Perfect Alterations for Your School Formal Dress

Your school formal is a night to remember, and your dress should be perfect in every way. At Rachel’s Custom Sewing, we specialize in making your formal dress fit like a dream—so you can look amazing, not trip over your hem, and simply enjoy your night as your best self.

Book Your Spot

01

Reserve your alteration appointment in advance to ensure the best fit.

Bring Your Dress & Shoes

02

Visit us for a fitting session where we’ll assess and discuss your alteration needs.

03

Get Ready to Shine

After your fitting, we’ll make sure your dress is tailored to perfection in time for your big night! Once it is ready you will receive a text from us with the link to book your pick up fitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We recommend booking 4-8 weeks in advance. While we can still alter your dress in less time than this, there will usually be rush fees applicable.

  • Yes! You can book a consultation with us to discuss your dress, or simply email us or message through facebook or the form below to start a chat about possibilities, prices and sharing photo inspos.

  • If a friend has recommended us to you, make sure to mention their name in your form when you book in your fitting. Then we will apply a referral discount to your alterations. In addition, for every person you refer to us you will receive an extra discount from your final invoice.

  • Check out our prices page for our prices, or Email us for more in depth quotes. We can do practically anything from hems to corset backs, matching pocket squares or ties, strap adjustments and bustles to lift your train while you dance.

    • Years of experience in formal and bridal alterations.

    • Quick turnaround with impeccable attention to detail.

    • Friendly, personalized service to make you feel comfortable and cared for.

  • Amalie in a green dress with her friend Ella with a black dress at their school formal

    TAS School Formal

    Amalie & Ella at their school formal night 2023 - Toowoomba Anglican School

  • amalie's green dress back

    Before Alterations

    Amalie wanted us to hem her dress but also change the zipped back to a corset back as another girl from the school was wearing the same dress and she wanted to give it some difference.

  • Amalie's corset back after

    Amalie's corset back final finish

    We took out the zip, and enough of the fabric at the back to give an open back. We made green straps from the lining and inserted them as loops and lacing to create this gorgeous final look.

  • Amalie at her formal

    Amalie arriving at the formal

  • Green formal dress before

    This green formal dress *almost* fit

    So we hemmed and added a little tie to the end in matching fabric.

  • green formal dress after

    Formal Dress After

    This little added detail made all the difference! Not everyone is magically a B cup, and even if the rest of the dress fits, there's often one bit that just isn't quite right.

  • sarah's before

    Sarah's Green Dress Before

    Yes! The exact same dress, this time for 2024 at Concordia College Toowoomba

  • Sarah's green dress after with corset

    Corset Back for Sarah

    Especially as females there are so many factors that can cause us to fluctuate weight. When Sarah brought us her dress, all she needed was the hem. However when she picked it up it was snug. So I inserted this cute corset back that went inside the zip so it could go as high or low as needed. I can't fit all my thoughts in this tiny caption, so if you'd like to read more, check out this blog.

  • sarah with friends

    Sarah with Friends

    We had the pleasure of altering all 4 of these formal girls' dresses. From Concordia College, they came in one by one and turned out they knew each other and were very gracious by taking a photo of them all together.
    #alteredbyrachelscustomsewing!

  • Some girls have a dream formal dress. The dress as a whole. My daughter had a dream colour and dream sleeves. Yes, sleeves! She wanted fairytale flouncy sleeves. We searched every website that we could find and got close but still couldn’t find what she was looking for. In the end we found a dress that she absolutely loved and Rachel waved her magic wand (or her sewing kit) over it and made the fairytale flounce dream a reality. She even got us sorted with a tie for the formal partner! Now we just have to tell him that his tie is lilac! 🤣🤣

    Carryn Frizzell

  • Wonderful business to work with. They did a beautiful job altering a very delicate formal gown. Highly recommend!

    GM B

  • Rachel and her team are absolutely amazing!! I came to her a month before a ball to attend and she done the most incredible job. Very professional and such bubbly energy. She is now my go-to for any alterations. Thank you again Rach, you bloody nailed it!

    Shelby Green

  • Rachel and her team worked on my daughter's formal dress, taking up the hem layers and inserting a corset back along the zipline. We are so happy with the result, and they have been a delight to work with!

    Kathy Peake

Get featured

We’d love to see your school formal style! Send us a photo of you in your perfectly altered dress, and you could be featured in our ‘Formal Favourites’ gallery on our website. It’s your moment to shine, and we’re excited to show off your look! Share your photos by emailing us or tagging us on social media. We can’t wait to see how stunning you look!

Get in touch.

Ready to make your school formal dress fit perfectly? Simply follow the booking link to schedule your alterations and ensure your dress is flawless for your special night. Got questions? Fill out the form, and we’ll get back to you with all the details. Don’t forget—you and a friend can both save $20 by referring each other!

We Can’t Wait to Meet You

Follow us on socials for updates, before and afters and to DM us. Keep an eye on stories for a possible glimpse of your dress!