top of page

Price
Email me with the occasion, date and garment details to arrange a fitting. Photos and a link to the item will help me get back to you with an estimate beforehand.

Anchor 1

01 Alterations

Specialising in Bridal & Occasion Wear

A wedding dress bodice and hem alterations: typically £280 to £580.

​A  bridesmaid dress bodice and hem alterations: typically £90 to £160.

Wedding dress hem (with or without train, bustle or wrist-hoop) : £120 to £300.

Wedding wide-leg jumpsuit or trousers (lined legs) hem: £120 to £180.

Bridesmaid dress hem: £60 to £85.

Mother of the bride dress hem: £50 to £80.

Other occasion dress hem: from £50.

Groom's suit trouser shortening: £40.

Gowns made from delicate or luxury fabrics, with boning, multiple layers, or embellished hems will be priced at the higher end of the range. Simple, single-layer hems will be at the lower end.

There is no separate charge for fittings. However, an initial fitting that does not proceed to alteration work may incur a one-off consultation fee of £30.

The cost will be confirmed at the initial fitting. An invoice will be issued on completion, and payment is due upon collection. For longer-term projects where changes to the plan may occur, a deposit may be requested.

​All prices include tax.

Dressmaking Rate

02 Bespoke Dressmaking

 

Bridal, Occasion & Intentional Wardrobe

 

Creating a garment from your design made from scratch: from £400, plus the cost of materials.

Creating a garment by replicating an existing item you own: from £200 plus the cost of materials.

​Creating a garment inspired by sample garments you own: from £300 plus the cost of materials.

These prices include sketching, pattern cutting, toile making, pattern adaptations, sewing, and a series of fittings.

 

Creating a veil to accompany a gown: from £150, plus the cost of materials.

Creating a garment using patterns I have previously drafted: from £150, when no changes are required.
Pattern adaptations and tracing are charged at £25 per hour.

If you wish to create an item to match a gown you have already purchased (for example, a bolero), the fabric must be sourced from the original maker.
Providing suitable materials can help keep costs down, as sourcing the correct fabric can be a time-consuming process.

 

Most bespoke projects take a few months from start to finish. A ballpark estimate will be agreed at the outset. A deposit of approximately half the estimate is usually required at the toile-fitting, with the balance due upon completion. Any materials purchased on your behalf must be paid for at the point of purchase.

All prices include tax.

03 SampleS & CostumeS 

 

For Designers & Productions 

I offer sample and costume making for designers and productions, working partially or in full as required.

My skills include dressmaking, pattern-cutting, crochet, knitting, embroidery, and hand-painting. I am happy to integrate into existing teams or take on standalone pieces, and I enjoy creative challenges. 

Costs are discussed at the outset and based on labour hours, typically £18–£40 per hour, depending on the skill and intensity involved (for example, knitting is usually at the lower end).

I usually invoice by piece at the end of the project, unless agreed otherwise in advance.

03 sample costume making

04 other

Professional body measurement service: £20 per session

A fitting that does not proceed to alteration or making work may incur a one-off consultation fee of £30.

If a remote meeting for a new project does not proceed to work, a consultation fee of £20 per hour applies (covering travel and preparation time)

Last Updated 1st January 2026

First published December 2017

by Chie Besson |  London, U.K.

  • Etsy
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
bottom of page