FAQ Guide

How much will my alterations cost?

Our pricing at Influence Apparel depends on many different factors. It’s challenging to give an estimate via the phone or email without seeing the garment in person. Pricing is dependent upon how the garment was constructed and manufactured as well as designed. Some of the factors that go in to pricing include if there are any beads or sequins on the dress, do we have to remove or work around any zippers, is there any boning, is the garment sealed or not sealed, is there any lace applique, scalloped lace edges or horsehair within the garments, the type of material/fabric and how many layers there are just some examples of features we take in to consideration when determining the cost to alter a garment.

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While most of our alterations are so uniquely priced to the specific garment you are bringing in and the type of alterations you are requesting, below is a general guideline you can use to help determine approx. costs for alterations. Please keep in mind these are common ranges that we typically see on garments, though we have had garments fall below and above each of the ranges listed.

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Hem Pants: $20

Repair/Replace Zipper: $10-$95

Casual Dress/ Spring Dress: $40.50-$200

Bridesmaid Dress Alterations: $40.50-$280

Mother of the Groom/Bride Dress: $40.50- $400

Suit Alterations- $57.75-$290

Formal Dress: $40.50- $250

Press and Steam Garment: $95

Wedding Dress Alterations: $400-$1,000

Custom Garment- $1,000+

Express Service (if garment is needed in less than 3 weeks, it is considered express): $50

 

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Please be sure to bring with you the shoes you plan on wearing with your garment. We can not fit, measure or pin hems or bustles without your shoes. If you do not have the exact pair of shoes you plan to wear with the garment, then please bring with you, the exact same height of shoe you plan to wear with the garment. We do not change out shoes from beginning to end of the process in order to ensure consistency.

Additionally, please be sure to bring any undergarments you plan to wear. For example, if you are planning on wearing a particular bra, please plan to bring that with you to your appointment. If you are planning to wear shapewear or a corset, you’ll want to bring that along.

If you are having a suit jacket or sports coat altered, please plan to bring with you the shirt you plan to wear most often with the suit jacket/ sports coat.

 

How long before my garment is completed?

In most cases our standard turn around time is 2 weeks prior to your event date or 3 weeks. Depending on the request, it could be under a week before your garment is completed. During peak season (March-May and September-October) it may take a little longer than 3 weeks. In most instances we always work back from event date in order to ensure everyone gets thier garment by thier specific event date. Please reach out to book an appointment as soon as you know the date (or approx date) you will have your garment in hand.

 

Do you offer express service?

On a case to case basis, yes we may be able to offer express service. Anything that you need in less than three weeks, is considered express. Sometimes we might be able to complete your request same day other times we may be able to complete your request in 2 weeks or less.  To avoid express charges, we ask that you please plan your alteration needs at least 4 weeks in advance. For wedding dresses please plan a minimum of 2-3 months in advance to avoid express service charges.

 

Do you create T-shirt memory quilts?

Yes, we do create t-shirt memory quilts. Pricing for these quilts depend on the size of the blanket you want and the number of t-shirts you have. Typically pricing for a t-shirt memory quilt starts at $600+

 

Can you make a baptism gown, pillow, clutch or other item out of my old wedding dress?

Yes, absolutely! We love doing this! We really enjoying making new items out of already loved garments.

 

Can I donate my old wedding dress?

Yes, absolutely! We gladly accept wedding dress donations. We use donated wedding dresses to make beautiful angel gowns and donate the angel gowns to local hospitals.

 

Do you offer pressing and steaming?

Yes, we do. We offer pressing and steaming for $95 per garment.

If you are having a bridal gown pressed and steamed we include complimentary pressing and steaming for the veil at no additional charge.

 

Do you sew on Military Patches?

Yes, we sew patches on to all types of vests and garments.

 

When should I book an appointment for alterations?

For all general alteration requests, please plan a minimum of 3 weeks in advance. Depending on the time of year, we may be able to accommodate your request in under three weeks.

For bridesmaid dresses and mother of the groom/bride dresses we ideally like to have to have at least 4-6 weeks. We may be able to accommodate requests in under this amount of time, though it is not preferred.

For wedding dresses, please notify us of your alteration needs at least 2-3 months in advance. We welcome additional time beyond three months. Although we may be able to accommodate your request in under 2 months, it is not preferred.

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What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover,  cash and checks. Please note, if choosing to pay by card our card processor charges a 3.75% fee on top of the price we provide to you. If you do not wish to pay the 3.75% please bring cash or check.

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When do I pay for alterations? We do require full payment up front for all orders. 

 

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, appointments are required in advance. We want to make sure we are making the most effective use of your time and not having you wait to get fitted and measured by our tailor should you show up and our tailor is in another appointment with a client. Additionally, on occasion, we do leave the office for to pick up office supplies or to step out for lunch.

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Should I wash my clothes before alterations?

All previously worn items must be cleaned (laundered or dry cleaned, per manufacturers instructions) prior to being altered or repaired, including items covered with pet hair or odors such as cigarette smoke. This policy is to protect other customer’s merchandise, our staff and equipment. 

 

Jeans or other pants (to be hemmed) are recommended to be cleaned prior to alterations if made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or wool to eliminate the shrinkage before hemming. We wouldn’t want you to be disappointed if your pants shrink after alterations, resulting in pants that are too short for you to wear.