I would not recommend anyone get their alterations done here if you have a wedding gown with lace details that you care to keep. I've added photos of the result of their work, since I know that this can all be very subjective.

I went to Clara's to get my wedding gown altered. The alterations were to shorten the hem (4 layers of fabric), and to add a 3 point over bustle. I didn't need any other alterations since the dress already fit me pretty well. I dropped off the dress on 4/16/25, and initial pick up was on 6/18/25. Total cost of alterations was around $425.

My dress had a lot of lace details all over it, all the way down to the bottom of the dress. My biggest worry in getting the dress shortened was finding a seamstress who knew how to work with lace. I was feeling pretty good about having my dress altered at Clara's since they had 30 years of experience and Carrie had mentioned needing to take time to move all of the lace up, which was the reason alterations would take so long.

When I picked up the dress, I was initially satisfied with the length of the dress, but it wasn't until I got home that I noticed that they had cut straight through the lace as a means of hemming the dress. Additionally, I found that the edge itself looked unprofessionally finished to my novice eye, with some edges cut unevenly and a flower applique left at the very edge of the hem.

I reached out to Carrie about this, and she claimed that this was the industry standard approach for dresses with lace. When meeting her in person, she went through several other reasons for why the dress was altered the way it was, including:

- This is an industry standard approach for hemming dresses with lace.
- The small bits were left on in order to preserve as much of the lace as possible.
- It's not a scalloped lace hem. The lace cannot be removed because it is integrated, they are not appliques.
- Removing the lace has a chance of damaging the tulle layer.
- The cut of the hem is supposed to be uneven because that gives it a flowy look.
- The fabric is difficult to cut straight, and it was only straight before because it was made in a factory.
- There were 5 inches of material that had to be removed, which is a lot of material.
- She didn't know she had to tell me before cutting through the lace, as no one else has complained about it in the past.
- Her tailor knows best because of all his experience working on wedding dresses, she doesn't even need to tell him what to do so she didn't think to ask about doing something different with the lace.

Overall, I felt extremely uncomfortable trying to get a resolution to these issues with her. I mentioned to her about how everyone I asked, including family, friends and internet strangers, said that the work didn't look right and that it looked poorly done, and she told me that none of them knew anything about how the industry actually works. When I asked if I could take it to a different tailor for a second opinion, she told me that it was offensive that I would even suggest that. In the end, she told me that she's the last person who should be running a business because she cares too much about her brides, and that she felt disrespected and insulted that I would challenge their work when they have over 30 years of experience.

I will say that Carrie was extremely responsive throughout this entire process, as frustrating as it was. I do appreciate that from her as I know other places have frequently taken much longer to get back to me about inquiries. She was willing to try to the best of her ability to resolve the situation, and was able to remove some of the small applique pieces that were left over as well as adding some of the cut off lace appliques back on. She also apologized for not knowing she had to tell me before cutting the lace, and created a new handout that goes over how they approaching hemming dresses with lace. I don't agree that what's described on it matches what they did, but I've added a photo of this handout as well so that you can judge for yourself.

Thank you for your excellent advice and comments about every dress I tried on. You explained to me who designer was, the type of fabric of the dresses and all the details all the dresses had. Thank you all your suggestions I had the dress of my dreams for my wedding.

I needed extensive alterations and personalizations on my Pronovias gown, but Carrie at Clara Couture made them happen! She brought my vision to life and did it skillfully and quickly. I am so glad I found Clara Couture and would recommend their alterations and styling services to any bride.

I had a good initial experience at Clara Couture Bridal. The consultant clearly respected COVID-19 protocols and went above and beyond what I saw at any other stores by taking the temperature of each shopper. upon entry. This was very impressive. The personal nature of the appointment was helpful, and the dresses are priced very fairly. The consultant was also very helpful by providing potential alteration options and reaffirming how various concerns about the dresses could be easily resolved at a reasonable price. Though I found my dress elsewhere, I had a good experience and therefore wanted to post a review! There is a $25 appointment fee, which is why I subtracted one star for flexibility, though I understand the need for small businesses to charge this fee. The $25 does get waived if you buy a dress. On a final note, the boutique is slightly less upscale than others I have seen, but certainly, a nice environment where everyone can feel comfortable and focus on finding a dress in a calm, low-pressure environment. Thanks, Clara Couture, for a good experience!