Alterations & Veils-Beatrice

I recently picked up a finished alteration for my wedding dress that I had done by Beatrice. I was extremely happy with the results to say the least. When I first brought my dress to Beatrice, it was about two sizes too large and way too long. My dress was very complicated because it had an overlay of chiffon which was pleated. I knew I needed an expert in order to make any alteration on this dress look good.

The first appointment I had with Beatrice went very well. She had previously altered the hem on a bridesmaids dress I had to wear and it looked flawless. So, I knew I could trust her with my wedding dress. Beatrice is a true professional. She knew exactly what I needed just by looking at the dress on me. She took in the sides, the shoulders and the hem. It was a pretty big job. My dress went from practically hanging on me to fitting perfectly. It looks just like it did when I brought it to her, but two sizes smaller. I was also highly impressed with her treatment on my hem since the material was pleated and it was difficult to keep even.

I also bought a veil from her. She showed me some of her custom veils and she had the exact veil I had been looking for. She called it her "beach veil" which was great because I am having a beach wedding. The veil is beautiful and she customized it to the exact length i wanted it at. My wedding dress and veil are perfect now - exactly what I envisioned thanks to her.

I have a bunch of friends getting married soon and I'm definitely recommending that they see her for their alterations too!

The title speaks for itself, but I will elaborate a little more. My wedding dress was all that I ever wanted...it had the buttons, the lace, the beautiful train, and a style to show off my curves (well, at least the ones I didn't mind!). The only problem was the size of the dress. There was a large gap at the top, the hips were way too wide, and it was too long. There was a lot to be done, but I didn't trust just anyone to do it since there were so many details. The way it was designed I really wasn't sure if it could even be done! Then I found Beatrice online. I read her reviews on here and the majority of them were great with the exception of a few whom I guess are not telling the whole truth, or just had a bad experience, but I can only speak for myself.

The first day she had me try on the dress, showed me what could be done to see if I wanted her services or not...of course I did. There was something about her that I just knew that I could trust her with my dress. We had about four more fittings after that since the dress was so complicated. Each time I went the dress fit better and better. By the last visit I couldn't believe what she had done with the dress. It looked absolutely beautiful...it was made for me. I even took my maid of honor with me and Beatrice showed her how to fasten the bustle and the buttons. She was very helpful. She also made me a beautiful veil that went perfectly with the dress. I was very open to her opinions about the dress, and she did the same with me. Even my family couldn't believe what she did with the dress. She made the impossible, possible.

Bottom line: if you want your dress to be everything that you ever wanted it to be, I would definitely go to her. Thank you so much Beatrice! I absolutely loved my dress!

I needed a dress shortend and taken in on the side...You did I great job thankyou so much....I cant wait to wear it...I will be using you again for sure

This is the second time I have used Beatrice for alterations. Last year I came to Alterations by Beatrice for a bridesmaid dress I needed taken in, and I just recently went back to her with my own wedding dress. Beatrice does amazing work!

When I picked up my wedding dress from the bridal shop I purchased it from, it was too big in some places and too tight in other places and I was so afraid it was never going to look or fit like I wanted it to. So, I took it to Beatrice hoping she could help, and she made my dress fit me PERFECTLY. She really did an amazing job. Beatrice knew exactly where the dress needed to be taken in and also where it needed to be let out, and she did so without disturbing the detailed bead work on the front of my gown! It looks beautiful!
Thank you Beatrice! I love my wedding dress now!

My Aunt, who lives in Oregon, made my dress for me then shipped it to me a couple of weeks before my wedding. With only 1 fitting, she did a fantastic job, but it did need to be taken in and hemmed. I took it to Beatrice based on the great reviews I had read - my dress had an organza overlay, and I wanted someone who was familiar with bridal fabrics to alter it. Beatrice was like a god-send! She knew exactly how to work with the fabric, exactly how to make it fit me perfectly and even suggested an additional tie around the empire waist which ended up being the perfect finishing touch! Beatrice was direct, to the point extremely knowledgable about all aspects of bridal gown alterations - I felt completely confident in trusting my special gown to her. Because of the organza overlay and bead work on the bodice and body of the dress, Beatrice had to painstakinly alter the seams by hand. The work was perfectly done and there was not one single bead out of place!! I highly recommend Beatrice to any bride who dreams of slipping on their wedding dress and seeing the perfect, gorgeous and flattering fit they have always imagined!!

