Frequently Asked Questions and Policy Page

HOURS:

Monday - Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm    

Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

​Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sundays & Holidays - CLOSED

APPOINTMENTS*: Customers are seen by Appointment Only* on Thursdays & Saturdays

FEES: Vary upon service needed.  Base pricing is listed under each service. To receive an estimate, please make an appointment. This allows us to be on the same page and ensure I am giving you an appropriate estimate (because no one likes surprises) for the service and time needed to do that service.

FORMS OF PAYMENT:  Cash or Checks (payable to "The Joy of Sewing & Embroidery Service") or EFT (electronic funds transfer via your banking institution) and Credit cards*.

PayPal is accepted for reservations only through the scheduler.
*Certain restrictions apply. I do not accept Venmo, Cash App or any other form payment.

*To better serve my customers, I have set these days aside so they can conveniently schedule their appointment via the ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM available 24/7.  All other days are so that I may get the work done on time, answer messages, and tend to other business and family matters. Please be sure to make an appointment to ensure my availability and your time.

I DO NO ACCEPT WALK-INS!!!!

Please feel free to leave a message on the virtual line 667-200-2SEW (739) should you have an Emergency or Request!

*Please see the agreement/policy at the bottom of this page. 2% fee for credit cards

The first thing is to set your date and venue - usually done 18months - 2 years as most venues are booking well ahead

• It is highly recommended you shop and say YES TO THE DRESS 12+ months in advance to allow for manufacturing and shipping delays and alteration process.
• Once you "Say Yes to the Dress," some helpful hints... If your dress has detail (applique, lace, beading, sequins), in particular, a lace or applique hemline, ask a bridal shop for Hollow-to-Hem or Unattached lace to help save you money on alterations.
• Hollow to Hem* - the measurement from the front of your neck where your collarbone meets to the floor plus the height of your shoes, so the dress comes into that height. This is an extra cost as it is a special order but saves you money on alterations.
• Unattached Lace* - lace hem comes in unattached, so you only have to pay to have it attached. This is an extra cost as it is special order, but it saves money on alterations.
• Reserve your seamstress in advance. You can do this as soon as you order your dress, even if it's not in yet. Reserving in advance is key to taking the stress out of the dress. If you are coming to me, everything is online.
• Once in scheduler, click WEDDING GOWNS ALTERATIONS, then Click Reservations -Initial Bridal Consultation for the year you are getting married, and find a consult date for when your dress is expected to be in but no less than 3-4 months before your wedding date, based on detail of your dress.

Get your vendors - vendors are booking further in advance, and the most popular ones are booking 12+ months out. YES...this includes your seamstress, whether me or someone else.

Hire a Wedding Planner - this is their wheelhouse, and you want every detail attended to, and they can help put you in touch with the best vendors

*Not all designers offer this service, so you must ask your bridal consultant. Dresses can still be hemmed if this is not offered, but you need to know this is picked off by hand, then shortened, and then hand sewn back on, taking additional time and is an added cost.

Please use the guide to assist with planning. I typically book in advance from March - October. Appointments are visible 12 months in advance, for everything but wedding gown alterations, which are visible 18 months out. All Scheduling is done via ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM.

BRIDAL CONSULTATIONS ARE SCHEDULED THROUGH WEDDING GOWN ALTERATIONS On Scheduler.

Upon keeping your appointment, your reservation fee will be credited to your deposit. *
Estimates are given at appointment ONLY so we can be on the same page - "as no one likes surprises."
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A typical bridal fitting needing intake, hem, and bustle would look like this... (little - no detail)
1st appointment - Initial Bridal Consultation - 90 mins. - (please bring any undergarments/shoes)

• Go over the desired fit of the bodice, discuss hemline & mock-up bustle ideas
• Give estimate and payment plan options, if desired, and set fittings up in advance (4-6 weeks apart from the initial appt.)

2nd appointment - 1st Fitting - 45 mins. (approx.  4-6 weeks from the initial consult) (Please bring any undergarments/shoes)

• ​Make sure uptake, intake/Let-out fits as desired, depending on the plan we discussed for your dress at the consultation.
• ​Finalize where we want the hemline to be and make the final decision on the bustle chosen.

3rd appointment -2nd Fitting - 45 mins. (approx. 4-6 weeks from 2nd appt.)  (Please bring any undergarments/shoes)

• ​Try-on dress to make sure all fits with the desired hemline done.
• The bustle may be done at this appointment depending on level of detail of dress. (if it is done, this is a good appt. to bring MOH/bridesmaid to see how to bustle is done)
• You will take your dress home.

