Bridal & Formal Wear Alterations
Welcome to City Tailors services
Wedding Dress Alterations Services
Expert Wedding Dress Alterations in Brighton and Bath
Your wedding dress should feel secure, comfortable, and effortless, allowing you to move, sit, and celebrate your big day with complete confidence, without worrying about the fit.
At City Tailors, we provide expert wedding dress alterations in Brighton and Bath, offering precise pinning, clean finishing, and professional guidance tailored to your gown, venue, and personal style. Our experienced bridal seamstresses focus on achieving a flawless fit that enhances both comfort and elegance.
We work carefully with delicate bridal fabrics, structured bodices, corsetry, lace, and beadwork, ensuring every alteration is handled with attention to detail. Before any stitching begins, we clearly explain all alteration options so you feel confident at every stage of the process. If you’re planning to wear your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress, our team can sensitively restyle a vintage wedding gown to suit a modern look while preserving its sentimental value. This may include reshaping the neckline, adjusting sleeves, updating the silhouette, or carefully reworking lace and trims, so the dress feels uniquely yours without losing its story.
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 wedding dress 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
Book your bridal alterations consultation to achieve the perfect fit for your wedding dress. Our expert tailors ensure every detail is refined for comfort, style, and confidence on your big day.