Luxury Bridesmaid & Evening Dress Alterations

Whether you're a bridesmaid, wedding guest, or attending a special event, your dress should fit like it was made for you. At Alma’s Brighton Alterations, we specialise in Italian tailoring, ensuring a flawless, elegant fit with expert craftsmanship.

Why Choose Alma’s Alterations for Dress Alterations?

Tailoring is in our blood. As a family business, we have been perfecting the art of dressmaking for generations, learning the craft from childhood. With deep roots in Milan, the heart of Italian fashion, we have honed our skills to an unparalleled level of precision and artistry. Every stitch, every adjustment, and every fitting reflects our passion for perfection. At Brighton Alterations, you’re not just getting a standard alteration—you’re getting heritage craftsmanship, passed down through generations.

Our Bridesmaid & Evening Dress Alteration Services

  • A perfect fit is essential for both comfort and confidence. Whether your dress needs to be taken in, let out, or reshaped, our Italian-trained tailors ensure a natural, elegant drape.

  • We expertly shorten or lengthen dresses for precise, symmetrical hemlines—especially on luxury fabrics like silk, lace, and layered gowns. One caveat: natural body asymmetries (like uneven hips or shoulders) are usually invisible, but may show in certain garments. If you know you have one, let us know so we can tailor for the best fit.

  • Elevate your dress by adjusting the neckline, straps, or sleeves. Whether adding off-the-shoulder elegance, slimming straps, or refining the bustline, we tailor every detail with Italian expertise.

  • Transform an outdated or ill-fitting dress into a modern, fashion-forward piece. Our dressmaking expertise ensures seamless alterations that enhance both fit and style.

  • Absolutely. Our Milan-trained tailors have master-level experience with all formalwear fabrics, including silk, satin, chiffon, tulle, organza, crepe, velvet, and taffeta. We specialize in working with intricate details like hand-beaded bodices, delicate lace appliqués, and sequins, ensuring every element is perfectly preserved.

  • Yes, we offer a full bespoke dressmaking service. We can design and create a unique, elegant outfit for you that is perfectly tailored to your measurements and complements the wedding's colour palette and style. Please book a private consultation to discuss your vision.

  • We have extensive experience managing alterations for bridal parties across the UK and internationally. We can work from professional measurements provided by a local tailor and schedule final fittings closer to the wedding date. We recommend a group consultation call to begin the process.

  • Yes, this is a core part of our couture service. We can add or remove sleeves, reshape a neckline, add a slit, or even convert a full-length gown into a cocktail dress. We can transform a dress to better suit your style and the occasion.

  • In most cases, yes. High-quality formal gowns typically have generous seam allowances that allow them to be let out by one to two sizes. Taking a dress in is also very achievable. Our expert fitters will assess the specific construction of your garment and advise on the best possible solution during your consultation.

How Much Do Dress Alterations Cost?

Pricing & Cost Estimates

Alterations start at just £15. Top layers range from £20–£500 (pleats = drama = £), with most around £45–£65. Taking in sides or bodices? £20–£150 (avg. £35). Straps, zips, and fixes run £15–£65—repairs from a fiver upwards. We price by fabric, fit, and intricacy.

FAQs for Bridesmaid & Formal Dresses

Behind the Seams – A Peek Into Our Studio

  • Black floor-length evening gown with sequin detailing and draped neckline, pinned and prepped for tailoring at Brighton Alterations.
  • Blush pink satin wrap bridesmaid dress with a draped waist and V-neckline, shown before tailoring at Brighton Alterations for custom fit adjustments.
  • Burgundy mermaid gown with cascading hem ruffles and slim straps, photographed pre-tailoring for fit customisation at Brighton Alterations.
  • Full-length coral-orange linen sundress photographed before alterations, displayed on a hanger with visible creasing and shaping seams in a Brighton tailoring studio.
  • Olive green formal dress with spaghetti straps and pleated skirt, displayed before alterations for a bespoke fit at Brighton Alterations.
  • Mustard yellow silk Indian blouse with colourful embroidery and mirrorwork, shown before fitting adjustments at Brighton Alterations.

For Your Inspiration

How to Prepare for Your Formal Dress Fitting

  • This is the most critical step. You must bring the exact shoes and undergarments (e.g., specific bras, shapewear) you intend to wear with the dress. This ensures the most accurate fit, drape, and hem length. The type of bra can change your bust measurements, and shoe height dictates where the hem falls.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • Bring photos or ideas of how you want to look and feel. The more information you can provide, the better we can advise you on what's possible. Are you looking for more comfort, a more dramatic silhouette, or a more modern feel? This is the time to discuss it.

  • Once your dress is perfectly tailored, ask us for advice on how to store and transport it to prevent wrinkles. For delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon, proper steaming is essential. We can provide professional tips on how to keep your gown looking flawless right up until your event.

Book Your Evening Dress Alteration Appointment Today!

Let’s make your dream dress fit perfectly. Schedule your private consultation with our Milanese-trained bridal tailors today.

Woman in floral dress holding a straw handbag near a waterfront.

You May Also Be Interested In…