Alteration costs

My dress is 50s style tea length with lace appliqué on the bodice and a necklace back - see pic. I had the shoulders taken up so the armholes were moved, three inches taken from the bodice, a belt sewn on, the invisible poppers which attach the necklace back were moved too. I paid £160 and the lady was recommended by my bridal shop. I am in Surrey so an expensive area but I was happy with that. Just a gauge for you, your quote seems expensive to me personally!

It is really hard to compare to others costs as it depends on material type and the cut/style. From your description there is quite a bit of work as the appliqué are delicate and will need to be removed and repositioned once taken in and up, which is very time consuming and that is what you are paying for. With tulle layers it is a tricky material to cut, so again is the time and expertise you are paying for. I would ask for a detailed breakdown and if you want to, go somewhere else for a 2nd quote, but don't tell them what you have been quoted already so you get a real true cost.