who would like to solidify a quote that they were provided over email. Consultations are also the best choice for brides who have multiple gowns and are unsure about which one to wear. There is a non-refundable $75 appointment fee for the consultation, but if you decide to proceed with alterations, $50 of that fee is credited toward their cost.
What are your hours and location?
Tailor Maid is open for fittings Tuesday – Saturday, by appointment only. Please see our BOOKING PAGE for availability. We are located in East Austin at 1305 E. 6th Street (between Attayac and Navasota) in unit #6. There is metered street parking in front of the shop and a paid parking lot directly across the street. There is limited free parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
What are typical alteration costs?
The cost of gown alterations can vary significantly depending upon many factors including the number of layers in the dress and linings, the understructure/boning, lace, beading, fabric, hem, finish, buttons, zippers, belt, corset, bustle and train, etc. Please request a free estimate, and we will be happy to provide a range for the work you are seeking.
How do I request a Free Estimate?
Please email a photo or link to your dress (front and back), along with your wedding date and a list of your anticipated alterations (such as hem, take in waist, shorten straps, etc.) to hello@tailormaidatx.com, and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.
What forms of payment can I use?
We accept cash, checks, Apple Pay and all major credit cards.
Do you steam/press dresses?
We recommend making arrangements for a final steaming/pressing on the big day as your dress will likely become wrinkled once it’s placed in a garment bag for transportation. Many hotels and venues have steamers available for your use, so it is a good idea to check with them first. Additionally, you can search for a Wedding Gown Specialist near your wedding’s location for cleaning and pressing.
Do you recommend a specific steamer?
This handheld steamer is great for traveling and on-site steaming.
This professional steamer is great for on-site steaming, we recommend covering the head with 2-3 layers of cheese cloth.
What tape do you recommend?
Hair extension tape works well in place of fashion tape to keep borders and shoulders secure. Kinesiology tape works well for lifting the bust.
What do you recommend for taking the dress on a plane?
This canvas tote is a great size for carrying most garment bags and zips closed.
What type of undergarments do you recommend?
We carry Commando brand shapewear.
If we recommended a Spanx skirt undergarment, this is it.
These SuperPower Shorts by Honey Love are great if you need extra control shapewear.
We recommend these push-up nipple covers by HelloMolly.
BOOMBA inserts are adhesive on both the inside and the outside, making them a good option for adding volume and lift. They have demi cup for adding one cup size or two cup sizes.
Does your strapless dress need structure?
We recommend this longline bra by Bare Necessities.