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Every woman has a unique beauty...discover the gown that expresses yours

The Custom Process

Chances are you’ve never had a custom garment made before. Nervous? Don’t be! It’s really simpler than you think, and we work hard to make sure you’re completely satisfied, happy and confident each and every step of the way.

Here’s an overview of how the five-step process works:

A Sample Schedule
Wedding Date: October 16
First Appointment: February 21
Measurements: June 3
Mock Fitting: August 18
First Fitting: August 25
Final Fitting: August 31
Pickup Date: September 5

  1. Schedule & Measurements: Once you’ve chosen your gown, you can relax until a few months before your wedding. About six months out, we’ll get in touch to work out dates and times for all your fittings, taking into account any weight-loss goals you may have.

    A few months before the wedding, we start the process by taking your measurements. These are not the typical bust, waist, and hip measurements taken at a standard bridal shop; we take 45 highly-accurate measurements so we can be sure every inch of your gown will conform precisely to your figure.

    From your measurements, we create a paper pattern of your gown from scratch. We set ourselves apart from the majority of dressmakers and all factory-made gowns by drafting our patterns from scratch, rather than altering standard-sized “stock” patterns (why does this matter?).
  2. Mock Fitting: Next, we create a mock-up of your gown. A mock-up is a duplicate of your gown, minus any details like beading or embroidery, made from a cotton fabric called muslin.

    You come in to try on your mock, usually two to three months before your wedding. This step allows you to see and approve your gown before we cut your expensive bridal fabrics. Together we assess the design and details, and make any changes you want. We also do much of the fitting work for your gown. This way we’ll have very little fitting to do once we’re working with your delicate bridal fabrics.

    Then we carefully take apart your mock, and it becomes your final gown pattern. Since we made any fitting and design changes directly on the mock, using it as your final pattern ensures that any adjustments are retained perfectly accurately.

    Once the mock fitting is done, we will typically complete your gown within two to three weeks.
  3. First Fitting: At last we cut your actual gown! When most of the basic construction is complete, you come in for your first fitting. At this fitting, the gown usually won’t have any embellishments like beading or lacework. We must perfect the fit before most details are added. We’ll make any minor fit changes necessary, mark the zipper placement (the zipper goes in almost last), and again make sure you are happy and confident with your choice.
  4. Final Fitting: A short time later you’ll return for your final fitting. The gown will be 95% complete, and you will see that the very dress you loved in the mirror all those months ago has come to life right before your eyes! We’ll mark your hem and bustle, and once again confirm that you are delighted with every aspect of your gown.
  5. Pickup: Just a few days later, your gown will be freshly steamed, pressed, and stored safely in an opaque bridal dress bag (to safeguard it from peeking eyes), all ready for you to pick up! Most brides like to try their gown on one more time, and we are happy to oblige.

    But that’s not where our commitment to you ends. You are welcome to come back in, call or email at any time. We are happy to help you with even the smallest need or question right up until your wedding day.