THE BRIDAL GOWN DESIGN PROCESS

  This is an exclusive and relaxed appointment with me, located in the comfort of my studio. It’s a chance for you to discuss your wedding in detail and your dress journey so far. You may have tried a few wedding dresses on already and know exactly what you are looking for, or this might be your very first appointment. Either way, don’t worry, rest assured you are in good 

hands. We will discuss your dress in detail and any fabric and design ideas you may have. 

    This is the fun part where you get to see your design ideas drawn up into a sketch. I usually create around 5/6 sketches. From these, we then narrow them down to your favourite and start discussing the fabrics and shape in more detail. We will also make an appointment at this stage to  take your measurements. 

    The measurement appointment lasts around 15/ 20 minutes. I take quite a few measurements at this stage to ensure that the first pattern and toile I make are as accurate as possible. I will also take a few pictures of you as this helps also when creating the pattern. If you have your underwear at this stage, more specifically for the bust area, it’s hugely helpful as this can affect the pattern and fit. If you would like built in bra cups, it is also a good time to point this out. If you are wearing heels on your wedding day, please bring along a similar height heel so we can 

look at the length as well. 

  This is an exciting appointment as it is the first time you will see your dress start to come to life. A toile is a mock up or prototype of your dress made from a fabric that has a similar drape and structure to your final chosen fabric. This is made in order to perfect the fit and make any minor design adjustments. I will do as many toile fittings as needed, depending on how well the dress fits at first try on. I encourage all my brides to be vocal and tell me if there is anything they are unhappy with, or anything they would like to change. It is important to discuss this in more 

detail at this stage before we start making the dress in the real fabrics. 

      The very first of these fittings is the most exciting as you get to see your bespoke wedding gown made up in your chosen fabrics for the very first time!. It is a good time to ask along a family member or bridesmaid if you are happy for them to see your dress at this point as it really does 

provide that 'WOW' experience for both yourself and your bridal party. 

During these fittings we will look at every aspect of the gown to ensure it is fitting correctly in all areas. We also look at hem length, but are aware that this may change again closer to the time. I am pretty thorough at these appointments and work methodically through each section of the gown, but we are all human so if I have missed something that hasn't been discussed I always encourage you to speak up. I understand this is one of the most expensive and emotional 

purchases you can make, so it has to be perfect!