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​{Dresses/Gowns with any detail (lace, applique, beading, sequins) may have an additional fitting and require an additional 4-6 weeks, with the Final Fitting being the 4th appointment. We will discuss this at your Initial Consultation so that you are aware and can plan accordingly. You will leave your consultation with a plan for your dress so you can focus on other aspects of your wedding.}

If you would like a corset designed, constructed, inserted, or taken out, please allow an additional 4-6 weeks before any of the above services. (Thus, needing all would be 16 -20 weeks) Be sure to consult with me on any ideas you may have for a dress style so that I may guide you in making an informed decision with a timely turnaround following the way you want to look on your BIG DAY!

Custom work takes additional time, and I want to ensure I am giving you exactly what you want without busting your budget, or my schedule, so please let me know your vision as soon as you have selected your dress and me as your seamstress, so I can inform you of the appropriate timetable.

Corset will be done first as part of the intake process and will require extra time due to the intricacy and could be up to 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment.

ESTIMATES are only given at your consultation; that way, we can be on the same page, as neither of us wants surprises. Based on the past year's numbers, I can advise that the average range for alterations $600 - $1100+/-, depending on your dress's detail and whether you want any custom work done. Remember, detail refers to applique', lace, beading, and sequins, as these are all done by hand and require extra time and intricacy. (See pricing guide under Alterations)
{Tip: Lace hem dresses can sometimes be ordered hollow to hem or lace unattached to save you money. Please email me with any questions so that you can have the bridal shop order your dress accordingly.}

FYI: If you have chosen a dress with a lace hemline, please ask your bridal shop if the designer offers "Hollow to Hem" or "Unattached Lace," as this will save on alterations. Hollow to hem is measuring from the dip in the neck at the center of collarbone to the floor plus the height of your shoes, so the dress does not need a hem at all. Unattached lace is where they leave off the front part of the lace. There is an additional upfront "special order" charge for this, but it is cheaper than having it altered when it comes to me, as it is all done by hand. Depending on the level of detail and how much needs to come off for altering, you are looking at $200 - $600+ for that layer alone.

*All services above vary upon embellishments on dress and current workload. Proper planning is recommended so that I can provide a wonderful experience for you. Please don't hesitate to include me as soon as you become engaged. Please note that any wedding dresses needing alterations with less than the recommended time - will be considered as a rush and a convenience/emergency/rush fee will apply. It is always best to schedule an appointment so that I can give you an estimate. The reservation fee is non-refundable and non-transferable should you cancel, no-show, not need alterations, or book when date is not in the form, etc.

Reservations made greater than 6 months of wedding date will require a "Re-Fit" closer to the wedding date since dress will be done early. There is a $25.00 appointment charge for this that saves my availability in case you need adjustments. This fee doesn't go towards alterations and any alterations at this time will incur additional charges as noted in contract/policy.

Scheduling at the recommended turnaround time, allowing 3-4 months will help take a lot of "Stress Out of the Dress!"

​Please see Convenience/Emergency Rates/Fees at the bottom of the services page.

In summary, if you need work done to the top and bottom of your Garment, it is best to allow 6 weeks for formal wear (bridesmaids, prom, mother-of, etc.)

For the Wedding, 3 months for no detail and 4 months for any detail.

SEE NEWSLETTERS for additional information.

SCHEDULE IN "BRIDAL PARTY and OTHER FORMAL ALTERATIONS" on the Scheduler.  Everything is done through a Reservation process.

Reservation appointments are available starting at $25.00* for one person and go up to 3 people, and you can see availability 12 months out. Turnaround time is 6-8 weeks.

*Reservation fee is credited towards alterations on kept appointments.

You will have 1-2 fittings after your first appointment for bridal party and other formal, unless your garment has detail or issues, then you may have an extra fitting. (Click here to visit Alterations Page for additional details/pricing.)
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​1st appointment - 30 minutes (please bring any undergarments/shoes)

• ​We will go over the desired fit of your dress (20 minutes in your dress)
• Discuss steps needed to take and set up fitting(s)

2nd appointment - 30 minutes (please bring any undergarments/shoes)

• ​​Fitting to make sure intake fits as desired.
• Finalize the decision of desired hemline (please don't forget shoes)

​3rd/Final appointment - 30 minutes ​(please bring any undergarments/shoes)

• ​Make sure all fits as desired.
• The dress will be steamed.

