The Hidden Cost of Alterations When Buying a Prom Dress Online
Buying a prom dress online can look like a bargain. The price is tempting, the photos are flawless, and it feels easy to click “buy now.” But what many prom shoppers don’t realise is that the checkout price is rarely the final cost.
One of the biggest hidden extras? Alterations.
Why online prom dresses rarely fit perfectly
Prom dresses are made to standard sizes, not individual bodies. Even with careful measuring, differences in height, bust shape, waist position, and torso length mean that most dresses need work once they arrive.
Common issues include:
• Dresses being too long
• Busts not sitting correctly
• Waistlines hitting in the wrong place
• Straps needing shortening
• Gaping or pulling through the bodice
Very few prom dresses bought online fit perfectly straight out of the box.
What alterations typically cost
In the UK, prom dress alterations often cost:
• Hemming / shortening: £30–£80
• Taking in the waist or sides: £40–£100
• Bust or cup adjustments: £30–£70
• Strap alterations: £15–£40
• Bodice reshaping or corsetry work: £60–£150+
It’s common for alterations to total £100–£250, especially on layered or embellished gowns.
Why specialist seamstresses matter
Prom dresses are not everyday garments. They often include corsetry, boning, multiple layers, delicate fabrics and hand-finished details.
At MK Prom, our seamstresses are:
• Highly experienced with the exact dresses we stock
• Fully familiar with each style’s structure and construction
• Able to alter dresses without compromising shape, support, or comfort
• Trained to spot fit issues early — not days before prom
This expertise means your dress isn’t just altered — it’s perfected.
The real cost comparison
A typical scenario:
• Online dress: £180
• Alterations: £150
• Rush fitting close to prom: £40
Total: £370
In many cases, that’s the same — or more — than a boutique gown that’s been professionally fitted from the start.
Why buying in-store at MK Prom often saves money
• Dresses are chosen for your body shape and height
• Fittings happen before purchase
• Alterations are minimal and planned
• Seamstresses already know the dress inside out
• No last-minute panic
Final thought
Online prom dresses aren’t always the cheaper option once alterations are added. With MK Prom, you’re investing in fit, expertise, and peace of mind — not just a dress.