GETTING A DRESS MADE

Aim to see at least a couple of seamstresses for prices, but remember that they will need to see the pattern and your preferred fabric, so make sure that you go armed with these. Try to see them well in advance of your Wedding and reserve a dressmaking slot with them. Mention before you go when your Wedding is so they can tell you in advance whether they can accommodate you. Once there, let them know if you are hoping to get them to make accessories as well (veils, bolero’s, shrugs etc.) and whether you are thinking about getting them to make the Bridesmaids dresses - make sure to ask them if this is possible and how much they will cost and how much notice they need.

Once you have spoken to a few seamstresses, the choice is yours. You should choose one that offers a competitive quote (don’t be afraid to play one off against another to barter down the costs), but most importantly you should choose one that you have confidence in.

And that's pretty much it.

If you do want your dress made, but are not able to track down a pattern you like or find a seamstress who can make the dress from your sketches or clippings, then perhaps the only option would be to get a dress designed especially for you. This won't be cheap, but it may well be worth the cash - check out our article entitled Having it Designed if you're interested in going down this route.