The bridesmaid dress that I bought was from New York and way to big for me. I brought it to Beatrice and she has worked magic. The best thing is that once she got the dress apart she realized that to make it fit me perfectly she would have to do more work than she originally intended. She knew that this dress was already taking me out of my budget for this wedding, so she didn't charge me extra. In her mind it is more important to have the dress be perfect!! She does great work and will make sure that everything is perfect before you take the dress home. I wouldn't bring a dress to anyone else!

My experience with Beatrice was excellent all around. I found her by googling 'bridal alterations in Austin'. She had lots of great reviews and had many photos to prove it on her site. She was nice and very professional and I felt completely comfortable at her home/office.

I went in for what I thought were fairly minor alterations, but I was just a tad off. First, she added a bustle that looks fabulous. She gave me 3 different optionsat different price levels and I chose the one I liked best.

Then, what I thought was going to be a simple 'tightening of the halter' around my neckline was actually much more. Her expertise in alterations immediately kicked in. It was actually the bust area that needed to be taken in - not the neck. I could not decide, initially, whether i wanted the bust area altered, since the total alterations were going to be about $75 more than what I'd budgeted for. All the while I was debating though, she never pressured me to have more done than I wanted. She kept saying that it was completely up to me and she would do whatever I wanted.

Ultimately, I got the bust area done - and I'm SOOOOO glad I did!! It really does look 100% better. She knew exactly what it needed, but she never put any pressure on me to get it done. I truly appreciated that.

Thanks for the great work, Beatrice - you've pleased yet another bride!! I promise to send photos when I'm back from Jamaica!!

Wouldn't accept checks debit/cards. Didn't give a receipt for work completed. Was rude, abrupt, and unprofessional. Quotes changed each time I visited.

My first visit I explained that I bought the dress big and needed it taken in. She pinned it around the bustline, waistline, and at at the hem. My second visit the only changes that had been made were folds that were added on the top (imagine making something in the breast area fit by gathering the material just to the outside of the breast and folding it over to the front of the armpit area). I understand that folds can help, but if that is what I wanted I could have easily done folds on the inside, stapled them, and got an equal quality of work.

No work had been done to get the dress to fit in the middle, nor had the length been changed. When I asked about it, she got flustered and said that that's not I what I asked for during the first fitting. Really? The pins from my first fitting were still in the hemline and on the inside of the waistline.

Truly, what a sad experience.

I found Beatrice Alterations & Veils through these pages as Beatrice was highly rated. Not having had many alterations done in the past, I was very concerned on who to go to for my bridesmaid dress (especially since it is 3 layers!!).

Beatrice was really great. She gave me 3 fittings to ensure that the fit was exactly perfect. She does outstanding work as the dress appears to be exactly as if it had come altered straight from the manufacturer! This was a 3 layer dress and she had to alter the toughest partI am very impressed and would definitely go to her again. Her studio was professional and clean - overall good experience.

Beatrice was highly recommended to me and it's easy to see why! Beatrice has been easy to talk to, honest, and willing to work with me on my alterations every step of the way. The alterations are fantastic and my dress fits me perfectly.

It was truly to my surprise that there were any negative comments about Beatrice on this website. I have gone to Beatrice for over 2 years now and have had nothing but the best alterations from her. She has done some very difficult beading alterations (they were bridesmaid dresses) and they have been a perfect fit every time. She always went over the top and did more that I what I could have even imagined. She always takes her time with me and gives me her expert advice. Every time she finished a dress, it was a perfect fit! I have gone to other alterations businesses before finding out about Beatrice and they were no comparison to the work that she does. She will always go above and beyond what you ask for and she is professional, knowledgeable, and produces a perfect fit every time! What more can you ask for! Her business is at her home, but I have always felt comfortable and safe there. I would recommend her to anyone-especially to ladies that are needing their wedding dresses or bridesmaid dresses altered-she is definitely an expert in that area. Also, it is not true that she doesn't accept checks....She in fact does accept checks and cash....she has never told me different.

It is a privilege to use this open rating site to alert a few potential women getting wedding dress alterations with this woman. My review is one of personal opinion and my experience alone, so that I make these statements in good faith believing a reasonable person could use to their benefit when choosing an alterations professional (or not).

