The Couture Sewing Collective is a collective of independent seamstresses who specialize in bridal gown alterations, working exclusively on gowns purchased at Vera’s Bridals in Madison, WI. Our passion is to help bring each and every dream dress vision to life and to make sure each of our clients look and feel beautiful in their gown.
7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 109, Madison, WI 53719
couturesewingcollective@gmail.com
Formerly The Bridal Sewing Studio
same wonderful seamstresses, new name
The Process
Each seamstress has different availability throughout the week. For this reason, it is important that you schedule your first fitting on a day of the week that tends to work for your schedule or can more easily be asked off of work. Your second fitting will be automatically reserved for 4 weeks later than your first fitting, at the same time and on the same day of the week. If that time is not available, we are happy to assist in finding a time that your seamstress is available to see you.
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Schedule Your Fittings
We are open by appointment only and our schedule can fill up quickly. Be sure to reserve your appointments in advance and plan to have your first fitting at least 8 weeks prior to your event. We work on a 4 week turn around between first and second fittings and recommend leaving enough time for a third fitting. Appointments can be reserved via our booking page or via email.
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First Fitting
Be sure to bring your shoes and any special undergarments you plan to wear with your gown. At this appointment we will pin and discuss any alterations needed. You will know the total cost for those alterations at the conclusion of this fitting and will be asked to pay 50% for all agreed upon alterations via cash or check.
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Second and Subsequent Fittings
At this appointment you will try on your gown after the sewing has been completed. We will check for any minor adjustments needed and schedule a third fitting if needed. If everything looks and feels great as is, you’ll get to take your gown home at the conclusion of this fitting!
*please note, we do not store gowns after the alterations process has been finalized.
Pricing Estimates
On average, a gown needing a hem, bustle, and bodice work typically ranges between $500-$900.
Pricing varies depending on the complexity of construction.
Additional Services Offered
In addition to typical alterations, like minor sizing adjustments, hemming, and bustling, our seamstresses have experience with more involved alterations. If this is something you’d like to consider, please let us know when scheduling so that we can plan accordingly as far as timeline and discussing possibilities.
Custom Changes
With pattern making and design expertise, we have the ability to make custom changes to gowns. From making sleeves to changing a neckline, so much can be possible as long as a matching or coordinating fabric can be acquired and the budget allows.
Sizing Up and Down
While we don’t recommend starting with a gown that is many sizes too large or too small, we have extensive experience adjusting gowns several inches due to surprise gain/loss, purchasing an off the rack gown that cannot be ordered in a new size, and all of life’s unexpected circumstances.
Recreating Heirloom Gowns
We appreciate the sentimentality of repurposing a family member’s gown to add pieces to yours or even creating something new to treasure for a new generation. During our slower season (November through January) we have more flexibility to make changes to a gown for an anniversary, create baptismal or tiny birthday gowns from your wedding dress, and make custom keepsakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have the exact shoes?
It is important to bring along your exact shoes and any special undergarments that you plan to wear for each fitting, but most importantly the for the first fitting. Without them, we cannot pin the hem and bustle accurately. If you change shoes, the hem and bustle may be too long or short.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you no longer require your appointments, we ask that you do so as soon as possible so that our seamstresses can plan ahead, and we can offer the appointment to those on our waiting list.
*To be added to our waitlist, please send us an email
Can I extend the timeline between fittings?
We do not recommend greatly extending the time between your first fitting and second fitting. We sew the alterations based on what we’ve pinned at your first fitting, so if you’re anticipating changes in weight, it would be wiser to have both fittings closer to your wedding date.
How does billing work?
You will know your total at the conclusion of your first fitting. We require a 50% deposit at that time, and any remaining balance can be paid at or before your final fitting. Payments can be made via cash or check. If there is any remaining balance on the date the gown is going home, payment will be accepted via cash only.
*Tips are never expected but always appreciated. If you’d like to tip your seamstress, you can tip them directly with cash or a personal check.
Can I reschedule easily?
Here at the Couture Sewing Collective, each seamstress works with their own clients the whole way through. We find this continuity extremely beneficial. Due to the size of our space, as well as differing schedules, each seamstress will have different days and hours that they stick to, which can make rescheduling to a different day of the week tricky in some scenarios. We all try to be flexible when we can and are happy to look into the possibility with advanced notice.
Can I bring along a guest?
Absolutely! We know the alterations experience can be such an exciting time. We have enough space in each fitting room for one guest to comfortably join and are happy to walk them through how to fasten the bustle at your second fitting. If you’d prefer to come alone, or a friend is unable to attend, we can help by taking step by step photos of the bustle, a video, or even a video call during your appointment.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you. We’re here to answer your questions, help reserve your fittings, and guide you through the process.
Send us an email: couturesewingcollective@gmail.com
Email is the best way to reach us, as when we are in the office we are often with clients. Emails are answered regularly throughout the week.
We are open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Seamstresses typically see clients within these hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Address
Conveniently located directly across the street from Vera’s Bridals, within the Vantage Place West business complex.
7818 Big Sky Drive
Suite 109
Madison, WI 53719