I paid about $500 for an $800 dress at Davids bridal. Ive heard people give horror stories about them but I was pleased with the service and found the perfect dress. I am however avoiding any possible mishaps of getting alterations done through such a large corporation by getting them done through a local company. The thing is to get on their mailing list and wait for them to notify you of sales. They tend send mailouts pretty regularly. Hope this helps!