My experience with this woman was one of the most unsatisfying experiences I have had in dealing with a service professional. Intially, when I called to make an appointment she was abrupt and sounded as though I was bothering her. When I finally did make the appointment, I arrived on time with my dress and wedding shoes.

What I expected: I expected a friendly woman who would help me try on my dress, pin the areas that needed alteration, provide suggestions in accordance with my wedding theme, provide a written estimate and set up a next appointment.

What I got: When I arrived, she barely greeted me and had no questions in regard to what I wanted done with my dress or what my expectations were. She had no questions about the wedding itself. Her studio is clean and well-kept. While my dress was hanging up, she began to rattle off prices to alter every portion of the dress---keep in mind I didn't even have the dress on.

When I asked her to write the prices down, she adamantly refused, handing me a pen and a small piece of paper to write on. When I completed writing the amounts, I came up with nearly $900 worth of alteration costs! She kept proclaiming, "time is money, time is money, time is money." This was awkward and unsettling for me at best.

She was quite defensive almost the entire time which I couldn't understand; it was as though something snapped in her--a very stange woman. She told me I was short (I am about 5' 5" and she is probably around 5' 1"). I didn't comment on this uncalled for remark.

Without my asking, she began to uncover several others customers dresses to show her work. I didn't want to see others' dresses; I wanted to get down to business and get working on my dress. She also showed me others' receipts to show prices--again, another thing I didn't ask for.

When I told her I'd like to go ahead and try the dress on, she said she would need $50--something that is neither explained on her website nor informed to me in the initial phone call. The $50 must be cash only or money order. She doesn't accept personal checks, credit/debit cards or paypal. I don't normally carry $50 in cash (or money orders) so I wasted an hour with her.

When I told her that 900 was too much for me for an alteration she said it really should be around 600 or a little more. She tried to pressure me by telling me that she is the only one who truly does quality work, again defending herself. She quickly tried to rush me out the door.

Later, I researched online (several sites) about the cost of alterations and discovered her to be charging almost DOUBLE what many others are listing. I cannot speak for actual personal work on my dress as I chose not to use her related to her odd demeanor, lack of eye contact, inability to take anything other than cash and apparent greedy behavior. I was looking for someone efficient (and kind), but did not find it in this woman.

I took the dress I'm wearing to my bridal shower to Beatrice because it was a size too big. She did an amazing job and now it fits like a glove! Beatrice knows exactly what needs to be done to make the dress perfect. She is very professional and had my dress ready when promised. I would recommend her to anyone!

I actually found Beatrice in the phone book, and gave her a call. She was very friendly and knew what she was talking about. I only had about 3 weeks to get all the alterations done to my dress, and she said it wouldnt be a problem. I took my dress in, and she made all the measurements and we talked about what I wanted done with it as far as length, and the top had to be taken in as well. She also showed me some samples of dresses she was working on. On the way in I also ran into a customer who had been going to her for a long time, and she said she wouldnt take her clothes to anyone else.
After the initial visit, Beatrice found a couple other things that had to be done to the dress, and took care of it, but did not charge me past the original quote. The dress is a Maggie Sotterro, and she handled the alterations with great professionalism and the dress tunred out perfectly. I couldnt have asked for a better experience, or better quality work.
If you are on a budget, or just want the best job done on your dress, take it to Beatrice!!

Beatrice is certainly a miracle worker! I am in a wedding in Chicago and had to order my dress over the phone from Austin. Unfortunately, the bridesmaid dress I received was about 4 sizes too big. I couldn't return the dress, because the dye lot would not have matched the other bridesmaid dresses. So...I went to see Beatrice (based on all the great online reviews) and she had to "resize" the entire dress. I could not believe the transformation that took place from my first visit to my fourth and final visit. What impressed me the most was that she would ask for my input - if i wanted something a certain way. Beatrice was very easy to work with and I will recommend her again and again. In fact, if I need her in the future for this type of work - i will most certainly call her and only her. I just wish I found her sooner - I could have used her to do the alterations on my wedding dress!