Average cost on last year's numbers for bridal party and other formal ranged $120 - $325.

*All services vary upon embellishments and current workload, so please allow yourself time so I can provide you with a wonderful experience. Please note that any bridesmaids/prom/formal dresses needing alterations with less than the recommended time will be considered as a convenience/emergency/rush service. Please see the services/gallery page for details. It is always best to schedule an appointment so that I may provide you with an estimate.

SEE NEWSLETTERS for additional information.

YES. Subject to availability. See Bridal Dresser under Services Page.

Bridal dresser service is where I come to your venue and am with you for the time you wish to help you prepare for your groom. I am an added peace of mind and do not replace any of your vendors. Since I will be with after your hair and make-up artists leave, they can advise me on any touch-ups that may be needed so you stay looking your best on your wedding day. Help you (first and foremost), and your bridal party* get dressed (jewelry, shoes, etc.) so that no one messes up hair, make-up, nails, etc. Attend to last-minute touches for you and your bridal party*, any emergencies, steaming out wrinkles, setting the train for walking down the aisle. Working with your photographer to make the picture process goes smoothly and quickly so you can get to your guests. Bustle your train before cocktail/reception hour. This service compliments your Day of Coordinator/Wedding Planner and other vendors, allowing you to enjoy your day, taking the stress off of the parents, and allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in your wedding day!

​*depending on the selected level of service.

I know this can be nerve-racking, and I highly recommend following me on social media and subscribing to my emailing's so you know how far I am booking ahead as well as be the first to know for information and special offers before it's released to the public.

Please be sure to visit my scheduling page to chart minimum turnaround times for your needed service. Please note these are minimums, and you should plan well in advance as I typically book about 2+months ahead for general alterations and about 6+ months for wedding gowns.

My #1 Tip: PLEASE PLAN!
#2 Tip: FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

While I would love to help everyone every time, I am one person, and "Quality is my Top Priority!"

Here are a couple of options you can try to assist with getting in for an appointment when I am booked.

First ...

Get on my Waiting List.   Please be sure to click on the icon that says "waiting list" complete form, attach link or send a picture of the garment. (Copy and paste the URL in the comment field, but you can email it separately).

• Click the link and answer all the questions
• It saves your place in line, so put yourself on this list ASAP, so you don't lose your "place in line" to a prior submission. It will send you a confirmation link to check your placement periodically.
• It will also check in with you monthly to see if you are still in need.
• I will pull from this list only in the order of submission, so it is your responsibility to sign up ASAP, so someone doesn't get ahead of you.
• Incomplete entries will unfortunately not be considered, so be sure you are providing all the information that is asked. {Note: If you check your submission and see {*IS} next to your name, you are missing information, please email me immediately.} Thank you for your understanding.

Second option... you can schedule the first appointment (but not after your need-by date, please see below) and check the "HOPING FOR SOONER APPOINTMENT" box*. This lets my scheduler know that you are trying for a sooner appointment, and I will contact you to move up if there are cancellations. Please note that the convenience/emergency/rush fee (see bottom of page) will be required for less than recommended turnaround time. Also, make sure you can make the scheduled appointment if there isn't a Sooner appointment. DO NOT SCHEDULE less than 4 weeks for formal or 12 weeks for wedding dresses without consulting with me first or you risk me being unable to assist and there are no refunds on reservation fee.

Lastly, you can stalk my schedule as I allow my customers to control their appointment and, if needed, reschedule their appointment. They may reschedule (or cancel) their appointment any time of the day or night if greater than 24 hours (48 hours for Bridal Consultations).  If you see something open up, I highly recommend Grabbing It! Please note...If I have a Full Waiting List, the scheduler will first defer to those on it.

Hopefully, this helps, and always please PLAN AHEAD & FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA!!!  SEE NEWSLETTER POSTS

*Please note with the "Hoping for Sooner Appointment" feature, I could contact you with 30 minutes - 24 hours' notice; please be sure to respond to virtual text, or email within the time I indicate as I will move onto the next person promptly. You will remain on the list until your appointment comes up or you accept an earlier appointment. I also recommend "LIKING" my Business Facebook page as this is an additional area I can contact you. Thanks for your understanding!

Understandably, you want to look your best, which is part of my job to assist you in that area. However, I highly recommend that you have your weight/measurements at a manageable level before going through the alteration process for several reasons.

First, it will become more costly for you each time I alter the area.

Secondly, it will push your timeline tighter to when you need your garment, and this could be tricky if you don't allow for the recommended time, as noted in previous questions.

