Wedding Dress FAQs

Yes, we recommend booking an appointment so we can reserve a private fitting room for you and give you dedicated one-on-one guidance during your consultation. Walk-ins are welcome when we can accommodate them, but booking ahead gives you the best experience. Booking an appointment allows you and your entire bridal party to have privacy and one-on-one consultation with a bridal specialist for one hour.

Ideally, we suggest starting your dress shopping around 9 to 12 months before your wedding. This gives you enough time for ordering, fittings, and any alterations that may be needed. If your wedding is sooner than that, still get in touch as we can also sell our sample gowns and off-the-rack. We can talk you through the best options available for your timeframe.

We proudly stock Rosa Clará, Luna Novias, and Adriana Alier. They are a curated collection of designer gowns chosen for their beautiful construction, feminine detail, and modern elegance. Our ready-to-wear collection is carefully selected for brides looking for something refined, timeless, and special. We are the only stockists in New Zealand to stock these designers.

Our designer gowns can be ordered from size 6 to 32, and our in-store samples are generally between sizes 10 and 16. If the sample you try on is not your exact size, that is completely normal. The goal is to find the right style, shape, and feel, then make sure the fit is right from there. When trying on our gowns we will also advise on possible alterations so the right size can be ordered.

Our bridal gowns generally range from $3,000 to $7,000. We also occasionally have sample and preloved gowns available, which can be a lovely option for brides looking for something more budget-conscious. The discontinued samples generally range from $1200-$2800

If your chosen gown is in stock, ordering can take around 1 to 2 months. If it is not in stock, it can take around 4 to 8 months. That is why we always recommend starting early where possible.

Yes. We offer in-house bridal alterations and customisations, from standard fit changes through to custom sleeves, added detail, structural adjustments, and more personalised design updates. It’s often these final changes that make a gown feel truly yours. We also have bonus offers for brides who purchase our gowns! Check them here.

Wedding dresses are not like everyday garments. They often involve delicate fabrics, lace placement, boning, structure, beadwork, and multiple layers that need experienced hands. Alter Me is known for complex bridal alterations and is trusted by many Auckland bridal boutiques to help their brides achieve the right fit and finish. For the best result, always take your wedding dress to a bridal alteration specialist who understands its construction and detail.

The most common bridal alterations are hemming the length, lifting the shoulders or straps, and taking in through the bodice or waist. These changes help the dress sit properly, feel secure, and look beautifully balanced on the body.

Alteration pricing depends on the construction of your dress and the changes required, so the most accurate quote is always given in person. As a general guide, bridal alterations typically range from $400 to $1400.

For standard alterations, a good time to begin is around 8 weeks before your wedding date, or the date you plan on leaving for a destination wedding. If your dress needs more detailed work, remodelling, or multiple fittings, it is wise to begin earlier so there is enough time to refine everything properly.

Most bridal alterations are completed within 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the work involved. During the busy season, timeframes can extend to around 6 to 10 weeks. If your gown requires remodelling or more extensive changes, additional time may be needed, and rush fees can apply. Once you receive your dress, it is always best to get in touch with your bridal seamstress so they can advise you on their current turnaround times.

A bustle lifts the train of your wedding dress off the ground so you can move more freely during your reception. It is especially helpful for dancing, walking around comfortably, and keeping guests from stepping on your train. If your gown has a longer train, a bustle is usually well worth having. There are many different types of bustles for different trains and Alter Me specialises in various styles.

Yes, in many cases we can. There are several ways to improve the fit of a gown that does not close properly, but the best option will depend on the dress construction, the final look you are wanting, and your budget. We would need to see the dress in person to guide you properly and talk you through the options available.

We require a minimum of 4 months to create a bespoke wedding dress, although ideally we prefer 6 to 8 months to allow enough time for the full process. In some cases, a shorter timeframe may be possible, but this will depend on the design and our schedule, and rush fees may apply.

Our bespoke wedding gowns start from $3,800. Final pricing depends on the intricacy of the design, fabric choices, and construction details.

Yes, you are welcome to bring inspiration photos to your consultation. While exact copies are not something we offer, we can design a gown with similar features and create something unique for you.

Yes, we source fabrics for both bespoke bridal and alteration work.

Yes, we do. We create custom veils in a range of tulles, lengths, and finishes, and we also offer embroidery so your veil feels beautifully coordinated with your gown. If you have an inspiration photo of the style you love, bring it to us and we can customise it for you.