Creating Your Custom Wedding Gown

The process of creating your one-of-a-kind custom wedding gown involves several steps. Although some gowns take less time, please allow at least four months for the actual construction of your gown. Your schedule and mine will need to mesh several times during this process for fittings and consultation on design details. Remember, your gown is being made individually just for you, using fine sewing techniques that require close attention to the smallest details, to yield a couture-quality garment.

Initial Consultation/Design Session: At our first meeting we’ll talk about the design details you wish to include in your custom wedding dress. Please feel free to bring along photos of gowns with features you like. One of my clients, Robin, sketched her own design (click on any of the thumbnails for a larger image):

You will have the opportunity to consider many fine fabrics and trims. Silk and other natural fibers are a favorite in couture dressmaking because of their radiant colors, luxurious textures, and ability to drape. This is a perfect time to treat yourself to the luxury of silk and imported lace, hand beading with pearls and crystals, exquisite craftsmanship, and perfect fit for an elegant, original gown.

First Fitting: The next time we meet, you will try on a muslin replica of the bodice and sleeves of your gown. This gives you an opportunity to see yourself in your chosen design and to move about in front of the mirror. This is the time to decide on any changes in style or fit. Here are two photos of the initial muslin fitting for Robin:

Second Fitting: After changes made at the first fitting are sewn into the muslin replica, we will once again check for perfect fit. We will also confirm the positions of the waistline stay and boning, which are used to make your gown secure and comfortable. Here are two photos of Robin's second fitting, where we altered the muslin for the lace-up feature in the front and back:

Third Fitting: Using your muslin as a pattern, I then begin to construct your wedding gown out of your chosen fabric. When the outer shell of the dress is assembled, we will schedule another fitting to check for comfort and movement, and once again for proper fit. At this time we will discuss placement of lace or other embellishments you may have chosen.

Finishing Touches: At your last fitting we'll mark the hem length and decide on the final touches to complete your gown. If you wish, the lining of your gown can be personalized with your monogram. You will also receive instructions for caring for your gown after the wedding so that it is properly prepared for long-term storage.

From her original design to reality -- Robin's dream gown is shown below: