Wedding Dress Alterations
A wedding dress should fit like it was made for you.
Let us help you find your best Alter Ego on your big day.
One of the most trusted brand names in Melbourne’s inner north.
At Alter Ego, we understand that your wedding dress is more than fabric and thread. It's the dress you'll wear in photos you'll look at for the rest of your life. Our experienced team specialises in bridal alterations that transform off-the-rack gowns into perfectly fitted pieces that move with you, photograph beautifully, and feel as good as they look.
Two convenient locations in Brunswick West and Collingwood - click here to be taken to our quoting form.
What We Alter
Bridal Gown Alterations
Every bride deserves a dress that fits flawlessly. We handle all types of wedding dress alterations:
Bodice adjustments — Taking in or letting out at the bust, waist, and hips for a smooth, flattering silhouette
Hemming — Shortening to the perfect length for your shoes, with options to preserve lace borders or original hem details
Bustle fitting — Creating a custom bustle so you can dance freely at your reception
Strap and neckline modifications — Adding straps, adjusting existing straps, or reshaping necklines
Adding cups or boning — For additional support and structure
Lace-up back conversions — Converting zip closures to corset-style lace-up backs for easier fitting
Sleeve alterations — Shortening, lengthening, or adding sleeves entirely
Beadwork and embellishment repairs — Securing loose beading or adding embellishments to match
We work with all dress styles and fabrics, including delicate materials like silk, chiffon, tulle, lace, and heavily beaded gowns.
Bridesmaid Dress Alterations
Getting multiple bridesmaids into identical dresses that fit everyone perfectly? We make it happen. Our team can take in, let out, shorten, and adjust bridesmaid dresses so your whole bridal party looks polished and coordinated—regardless of different body shapes and sizes.
Mother of the Bride & Groom
The mothers deserve to look and feel elegant too. We provide the same expert alterations for mother of the bride and mother of the groom outfits, ensuring a sophisticated, comfortable fit for the big day.
Groom & Groomsmen Suit Alterations
A well-fitted suit makes all the difference. We alter suits and tuxedos for grooms and groomsmen, including:
Jacket taking in and shoulder adjustments
Trouser hemming and tapering
Waistband adjustments
Sleeve shortening
Flower Girl & Page Boy
Fast-growing kids and formal wear don't always cooperate. We can adjust flower girl dresses and page boy outfits close to the wedding date to ensure the little ones look adorable and feel comfortable.
How Bridal Alterations Work
1. Initial Consultation & Fitting
Bring your dress (and your shoes!) to either of our locations. Our team will assess what alterations are needed, discuss your vision, and provide a quote on the spot. No appointment necessary, but we recommend coming during quieter weekday hours for bridal fittings.
2. We Get to Work
Our skilled seamstresses carefully alter your gown with precision and attention to detail. Depending on the complexity of the work, this typically involves one to two additional fittings to ensure everything is perfect.
3. Final Fitting & Pickup
Try on your altered dress, make any final tweaks, and take it home ready for your wedding day. We'll send you a text when it's ready.
Typical turnaround: 2-4 weeks depending on complexity. Please allow adequate time before your wedding.
What to Bring to Your Bridal Fitting
Your wedding shoes — Heel height affects hem length significantly
Your undergarments — The bra, shapewear, or strapless bra you'll wear on the day
Your veil or accessories — If you want to see the full look
Photos or inspiration — If you want specific modifications (adding sleeves, changing neckline, etc.)
A trusted friend or family member — An extra opinion never hurts
Why Melbourne Brides Choose Alter Ego
Experienced team — Our mother-daughter team brings 27+ years of combined tailoring experience, with particular expertise in formal and bridal wear.
Two convenient locations — Brunswick West and Collingwood, serving Melbourne's inner north including Fitzroy, Carlton, Northcote, Coburg, and surrounding suburbs. That’s not to say we don’t get visitors from everywhere!
Express service available — Emergencies? We can accommodate when needed.
Quality guarantee — If you're not 100% happy with our work, we'll make reasonable adjustments free of charge within one month of pickup.
Open 6 days a week — Including weekends for busy brides.
What People Are Saying
“Hands down the best decision I made for my wedding. The fit was perfection, the turnaround was fast, and the results exceeded my expectations. I recommend this business to every bride who wants to look and feel amazing.”
Olivia S.
“Absolutely outstanding service from start to finish. I like that the staff (who were so nice and patient!) listened and answered all my concerns. My dress fit like it was custom-made for me. If you want expert-level alterations and total peace of mind, this is the place to go.”
Amelia H.
“As a bride who was nervous about alterations, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Every appointment was calm, welcoming, and reassuring. The tailors are professionals and went above and beyond.”
Isabella C.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Bridal alteration pricing varies significantly based on the dress construction, fabric, and work required. Simple hems start from around $80-150 (per layer), while complex alterations involving beading, multiple layers, or structural changes will be higher. We provide an accurate quote at your first fitting—no surprises.
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Absolutely. Many brides buy online and need alterations to get the fit right. Bring it in and we'll assess what's needed.
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Yes! We have experience working with vintage gowns and family heirloom dresses. We take extra care with delicate older fabrics and can modernise styles while preserving sentimental details.
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No appointment is required, but we do recommend you let us know roughly the date you’ll be coming in. Bridal fittings take time and concentration so a ‘heads-up’ will ensure you get the best experience.
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In most cases, yes—if there's enough seam allowance in the dress. We can typically let out a dress by one size. Bring it in and we'll assess what's possible.
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Yes, we can add sleeves, cap sleeves, or straps to strapless dresses. We can also work with you to source matching fabric or lace.
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Complex bridal alterations require 2-3 fittings total: an initial consultation, a fitting partway through the work, and a final fitting. Very simple work will only require an initial consultation + fitting and then a final try on.
Request a Quote / Book a Consultation
Ready to Perfect Your Wedding Dress?
If online forms aren’t your vibe, simply drop in to either location with your dress and shoes, or contact us to discuss your bridal alterations. No appointment necessary.
Brunswick West Location
36 Grantham St, Brunswick West VIC 3055
Mon: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Tue: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Wed: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Thu: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Fri: 9:00am — 6:00pm
Sat: 10:00am — 4:00pm
Sun: 10:00am — 4:00pm (CLOSED some weeks)
For the most up-to-date hours, please check our Google Maps profiles!
Collingwood / Fitzroy Location
410 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Mon: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Tue: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Wed: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Thu: 9:00am — 6:00pm
Fri: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Sat: 10:00am — 4:00pm
Sun: CLOSED
For the most up-to-date hours, please check our Google Maps profiles!