Contact Us
A formal dress should feel as polished as the occasion itself. Alter My Dress provides formal dress alterations in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, PA, with couture-level tailoring for ball gowns and special-occasion dresses.
Whether your dress needs a precise hem, bodice adjustment, sleeve alteration or more extensive resizing, our design team evaluates its fit, construction and detailing before recommending the appropriate work. We alter dresses for galas, black-tie events, weddings, award ceremonies, military balls and other formal occasions, with careful attention to proportion, comfort and movement.
Formalwear often combines structured bodices, fitted silhouettes, delicate fabrics, layered skirts and detailed embellishments. Alterations are planned around the dress’s construction and the way it should fit and move.
The hem can be adjusted for your height, shoes and the dress’s intended length. This may involve multiple skirt layers, lining, lace borders, horsehair braid or other specialty finishes.
A formal dress may be taken in or let out where its construction and seam allowance permit. Adjustments can improve the fit through the bust, waist, hips and back.
Straps may be shortened or repositioned, and sleeves can be adjusted for fit and movement. Neckline or coverage adjustments may also be possible depending on the dress.
Zippers, hooks, buttons and other closures may be adjusted or replaced when needed to improve fit and function.
Full skirts, fitted skirts, overlays, linings and tulle layers may require individual alterations to maintain the dress’s proportion and movement.
Ball gowns may require specialized work because of their structured bodices, voluminous skirts, internal support and multiple layers. Each component is evaluated before alterations begin.
Lace, appliqués, sequins and beadwork may need to be removed and reapplied so alterations can be completed without disrupting the original design.
Bring the formal dress, shoes and any foundation garments you plan to wear. The design team evaluates the fit, length, construction and movement of the dress while you are wearing it.
We identify the adjustments needed to improve the dress’s fit, proportion and comfort. Any limitations created by the fabric, seam allowance, structure or embellishments are explained during the fitting.
The recommended work, estimated cost and fitting schedule are reviewed before alterations begin. The timeline depends on the dress and the complexity of the requested adjustments.
The approved alterations are completed in stages. Additional fittings may be needed for structured bodices, significant resizing, layered skirts, ball gowns or detailed handwork.
At the final fitting, we check the dress with your shoes and undergarments to confirm its length, fit, comfort and movement before the event.
Schedule your first fitting approximately four to eight weeks before the event whenever possible. This allows time for the initial fitting, alteration work and any necessary follow-up fittings.
Ball gowns, extensively beaded dresses, major resizing and garments with multiple skirt layers may require additional time. Appointment availability also becomes limited during wedding, prom and holiday seasons, so booking early is recommended. If your event is approaching quickly, use the appointment form to check whether rush service is available.
The cost of formal dress alterations depends on the garment’s construction, fabric, number of layers, embellishments and the type and extent of the adjustments required. A simple hem or strap adjustment generally involves less work than resizing a structured bodice or altering a layered ball gown.
Alter My Dress must evaluate the formal dress while you are wearing it before providing an accurate quote. The recommended alterations and estimated cost will be reviewed during your fitting before work begins.
Formal dress fittings are available by appointment at both Alter My Dress locations. Bring the dress, event shoes and the undergarments or shapewear you plan to wear so the length and fit can be evaluated accurately.
710 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
1612 Norristown Road
Maple Glen, PA 19002
Alter My Dress works on ball gowns and special-occasion dresses worn for galas, black-tie events, weddings, award ceremonies, military balls and other formal occasions. The dress must be evaluated to confirm the appropriate alterations.
Yes. Ball gown alterations may include hemming layered skirts, adjusting a structured bodice, resizing the waist or hips, altering straps or sleeves and working around lace, beading or appliqués.
A formal dress can often be taken in through the bodice, waist, hips or back. Letting a dress out depends on its seam allowance, construction, fabric and embellishments.
Yes. Chiffon, tulle, lining, lace overlays and other skirt layers may be hemmed individually. The shoes you plan to wear are needed to determine the finished length.
Yes. Beads, sequins, lace or appliqués may need to be carefully removed and reapplied so the underlying seams can be altered without disrupting the dress’s design.
Straps may be shortened or repositioned, and sleeves can often be adjusted for fit and movement. Neckline and coverage changes depend on the garment’s construction and available materials.
