Questions, answered.

A minimum of 6–8 months. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of your design — fabric selection, appliqué, beading and design intricacies all deserve time to be done beautifully. If the design changes significantly along the way, the quote is re-evaluated, and hours already worked become billable under the new quote.

Five fittings are included: (1) measuring and design adjustments, (2) the mock garment (toile) fitting, (3) main fit changes on your final dress, (4) hemming and minor adjustments, and (5) a final fitting with your shoes. If you'd like to know what actually happens in the room, we've explained what a wedding dress fitting involves step by step.

A 50% deposit secures your date once your design is confirmed. The remaining balance is paid in full before you pick up your dress — so everything is perfect, and stress-free, for your wedding day.

Yes — we love to. Sentimental pieces like vintage lace or a grandmother's brooch are seamlessly integrated into your veil or gown, honouring their history while creating something entirely yours.

Yes — including transformation dresses that convert from a traditional wedding gown into reception wear via detachable sections. It's a wonderful thing to discuss at your consultation.

Yes — most of the gowns we alter were bought elsewhere. Whether your dress came from a boutique, arrived from an online store or was handed down through your family, we treat it with the same care we give our own bespoke gowns. We altered over 400 wedding dresses in the 2025/26 season for brides across the South Island.

Get in touch as soon as you've ordered your dress - you don't need to wait for it to arrive. We need to know as early as possible to book you in, and we ideally see you for your first fitting around 8 weeks before your wedding day. Wedding season books up quickly, so securing your fitting early gives us room to do the work properly and leaves time for anything unexpected. Our wedding dress alterations timeline sets out what happens at each stage, from first contact to collection.

Your dress and the shoes you'll wear on the day. Shoes matter more than brides expect — hem length is set from them, so a different heel height on the day changes how the gown sits. Bring your veil, and bring the undergarments you're actually planning to wear, because we want to see you in them. If you haven't sorted those yet, we hold underwear and shapewear from Sarah's own bridal range, FOUNDATION, in the studio and can advise on what works best under your gown, then have it waiting for your next fitting.

A minimum of three for most brides. At the first we pin the alterations through the top of the dress, the hips and any change to the style, then email your firm quote. At the second we pin the hem — it can't be done until the bodice is perfect, because changes up top move where the hem falls. At the final fitting we check everything is right, make no further changes, and the dress goes home with you ready for the aisle.

Alterations are quoted per gown rather than off a price list. As a general guide most fall between $300 and $800, but what yours needs depends on how the dress has been made, how it needs to fit your body and the look you want on the day. After your first fitting we email you a firm quote based on the hours the work will take, and nothing begins until you've accepted it. We've set out what decides where a gown sits in full.

Not until the end. Your quote is emailed to you after your first fitting and no work begins until you've accepted it. Payment is then due at your final fitting, when you collect the gown — usually one to two weeks before your wedding day.

Hemming, taking in and letting out, bustles for trains, straps, sleeves and necklines, lace, beading and appliqué work, and full restyling or modernising of an older or heirloom gown. No change is too small or too big — if you're unsure whether something is possible, bring the dress in and we'll tell you honestly.

Often, yes — it depends on how much seam allowance the maker left inside the gown, which varies a lot between dresses. Some have generous allowances and plenty of room; others have almost none. We can tell you what's possible with your particular gown at a fitting.

Yes. Sarah won the 2026 South Island "Attire for Her" award at the New Zealand Wedding Awards on 15 August 2026. In 2025 she won both the National and South Island "Attire for Her" awards, announced on 30 August 2025.