You’ve found the dress, paid for it, and thought the hard part was over \u2014 and then the fitting happens, and suddenly there’s talk of taking in the bodice, shortening the hem, and adding cups. Alterations are one of the most overlooked costs in the whole bridesmaid experience, and they catch a lot of bridal parties off guard, both financially and when it comes to figuring out who’s actually supposed to pay for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike the dress itself, alterations rarely come up in the initial budget conversation \u2014 which means they often land as a surprise bill just weeks before the wedding. This guide breaks down exactly what alterations typically cost in the UK, who’s traditionally expected to cover them, and how to avoid the awkward money conversation altogether by planning for it early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n