When should I start the alterations process?
Having your initial fitting 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding is preferred. In our experience, this timeframe helps to ensure that the fit is perfect on the big day.
Most dresses will require 3 fittings in total. The second fitting should take place about one month out from the wedding, and the final fitting approximately 2 weeks before the big day. At the third fitting, the dress should be ready to take home. If any tweaks are needed at the last fitting, we will make those fixes while you wait. If you are unable to wait, you can return 1-2 days later to pick up your dress.
Please also keep in mind you must bring the exact shoes you plan to wear with your dress for every fitting, as well as any undergarments you plan to wear.
RUSH FEES: Rush fees begin at $250. Your alterations will be considered a rush if you meet either of the two following stipulations.
1- The dress needs to be completed in under five weeks (from date of New Bride fitting until the date you need to take the dress home).
2- The first (New Bride) and first (Follow-up) fittings are fewer than 14 days apart.
When should I book my appointments?
Since our schedule can fill up quickly, it is recommended that you book your appointments once you have an anticipated arrival date for your dress. To ensure that we have time to complete each bride’s dress in time for their wedding, we limit the number of dresses we take per wedding date. When a wedding date is full, we are no longer able to accept dresses for that date. Once you have received a confirmation email in response to your appointment request, you will have secured a spot for your wedding date.
How do I get started?
Begin by booking an appointment online for a day and time that is convenient for you. For all appointments, please make sure to bring the exact shoes you plan on wearing with your dress. On the day of your fitting, one of our master seamstresses will pin your dress to show you the alterations necessary to provide an ideal fit. After your dress is pinned, you will be given a price estimate for the alterations. The estimate is based on the number of hours needed to complete your alterations. The price can increase if more time is needed or other alterations are added. Tailor Maid San Francisco takes tremendous pride in the quality of our work, and we strive to make sure that you are absolutely delighted with the way you look on your special day.
New Bride Appointment
A New Bride Appointment is for the bride who is ready to get started on alterations and has no major design changes or uncertainties about her dress.
Consultation Appointment
A Consultation Appointment is best for brides seeking a design change, brides bringing in vintage gowns, or those who would like to solidify a quote that they were provided over email. Consultations are also the best choice for brides who have multiple gowns and are unsure about which one to wear. There is a non-refundable $150 appointment fee for the consultation.
What are your hours and location?
Tailor Maid is open for fittings Tuesday – Saturday. Please see our appointment page for available hours. We are located in downtown San Francisco, 755 Sutter Street (between Taylor and Jones). Alterations are by appointment only.
What are typical alteration costs?
The cost of gown alterations can vary significantly depending upon many factors including the number of layers in the dress and linings, the understructure/boning, lace, beading, fabric, hem, finish, buttons, zippers, belt, corset, bustle and train, etc. Please request a free estimate, and we will be happy to provide a range for the work you are seeking.
How do I request a Free Estimate?
Please email a photo or link to your dress (front and back), along with your wedding date and a list of your anticipated alterations (such as hem, take in waist, shorten straps, etc.) to hello@tailormaidsf.com, and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.
What forms of payment can I use?
We accept cash, checks, Apple Pay and all major credit cards.
Do you steam/press dresses?
We recommend making arrangements for a final steaming/pressing on the big day as your dress will likely become wrinkled once it’s placed in a garment bag for transportation. Many hotels and venues have steamers available for your use, so it is a good idea to check with them first. Additionally, you can search for a Wedding Gown Specialist near your wedding’s location for cleaning and pressing.
Do you recommend a specific steamer?
This handheld steamer is great for traveling and on-site steaming.
This professional steamer is great for on-site steaming, we recommend covering the head with 2-3 layers of cheese cloth.
What tape do you recommend?
Hair extension tape works well in place of fashion tape to keep borders and shoulders secure. Kinesiology tape works well for lifting the bust.
What do you recommend for taking the dress on a plane?
This canvas tote is a great size for carrying most garment bags and zips closed.
What type of undergarments do you recommend?
We carry a wide variety Nubra brand silicone and sticky bras as well as Commando brand shapewear.
If we recommended a Spanx skirt undergarment, this is it.
These SuperPower Shorts by Honey Love are great if you need extra control shapewear.
We recommend these push-up nipple covers by HelloMolly.
BOOMBA carries a great demi cup for adding one cup size or two cup sizes.
Does your strapless dress need structure?
We recommend this longline bra by Bare Necessities.
What wedding dress cleaning & preservation specialist do you recommend?
We recommend Elegance Preserved for wedding dress cleaning & preservation after your big day and for sample dress cleaning before alterations begin. To clarify, if you have a sample dress, it should be cleaned before coming in for alterations. Unworn should not be cleaned until after the ceremony.