Wedding Dress Alterations in Orange County
Mon Amie Bridal Salon has an in-house alterations team in Costa Mesa that fits wedding gowns for brides across Orange County, whether you bought your gown with us or somewhere else. Hems, bustles, taking in or letting out, straps and sleeves: every change is made by our seamstresses, by appointment only. Alterations are priced separately from your gown. If you buy at Mon Amie, the bridal manager who helped you choose your size gives you an alterations estimate at purchase; custom work added later is priced on top. Book your first fitting 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding and plan on about two months to pickup. Call 714-546-5700 to schedule.
1. Your estimate. Mon Amie brides receive an alterations estimate when they buy their gown. Bought yours elsewhere? Bring it to your first fitting and we will tell you what it needs.
2. Book your first fitting. Schedule it 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date. Walk-ins are not accepted and we book up quickly, so make your appointment early. For gowns bought at Mon Amie, the gown balance must be paid before alterations begin.
3. Your fittings. Bring your wedding shoes and the undergarments you will wear to every fitting. Your seamstress pins the hem, the fit and the bustle, then makes the changes between visits.
4. Final fitting and pickup. Try on the finished gown and learn your bustle. Plan on about two months from first fitting to pickup. Work due in under 4 weeks carries a rush fee.
What You Will Need
Bring your wedding shoes and the undergarments you will wear (bra, slip) to every fitting. Shoes set the hem; the bra shapes the bodice.
Gown Pressing
Gown and veil pressing are services that are offered by Mon Amie Bridal as an additional charge. Gowns and veils will not automatically be pressed.
Pressed items are typically picked up by the bride the week of the wedding. If someone else will be picking up your items in your place, you will need to sign a Merchandise Release form. Please fill one out at one of your appointments or call Customer Service and one can be faxed or emailed to you. No gown will be released without written permission.
At the time of your first fitting you will be asked to arrange a pressing pick-up date.
Pricing
What Alterations Cost
Alterations are priced separately from your gown, and every gown is different. If you buy your gown at Mon Amie, you receive an alterations estimate at purchase, based on the size you chose and the changes you want. Bought your gown elsewhere? Call us to book a first fitting and we will tell you what it needs.
What moves the price:
- The hem. Layers of tulle, lace edges and horsehair trim take longer than a single plain hem.
- Fit through the bodice. Taking in or letting out is more involved when boning, beading or lace crosses the seams.
- The bustle. Longer and heavier trains need more points to hold.
- Straps, sleeves and cups. Adding or adjusting them.
- Changes after your estimate. Custom work not discussed at purchase is priced separately.
- Timing. Work due in under four weeks carries a rush fee.
The bustle
Wedding Dress Bustles
A bustle lifts your train off the floor after the ceremony so you can walk, mingle and dance. It is added during alterations with hooks, buttons or ribbon ties hidden in the skirt, and the style depends on your train and fabric.
Over bustle
Also called an American bustle. The train is lifted and fastened to the outside of the skirt with hooks or buttons, creating soft swags at the back. It is quick to do on the day and suits most trains.
Under bustle
Also called a French bustle. The train is folded under and tied with ribbons inside the skirt for a rounded, layered look. It holds heavier fabrics like satin and mikado well.
Ballroom bustle
The train is lifted all the way around so the hem falls evenly, as if the gown had no train at all. It is the cleanest look for a full reception of dancing.
At your fitting, your seamstress looks at the length, weight and fabric of your train and recommends the bustle that will hold best. Ask for a quick lesson at your final fitting, and bring whoever will help you on the day.
Alterations Questions
Do you alter wedding gowns bought elsewhere?
Yes. Our alterations team works on wedding gowns whether you found yours at Mon Amie or somewhere else. Call us to book your first fitting.
How much do wedding dress alterations cost?
It depends on the gown and the changes it needs. Mon Amie brides receive an alterations estimate when they buy their gown. The hem, the fit through the bodice and the bustle are usually the main costs, and work due in under four weeks carries a rush fee.
How far ahead should I book my alterations?
Schedule your alterations appointment 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding. We book up quickly, so call as early as you can.
How long do wedding dress alterations take?
Plan on about two months from your first fitting to pickup: a first fitting, adjustments and any follow-up fittings, then a final fitting where you try on the finished gown.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. The alterations department works by appointment only and does not take walk-ins. Alterations hours are Wednesday 11 to 5, Friday 10 to 5 and Saturday 11 to 5.
What should I bring to my fittings?
Your wedding shoes and the undergarments you will wear on the day, such as your bra or slip. Your shoes set the length of the hem and your bra shapes the bodice, so we cannot begin without them.
Can someone else pick up my gown?
Yes, with a signed Merchandise Release form. Fill one out at one of your fittings, or call us and we will email it to you. No gown is released without written permission.
Book
Book Your Alterations Appointment
Alterations are by appointment only. Call our customer service team to book your first fitting.
- Wednesday
- 11 am to 5 pm
- Friday
- 10 am to 5 pm
- Saturday
- 11 am to 5 pm
- Sunday to Tuesday, Thursday
- Closed
Mon Amie Bridal Salon, 355 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Sonia Martinez
Alterations Manager
Esmie Alvarado
Alterations
