Ava's Bridal Couture

To best address your cost question, let’s back up and review different types of brides we serve:

Bride 1:  “I’m doing this once so I want my dress personalized to me!”

• Put aside $700-$900 + Tax for “technical fit”.  (Tailoring, hem, bustle, straps and bra cups.  If you wish to sew in boning, undergarments, sleeves, butt cup, remaking a dress, neckline changes, etc, we call these “Custom Changes”.  Custom changes will be in addition to technical fit!  Brides can invest thousands into custom changes – we can create endless possibilities together.)

Bride 2:  “I’m doing this once so I want to hit quality high points but open to savings!”

• Put aside $500-$700 + Tax for “basic fit”.  (Hem, bustle, straps, slight take in and/or possible bra cups.  If you wish to sew in boning, undergarments, sleeves, butt cup, remaking a dress, neckline changes, etc, we call these “Custom Changes”.  Custom changes will be in addition to basic fit!  We also offer “technical fit” listed above for brides who want additional services.)

Bride 3:  “I’m doing this once so I don’t want to spend much!”

• Put aside $300-$500 + Tax for “natural fit”.  (Hem, bustle and/or possible straps, etc.  If you wish to sew in boning, undergarments, sleeves, butt cup, remaking a dress, neckline changes, etc, we call these “Custom Changes”.  Custom changes will be in addition to natural fit!   We also offer “technical fit” listed above for brides who want additional services.)

If you would like to work together remotely, Click Here to enroll in MBA (Mastering Bridal Alterations).  Looking forward to seeing you in your dress and saving you valuable time/cost!

Your alterations balance is due at the 1st fitting.

If there are concerns regarding payment due in full, it typically means there are concerns that have not been properly addressed.

If you are uneasy about the process, what if’s or other concerns, tell us in person as we want to begin our partnership with healthy communication that validates your client experience!

The beauty of working with a team?  Our team understands the importance of communication.  We are all here to support a low stress, joyful, knowledgeable experience for you (and for us).

If you are concerned about our business closing unexpectedly, share those concerns in person.

We uploaded videos on our channel of the owners on camera walking you through our financials in March of 2020 (when savvy buyers like you were asking this very question).

(Short answer:  We own our commercial buildings.  This building mortgage went debt free in 2019.  When we retire, it will be with the sale of this building which has appraised for more than double.  Our plan is to sell to a private group near Ridglea or put it on the market.  We will continue with our online courses/Youtube channel and care about our reputation in business long term.  With Faith as our guide, our community is the cornerstone of our legacy!)

When we decide to sell our business to one of the waist listers, the bride will be 1st to know!  I would make a video about it and text it to her lol.  I usually make a video and text it to the bride when news like this comes along that can be scary. (but perfectly natural)

Use credit cards for added assurance with all wedding vendors.

If you are uneasy about the process, what if’s or other concerns, tell us in person as we want to begin our partnership with healthy communication that validates your client experience!

The beauty of working with a team?  Our team understands the importance of communication.  We are all here to support a low stress, joyful, knowledgeable experience for you (and for us).

Absolutely!

Check out this caption for tips on what to say in your 1st fitting so we know what your financial goals are.  We can show you ways to cut cost and help you prioritize your alterations when requested.

Every bride is different when it comes to cost.  Timing + communication is everything.

To best address your scheduling/timing question, let’s review different types of brides we serve:

Bride 1:  “I have my dress, finances and ideas ready to start!”

• Start 4-6 Months prior to wedding day (Even if you are losing additional inches) Tell us in the 1st meeting if you are losing inches so we can help you plan a “weight loss check” before we close/final press your seams.

Bride 2:  “My dress is on order.  I prefer to plan now during the down time.”

• Schedule based on your dress ETA + 1 Week.  For example, if your ETA is August 15th, schedule now for the week of August 22nd.  This allows you to use your waiting time effectively.  Access our automation email checklist +  have your dates locked in.  When your dress arrives, you are ahead of the crowd.

Bride 3:  “My wedding is tomorrow.  I need alterations.”

• Start 2-4 Months prior to wedding day (Even if you are losing additional inches) Tell us in the 1st meeting what concerns we can address.

If you would like to work together remotely, Click Here to enroll in MBA (Mastering Bridal Alterations).  Looking forward to seeing you in your dress and saving you valuable time/cost!

With weight loss and alterations, it’s not about how you START alterations.  It’s about how you FINISH alterations.

START early.
START the 1st fitting planning a “weight loss check” on your calendar.
FINISH close to wedding day when the bulk of the work is prepped.

We encourage you to start as soon as your:
1.  dress is in
2.  shoes are in hand
3.  finances are in order

During your 1st fitting, schedule “A weight loss check” close to wedding day.

Weight Loss Advice:
– The closer to wedding day, the more stressful + overwhelming decision making will feel.
– Your time will feel short leading up to your wedding day.  Avoiding high traffic times for seasonal wedding months is key.
– You will not pay additional cost for weight lost unless you are taking your dress home and bringing it back.
– IF YOU DECIDE to take your dress home for a portrait and need more work done, let’s discuss how half rate pricing works for a ‘fill’ after portraits.
– We have a 6,000+ square foot space to allow you to plan ahead, communicate early and plan a weight loss check.

Alteration pricing is much like nails and eyelashes.

ie:  Expect full price for a full set.  Expect a reduced price for a fill.

If you are taking your dress home for “bridal portraits”, you will want the dress to be fitted well for pictures.

If you need additional tailoring completed after “bridal portraits”, bring your dress in for a fill before wedding day.

If you are unsure of “bridal portraits”, ask your photographer if a bridal portrait is part of your plan!

Early brides start the process 4-6 months from their wedding day, even if you are losing weight.

Brides are taught to start their alterations 90 days prior to wedding day.

Other brides have short timelines which is not an issue for us!

Expect 2-6 weeks between fittings (depending on your plan we discuss in your 1st fitting).  If you are concerned about timing, this is not an issue for us.  Let us know in our 1st meeting or in your booking form comments.

We have not had issues during the pandemic or after when it comes to accommodating your requests!

Click Here to read more on this topic in the caption + comment your questions

We schedule each bride every 60 Minutes, however, many of you finish your meeting within 30-45 minutes.

If you are meeting us on a lunch break, tell us at the beginning of the meeting that you are on your lunch hour.

(If you are planning to shop for accessories during your alterations fitting, be sure to schedule an accessories appointment before or after your fitting to have a bridal stylist present!)

If you have detailed questions about timing, feel free to ask!

Basic/Standard Alterations = 2-3 Meetings
(In the 1st Fitting, we will schedule a “Weight Loss Check” when you mention weight loss concerns in the 1st visit)

Specialized/Custom Alterations = 2-4 Meetings

If you have detailed questions about timelines, click here to leave your question in the comments of the most recent post.

Can a dress be let out more than 2 sizes?

Can a dress be sized down more than 2 sizes?

Can we sew my undergarments into the dress, etc…

Click Here to view my play list of “Can it be done” and comment your questions in the most recent post.  I use the reply feature to answer your questions!