You met your Prince Charming. You ordered the horse-drawn carriage. But if, like Cinderella, you feel you need a hand in order for the wedding dress to magically appear, make your fairy tale come true by having a dressmaker create one just for you. Lots of local designers in your area have all the fairy godmother tools required to help you look gorgeous.
Once you’ve booked an appointment with the designer, show up prepared. Take magazine tear sheets of a variety of dresses that appeal to you. Also, bring something that shows your personality and style. This will help give a sense of who you are and what pleases you. The type of event you are planning is also of key importance because some dress styles are better suited to particular venues, seasons, etc.
In the initial consultation, it is important to ensure you connect with the designer. Make sure she is listening to you and hearing all your thoughts about what you want in a wedding dress. Indeed, for Michelle Baynes, head designer of Calgary’s Dream Dress Designs (dreamdressdesigns.com), “the process of getting your dress made is all about building relationships…it’s about the whole experience.” As with any type of relationship, communication is key, so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Voicing your opinion is the best way to get exactly what you want. At Manuel Mendoza in Vancouver (manuelmendoza.com ), feedback is encouraged throughout the design process, from the initial sketches to the mock-up and on to the final dress itself. The designers will even make last-minute adjustments to the dress, if necessary—“everything is directed towards making the bride happy,” says Margit McCorkle of Manuel Mendoza.
Custom design is the perfect solution if you are looking for something unique that is also an ideal fit, notes Baynes. “You’re not going to find a gown that fits you perfectly unless you have one made specifically for you,” Baynes says. Another major bonus of having your dress made from scratch? The designer is totally at your disposal. In fact, Manuel Mendoza offers unlimited fittings in order to make sure you are completely satisfied with the finished product, notes McCorkle.
Don’t be scared away by ideas of astronomical pricing on custom-designed dresses. Basically, the cost depends on the amount of work put into the dress and the kinds of materials used, with the structure of the dress being the biggest factor. Things like lace, beading and a train also increase the price. According to McCorkle, a good custom designer will give you an accurate estimate from the very beginning, thereby avoiding any “nasty surprises” when it comes time to settle the bill.
Ultimately, discussing up-front what you would like, and telling the designer what your budget is, will go a long way to getting you exactly what you want. No wand required.
Comment on "Measure for Measure"
Neither the author nor Wedding Bells necessarily agree with the comments posted below. Read our full policy
You must have a Weddingbells.ca account to article comments. If you do not have an account you can register now.
Post a comment