FAQs
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The ideal time frame for booking your bridal gown fitting is about 12-14 weeks before your wedding date to ensure enough time for the alterations process. A turn-around time of under 8 weeks may require additional fees for the rushed service. You should schedule your fitting even if the gown hasn’t arrived yet, as booking fills up months in advance.
For any questions or concerns about timing your first fitting, it is best contact DXN to discuss the most appropriate time frame.
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On average, bridal alterations are between $500-$1000 but can be up to $1500. Other formal-wear alterations average between $50-$150. Higher alterations costs are associated most often with extensive sizing alterations for off-the-rack gowns, major customizations, custom-made sleeves and/or accessories.
The cost of bridal and formal gown alterations can vary greatly depending on a number of factors and is a reflection of the time, expertise, and intricate sewing techniques required to achieve your desired fit. Gowns are often made of high-quality fabrics such as silk, satin, and lace, which can be time-consuming to work with. Additionally, intricate beading, lace, and multiple layers add to the cost of alterations.
Full payment for alterations will be due at the conclusion of your first fitting appointment.
For a specific cost estimate, book a consultation appointment or send pictures of the gown listing the alterations/customizations you’re expecting. You may text photos to our number at (660)262-4181 or email at info@designsxnadine.com. -
We accept the following forms of payment: credit/debit cards, exact cash, checks and we now offer Afterpay!
Afterpay allows you to break up your payments into 4 through the app. During the checkout process, we will instruct you how to download the app and request the approval for the payment amount. We will offer further instruction for this payment method in-person!
Please note: there is a 3.5% fee applied on credit/debit card transactions.
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For bridal gowns, our standard turnaround time is 8–12 weeks. This ensures enough time for multiple fittings (if needed) while minimizing the risk of body changes after alterations are completed.
For other formal wear—such as bridesmaid dresses, mother/grandmother of the bride or groom gowns, prom, and homecoming dresses—the turnaround time is typically 1–8 weeks, depending on your event date.
Rush alterations may be accepted if DXN can guarantee completion within your requested timeframe. Rush fees apply to any turnaround shorter than the standard timeframe. If you need your garment completed sooner, please contact us directly to confirm availability before booking.
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The number of guests you bring is entirely up to you. Some brides prefer a private, intimate fitting, while others enjoy sharing the experience with loved ones. The most important thing is to invite guests who will be supportive and provide constructive feedback.
Our fitting room can comfortably seat up to 4 guests, but no guests are required—you are always welcome to come alone if that feels best for you.
For your final pick-up appointment, however, we do recommend bringing a trusted friend or family member (if possible). During this appointment, we’ll provide tutorials on how to properly get you into your gown and how to do the bustle. If no one is available to join, we are happy to record a video of the tutorials for you to reference on your wedding day.
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There are a few important items you should bring with you to ensure that the fitting goes smoothly and that you get an accurate idea of how the gown will look and fit on your wedding day:
Payment: Payment for alterations will be due at the conclusion of your first fitting appointment. Accepted methods of payment include: Credit/Debit cards, check or exact cash amount.
Undergarments: It's important to bring the undergarments you plan to wear with your gown, including a bra (if needed), any shape-wear or Spanx you plan to wear and a petticoat/slip (if desired). This will help to ensure a more accurate fit of the gown. You may not want or need those items but a similar underwear to what you will wear is recommended.
Shoes: Bring the shoes you plan to wear with the gown, or similar shoes in the exact same heel height, to ensure an accurate hem length. Precise hem and bustle length cannot be pinned without the shoes. Failure to bring the shoes can effect the timing of your alterations process.
Veil or hair accessories: If you plan to wear a veil or hair accessories, you are welcome to bring them to your fitting to see how they complement your gown. If you haven’t selected these items yet, we offer a curated collection of veils and hair accessories that you may try on and purchase during your appointment.
Notes and photos: If you have specific alterations in mind or if you want to refer to specific design elements from a photo, bring these notes and photos to the fitting.
The items above do effect the fit and alterations in most case; they are important for your fitting. For specific questions about shoe and undergarment needs, do not hesitate to contact DXN prior to your appointment.
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If your garment is in need of dry-cleaning, please have this completed prior to bringing it in for a fitting. Dry cleaning a garment before alterations is needed for several reasons, including cleanliness, ease of alterations, improved appearance, and preservation. It's important to choose a reputable dry cleaner who uses gentle cleaning methods and has experience working with delicate fabrics. This helps to ensure that the garment is clean and ready for alterations.
Dry-cleaning is most often needed only for gowns purchased off the rack and vintage gowns.
In addition, please ensure the garment bag is in clean condition and free of pet hair.
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No, you don’t need to bring a bra. Most gowns are not designed to be worn with traditional bras, but if you prefer extra support, we can sew bra cups directly into your gown.
During your fitting, we may also recommend alternatives such as boob tape or specialty undergarments depending on the style and structure of your dress. You’re always welcome to bring a bra or shapewear if you’d like to see how it works with your gown, but it is not required.
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You only need your exact shoes if your gown requires a length adjustment. If you don’t have your final shoes yet, please bring a pair that is very similar in style and height—whether flats or heels—to ensure the most accurate hem length. Matching the sole and heel height is especially important.
We will always alter the gown’s length to the shoes you plan to wear for the ceremony. Some brides choose to switch into different shoes (such as flats) for the reception, and that’s absolutely fine—it just means the gown length may fall differently after the change.
If you’re unsure or have questions about which shoes to bring, feel free to reach out to us before your appointment.
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Projects such as vintage gown reworks, custom designs, and extensive garment repairs should begin with a Custom Design Consultation appointment. During this appointment, we’ll review the feasibility of your request, and if accepted, outline the next steps and schedule additional appointments as needed.
To inquire about a custom project, please contact us by text at 660-262-4181 or email at info@designsxnadine.com.
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We offer two free reserved parking spaces located directly in front of our entrance. The parking lot entrance is on Walnut Street, between Sager Reeves Art Gallery and Artlandish Art Gallery. Our reserved spaces are located at the bottom of the small lot.
The entrance can be easy to miss—look for the green “Art Lives Here” awning, and you’ll find the lot directly beneath it.
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Yes! Our studio has a parking lot directly in front of the building with a ramp that leads to our front door, making entry easy and accessible.
Please note, however, that the bathrooms in our section of the building are not handicap accessible. We recommend planning accordingly prior to your appointment.
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