Bridal & Formal Wear Alterations
Welcome to City Tailors services
Wedding Dress Alterations
Expert Wedding Dress Alterations in Brighton and Bath
Your wedding dress should feel secure, comfortable, and effortless – so you can move, sit, and enjoy the day without thinking about the fit.
At City Tailors, we carry out wedding dress alterations in Brighton and Bath with careful pinning, clean finishing, and advice that suits your style and how you’ll wear it
We work carefully with bridal fabrics, structure, and finishing, and we’ll always explain the options clearly before any stitching begins.
If you’re planning to wear your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress, we can help you restyle it for today while keeping what makes it special. That might mean reshaping the neckline, adjusting sleeves, updating the silhouette, or reworking lace and trims so the dress feels like yours – without losing its story.
It’s one of the nicest forms of circular fashion: giving a meaningful gown a new chapter instead of buying new.
Common fit problems we fix
- Dress too loose or too tight around the bust, waist, or hips
- Hem length too long or uneven
- Bodice too loose or tight
- Dress gaping at bust
- Straps slipping
- Back gaping
- Sleeves need adjustment
- Dress needs support or structure tweaks
- Train needs a bustle
Our Wedding Dress Alteration Services
- Full wedding dress resizing
- Bridal hemming (multiple layers, lace edges, horsehair where needed)
- Taking in/letting out
- Bodice and bust shaping
- Neckline adjustments
- Adding corset back
- Strap and sleeve adjustments
- Bustle options for the train
- Zip/corset/fastening adjustments
- Comfort improvements for movement
- Heirloom wedding dress restyling (mother/grandmother gowns) - redesign, reshape, and modernise while preserving key details
- Any design changes you may require
What to expect at your fitting
During your fitting, we’ll help you step into your gown and create a plan together.
We’ll carefully pin where adjustments are needed, talk through each change, and map out a clear schedule for your fittings.
You’ll leave with a confirmed timeline, a detailed quote, and peace of mind-so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Typical starting prices
Prices vary with fabric, lining, construction, and the finish you choose. These starting prices are a practical guide - we confirm the quote after we see the garment (or your design brief).
| Service | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
|
Bridal hem (simple) |
from £150.00 |
|
Bridal hem (lace/layers) |
from £250.00 |
|
Take in bodice |
from £140.00 |
|
Add bustle |
from £60.00 |
|
Heirloom wedding dress restyle / redesign |
from £495.00 (quoted after assessment) |
Available in Bath & Brighton
We offer in-person fittings at both branches. Choose the most convenient location and book one consultation appointment (same booking flow for both).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fittings will I need?
A: Often 2-3, depending on the dress and the changes. We’ll plan this with you.
When should I book?
A: As early as you can once you have the dress – we recommend at least 8- 10 weeks before the wedding, especially in peak wedding season.
Can you restyle my mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress to fit me?
A: Yes. We can redesign an heirloom gown so it suits your style and body today – for example adjusting the neckline, sleeves, bodice structure, length, or creating a new silhouette.
Can you alter heavily beaded or lace dresses?
A: Yes, our experienced bridal tailors specialise in working with delicate fabrics, lace, and embellishments. We’ll explain options before starting
Can you do express bridal alterations?
A: Yes we often can, this depends on the work involved and our current workload. Ask when booking.
Book Your Bridal Alterations Consultation
Bring your dress in and we’ll plan the fit properly, from hem and bodice to finishing and comfort.
