It’s good to know what is involved in the bespoke wedding dress process. I’ve detailed the process here for you which explains everything from how we would design a dress together to what a toile is.
Read about the bespoke wedding dress process here.
And can I really afford it!?
You may be surprised to know that very often, a bespoke wedding dress is in the same price tag as a middle of the range “off the shelf” dress. The reason behind this is, when you go bespoke you are going direct to the dressmaker. This cuts out a lot of the intermediates who all have to make a profit along the way. I purchase my fabrics direct from wholesalers which also saves on fabric costs.
Another reason behind this is that 99% of “off the shelf” dresses will need fittings and alterations, all of which bumps up the price considerably.
So the good new is, YES! You can afford a bespoke wedding dress.
Do I have to be good at design to go bespoke?
Not a designer? Not a worry!
As long as you can send me your favourite snaps in an email or pin your favourite inspiration shots on a pinterest board, you can get a bespoke wedding dress.
I will take these and then sketch a drawing for you that combines your favourite elements, in effect, helping you to create your own unique design.
I have a few prototypes that you can try on at the design stage of the process so you can visualise what suits you best.
As part of the bespoke wedding dress process, the bespoke wedding dress process includes a toile fitting which will give you a very good idea of the final article.
And do I have to find them myself !?
I have a wide range of fabrics and trimmings in sample books which we can browse through together to select the one most appropriate to your bespoke wedding dress. These range from silks of all sorts to more budget materials and all of them are available at a wholesale cost.
If you have fallen in love with a fabric and would rather supply your own fabric though, I’m very happy to look at your selection too!
Your first consultation is free.
Once you decide to proceed a 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. The balance will be due on completion before delivery.
Where, when and how often?
Fittings are held at my atelier in East Grinsted, Sussex. My atelier can be reached by car, or you can travel to East Grinsted station and we can arrange a fitting close by.
On average 4 fittings are required. Fittings can be scheduled around a time that suits you. Most brides prefer evenings in the week or weekends.
I would recommend getting in touch a year to six months prior to the wedding, in order to secure a booking with me, particularly in the lead up to the peak summer season. We would then start the bespoke wedding dress process three months prior to the wedding.
However, quick turnarounds are possible! I had a bride who got engaged and was getting married within a month and we made it happen.
If you have any further questions, if you’re an expecting mum or trying to reach your ideal figure for your big day, we can plan fittings close enough to the wedding date, so feel free to get in touch with me about these concerns.
Alterations
Book your first fitting as soon as you have ordered your wedding dress from the boutique or purchased a sample.
Use the booking link to select your first fitting.
If you are stable size-wise we can start as soon as you have your dress. Check with the boutique when your dress is due to arrive and choose a date accordingly. If you’re likely to change dress size the deadline for your first fitting is 8 weeks prior to the wedding or your date of departure if eloping.
You can book your appointment months in advance to secure your slot.
Make sure that you are available for subsequent fittings once we start the alterations. Once you book your first fitting, we then book the second together at your first appointment according to how much needs doing.
Use the link to book your first fitting.