I have my grandmother's wedding dress from 1940. It is superbly preserved at 68 years old, very elegant, made from very fine satin. My grandmother was quite a bit taller than me, with a different physique, so I needed to find somebody who could do an impeccable job on this virtual museum piece. I went to various websites and read reviews on several alterations people to whom I was referred by friends who have had to alter fine gowns for weddings and various ultra-swanky events. However, upon discovering Beatrice and the reviews I read about her work, I decided to give her a call. She said the consultation was free so I decided to give her a try. I'm so glad i did! More on that later; at this juncture I would like to address a couple of the other reviews I've read here. First of all, the issues about pricing and changing quotes. I can only assume that the 2 women who had these experiences were victims of their own lack of communication skills. Beatrice was up front and honest with me from day one. She has gone out of her way to get every detail perfect and has not changed the price she originally quoted (unlike some of the bridal stores in town that my bridesmaids have been dealing with, but that's a different story.) If I lost 10Lb at this point, now that she has replaced the zipper, I'm sure I'd have to pay for another alteration; if I went in with a friend after I'd okayed some work which Beatrice had completed and the friend said I should add lace onto my sleeves, I'm sure that, too, would be an additional fee. For any bride-to-be who is insecure about getting her gown altered and feels she needs outside advice - though I will tell you, Beatrice KNOWS her stuff! - I recommend bringing your outside advisor (mother, best friend, etc. - I would assume NOT your fiance unless you want him to see you in your dress before the wedding) to the very first consultation. That way any future miscommunications will be minimized. Beatrice herself is a soulful, communicative lady who takes pride in her work and has chosen the joyful profession of making us brides-to-be have our wedding dreams come true. The anonymous comment I just read about Beatrice was shocking because that is absolutely nothing like the woman who has so tenderly and gently handled my dress and my nutty "3-weeks-to-go" self. She has accommodated me at every scheduling turn and has even spent long stretches with me on the phone offering valuable pre-wedding advice. By the way, Beatrice also has great pointers for places to get dresses cleaned, where to get undergarments and more.
Now, back to my precious gown. I have ended up having Beatrice redesign and update the dress. Upon my consultation, she shared with me ideas I never would have thought of. I was fairly happy with the gown at the start but now, looking at the "before" pictures that Beatrice took, I can see just how intuitive and creative she is! She has been so very careful at every turn, giving me options on the delicate sleeves and shoulders and even throwing in at least one extra fitting so she wouldn't cut any material before I approved it pinned.
Beatrice is a pleasure to work with. Her home studio is private, immaculate and professional. Leaving my grandmother's dress in a stranger's hands could have been very difficult but I trusted Beatrice implicitly from square one. I am positive that when I walk down that aisle and my fiance sees me and the veil is lifted, I will be the most breathtaking he has or ever will see me. I couldn't have done it without Beatrice. I will go back with any alterations I have in the future. All in all, if you are looking for the finest and most detail-oriented work, you will be in wonderful hands with Beatrice...So go on with your wedding planning and look no further for your alterations!

Beatrice did a wonderful job re-designing my dress and helping me keep the cost low. She was helpful and mindful of my time line. The bustles on my dress are exceptional. I'm so glad I chose Beatrice to make my dress gorgeous!

I selected Alterations & Veils by Beatrice after reading rave reviews on-line (including Bride Talk). The first time I went, I was by myself, and spent only a few minutes as Beatrice touched barely a few places and said she knew exactly what to do. My second fitting, I took my best friend who also happens to be familiar with seam work. My friend looked over the dress as I tried it on and pointed out several areas that would require additional work. Beatrice became very flustered and rude to my friend. My third visit I was again alone, which made B very happy as she bashed my friend. My final and last visit, it was me, my best friend again, my mother in law, my fiance, and my best friend's husband. I could tell that B was less than thrilled at the company I brought. I was getting ready to try the dress on, as my friend looked it over. As she went to touch an area of the dress B seemed to flip a switch and asked my friend to leave. I didn't understand, all my friend was doing was try to help me and said as much. My mother in law chimed in as well. B said that if my friend didn't leave she would call the police. We were all in shock! Then began a brief exchange where B got irate threatening to call the police if we didn't leave her home. I began to cry and said I just wanted to leave. My fiance and friend's husband came around the corner. My husband said that's fine, we can go and to not pay for the dress as I wasn't even able to try it on. B said if I left without paying, it would be theft. I gave my mother in law my money (which was more than initially quoted as the other girl discovered) and just asked her to pay the woman so we could leave; I would get my dress altered elsewhere. It's possible my experience was mine and mine alone. During the time she had my dress she did say she was involved in a car accident and was on pain medication. I felt horrible for what my friend had to go through! In retrospect, it's something my in-laws and I joke about. My sister in law is about to get married and I said, "you could always go where I went"... I got the look of death! ;)As for the end result of the dress, it was okay. It was not top notch quality work, but I didn't take it anywhere else to get altered. After that experience (and already out the money for one alteration), who could blame me?

