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Design Process

Every custom designed dress begins with the inspiration and vision of a bride. Turning that vision into a concept, fitted sample, and the perfect dress is the passionate work of designers, tailors, and consultants. Generally requiring more than 200 hours of labor, a custom wedding dress is the result of a well defined process that begins with a consultation and ends with a spectacular entrance. 

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The below example is a typical process, but will adapt to meet the needs of the bride and project. 

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Consultation

The consultation is the first step to creating a dream dress, and starts by meeting with a designer. During this meeting, the designer will help explain the process, discuss design ideas, and shared expectations.

 

Typical Consultation Items: 

  • Wedding Date and Location

  • Gown Style Options

  • Fabric and Embellishment Options

  • Photos of the Bride (e.g., front, back, and profile)

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If selected to move into the design phase, the consultant will discuss design fees and contract options. 

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Design Selection

Developing concept options from the consultation, the designer will present the bride with concept illustrations and samples for consideration and design iteration. 

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Typical Design Selection Items: 

  • Review, Modification, and Selection of a Design

  • Review and Selection of Fabric and Embellishment Options

  • Cost and Timeline Quotes based on an Approved Design

  • Contract Options and Approval

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Although the custom design process allows for concept and design changes, these changes impact Cost and Timeline Quotes after the design selection process is complete.

 

Full Measurement

With an approved design, the design team will perform full-measurement of the bride and begin the creation process. 

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Typical Full-Measurement Items: 

  • Dress Measurements that include Dozens of Measurement Points

  • Measurement occur in Wedding-day Footwear and properly Fitted Undergarments (e.g., No padding or pushup)

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Contract deposit is due before materials can be ordered or project work can begin. 

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First Fitting

Patterned materials (e.g., muslin) for bodices and skirts are used to measure and validate proper fit. 

 

Typical First Fitting Items: 

  • Temporary Material Garments are Fitted and Final Measurements are Validated 

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Second, Third, Fourth...

Fitting

Varying by project and delivery timelines, a series of fittings are performed to fit the gown in final materials, set hems, and perform fine adjustments. 

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Typical Fitting Items:

  • Fit in Final Fabrics

  • Fit for Bodice 

  • Fit for Hem (Basting Stitch) and Final Hem

  • Demonstration of Bustle 

  • Fittings Require Wedding-day Footwear and properly Fitted Undergarments

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These fittings may require the assistance of a member of the wedding party (e.g., Bustle Assistance). 

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Final Fitting

The final fitting validates the final fit and concludes with the delivery of the finished dress in a bridal garment bag. 

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Typical Final Fitting Items: 

  • Dress is Pressed and Steamed for Delivery

  • Final Fit is Validated

  • Full-Contract Payment is Received

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