Your Dress, Tailored to Perfection

Alterations are a key part of your bridal journey. Our recommended seamstresses bring years of expertise in couture craftsmanship, tailoring your gown with precision, care, and an eye for every detail.

What to Expect from Your Alterations

Your alterations journey should feel as seamless and considered as choosing your dress. Our FAQs are designed to guide you through the process with clarity and reassurance, helping you feel fully prepared for your fittings and confident in what to expect as your gown is tailored to its perfect fit.

: Seamstresses can book up quickly, especially during the peak season, so securing your fittings early ensures the best availability. As soon as you say yes to the dress, one of your next priorities should be getting a date secured with your chosen seamstress. We recommend starting your alterations with your seamstress around 8–12 weeks before your wedding day. If you would like to use our in-house seamstress please email us info@rachelash.co.uk
: Most brides require 2–3 fittings. More complex alterations or bespoke changes may require additional appointments.
In-boutique fittings take place at Rachel Ash on selected Thursdays with our alterations partner, Abigail Westrup Bridal. There is no flexibility on the dates offered for fittings in-house.
External seamstresses carry out fittings at their own studios across the Midlands. We’re happy to guide you to the right specialist for your gown and location.
: Alterations are charged separately and vary depending on the complexity of the work. As a guide, most Rachel Ash brides spend £350–£650 on standard alterations, with bespoke changes costing more. Each seamstress manages their own pricing.
: Please bring your wedding shoes and wedding-day underwear (including any shapewear) to every fitting. These are essential for accurate hem length, structure, and fit.
: In most cases, yes. Seamstresses can often make bespoke adjustments, such as adding sleeves, altering necklines, or adding support. If your weight changes, they can also adjust your dress, though significant changes may require more extensive work. Your seamstress will advise you on what is achievable for your specific gown.

The Seamstress Experience Within Our Boutique

For brides who would like a seamless, luxury experience, we offer in-house fittings at Rachel Ash with our trusted alterations partner. This option is ideal if you’d prefer the comfort of being fitted in the boutique by a specialist who knows our designers, silhouettes and constructions exceptionally well.

Abigail Westrup Bridal – In-Boutique Fittings

Abigail Westrup is our in-house partner offering fittings in the comfort of our boutique on selected Thursdays.

Locations: Rachel Ash, Warwick, Bristol, Glasgow

Instore only for to Rachel Ash Brides
Specialist in couture bridal alterations
Ideal for brides wanting a luxury, seamless service.
Appointments held at Rachel Ash Bridalwear or in one of their locations.
Highly experienced with all designers and styles.
All standard and bespoke alterations, all work priced individually.
Typical alterations cost: £450+, pricing is independent from Rachel Ash.

Our Trusted Network of Independent Specialists

We also work closely with several highly experienced independent seamstresses across the Midlands. Each has been personally selected for their craftsmanship, attention to detail and experience working with designer bridal gowns. Brides visit these seamstresses at their individual studios for fittings.

Katrina Sanders

Location: Atherstone, Warwickshire

Over 35 years experience in bridal alterations.
Worked with us for over 12 years - may not be sewing in 2026 due to operation.
Highly experienced in all standard and bespoke alterations.
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Experienced with all designers, including luxury brands.
WhatsApp: 07947776779

Kate Moir

Location: Sileby, Leicestershire

Highly experienced in standard and bespoke alterations
3 seamstresses working
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding. Will take last minute bookings if available.
Online Bookings
Phone: 01509 814306
Email: Thealterationcompany@gmail.com

Book Now

Cathryn Ann Bespoke Fashion

Location: Staffordshire/Derbyshire

Fully experienced in standard and bespoke alterations
Price list by request
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Mobile: 07832370588
Email: cathrynannfashionuk@gmail.com

Cathryn's Website

Dawn Bird Alterations

Location: Northampton

Over 30 years experience
Fully experienced in standard and bespoke alterations
Highly regarded seamstress, fully insured
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Phone: 07597 116541
Email: Dawnjbird@outlook.com

Dawn's Facebook Page

The Alteration Specialist

Location: Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Leicestershire

Over 15 years experience
Fully experienced in standard and bespoke alterations
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Online Bookings
Phone: 01530 411664

Book Now

MD Bridal Alterations

Location: Henley in Arden, Warwickshire

Fully experienced in standard and bespoke alterations
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
5 star rated seamstress
Email: Maria@md-bridal-alterations.com

MD Alterations Website

Stitch to Fit - Ben

Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire

Fully experienced in standard and bespoke alterations
Has worked with us at the Rachel Ash Boutique
Start alterations 8-10 weeks before your wedding.
Phone: 01727 530029
Email: info@stitchtofittailors.co.uk
Website: https://stitchtofittailors.co.uk/weddings/

Stitch To Fit Website

Milli’s Sewing Studio

Location: Suffolk

Experienced in all alterations
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Email: info@millissewingstudio.co.uk
Phone: 07856282217

Milli's Website

Samantha Harrison – Beautiful Unique Alterations

Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire

Fully experienced in standard and bespoke alterations
Free consultation
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Free parking on site
Phone: 07735 617717
Email: beautifulunique@outlook.com

Beautiful Unique Website

Carmelina Diliberto

Location: Oxford

5-star rated seamstress
Private fitting room
Experienced in all adjustments and designers
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Email: enquiries@carmelina-seamstress.co.uk
Phone: 07787182210

Carmelina's Website

Fiona Elizabeth Couture

Location: Derbyshire

Highly experienced in all standard alterations and bespoke changes.
Highly commended at the wedding industry awards.
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Limited availability remaining for summer 2026, first come first served.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiona.elizabeth.couture/

Contact Fiona

Natalya James Bridal

Location: Ampthill, Bedfordshire

Highly experienced, they make bespoke wedding dresses in-house
Bridal boutique that offers outside alterations
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
£20 optional consultation
Email: info@natalyajames.com

Natalya James Website

Wasp Couture

Location: Stevenage

Experienced in all alterations
20 years experience
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Phone: 07729994798
Email: wasp-couture@mail.com

Wasp Couture Website

Jo Drakeley

Location: Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Highly experienced in standard and bespoke alterations
Up to 7 seamstresses working through the peak months
Start alterations 10-12 weeks before your wedding.
Phone: 07930896728
Email: jodrakeley@hotmail.com

Searching for a Seamstress Near You?

If you’re based outside of our area and need help finding a specialist bridal seamstress closer to home, our dedicated Facebook community connects brides with trusted professionals across the UK. Discover recommendations, share experiences, and find the perfect seamstress for your gown.

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