Lastly, it could cause delays in my schedule for other customers who require my assistance.

Please note that losing inches is possible without changing much weight and vice versa. Should you have concerns/questions regarding this, it is best to contact me as soon as possible so that I can help you navigate the process, so there is less stress for both of us!

WEIGHT and INCHES are COMPLTELY SEPARATE! If they weren't then every 150-pound person would have the same shape and fit in the same size dress, and we know that's not the case...lol.

Great News! Don't Panic but follow these simple steps...

Bridal/Wedding Gowns...Typically, an order takes 6- 9 months to come in and 3-4 months, for alterations, depending on the level of detail. With that said, you want to say, "yes to the dress" and order a minimum of 12 month prior to your wedding date to ensure time for manufacturing and shipping delays as well as the alteration process.

• Be sure you share this information with the shop you are ordering from as they advise on your planning.
• If you are ordering online, I highly recommend you make a MEASUREMENT appointment with me so we can go over everything for your specific need, and I can advise you, so you don't bust your budget. Please note, DO NOT ORDER DRESSES ONLINE IN THE SAME SIZE YOU WEAR FOR EVERYDAY DRESSES!!! You will be disappointed as the sizing will be TOO SMALL! DO YOUR HOMEWORK or contact me for guidance.
• In most cases, depending on the lines of the dress and estimation of where you'll be at in your pregnancy on your wedding day, you may end up being recommended to order anywhere from 1 - 4 sizes larger than you currently being measured for a wedding dress and that is ordering for the larger part of your body. Please check out my NEWSLETTER SECTON.

Formal Dresses... (Bridesmaid Or Other Formal/Evening, etc.) Typically take 3-6 months to come in and 6-8 weeks for the alteration process. With that said, you want to say, "yes to the dress" and order no less than 6 months to allow for manufacturing and shipping delays as well as the alteration process.

• Be sure to share this information with the shop you are ordering from so they can advise.
• If you are ordering online, I highly recommend you make a MEASUREMENT appointment with me so that we can get everything for your specific need, and I can advise you, so you aren't busting your budget. DO NOT ORDER DRESSES ONLINE IN THE SAME SIZE YOU WEAR FOR EVERYDAY DRESSES!!! You will be disappointed as the sizing will be TOO SMALL! DO YOUR HOMEWORK or contact me for guidance.
• In most cases, depending on the lines of these particular dresses, you will order 1-4 sizes larger than you are currently measuring, and that is ordering for the larger part of your body. Please check out my NEWSLETTER SECTION.

IT IS BEST TO LET ME HELP YOU NAVIGATE THIS, SO YOU AREN'T SPENDING MORE MONEY THAN NECESSARY. I can help you work through it, as there are many factors to consider. #1TipPlanAhead

ALWAYS ORDER FOR LARGEST BODY MEASUREMENT NO MATTER WHETHER YOU ARE PREGNANT, PLANNING TO GET PREGNANT, OR NONE OF THE ABOVE.  IT'S LESS COSTLY TO TAKE IN THAN IT IS TO LET OUT!*

*Let-Out depends on the amount of inseam inside the dress. If a dress has a surged seam or a French seam THERE IS NO LET-OUT, Order Up A Size or two!!!!

Custom work is anything that needs to be completely constructed from scratch, a pattern*, or an existing item that needs to be re-designed or transformed. Anything outside of basic alterations is considered custom.

This generally takes a minimum 3 - 6 months unless it is during Prom, Wedding, or Homecoming Season (typically March - October), which can take slightly longer depending on the current workload.

It is always best to plan ahead, contact me or make the first available appointment so I can help you plan accordingly, so there are no disappointments. There is no such thing as planning too far ahead.

*PLEASE NOTE: AS OF 2018, I DISCONTINUED THE SERVICE "Made from Scratch Garments." * AS OF 2023, I DISCONTINUED Home Décor. *

I WILL continue to offer Re-Design and Transformations of Garments.

*For questions concerning this decision, you may email me. Made From Scratch Garments include gowns, dresses, costumes, etc. and home décor is cornices, curtains, valances, etc. Sorry I no longer offer these services.

Yes, as with any service, I will draw up an estimate and have you sign a contract. I will work out a payment plan per the service you need and the time frame you need. A deposit of 50% must be received before I can begin work or within 10 days of consultation. * The final payment must be received, 14 business days (not including holidays/weekends) before your final fitting/pick up your merchandise. *

We will discuss options for this at your initial appointment. If you are doing a payment plan, the forms of payment are cash, check*, or EFT (electronic funds transfer-using your bank account). Credit cards are not accepted for payment plans.