first of all I want to say that this woman is the best! Iwhen I bought my dress the sales lady referred me to Beatrice. She said Beatrice was real first glass at alterations and I needed to call her, with this said I was confident that Beatrice would do a good job. I called her up and she said she would look at my dress and give me a free estimate- I was pleased about this since I was on a budget.
we talked about what I wanted and she explained to me that she could do it the way I like it done no problem. She was very professional and knew what she was talking about. I was pleased when we came to an agreement; she is a pleasant lady to work with and I had total trust in her with my dress.
although is was a very complicated to bustle it turned to be a perfect bustle! I am so happy that I went to Beatrice - she is good at what she does and very pleasent while doing her work. She did an excellent job with my dress!
For any brides with a budget all you do is call her and she will work with you. :)

I first started using Beatrice when I got married in 2003. I had to have my perfect veil and I wasn't able to find what I wanted in the stores anywhere!! When I started with the larger shops that made veils their pricing for what I wanted was so high I wanted to cry. Out of desperation I flipped open the phone book and was drawn by her ad. It seemed perfect for me! It turned out she was. She quoted a much more reasonable price for my veil and it turned out beautifully! I've even had a couple of my friends borrow it for their weddings! Since then I've had two other bridesmaid dresses altered with her and they've come out great. She always gets the work done by the agreed date, her prices are so reasonable, and her work is the best. What else could you want in a seamstress??

I needed to have my bridesmaid dress altered for an upcoming wedding and went to alterations and veils by beatrice. She gave me an estimate and a tailored fit. The estimate was exactly what I wanted and she took the time to make sure the fit was perfect. It was a great experince and quality work. I would recommend her to any of my friends.

Beatrice is one of a kind! After buying my wedding dress 8 months before the wedding, I gained 30lbs!!!! (I was horrified) I didnt know what to do... I found beatrice on austinweddings.com and gave her a call. She said bring the dress right in. After much letting out, I still didnt like the way the dress looked so she basically cut out the whole back and made a custom corset back using a piece of my maid of honors dress (it was actually quite sentimental) I absolutley loved it! She even gave me a free bussel hook and steamed my dress for me also. There was also a stain on my dress and she completely removed it without ruining the dress at all. I sent all of my bridesmaids too her also, and she worked all the way until the day of my wedding to make sure everyone looked perfect! She even did my sisters dress for free the day before the wedding! I cant say enough about her except that you have to use her! She is one of a kind and a very genuine woman... I will send everyone I know to her... If you need a dress or anything altered, you HAVE to go to her! She made my wedding dress dreams come true! I LOVE BEATRICE!

From reading the review before mine tells me nothing more than that she had a big misunderstanding about alterations. First, Beatrice quoted anywhere from 250-300 and then it kept adding up form there. Apparently, Beatrice must have done more alterations to the dress than what this review has specified. I have worked and have had clothes altered by Beatrice. She is a hard worker and precise at what she does. Her goal is to make you look your best for that special day that you have waited so long for. I would like to emphasize on the part though that she did write which was, " at the end the dress did look good." I would think that would be all that would matter on a special occasion like such. Please understand brides that when you go get your dress altered and you are on a budget it probably is not going to fit all that great. If you take your dress in to get altered and you only want to spend so much, but she tells you it looks better if you were to do other alterations to it. Well that other alterations are going to cost you more but at the end it is going to look great. Be aware that nothing is free in this world she wouldn't be in business this long if she worked for free. Beatrice keep up the great work.

Beatrice was recommended to me by the store I bought my wedding dress at to do minor alterations on my dress. She did a good job with my wedding dress, but she was slow and she increased the price for her alterations every time I went for a fitting without doing any more work. Originally, she told me that the alterations to my wedding dress would cost $250-$300. By the end, she charged me over $600 for my alterations. In hindsight, I should have just taken the dress and found someone else. But, I was afraid to try to find someone else and how much more they'd charge on top of what I'd already paid Beatrice. But, as I said, my dress did look good in the end.

PROS: does good work
CONS: should have been more up front about estimates