FAQ's & Fittings
What should I wear and/or bring?
To any fitting, you will need to bring with you the garment we will be working on, in addition to the following if they apply: the shoes you will be wearing with your outfit to get a proper hem length, as it allows us to create the desired length you want for your special day (this also applies to clients who are having suit pants hemmed), any undergarments (i.e. bra, waist shaper, spanx, etc.) you will be wearing that day that will affect the fit of your garment.
Do I need to wear a bra?
No! Some of our clients prefer to wear a bandeau bra or long line bra with their garments. For other clothing that has a low back or no back design, we have sew-in cups for purchase at the time of your fitting.
What if I don't have the exact shoes?
The exact shoe helps us to properly determine the correct length of dress or pants we hem. We do, however, understand it can be difficult not finding the right shoes at the time of your fitting. If you have a shoe that is similar in heel height, please bring those! We can double check the length closer to the time of pick-up.
What is it that you do?
Our studio is primarily bridal alterations special occasion & bridesmaid's dresses, suit tailoring, custom ties and bow ties. The Iron Horse Atelier also does alterations on jeans and read-to-wear clothing. We are body positive and LGBTQ+ inclusive <3
What is the process and turnaround time for alterations?
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Wedding gown alterations and suit tailoring take about 3 months prior to the wedding date.
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Bridesmaid's dresses & special occasion we fit about 1 month prior to the wedding/event date.
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Clients who are pregnant or have given birth close to the wedding date, we prefer to fit 3 weeks prior to event date.
*This is our general scheduling layout. Please reach out to us 6-12 months prior to your wedding to be sure you can reserve a spot on our calendar.
What are your hours?
Currently, the studio is by appointment only. Please feel free to send us a message at TheIronHorsePgh@gmail.com to set up an appointment.
Where do I park?
There is street parking around our studio.
Can I bring guests to my fittings?
Yes! However, we allow up to 3 additional guests to come along to your fittings. Anymore guests can make the setting feel a little more cramped and less intimate.
Bridal Consultations
If you have scheduled a consultation before your first fitting, during our appointment we will discuss your preferred fit. We will go over any changes or add-ons you would like with your gown to ensure a perfect fit. The consultation fee is $60.
Cleaning Considerations
There are several reasons why you may need to get your wedding dress cleaned before your first alterations appointment. These reasons could be that you purchased your wedding dress as a sample off the rack, it might be a special dress passed down through generations, or it could be gently pre-owned. If your dress is already in perfect condition, then there is no need to have it cleaned.
If you purchased a sample gown, keep in mind that roughly a few to a dozen other people have probably tried it on before you. That being said, it is highly recommended that you get it cleaned before your appointments for sanitary reasons.
Rush Fees
*As you are probably aware, the post-COVID wedding season is incredibly busy and is stretching every part of the planning process in ways no one could have ever imagined. We are part of that community and have never been busier! If possible (and at the sole discretion of The Iron Horse Atelier), expedited services can be provided. Pricing for such expedited services will be based on the difficulty of the project and the proposed timeline. All such priority fees shall be agreed upon by both The Iron Horse Atelier and the client before work commences.
Have additional questions or want to set up an appointment? Please send us an email at TheIronHorsePgh@gmail.com
