Alterations included. What it means when buying a wedding gown and Pros & Cons of this option.
It sounds like the deal of a lifetime. You find your dress and the consultant says that alterations are included in the price. “Wow!”, you say. But does that “Wow!” benefit you or the store?
Let’s consider the Pro’s & Con’s of this option.
Pro’s:
1. You can get your alterations done in-house.
It is likely that the seamstress has worked on this gown style before and is pretty knowledgeable on it’s construction and character.
2. You know exactly what the alteration cost will be beforehand.
You are able to budget for the total amount of the gown before placing your order which allows for better financial organization overall.
Con’s:
1. When alterations are not the store’s strong point.
This can make for a big problem. Often times because the alterations are included the seamstress’s focus is to just get the work out as quickly as possible. Shortcuts are then taken as there is only so much the seamstress will get paid for the job and will choose a shortcut verses taking her time working on a more difficult alteration.
2. Overpaying for alterations that are not needed.
When alterations are included in the price of a gown you must wonder what the store pads (allows for) as far as how many alterations it may need. In other words you may be paying for alterations you don’t need. But because alterations are “all inclusive” you’ll pay a flat rate whether you need what was alotted for or not. If you are thinking that the store will reduce the price, reimburse, or provide you with some sort of credit for the unused portion of the alterations, think again. The store will be quick to let you know during that conversation that it’s not an option. This is where you end up paying more for something you don’t need.
So financially speaking the smartest option when arranging to have your gown altered is to pay for just what you need or in other words “a la carte.” You’ll know exactly what you are paying for and nothing more.
If you feel that “alterations included” better prepares you for your bottom line then that might be the smartest option for your circumstance.
Either way alterations are never FREE. It’s just not possible. You are paying for them as seamstresses do not work for FREE.
Hope these helps you understand the differences.
