Bodice & side seams
Taking the bodice and sides in (or letting them out) so the dress holds you gently and smoothly, with no gaping and no straining at the seams.
Bridal alterations, Exeter
Wedding Dress Alterations in Exeter
I'm Malina, and your dress is safe with me. Wedding and eveningwear is some of my favourite work. I fit it patiently in my Exeter studio over a few appointments, until it sits exactly as it should on the day.
The short version
What I do.
Almost no wedding dress fits perfectly off the rail. It's made to a standard size, and then it's made yours. That fitting is where a dress that looks lovely on the hanger starts to look lovely on you. It's careful, unhurried work, and work I love.
If you're looking for wedding dress alterations in Exeter, I take a limited number of brides at a time so each one gets proper attention. It all happens at my bench, by my hands, with nothing sent off anywhere, and you can follow progress in the app between appointments, with photos and notes.
What bridal alterations cover
Hem & bustle
Levelling the hem to your shoes, and adding a bustle so the train lifts neatly for the reception and you can actually dance in it.
Cups, straps & fit
Sewn-in cups for support, strap and shoulder adjustments, and the small final tweaks that make a dress feel secure and let you forget you’re wearing it.
The bridal jobs I do most
Every dress is different, but most bridal alterations come down to a handful of changes done with real care. Don't worry if you're not sure what yours needs. We'll work that out together at the first fitting.
- Taking in the bodice and side seams
- Levelling and shortening the hem to your shoes
- Adding a bustle to lift the train
- Sewing in cups and adjusting for support
- Taking up or restyling the straps
- Reshaping the neckline or back
- Adding discreet loops, buttons and modesty panels
- Steaming and a final press before the day
How it works
1
Book a fitting
Pop into the workshop or book a time on the Contact page. Bring the piece, along with the shoes or underthings you'll wear it with, so I can set the length right.
2
Measured & photographed
I pin and measure you in person, photograph the garment and write up an itemised ticket, so the price is clear before any thread is cut.
3
Tracked, then collect
Follow your garment from received to ready in the app, with notes and a direct line to me. I'll let you know the moment it's done.
Turnaround
How long it takes.
The single most important thing with bridal is time. I'd suggest booking your first fitting around eight to twelve weeks before the wedding. That leaves room for two or three appointments, with the final fitting close to the day so the fit reflects you as you'll actually be.
Left it later than that? Don't panic, just get in touch anyway. I keep a little space for closer-in brides where I can, and it's always worth asking rather than assuming it's too late.
What to bring
Come prepared.
Bring your wedding shoes to every fitting, or shoes the exact height you'll wear on the day. The hem is set to those, so it's the one thing I can't guess. Bring any underwear, shapewear or a bra you plan to wear under the dress too, as it changes how the bodice sits.
If you've a veil, belt or any accessories that affect the fit, bring those along as well so we can see the whole look together.
Why Crop Design
One bench, not a factory.
A wedding dress is usually the most precious thing anyone hands me, and I never forget that. You'll work with the same person at every appointment, so you're never passed around, and your dress stays at my Exeter bench the entire time, never posted off to a unit elsewhere.
Between fittings you can see exactly where things stand in the app, with photos and a direct line to me for any questions or last-minute changes of heart. Calm, careful, and completely in your hands: that's how bridal should feel.
Clear, honest pricing
Bridal & eveningwear pricing
Bridal · Prom · Evening
- Wedding & eveningwear · fitted in studioOn request
Prices are a guide. Every garment is different, so I'll confirm the exact cost at your fitting before any work starts.
Around eight to twelve weeks before the wedding is ideal. That leaves room for two or three fittings, with the final one close to the day. If your wedding is sooner, get in touch anyway, as I keep a little space for closer-in brides where I can.
Most brides need two or three. The first is a full pin and measure, the next checks the changes, and a final fitting close to the day confirms everything sits perfectly. Some dresses need only one or two; some intricate ones need an extra.
Because every dress and every change is different, bridal and eveningwear is quoted on request after I've seen the dress and we've talked through what you'd like. You'll have a clear, itemised price before any work begins.
Yes, beaded, silk, lace and vintage pieces are some of my favourite work. They’re handled slowly and carefully, which is exactly why bridal is booked as a dedicated fitting rather than a quick drop-in.
Bring your wedding shoes (or shoes the exact height you’ll wear) and any underwear or shapewear you plan to wear under the dress, as both change how it sits. A veil or accessories that affect the look are welcome too.
Areas served
Based in Exeter, I look after wardrobes across Exeter city centre, St Thomas, Heavitree, Topsham, Exwick, Pinhoe, Crediton and the surrounding villages.