*Please see the agreement/policy below on this page for terms and conditions. 

It is best to contact me immediately so I can let you know if I can assist you or if you need to put yourself on the wait list or find someone else.
You may email me at joy.pelt@thejoyofsewingservice.com or message me on my business Facebook page.

Since this is an emergency service, the posted convenience/emergency/rush fee is required, and form of payment will be Cash Only. Should it be after business hours, please be sure to leave in your message, as non-urgent calls aren't returned until the next business day.

Virtual Line # 667-200-2SEW (739)

Wedding gowns requiring less than the recommended turn-a-round time (see guide below) will be considered as a Convenience/Emergency/Rush service in which the below fees will apply. "Please be sure to plan so that we don't have to add to the stresses of your Big Day!" 

​Please see Convenience/Emergency Rates/Fees at the bottom of the services page.

Convenience/Emergency/Rush rate for custom work is no longer offered; please plan ahead of minimums. March - October is a busy wedding months, and it can take anywhere from 3 - 6 months for custom work. November - January are generally a little slower.

*Cash Is Required for all Convenience/Emergency/Rush services and Accounts not paid in full 14 business days before picking up. The below fees are in addition to the regular charge. Not responsible for mail delivery delays. Sorry, No Exceptions! Full Policy/disclaimer Yes...This will depend on the time of year and current workload, as I typically book in advance, and the demands of the wedding season can be quite challenging. Please immediately put yourself on the waitlist!

I return all messages as follows:

• Phone - within 1-3 business days, returned between 9 am - 7 pm (unless you specify otherwise), as I like to respect your time and mine.
• Email* - usually within the next business day, returned early in the morning, lunch break or late in the evening.
• Social Media* - Usually same day or the next business day if closed.
• Virtually* - (667) 200-2SEW (739) the usually same day or the next business day if closed.

So that I may work more efficiently to provide my customers with timely/quality service, I do not answer my virtual line (hence the reason it is virtual).

• Why?

Simply put TELEMARKETERS don't respect one's time, and I get an A-lot of them. So, I decided to let technology handle some of this a few years ago so I may maintain the balance as a sole proprietor, mom, wife, etc.

This method "Helps Me Help You" in a more efficient manner and assists those that may be on my Waiting List on my website.
​
Should you need a response right away, FB messenger or my Virtual line 667-200-2SEW (2739) are the best methods as I can answer it on the go easier. Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to working with you. If you are needed advice on something, please email me all the information so I can get back to you.

*Best methods of communication and quicker response.

Good Question. I get asked this frequently and direct everyone to the base price list under the area of service you need. Select your area of service tab from the menu bar. Alterations tab has charts for each Weddding, Bridal Party/Other Formal and Everyday/Casual.  Estimates are given in writing at the appointment only so that we can be on the same page with what you want, as no one likes surprises.

As for discounts - they are only given where the bride made RESERVATIONS with me and her bridal party books their RESERVATION a minimum of 8 weeks before the wedding date.  10% off is the discount. *

*Please note that to receive a discount, you must be with a bride that is getting alterations done with me, book 8+ weeks ahead of wedding date. Credit cards are not accepted for discounts.

Yes, I do! I take great pride in ensuring that all my customers can feel comfortable in knowing that I take this seriously.

Every customer must understand and agree to this in the booking form.

I do not accept any garments/items that do not meet the following Health & Safety Guidelines.
All garments/items must be soil and odor/allergen free to include (but not limited to…) smoke, pet, dirt, body odor, stains, perfumes, etc. This also includes but not limited to persons who may carry these odor/allergens and soils in with them as these can permeate into the studio and affect others and their garments/items.

Garments/Items arriving in such condition will be asked to have them cleaned before returning them to me for care/service or find another seamstress.

We will be closed automatically if any of the following conditions apply:

• A state or county emergency is declared.
• There is ice.
• There is more than 3 inches of snow.

If your appointment is affected by any kind of weather, you will receive an email and/or SMS from the number below with instructions on whether I am closed and if so, how to reschedule.

Your safety is my top priority, and if we remain open but you are not comfortable traveling, you can reschedule using the link in your appointment notification or contact me by email or virtual number below.

Virtual # 667-200-2SEW (739)

You may email me at joy.pelt@thejoyofsewingservice.com or send virtual message to 667-200-2SEW (739) or fill out the contact form.