Zippers, hooks, buttons and other closures may be adjusted or replaced when appropriate. The dress must be examined to determine whether the closure or surrounding structure also requires work.
Cost depends on the garment’s construction, fabric, layers, embellishments and required adjustments. Alter My Dress must evaluate the dress while you are wearing it before providing an accurate quote.
Bring the dress, event shoes and the same undergarments or shapewear you plan to wear. These items affect the garment’s length, support and overall fit.
Schedule the first fitting approximately four to eight weeks before the event whenever possible.
“They did a wonderful job on what I wanted done on my wedding dress! Me and my mom really loved it. She took care of covering the chest area for me very good that it bended in. Definitely a 5 star”
"Priscilla altered my wedding gown and did it perfectly! She and her team were very thoughtful to make sure I felt beautiful in my gown and listened to all my points of concern. She delivered it timely and well pressed. It was a pleasure working with her. Highly recommend!"
Wedding Dress Alterations
Wedding Dress Redesign
Vintage Wedding Dress Transformation
Wedding Dress Restoration
Wedding Dress Repurposing & Keepsakes
Wedding Dress Dyeing
Bridesmaid Dress Alterations
Mother-of-the-Bride or Groom Dress Alterations
Prom Dress Alterations
Evening Gown Alterations
Cocktail Dress Alterations
Wedding Veil Alterations & Customization
Rush and Emergency Dress Alterations
Alter My Dress welcomes clients at our Philadelphia and Montgomery County studios by appointment. Contact us with your needs, preferred location and information about the formal dress alterations you may need. Our team will review your request and help you schedule the appropriate first fitting.
Contact Us
Philadelphia Location:
710 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Montgomery County Location:
1612 Norristown Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002
A breakdown of how much should you really expect to pay for professional bridal alterations in the Philadelphia area.
Read
Bridal shop alterations services by Alter My Dress include wedding gown tailoring, redesigns, restoration, and more.
Read
Wondering how long it takes to alter a wedding dress? This guide breaks down the full timeline and what to expect from your fittings at Alter My Dress.
Read
From prom gowns to bridesmaid dresses, Alter My Dress offers professional formal dress alterations in Philadelphia with couture-level precision. Every garment is custom-tailored for comfort, confidence, and elegance—perfect for weddings, special occasions, and milestone events.
Read
Alter My Dress offers expert custom tailoring and full dress redesign services in Philadelphia. From adjusting silhouettes to reimagining heirloom gowns, our team brings your dream look to life.
Read
Whether you’re a bride, bridesmaid, or guest, Alter My Dress in offers expert bridal dress alterations for every formal occasion. This guide breaks down costs, timing, and services for all your wedding and special event tailoring needs.
Read
From wedding dress redesign to vintage gown restoration, Alter My Dress offers couture-quality alterations and custom tailoring services for brides in Philadelphia and beyond.
Read
Alter My Dress is Philadelphia’s trusted choice for custom tailoring and bridal shop alterations for wedding dresses, prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and more.
Read
Discover how professional dyeing services can completely transform your wedding dress. From vintage redesigns to modern bridal tailoring, Alter My Dress in Philadelphia offers custom alterations, preservation, and dyeing for gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and more.
Read
Need prom dress alterations? Alter My Dress in Philadelphia offers expert tailoring, hemming, resizing, and custom formalwear adjustments so your gown fits flawlessly for the big night.
Read
Reimagine your heirloom gown with expert vintage dress Philadelphia alterations. Learn about cost, timelines, and how to transform it into your dream wedding dress.
Read
Alter My Dress offers high-end bridal shop alterations in the Philadelphia area with expert seamstresses and preservation services.
Read
Elizabeth’s gown from Jenny Yoo at BHLDN got a full couture makeover at Alter My Dress. See how our expert design team transformed the fit, sleeves, and bustle for her wedding day—all for $550.
Read
Discover how today’s brides save money by altering vintage dresses, dyeing gowns, or renting designer wedding dresses. Explore cost-saving strategies.
Read
Discover Philadelphia’s best bridal shops, from couture designers to boutique favorites, and how Alter My Dress enhances your wedding gown experience.
Read
The team at Alter My Dress & Priscilla Couture compiled a list of links to valuable wedding dress knowledge and guides that you may find useful on your journey.
Nicole Bridal & Formal Shoppe in Philadelphia
