Fittings & Alterations

The magic of Kleinfeld doesn’t stop in the showroom… It continues in our alterations department!

Our highly skilled team of 100+ experts are committed to providing every bride with the most personalized experience. This means that you’ll be paired with one seamstress who will alter, hand sew, and care for your gown from start to finish. Regardless of the specific alteration’s package you decide is best for you, you’ll be alongside your personal fitter one-on-one for the entire experience. 

So, what’s the first step?  

When your gown arrives at Kleinfeld and it’s time for alterations, you’ll receive an email or text message prompting you to schedule your first fitting. But first, consider the alteration’s experience that is best for you! 

Choose Your Alterations Experience


Signature Alterations

Timeline: This package includes approximately 3 individual fittings spanning throughout the 2-3 month period leading up to your wedding day. After the completion of your first fitting, your seamstress will schedule your second fitting which is typically 2-3 weeks later. Your third fitting will be scheduled after the completion of your second fitting. Finally, you will schedule a pick-up appointment

Services: Throughout the process of Kleinfeld’s Signature Alterations, your gown will be expertly hemmed, bustled, molded and sculpted to your shape, steamed, and professionally packaged for your wedding day. Any additional requests, services, or customizations will be an additional fee.  

We kindly ask that you bring no more than 3 guests to your alterations appointments. 

*Please note the fitting timeline may vary for each bride depending on the dress and alteration requirements.

VIP Alterations

Looking for the ultimate Kleinfeld experience? Browse our exclusive VIP offerings! Regardless of the VIP package you select, your gown will undergo the services of the Signature Alterations. In addition, enjoy these perks: 

VIP Luxe

  • A private, 1.5 hour alterations appointment with a senior fitter. 
  • We invite you to bring up to 5 guests.  
  • A complimentary Kleinfeld Bridal robe. 
  • Receive a personalized label hand sewn into your dress. 

VIP Platinum

  • A private, 2 hour alterations appointment with an alterations manager and an accessories stylist. 
  • We invite you to bring up to 5 guests who will enjoy complimentary Champagne with you. 
  • A complimentary Kleinfeld Bridal robe.  
  • Receive a personalized label hand sewn into your dress. 
  • Receive 10% off any accessory purchased during your appointment. 

VIP Diamond

  • A private, 2 hour alterations appointment with the Director of Alterations and an accessories stylist in an exclusive fitting area. 
  • We invite you to bring up to 10 guests who will enjoy complimentary Champagne and lite bites with you. 
  • A complimentary Kleinfeld Bridal robe. 
  • Receive a personalized label hand sewn into your dress. 
  • Receive 10% off any accessory purchased during the appointment. 

Express Alterations

For Express Alterations, please note that restrictions apply and they are not applicable to certain gowns or timelines. Please call or email alterations@kleinfeldbridal.com for availability and details. 

Semi-Express

Specifically designed for out-of-town brides who are seeking a more consolidated alterations experience, this package includes all the services of Kleinfeld’s Signature Alterations package with an expedited timeline. 

 Also known as Rush Alterations, this package is also applied to brides who are starting the alterations process with less than 45 days until their wedding day. 

During the first fitting, the majority of alterations will be completed. The second and third fitting will occur over the course of 2-3 days.  

Express 

Specifically catered to national or international brides who are seeking an even more consolidated alterations experience, this package includes all the services of Kleinfeld’s Signature Alterations package with an expedited timeline. This package benefits brides who live far away and are seeking a way to reduce travel to and from NYC. 

 Typically taking place on a Thursday through Saturday, this package is usually completed closer to the wedding date. Throughout the course of 3-5 days, the bride must be prepared to return to Kleinfeld throughout the day at the fitter’s request.  

* Some designer dresses may require a 5 day fitting. This will be determined by your Kleinfeld fitter and alterations manager.

*Restrictions apply; not applicable on certain styles or time frames, call for details.

Alterations 101:

What to Expect

  • All wedding gowns need alterations and will require multiple alterations appointments. 
  • Kleinfeld Signature Alterations are a flat fee. 
  • Any extra alterations or customizations (such as: adding straps, shortening a train, lining a bodice, adding a modesty panel, etc.) will be an additional fee. 
  • Exact fitting timelines may vary depending on the gown and alteration requirements. 
  • For more insight on what to expect during each fitting, please click here!

What to Bring

  • Please bring any bra or undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day to all of your fittings. 
  • Please bring the shoes you will be wearing on your wedding day to your first fitting, so your seamstress can complete your hem. 
    • If you do not have the exact shoes you will be wearing on your wedding date yet, please bring another pair that is the exact same height and style as the ones you intend to wear. 
    • If you do not bring shoes to your first fitting, you will either be rescheduled for later in the day if an appointment is open or an additional appointment will be needed. 
    • Kleinfeld does not sell shoes, so it’s important that you search for the perfect pair of shoes before your first fitting. 

Fitting Appointments

  • We will only schedule your first fitting once your gown arrives at Kleinfeld. 
  • Depending on your specific dress and individual needs, you’ll have about 3 fittings. 
  • Remember, your gown was ordered according to your base measurements, so it’s likely that your gown will be too big or not fit properly when you initially try it on. (That’s normal!) 
  • Your personal seamstress will pin your gown in all the right places to ensure a customized fit.  

Dress Hem

  • Hemming is the process of your fitter shortening the length of your gown according to your individual height or heel height to ensure it’s about a quarter of an inch above the ground. 
  • A proper hem is necessary, so that you don’t trip or need to pick up your skirt as you walk. 
  • Keep in mind that although the front of your gown will be hemmed, the length of your train will remain the same. 
  • The shoes you will be wearing on your wedding day are required during all of your fittings in order to complete your hem. Need more shoe advice? Read here.!

The Bustle

  • Bustling your dress is the act of gathering your train and pinning it up in order to refrain from it dragging behind you. Typically, you’ll want to bustle your gown after the ceremony and pictures are done. The result is a floor-length gown that allows you to move, drink, eat, and dance the night away with ease! 
  • Your fitter will provide you with different bustle options. Depending on the type, your bustle will be secured through a series of buttons and loops or ties and snaps. The most popular styles include:  
    • A French Bustle 
    • A Traditional or American Bustle 
  • And don’t worry! Your fitter will teach you and someone who can assist you on wedding day (mom, bridesmaid, wedding planner, day-of stylist, etc.) how to bustle your gown.  
    • Pro-Tip: Record a video of the fitter teaching you how to bustle the dress in case you forget or need to reference it on the big day! 

Learn more about the bustle here.

Not sure how to tie your bustle? Check out our guide!

Quality Control & Beading Check

During quality control, your dress is checked to ensure that each bead, crystal, lace appliqué, sequin, etc. is perfectly in place for your wedding day.

Press & Pack

  • After your final fitting, your gown will be professionally pressed, steamed, and packed with tissue paper, so it’s wrinkle-free and maintains its shape. 
  • Finally, your gown will be inside an opaque, breathable, cloth Kleinfeld garment bag, so it’s safe, protected, and ready to slip into on your wedding day! 

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