Process
It should be noted that my bridal services are now quite exclusive. As I now only accept a handful of custom gown clients per year, potential clients will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please include as many details as possible in your inquiry. Priority will be given to those with unique requests that involve my specialities. It would be helpful to have read through the FAQ as well as this process page. Otherwise, I may be able to help match you up with one of my brilliant custom design friends.
My clients work one-on-one with me as each part of the gown comes together. You get to be personally involved the creation of the dress that you’ll wear on your big day. It’s an experience as much as a very important item.
Step One
Consultation
The first step for custom gowns is to set up a consultation appointment. At this stage, we meet and have a chat about your personal style, loves, likes, dislikes, concerns, must-haves, and do-not-wants. This allows me to get a sense of both you and your event, along with taking measurements and getting a basic idea of what you are looking for in the outfit. After this meeting has taken place, I will assemble our inspiration and put together three design proposals. From there, we will begin to solidify final design details. It is important to note that while it is fine and often helpful to provide inspiration photos or Pinterest boards to help communicate ideas (we love inspo boards!), I do not copy other designer's dresses. All designs are custom originals. I won't reproduce something from a photo - even if small changes have been requested.
Step Two
Design Package
There is a $50 fee for the design package, which includes sketches and fabric swatches (both for colour and to give you an idea of texture, weight, and feel). This fee is waived once the gown is ordered. There is an initial deposit required to begin work on the gown, usually around 50-60% of the agreed-to cost of the gown, which covers materials and a portion of labour. The full balance is due at the final fitting. Turn-around time is discussed and agreed to once the final design has been confirmed. A fitting schedule is provided.
Step Three
Mock-Up Fitting
Once the custom-fit muslin for the client has been perfected, it is tested in a mock up version of the outfit made of plain broadcloth. This will give you the first chance to really visualize the final outfit's silhouette, hem length, neckline, and so on. There is often only one mock-up fitting, but if there are several alterations required, there may be a second one.
Step Four
Gown Creation
Once the mock-up has been approved, work on the real outfit will begin in earnest. The longest break between fittings will take place at this point as the gown is drafted, cut, stitched, and the embellishments are worked on. Please note that beading and complex pattern details can take weeks or even months depending on the complexity of the design. At the end of this stretch of work is a fitting called "the fitting and review". The gown will often still be in pieces, but the final form will be coming together.
Step Five
Big Reveal
Step 5 is the last fitting for the client, when they get to see the gown as a real gown At the final fitting, any little adjustments that may be left are addressed - hem length, small changes to the fit, and other small items that may arise. Once these details have been address, pick up is scheduled. Clients bring their squad to toast with bubbly as they twirl in their completed outfit.
It's very difficult to give accurate estimates on custom gowns - there are so many variables. However, to make it a bit easier to know what to expect, I've done some rough drawings of some basic silhouettes. The base price for a custom gown from scratch starts around $2000. This includes a completely original custom-fit pattern. This may not include special materials like lace or embellished fabrics, custom beading, etc. Other special details like fit-and-flare and trains are also things that affect price (due to extra fittings, the time require for pattern drafting and extra fabric).
For a gown that incorporates more custom detail, i.e, some fit-and-flare skirts, some trains, illusion necklines, and some custom embellishment, gowns tend to fall within $2500 - 3200. This is the roundabout average of most gowns. The pricing process is pretty transparent, material and labour are all written out for the benefit of the client.
Budgets of $3800 and up are necessary for those who want do not want to compromise on their gown. Fabrics like silk, couture internal foundation, lots of custom beading/embroidery, trains, etc. Longer trains require a lot more fabric, so this is reflected in the materials cost. All my beading and embroidery is custom designed for the client in question. From concept and testing to final confirmation, the client is closely involved in the development of the embellishment for her gown.