Getting engaged is such a special time in a woman’s life. There is so much to look forward to when planning your wedding day and dreaming up your wedding dress is one of those exciting things. It is advisable to start looking for your wedding dress at least 6 months before your set date.

Some of the benefits of having your wedding dress made by a professional designer, such as myself, are that it gives you the opportunity to combine different elements from various dresses and styles you like. Another is that your dress will be custom made according to your personal measurements, ensuring that it will fit you like a glove. As a designer, I go through great lengths to capture your personality and individuality in your dress. This ensures that you will look and feel your best version of yourself on you special day.

Once you have contacted your chosen designer to set up an appointment, the designing process of your dress is about to begin.

During our first meeting I would love to hear about your plans for your wedding: what are your chosen colours, flowers, venue etc. This will give me some insight into your personality as well as an idea as to which styles would suit you. We will discuss your preferences and specifications pertaining to the wedding dress you have in mind. I will advise you on the different fabrics and which colour would be best suited to your complexion. I will make suggestions on which style would be most flattering to your figure type (it usually means small tweaks to your chosen design). We will discuss the finer finishes such as lace and / embellishments such as bead work, appliqués etc. I will make a sketch of your design, outlining details such as colour, use of fabric(s) as well as the finer finishes. I will also assist you with planning the dresses for the bridal party, such as your bridesmaid(s), maid of honour, Mother of the bride, Mother of the groom, flower girl(s) etc.

After our first meeting I will send you a quotation, usually via email / fax. Should you accept the quotation a deposit will secure your booking, with the balance due before / on the day of collection.

The next step will be sourcing the fabric for your wedding dress. Should it be something very specific, I will ask you to accompany me and choose your lace or beaded fabric etc. I will also assist you in choosing a suitable veil.

After this I will take your measurements and make a basic garment from an inexpensive fabric to be fitted (sometimes also called a toile / mock-up). During your first fitting you will be able to get an overall idea of the silhouette of your dress and simple changes can still be made at this point.

From there onward the fabric will be cut and your dress will be sewn together.Over the course of the fittings you will see your dress develop. I pin detail such as lace appliques onto your dress first in order for you to have a look at the positioning etc. Once you are satisfied with the details pinned in place, it will be stitched down by hand. You are in full control throughout the process.  Within 3 – 4 fittings you will have the finished product of your dream wedding dress having been turned into reality.

As I know how hectic a bride’s schedule can be the week before her wedding, I prefer having wedding dresses completed 7 – 14 days prior to your wedding date in order to alleviate extra stress for you.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

Follow your heart.

Be true to yourself when choosing your wedding dress.

Incorporate elements of your favourite things in both your wedding as well as your wedding dress. This ensures a wedding that will be uniquely you.

Remember to bring pictures and clippings of different dresses and styles that appeal to you to your initial appointment with your designer.

It is wise to set up a budget for your wedding dress beforehand. It is important to inform your designer of this at your first meeting.

Bring the correct underwear you are planning to wear on your wedding day to each fitting, as this may have an effect on the fit of your dress.

Enjoy every moment!