I had my heart set on a designer gown from 2 seasons ago. The only way I could have it was to buy it second-hand online, which I did, from a woman who had originally purchased it at Kleinfeld's in Manhattan who was slightly taller than me and a few sizes larger. Knowing alterations would be critical, I found two places online with excellent reviews: Donna Beth and another, less expensive, place nearby. I started at the less expensive place. That was a very small shop that smelled strongly of take-out food and did not have a professional ambiance. I have been to several places like this through the years for simple alterations -- pants hemming, etc -- so I tried to give the benefit of the doubt. The woman (owner) pinned the dress on me and quoted me a price which honestly seemed unbelievably low for the quality of my gown and the work it would require to properly alter it. When I asked her to describe how she would take in the detailed, delicate lace paneling overlay on the sides of my dress, she said the only way to do that would be to cut it right down the middle(!!!) because removing the overlay and then re-sewing it on the fitted gown would be "too difficult." I thanked her, had her remove the pins, and called Donna Beth the next day.
The process at Donna Beth was smooth and professional from my first phone call. I was scheduled for 4 appointments -- an initial fitting a few months in advance, another fitting 1 month later, a 3rd a couple weeks before the wedding, and a final pick-up. I received automated email reminders for each appointment - a small but important detail to me. I never had to wait - every time I showed up the gals were expecting me and happy to see me, and my dress was ready to go. At the first meeting, 2 assistants helped me into the dress, pinned it, and together went over everything that would need to be done. They went over the various bustle options with me and even pointed out some ways in which the tailors at Kleinfeld's had cut corners. When I told them about my experience at the first place, they could not believe someone would just cut down the middle of the lace and looked horrified - thank goodness! I paid in full for the alterations at that appointment. The price took into account the complexity of the dress and all the changes that would need to be made. It was several times higher than the first place, but I was so reassured knowing my dress was in the hands of the best in the business.
At my second appointment, the dress was already starting to look like it was made for me! It became apparent that some additional work would need to be done here and there, and I was charged another small fee at that time. Again, I gladly paid because these ladies clearly knew what they were doing.
Between the second and third appointments I lost 5-10 pounds (which they anticipate for their brides). The hips needed to be taken in another inch. I felt bad that the seamstress would have to re-do all of her hard work, but Donna agreed with me and did not hesitate. Every time I pointed out something that I thought should be done, she took a critical look, agreed with me, and figured out how she would do it. I never felt like I was trying to be convinced that things were just fine when they really weren't. They always listened to me and came up with solutions.
Even after I picked up the dress, 2 days before the wedding, one of the cups was coming loose. I called Donna and she had me come in right away and fixed it herself in a matter of seconds.
In the end, the dress looked like it was made especially for me and I received SO many compliments on it from nearly everyone at the wedding. Taking my gown to Donna was one of the best decisions I made in the planning process. Considering what I saved by buying my dream dress second-hand, the price was definitely worth it. If you are at all on the fence, try taking your dress to one of the "less expensive" places first and see what I mean. Or, save yourself the time and trouble and just call Donna Beth. read more