Dream Gown FAQ

You will need to bring your "day of" shoes and undergarments (Spanx, etc) to every appointment. The fit and hem heavily depend on these 2 items, therefore there will be a fee if forgotten and progress cannot be made during the fitting. We'll take care of everything else!

Yes, we are by appointment only and do not accept walk ins. We take alteration appointments Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10am-6:30pm (10am-5:30pm during winter) and Saturdays 10-2. The best way to book an appointment is to call directly (773) 329-0484 and we can get you on the schedule immediately. We also have a convenient online booking page here on the website.

Each gown will be a bit different, depending on what alterations are needed. At the first fitting we will go over the scope of work and at that point we will also be able to give you a quote and map out how many fittings will be needed. The fittings will be spaced out up until your wedding. Typical bridal alterations are 3-4 fitting including drop-off and pickup. If there is design work or more in depth alterations you may need 1-2 additional, of which are no extra charge to you. We also encourage you to bring a special guest to your final appointment where we will give a bustle tutorial. We want to make sure someone else is in charge and knows how to bustle your dress so you don't have to worry about it the day of! If you can't get anyone to come, we can show you and record a video on your phone if needed. If you have a sample gown we recommend you have it dry cleaned before getting started on alterations.

We recommend starting alterations 3-4 months before your big day. This allows us enough time for all alterations needed, while being close enough to your wedding that you will be at your wedding weight. If you're on a shorter timeline call and we can get you on the schedule for a consultation to see if we can complete the alterations on your deadline. There is a $100 rush fee for bridal alterations needed 30 days and under.

Please let us know at the initial fitting if you plan on losing weight before your wedding day. In this case we will wait on any taking in of the gown. Typically we will give you a month before your big day to leave enough time for us to alter the dress to fit you. If you lose additional weight after the agreed upon date, there will be a fee for having to do the alterations twice.

The only way for us to give a responsible estimate is to see you wearing your gown in person so we can see the exact fit and how the gown is constructed. If you would like to get a quote before moving forward, call us to get on the schedule for a consultation. We will book you for 30 minutes, instead of the full 60 minute bride slot so we can go over the work without having to pin. This allows us to keep the consultation free of charge to you! Typical bridal alterations cost between $200-850. This depends on the extent of work, type of fabric, how may layers, etc. Design work outside of typical alterations (redesigning neckline, beading, etc.) is priced differently and may be more. Half of the total alterations will be paid up front at the first fitting and the other half isn't due until the final fitting. Payments may be made during in-between fittings if you would like.

We recommend picking your dress up the week before or week of your wedding. At that point we would already have our final fitting and you will be confident of the fit. Then we will schedule a pickup where you can come garb the dress steamed, and ready to walk down the aisle. This way you don't have to worry about storing it! We can also steam your veil for you for no additional charge if you leave it with your gown at the store. If you will be traveling we can forego the steaming of the gown, and recommend you set up a pressing/steaming service at your destination.

Yes! Since all appointments at Sew Bridal are private appointments, you may bring as many people as you'd like! Just keep in mind sometimes the less opinions, the better!

The best way is to call directly (773) 329-0484 and we can get you on the schedule. We also have a convenient online booking page here on the website.

Yes! We can help your whole bridal party! We specialize in bridal, and formal so we can always make time for your bridesmaids, MOB, MOG, and even do men's if the groomsmen need suit alterations! For formal alterations, we do not need as much time as brides- 1 month is recommended and there is a $50 rush fee for any turnaroud time needed in 10 days or less.