Frequently Asked Questions and Policy Page

HOURS: Monday - Thursday   9:00 am - 7:00 pm    Friday  9:00 am - 5:00 pm

​Saturdays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm   Sundays & Holidays - CLOSED

APPOINTMENTS*: Customers are seen by Appointment Only* on Alternating Tuesdays, 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.

*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.

Please feel free to call me should you have an Emergency or Request!

*Please see the agreement/policy at the bottom of this page.

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

• 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.
• 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 collar meets to the floor plus the height of your shoes, so the dress comes into that height. This special order is extra but saves you money on alterations.
• Unattached Lace* - lace hem comes in unattached, so you only have to pay to have it attached. This special order is extra, 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.
• Go into Reservations, click 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.

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. Regular appointments are visible 4 months in advance, or you can make a Reservation and see 12 months ahead for all Alteration services. Reservations give perks and take priority over the scheduler. All Scheduling is done via ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM.

BRIDAL CONSULTATIONS ARE SCHEDULED THROUGH RESERVATIONSONLY!
ON THE SCHEDULER, YOU WILL CLICK WEDDING GOWN ALTERATIONS!

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 (3-6 weeks apart from the initial appt.)

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

• ​Try-on dress to make sure all fits with the desired hemline done
• The bustle will be 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 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 weeks before any of the above services. (Thus, needing all would be 16 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, so please let me know 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 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 tell you the average range is $375 -$825 for bridal/wedding dress alterations, 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 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 $160 - $400+ 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 - date noted with * -will be considered a convenience/emergency service. 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. Reservations made over 6 months will be converted to a consultation fee and will not go toward the deposit, so please schedule accordingly. 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 little to no detail and 4 months for detail.

SCHEDULE IN "BRIDAL PARTY and OTHER FORMAL ALTERATIONS" on the Scheduler.  You will have the choice to schedule a FREE appointment or a RESERVATION.

For the FREE appointment, you can see available slots 4 months out, and you need a minimum of 6 weeks for turnaround time.

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. These appointments have priority over the schedule and offer perks. Turnaround time is 8 weeks.

*Reservation fee is credited towards alterations on kept appointments.

You will have 1-2 fittings after your first appointment. (Timeline guide posted below.)

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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 appointments

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.

*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 an emergency service. Please see the services/gallery page for details. It is always best to schedule an appointmentso that I may provide you with an estimate.

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 coordinate with your Hair and make-up artist to ensure you look as you envisioned yourself 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*, steaming out wrinkles, setting the train for walking down the aisle. Working with your photographer to make the picture process goes smoothly so you can get to your guests. Bustle your train before cocktail hour/reception. 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 enjoy your wedding day fully!

​*depending on the selected level of service

I know this can be nerve-racking, and I highly recommend following me on social media so you know how far I am looking ahead for future needs.

Please be sure to visit my scheduling page to chart minimum turnaround times for your service area. Please note these are minimums, and you should plan well in advance as I typically book about 2 months for general alterations and about 4 - 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 ... have you checked RESERVATIONS for your area of need? {Bridal Party, Formal and Everyday} Reservations are given priority over FREE appointments, and there is generally availability sooner.

Second option...Get on my Waiting List.   Please be sure to complete it and send a picture of the garment. (Copy and paste the most recommended 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 place 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.
• 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.

Third option... you can schedule the first appointment (but not after your need-by date) 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 there will be an additional fee for less than recommended turnaround time. Also, make sure you can make the scheduled appointment if there isn't a Sooner appointment.

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 & FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA!!!  SEE BLOG 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 my call, text, or email within the hour to assist others on the list. 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!

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

Bridal/Wedding Gowns...Typically, an order takes 6- 8 months to come in and 8-12 weeks for alterations, depending on the level of detail.

• Be sure you share this information with the shop you are ordering from.
• 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 3-6 sizes larger than you currently are for a wedding dress and that is ordering for the larger part of your body. Please check out my BLOG POSTS.

Formal Dresses... (Bridesmaid Or Other Formal/Evening, etc.) Typically take 3-6 months to come in and 4-6 weeks for the alteration process.

• Be sure to share this information with the shop you are ordering from.
• If you are ordering online, I highly recommend you make a MEASUREMENT appointment with me so that we can get over 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 order 2-4 sizes larger than you are currently measuring, and that is ordering for the larger part of your body. Please check out my BLOG POSTS​.

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.

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 12 -16 +weeks unless it is during Prom, Wedding, or Homecoming Season (typically March - October), which can take 16+ weeks or longer depending on the current workload.

It is always best to plan, make the first available appointment and consult with me during the thinking process so that we can work together to 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. This is from existing/already-made garments only that need a need look.

*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.

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 and the final payment must be paid 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). I do not accept credit cards due to the fees for payment plans.

*Please see the agreement/policy below.

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, an additional fee and form of payment will be Cash Only. Additionally, should it be after hours, please be sure to leave in your message that it is an emergency, as non-urgent calls aren't returned until the next business day.

Wedding gowns requiring less than the recommended turn-a-round time (see guide below)  will be considered 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 month, and can take up to 16-20 weeks 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 pick 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 8 am - 8 pm (unless you specify otherwise), as I like to respect your time and mine.
• Email - usually within 1-2 business days, returned early in the morning 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 typically don't answer my phone unless I'm expecting your call.

• 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.
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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.

Good Question. I get asked this frequently and direct everyone to the base price list under the area of service you need. Select the "Services" tab and then select the sub-tab for the area of services. 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 book under Reservations for the required time, and the bride must have a reservation. Credit cards are not accepted for discounts; if an appointment is booked under a Free appointment, there will be no discount.

I typically follow the school's inclement weather policy; however, with virtual learning, that has changed.

I will automatically close when either of these pertains:

• it is declared a state or county emergency
• there is ice
• more than 3" of snow

Should your appointment be impacted by the weather of any kind, you will receive an email before your appointment with directions to reschedule. Your safety is important, and if I remain open and conditions do not warrant your comfort level, you can reschedule using the link in your appointment notification.

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