Alterations FAQs

What alterations do you provide?
Specialist suit alterations, couture grade alterations, bridal alterations, suit reconstruction, bridal reconstruction and restoration of Vintage (on request) everyday alterations, zip replacements, hole repairs, curtain alterations (on request).

What is your availability?
Please note Kaya takes on a limited number of bespoke comissions and limited number of specialist alterations to be able to help everyone. Please enquire as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Kaya’s availabilty depends on current commitments and schedules work alongside each commitment.

What are your open hours?
Kaya’s open hours for ENQUIRIES are from 8am-8pm Moday to Friday, 9am-2pm Saturday. Kaya works BY APPOINTMENT ONLY and arranges these in slots from 9am-4:30pm and 6pm, 6:30pm on request weekdays. Appointments on Saturdays are limited, however available 9:30am-2pm.

How soon will I get a response?
Kaya will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible, please don’t free if your message or call is not answered right away, it is highly likely Kaya will be in a fitting or operating the machines and will get back to you as soon as she can.

How much notice should I give to secure a booking for my alterations?
For everyday alterations please give at lease 1-2 weeks notice, standard suit alterations at least 2-3 weeks notice, specialist (making a lot bigger or smaller/ extensive alterations) 3 weeks notice, bridesmaids/prom and special occasion 4-6 weeks notice and bridal 8-12 weeks notice. In some circumstances, Kaya can squeeze you in to work miracles and will do her utmost best to help you!

Do you provide group bookings for wedding party alterations / bridesmaids/ groomsmen?
Yes, Kaya does offer this service for bridal and family/ bridemaids, Groom and groomsmen etc. for 3 or more people and this is done from the comfort of your location on request. For this type of booking a deposit is required to secure your slot due to the time duration, the deposit is deducted from your final alterations bill.

Do you reconstruct or remake, repair holes?
Yes, Kaya specialises in reconstruction of bespoke tailored garments, bridal and couture pieces. In high street clothing, it can be possible within existing cut or finding an additional fabric match. Holes can be repaired, however complete invisibility is not guaranteed.

Can you give a price, quote or estimate?
On everyday alterations, Kaya can advise a price starting point, however this is not fixed and cannot be confirmed until a garment is seen in person. Quotes are given once an initial consultation/fitting has been completed. Estimates and quotes cannot be given prior to seeing the garment.

Do I need to bring money to my first appointment?
This is not neccessary, however if this is for bridal/prom or you know you’d defintely like to go ahead with the alterations (i.e extensive tailoring alterations) you are welcome to pay a deposit and secure your slot.

What payment methods do you accept?
BACs(bank transfer) payment, card and cash.

How long do alterations take?
Several clients alterations are usually completed within 1-2 days depending on quantity, however these jobs are scheduled to sew your garments around other work and commintments. In some circumstances Kaya can fit in next day turnarounds. For more specialist alterations and big changes, some jobs require interim fit checks such as suits and bridal, so it is crucial to book in ahead of the notice required as stated above.

What is your current everyday turnaround?
Current turnaround does depend on busy periods and existing workload, however most are completed within 1 week, maximum 2 weeks. In the event of the busy period, there is an estimated wait and Kaya will add you to a waiting list.

Can you take rush orders?
Somtimes Kaya can squeeze in a rush order,it is always worthwile to check if there is availabilty- enquire now!

What should I bring to my fitting?
Please bring yourself, shoes for height and wear any undergarments, shapewear/bra which may affect the fit. please AVOID wearing makeup to prevent garments soiling.

What is the procedure?
Please find further information on The Alterations Process.

Do you charge booking fees?

No, however for bridal, prom and large scale/ specialist alterations a non-refundable deposit is now required to secure your booking which gets deducted off of your alterations cost.

How long do fittings take?
Depending on the garment and amount, skill level of alterations required a fitting is usually from 20 minutes.

Can I bring others with me?
Due to limited space and health and safety, it is strongly advised and preferred that you come on your own, unless accompanying a child or teen under the age of 18.

