Is it cheaper to alter a wedding dress or buy a new one?

Altering a dress you already own is generally the more budget-friendly route, but it depends on how much work is needed. Simple adjustments, such as shortening the hem, adjusting straps, or taking in the waist, are straightforward and cost far less than a brand new gown. However, if you need to change the neckline, add sleeves, or resize the dress by several sizes, the labour can become significant. In those cases, the alteration bill might approach the price of a simpler off-the-peg dress.

Before you commit, take the dress to a professional seamstress for a detailed quote. Ask them to explain exactly what they will do and how many fittings you will need. Also factor in the cost of any new buttons, lace, or boning required. If the dress is a hand-me-down or vintage, alterations can preserve something sentimental, which is often worth more than the money saved.

If you are comparing prices, remember that a new dress also needs alterations, because almost no dress fits perfectly off the rack. So the real comparison is between altering your current dress and buying a new one plus altering that. For most couples, altering the dress you already love is the cheaper option, as long as the changes are not extreme.