Your Wedding Dress Alterations

The part that makes the dress yours

We offer in-house bridal alterations for both our off-the-rack NKIN Brides and for our sister store, Always Knew  including wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and special occasion gowns. Whether your dress needs a simple hem or a full reshape, our experienced seamstresses know Bridal inside & out.

No stress. No outsourcing. No googling "best seamstress in Ottawa." We've got them locked in, just for you!

Process & Timeline

When you purchase your dress at NKIN or Always, you are immediately added to seamstresses alterations list. 

If you've purchased your dress at NKIN, we highly recommend getting your sample gown cleaned prior to alterations! YES, we also offer cleanings! We're truly that one stop wedding shop. Book your wedding dress cleaning at LEAST 1 month prior to your first alteration fitting.

4 Months Before the Wedding Day our in-house alterations manager will reach out with time slot based on seamstress availability. 

3 Months Before the Wedding Day you'll have your consult & first fitting with your seamstress. It is important to bring your wedding shoes to this appointment. At this hour long appointment, you'll talk through with your seamstress all the changes you'd like to make to your gown. Whether that be standard alterations, hemming, strap adjustments...) or customizations you'd like to make after the fact (adding sleeves, adding buttons...) We pin, assess, and talk through exactly what you want.

This is a great time to look at veils, accessories, and shapewear that you may want to wear with your wedding dress! Don't worry, we have more in-store than you could possibly imagine! One of our expert stylists are always available to help you take a look at all the different options while you are still in your dress.

At the end of this fitting, our receptionist will give you the price for the alterations. You'll sign the contract & pay the 50% non-refundable retainer. Our receptionist will also book you for your follow up appointment.

2 Months Before the Wedding Day don't worry your seamstress has not cut your wedding dress yet! She has "basted" it, aka she's sewn it so that you can confirm all the changes before she cuts the fabrics!

This is wear things will differ between each client! Most standard alterations will be able to be finished by the third appointment. If we are making big changes to your gown or it isn't absolutely perfect, you may have additional appointments scheduled.

Most likely, at the end of this appointment our receptionist will book you for your pickup appointment.

2-4 Weeks Before the Wedding Day and it's time for your final fitting and pickup appointment. Try on your wedding dress in our pink boutique one last time before you take it home with you. 

At the end of this appointment, we will advise you on best next practices (aka booking your post-wedding dress cleaning and preservation) and you'll pay the 50% remaining charge. We'll BEG YOU to send photos and then send you on your ALMOST MARRIED merry way!

Frequently Asked Questions

If I did not purchase my dress at NKIN or Always, am I able to book alterations through NKIN and your affiliate seamstresses?

Yes! We welcome and encourage Brides who purchased dresses outside of our boutique to fill out the seamstress request form. While we prioritize our NKIN & Always Brides/Nearlyweds, if our seamstresses have space in their calendar we would love to have you!

We offer waitlist and early bird options if we are unable to accommodate you during the standard alterations timelines.

How much does it cost to alter my dress?

It depends! We don't believe in alteration package pricing as each Bride/Nearlywed and each wedding dress requires something different. We base our prices off our seamstresses years of expertise of what EXACTLY needs to be done on the dress, no more and no less. In 2026, the average client is spending between $500-$700 altering their wedding dresses? 

Will you alter my bridesmaid dress or special occasion dress?

We EXCLUSIVELY ALTER bridesmaid, mother of the bride/mother of the groom, flower girl, and special occasion dresses that were purchased at NKIN. 

Can I bring my rehearsal/reception dress to be altered?

If you've purchased the dress at NKIN or Always, OF COURSE YOU CAN! We will already have it on our records that you are bringing two dresses. If you are an outside client, please chat with our alterations manager before your initial appointment, usually we are able to accommodate this request, but it depends on how busy our seamstresses are at that time of year.

I JUST received my dress! Are rush alterations possible?

Most likely, yes! If our seamstresses have space in their calendar, rush alterations can be booked. There is an additional fee.