How much do wedding dress alterations cost?

Most brides pay a few hundred for hem, sides, bustle and straps. Off the rack and sample gowns usually need the most work, while couture houses often include fittings in the price. The calculator uses a bracket per dress type.

What hidden costs come with a wedding dress?

Beyond the price tag: alterations, veil and accessories, undergarments, trips to appointments, import duties on gowns made abroad, rush fees on late orders, and cleaning or preservation after the day.

Do I pay customs duties on a wedding dress ordered abroad?

Often yes. A gown bought or produced overseas can attract customs duties, import VAT and carrier handling fees, commonly around 10 to 20 percent of the dress price. Always ask who pays them before you order.

Are these numbers exact quotes?

No. Every line is a realistic market bracket, because prices vary by city, salon and gown. The tool exists so the full number never surprises you, not to replace a written quote.

Free wedding planning tool

Wedding Dress Budget Calculator

The price tag is only the beginning. Tell us your dress budget and your plans, and we show you the real total: alterations, accessories, travel, duties and more.

Your dress budget

The amount you plan to spend on the dress itself, before anything else.

I have a range in mind rather than one number

What kind of dress are you planning?

Wedding country

Service brackets (alterations, accessories, travel) adjust to the local price level.

Boutique appointments you plan to book

Count every salon visit, fittings included.

Average trip per appointment

Accessories you still need to buyVeilShoesJewelryUndergarments and shapewear

Anything that applies to youThe gown is imported or made overseasI want the dress cleaned and preserved after the wedding

Your wedding date (optional)

If your date is close, we flag likely rush fees for made to order gowns.