Q: Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?
A: Appointment is crucial as walk-in customers will only be served when the door is open for walk-ins and if there is availability. Customers with an appointment will be prioritised before walk-ins. It is our discretion to accept or refuse customers who turn up without an appointment.
Q: You are a bridal and dress specialist. Do you provide other alteration services?
A: We specialise in bridal alterations and dress alterations. We also provide a range of other alterations services including invisible mending, suit alterations, shirt alterations, pants alterations, jeans alterations, coat alterations, and clothing repair etc.
Q: Why are Mondays not available for appointment booking online?
A: While we are open on Mondays and are available via phone, email and messaging as usual, Mondays are usually reserved for in-house administrative matters like meetings and trainings. If you require urgent alterations and are only available on Mondays, we may be able to allocate an appointment for you if you contact us early and request a Monday appointment.
Q: I’m getting married. When should I come in for my first fitting?
A: Depends on the complexity of the designs and which part needs to be altered. We normally recommend brides to allow a minimum of 6 weeks before the wedding to come in for the initial fitting.
Q: Can I get a quote for my wedding dress alterations over the phone or email?
A: Getting an accurate cost for your wedding dress alteration requires physical sighting of your wedding dress; careful inspections on how it fits on your body; and thorough understanding of your need and requirements. Therefore, it is impossible and irresponsible for an alteration seamstress to provide a quotation online or over the phone. You must be cautious when dealing with anyone who falsely provides you a quote for dress alterations without seeing you and having a proper fitting with your dress. The easy way sometimes is not the right way and the cheap way sometimes will cost you in another way. The following article would provide you some guidance in getting a quote for wedding dress alterations: www.lacouturier.com.au/wedding-dress-alterations-quote.
Q: How much budget should I set aside for my wedding dress alterations?
A: Cost of wedding dress alterations varies depending on many factors and it usually ranges from $100-500 for basic fit and minimal alterations; $500-$1000 for normal fit and standard alterations; and $1000+ for prefect fit and full alterations. The following article would provide you with some information about estimating cost for wedding dress alterations: www.lacouturier.com.au/bridal-alterations-budget.
Q: Do I need to bring my garment to my initial consultation / quotation session?
A: Yes. We need to inspect the garment and have a fitting on you in order to accurately price your alteration job.
Q: I live far away from Sydney CBD. Can I post you my garment for quotation and alterations?
A: Not unless it is a pure repair or invisible mending job with which no fitting is required. Please do not post us your garment until you have spoken to us and been given postal instructions.
Q: Why are there forms to sign before commencement of jobs?
A: There are two forms all customers need to read, agree and sign before any jobs can be accepted and commenced. The “Terms Of Service Form” and “Customer Service Form” are legal binding agreements to confirm understanding and to protect rights for all parties. Please read our “Terms Of Service” carefully before signing and deciding to use our services.
Q: Can I get a copy of everything I have signed?
A: Yes of course. You can simply ask our staffs for a soft or hard copy. You are also welcome to take a picture of what you have signed.
Q: Do I need to pay the total amount of the alterations upfront?
A: Yes. Full payment of the total amount is required upfront before commencement of the alterations.
Q: Do you provide last minute urgent wedding dress alterations?
A: Yes we do. However the minimum time required is different each case and is known until we have done an initial fitting. We, therefore, will only take on urgent alterations if we have availabilities and have confirmed it is possible within the time frame. The following article would provide you some information about our urgent services: www.lacouturier.com.au/urgent-dress-alterations.
Q: Why is the door closed?
A: The door is usually closed to give each customer her/his own privacy and a relaxing environment to have fittings and ask questions. Please let our staffs know if you have Claustrophobia or feel fear, anxious or irritation of confined spaces. The door cannot be locked from inside and can be easily opened by yourself.
Q: Do you provide dressmaking service?
A: We no longer provide dressmaking service to new customers.
Q: Do you price match?
A: No.
Q: Why have I received cheaper quotes from others?
A: Others can charge however they like. General alterations are always cheaper than specialised alterations like us. For instance, home based businesses and dry cleaners would probably charge much cheaper than any Australian alteration retailers you can find. You are more than welcome to quote around before you decide to use us. But most importantly, you must not trust those who provide you a quote for dress alterations without seeing your dress and having a fitting with you.
Q: I’m in a tight budget at the moment. But I still want to use your services and have a full alteration done on my dress. Can you make it cheap or offer some free alterations for me?
A: While we empathise your situation, we are a service retailer and not a charity organisation. We can however find ways to work around the alterations to best fit your budget. Our prices are all standard and many alteration jobs are priced on application according to the time and complexity requirements. We cannot offer less quality of works or free alterations just for you.
Q: What if i have decided to change to a different wedding dress in the middle of the alterations?
A: Please contact us and let us know as soon as possible. We may be able to cancel your alteration according to our “Terms of Service” and have some of the cost transferred to the new dress.
Q: Can I get extra fitting sessions besides the complimentary ones initially planned?
A: No unless we add extra sessions for you due to unforeseen situations or complexity. You however can still request a paid fitting session by contacting us in advance. It is up to our availability to see if we can fit you into our tight schedule. The cost of an extra fitting session has to be paid beforehand.
Q: Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
A: Yes we are.
Q: Can I bring a pet?
A: We love animals, especially dogs and bunnies. However, unless it’s a medical dog or guide dog, we usually do not encourage customers to bring pets. But when it comes to animals, there are always exceptions.
Q: Do you take garments made from real animal fur?
A: No. Sorry we love animals too much. It would make us cry.
Q: My alteration job is completed but I cannot pickup the garment myself. Can I get someone else to pick it up for me?
A: Yes but we strongly suggest you to attend your pickup session to try on the garment to double confirm the fitting before taking it home. To have someone picking the garment on your behalf, you need to complete and sign the “Pick Up Nomination and Waiver Form” and email it back to us. Please ask your nominee to bring a form of ID matching the name you have specified on the form.
Q: My alteration job is completed but now I feel I was overcharged after talking my friends and family. Can I get some refund from you?
A: No. Before commencement of alterations, you have been told the full cost upfront and you have read, agreed and signed the “Terms Of Service Form” and “Customer Service Form”.
Q: Why are there some light blue residues on my garment after the alterations?
A: Those blue markings are common practice in bridal alterations and they are cleanable. A ‘magic marker’ is used instead of white chalks to mark on the garment to ensure visible and accurate alterations as measured during your fitting. Obvious blue marks left on surface after alterations are usually cleaned before returning to the customer. However there could be some blue colour residues hidden in less obvious place or under the garment. These residues can be easily cleaned by a dab of cold water. If you happen to find some blue marks or colour residues after you pickup the garment, please do not panic and calmly contact us for cleaning instructions.
