Brides who choose a custom wedding dress can get exactly what they always envisioned: the perfect wedding dress for them. However, choosing the dress and the dressmaker can be overwhelming. Brides who want the process to go smoothly should consider these tips:
Try On Some Dresses
Many dresses that look fantastic on bridal magazine models may be less than impressive in the dressing room. Brides considering a custom wedding dress should try on some gowns at a bridal salon to get a feel for what styles are most comfortable and flattering. Brides can also look in their own closet for inspiration-- is there a cocktail dress that always makes her feel sexy and beautiful? What silhouettes and necklines does she feel best in? Brides who are confident in what looks best on them will have an easier time discussing design with their dressmaker.
Find A Dressmaker
Designers who make custom wedding dresses can be found in several ways: many will have advertisements in magazines or in online classifieds. Brides can also ask friends and family if they know of anyone who had a dress made, and if they would recommend the dressmaker. Brides should never be afraid to interview potential dressmakers to get a feel for if they will be able to work well together, and to have a chance to see the dressmaker's portfolio.
Bring Pictures
Designers tend to be very visual people, and having photographic examples of what the bride likes and wants is very helpful when designing a wedding dress. Having pictures will also give the dressmaker a chance to discuss potential costs, and how a design might be altered to be more flattering to the bride.
Ask for References
If possible, brides should talk to the wedding dress designer's previous clients, look through his or her portfolio, and see some of his or her work up close. Does the dress look finished and professional? Are there loose threads, buckling and stitches? Is the trim carefully applied, or is there a sloppy look about it? When talking to previous clients, questions to consider might be:
- what was the designer like to work with?
- was their estimate of costs accurate?
- did he/she have trouble meeting deadlines?
- were you able to reach the designer easily, or did he/she return phone calls and emails in a reasonable amount of time?
Consider Cost
Some people have the impression that having a wedding dress custom made should be equal to or even cheaper than the price of the gowns in bridal salons. In fact, quite the opposite can be true. The benefits to a custom gown are numerous: the bride gets exactly the dress she wanted, tailored to her body type. However, making a wedding dress requires many hours of painstaking attention, and brides should not be surprised when labor costs begin to add up.
Brides should be honest about their wedding dress budget with their dressmaker, to see what is and is not possible for the money they want to spend. Fabric choice, amount of lace and trim, and the type of dress can all have an impact on price, and the designer may have many helpful suggestions on how the dress may be made more cheaply.
Get Sketches and Fabric Samples
Brides having someone design their wedding dress should expect to see some sketches of ideas, and fabric samples to choose from. Fabric not only has an impact on cost, but on the drape and overall feel of the dress, and brides should discuss any concerns they have with their designer.
Have The Dressmaker Make a Prototype to Try On
After taking measurements, most dressmakers will make a muslin prototype of the dress for the bride to try on. This allows the designer to adjust for fit, and gives the bride a chance to see the general shape of the dress.
Consider Having Someone Make An Existing Pattern
Brides who want a custom wedding dress on a small budget should consider having a dressmaker make an existing wedding dress pattern for them. There are many beautiful dress patterns available in fabric stores, and some small adjustments to the design may be made without proving as costly as making a pattern and a dress from scratch.
Having a wedding dress custom made can be a long, but ultimately rewarding process. Brides should be up front and honest about their budget and their tastes, and should expect the same from their dress designer. If the bride chooses her designer carefully, the result will be a beautiful and unique wedding gown.
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