Whether you are getting ready for a wedding and need your gown altered, have found the perfect suit or tuxedo and need a few adjustments, or have other clothing that needs to be customized to your measurements, these situations require an experienced alteration specialist. But since most of us don’t have clothing altered on a regular basis, you may be wondering what questions you should ask during your initial meeting and along the way. To make sure your wedding gown, suit, or other clothing turns out just as you wish, here are five things you should always ask your alteration specialist.
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
No matter what type of clothing you are having altered, you will likely need multiple appointments to get the exact fit for your clothing. For even the most experienced alteration specialist, being able to do all alterations in one appointment is usually asking for a miracle.
How Long Will My Appointments Last?
Since you will need more than one appointment to get your alterations completed, you may be thinking the process will take a long time. However, that’s not the case at all. Since most alterations, even those that are complex, will usually require no more than three total appointments, the amount of time you’ll spend to get yourself looking great will be minimal. In most instances, your initial appointment will last about one hour or so, while your subsequent appointments will probably take no more than 30 minutes each.
Can I Bring a Photo?
When first speaking to an alteration specialist to determine if they can meet your needs, always ask if it is okay for you to bring along a photo to give them a better idea of the type of look you want for your outfit. In most cases, this won’t be a problem. By having a photo you can give to your alteration specialist, this will help avoid any miscommunication that could lead to problems once the alterations are completed. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
How Much Will the Alterations Cost?
Like any other service you are seeking from someone, always make sure you ask beforehand how much the person will charge to do your alterations. This usually depends on many factors, such as the complexity of the job, the person’s experience and reputation, and how quickly you need your outfit. To make sure you ultimately go with the best alteration specialist, contact and meet with several before you make a final decision. Also, don’t make your decision based solely on who offers to do the alterations for the cheapest price. Since you usually get what you pay for, chances are you may not be satisfied with the final results if you go this route.
Can You Provide References?
This is crucial, especially if you are getting a wedding gown altered. Since you want to look outstanding on your wedding day, always make sure the specialist you select has experience altering wedding gowns similar to yours. Also, ask if they have photos of dresses they have done for previous clients or can give you names of prior clients you could speak to before making your final decision. If they can’t meet either of your requests, you should look elsewhere.
Though your alteration specialist will likely have in-depth knowledge of how to make you look your best, this doesn’t mean you should just stand by and say nothing. Instead, be willing to always ask as many questions as you need to from start to finish. By doing so, you’ll walk out of the shop looking fantastic.