Is there a charge for large weight fluctuations?
In the event there is a significant change (more than 2 inches-a whole dress size) in your weight and work has been carried out, I may at my discretion charge for any extra alterations which may be required.

If I order a garment several sizes bigger, can this be altered to fit me?
Yes, this is possible in various circumstances, please enquire directly for more information.

Bridal Alterations- FAQs

Are bridal consultations free?
Unfortunately, bridal alterations, prom and large scale/specialist alterations are no longer free due to the extreme demand. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking which gets deducted off of the cost of alterations.

Can I still have alterations if I am on a diet plan or pregnant?
Yes, as long as you let Kaya know in advance, arrangments can be made to allocate fittings differently or more frequently to check and account for any changes.

What if I gain or loose too much weight?
If more than 2 inches (a whole dress size) is gained or lost after alterations have been temporary or permanently sewn, there will be a charge for any extra alterations which may be required, no responsibility can be taken if you gain or loose too much weight, it is awlays advised to complete diet plans before alterations start and maintain normal eating/exercise habits until the wedding day. In this event, Kaya will do her best to adapt your dress to original time frame and maintain best fit possible.

Can you give me a quote by email?
No quotes, estimates or rough ball park figures are given by email or over the phone. A usual bridal alterations bill is between £60.00-£400.00 as a guide, depending on what needs doing and how the dress is made, each individual dress is different along with each unique bride. After the consultation where the dress is seen and alterations are assessed, a quote will then be given at the end of the day or next morning for you to then confirm go-ahead and pay the deposit required.

How much is the deposit for bridal alterations?
The deposit for Specialist and bridal alterations is 50% of the total bill.

How many fittings will I need?
As a standard guide, for minor alterations such as the hem, usually a maximum of two fittings. For standard alterations (take in/ let out, bust, length, straps) there is usually an initial fitting, interim fitting and final fitting. For more complex alterations, pregnancies such as making the dress sizes smaller or bigger, or a reconstruction, it may be necessary for 3-4 fittings.

How long do wedding dress alterations take?
Each indiviual dress is different, however bridal alterations are usually accomplished in 1-2 days of sewing,please note these are scheduled around other work and commitments, therefore the usual notice period of 8-12 weeks is applied to cover your sewing requirments around others, fitting availability around Kaya and yourself, keeping in mind the interim fit checks for weight fluctuations which all ensure you have a perfect fit for your big day.

When will I know how much my alterations cost?
After your initial consultation fitting, Kaya will get back to you with a quote by the end of the day or within the nexy working day (subject to suppliers if extra features are being added).

What if I can’t make my appointment?
If you cannot make your appointment, please let Kaya know ASAP by TELEPHONE and Kaya will do her best to be reschedule.

Can I have people with me?
Space is limited, therefore if your dress is larger and has a substantial train, it is preferred you come on your own due to health and safety. However if your dress is fairly slimline, Mum or friend is welcome.

Will guests be able to tell my dress has been altered?
No! Kaya is highly experienced and skilled to make your dress look it’s original design- fitting you like a glove, like it was made for you.

Will it be possible to find a fabric match?
In most cases an exact fabric match is made, however if it is not possible Kaya will find the best match possible and run this past you for approval.

Can you change the closure of my dress (i.e zip to corset/lace up)?
Yes! Kaya will need to assess your dress on your figure in person to confirm if this is possible, however in most cases this can be done, in the liklihood it can’t, Kaya will advise an alternative.

Can you make extras such as a wrist loop, bustles, detachable sleeves, detachable skirts?
Yes! All of this is possible from the fabric cuts of your hem, or a match of fabric will be sourced for you.

Can I get my buttons re-covered?
Yes! Notify Kaya in advance and this can be arranged for you from existing offcuts from your dress hem or a match can be sourced.

Can I get the offcuts of my dress back?
Absolutely! Just let Kaya know youd like these kept.

Can you (minimise/emphasise)the parts i’m (self conscious/proud) of, such as scars, broad shoulders, bust, back fat?
Absolutely! Kaya runs through a through fitting and checks for anything you are uncomfortable about, or if there is any way youd feel your most confident and will run through the options to best acheive this.