Alterations Information and Disclaimer

Ahead of your first fitting appointment, please read and sign. 

A signed copy of this document’s signature page via email or hard copy is required at your first fitting before any work commences on your gown. We will have copies available on location if needed.

 Standard bridal gown alterations can typically be completed within two appointments - one pinning fitting and a try-on/pick-up appointment. Standard alterations include bodice and skirt work, straps, hem, and bustle.

Other non-major changes to the styling of a gown may also be completed within this timeframe, unless otherwise discussed at the fitting. These changes include, but are not limited to:

• fashioning and applying basic custom cap sleeves
• shortening sleeves
• raising or lowering the opening of a basic slit
• closing skirt pocket openings
• adding a moderate amount of lace to the gown’s bodice or skirt
• extending/change-outing/beading basic narrow straps
• adding buttons

 At times, additional visits are required, which is typically discussed at the first fitting. However, any of the below factors could extend fitting visits beyond the initial estimated completion date.

Reasons for additional visits include, but are not limited to:

• bride forgets her shoes at the first fitting; we do not proceed with any pinning and fitting, instead rescheduling for her return with her shoes
• bride requested changes after alterations have begun, which may incur additional charges
• bride was pregnant when ordering the gown but has given birth since, or had just become pregnant when/after ordering the gown
• any discovery after the first fitting of staining or damage that was originally on the gown but was missed that we feel the bride must see and approve before going ahead with the work
• any changes to the skirt that would require waiting for the next appointment to mark the hem
• fashioning custom full sleeves as well as a modesty custom cover up for the upper bodice
• refashioning a zip back into a corseted tie back bodice
• adding extensive amounts of lace and/or beading to the gown
• any restyling of the gown such as converting the skirt into a high/low style
• adding a slit where there is no slit or restyling an existing slit
• adding extra skirt layers
• adding skirt pockets
• cutting the train
• paneling out the gown
• resizing a gown more than 1.5 sizes

Additionally, sample gowns often take additional appointments as they are rarely a perfect or near perfect fit and typically involve repair work for a proper fit and look.

These additional sample gown tasks include, but are not limited to:

• taking in or letting out beyond 1.5 sizes
• paneling out the gown
• repairing/replacing beading, lace, buttons, button loops
• replacing damaged tulle/illusion panels or skirt layers

 The most common reasons for extending fitting visits are changes in a bride’s measurements from her first fitting date due to:

• changes to eating habits such as dieting and/or clean eating or indulgence in “camp/junk food”, restaurants, or alcohol 
• any type of changes, upgrades or intensity level to one’s workout routine 
• monthly bloating
• changes in medication, including birth control pills
• stopped breast feeding
• bridal stress causing continuous weight/measurement changes

Some of these reasons are understandably beyond the control of the bride, but factors that are within the bride’s control, such as eating habit changes and changes in workout regime habits, may incur additional charges if not discussed with Deanna at the first appointment.

Any changes to a gown, even the standard bridal alterations noted at the beginning of this document, will affect the look of a gown.

Most of the time this is for the better, ensuring that the gown fits beautifully and is what the bride hoped her gown would look like when she purchased from a clamped in sample gown tried on at the bridal boutique, or that any custom or restyling done has transformed the gown into the bride’s vision of her dream gown.

However, it is important to understand that any alterations do not guarantee a bride will love her gown once work is done. Though every effort is made to explain how requested changes and alterations will affect the look of the bride’s gown, then make those changes as discussed, the results of any major restyling and/or resizing could be different than what a bride pictures in her mind. Please note that compromises may have to be made at the beginning and during this extensive process. Also, once any major restyling is underway, the bride requesting additional changes may incur additional charges and reduces the level of success in achieving her dream gown. 

 Reasons we may refuse a gown’s alteration include, but are not limited to:

• A sample sale gown has not been dry cleaned, unless arrangements have been made with us ahead of the first fitting
• Extensive damage and/or soiling and/or unpleasant odor to the gown, usually a sample sale gown that should never have been put on the clearance rack
• The sizing of the gown, way too big or way too small, is such that we feel a satisfactory outcome may not be possible
• The bride appears to be having second thoughts or buyer’s remorse about her gown

 Though almost all of our brides love their gown once work is complete, we cannot guarantee this outcome due to many reasons listed above, among others. The Deanna Fokes Designs team will not be held responsible in any way for any dissatisfaction with the final product when every reasonable effort has been made to bring the gown alterations to a successful conclusion for all involved parties.