Ordering your perfect dress

How does it work?

A free design consultation appointment begins the process where we will discuss what you require covering elements such as style, materials, the budget and time-scale. A design sketch and cost quotation will then be posted or emailed to you for your consideration. An individual pattern will be drafted to your measurements and series of private fittings will ensure a perfect fit and finish. The process of a bespoke bridal dress will usually include the making of a toile, which is a mock-up of the design in cheaper materials, allowing the maker to perfect the cut and the wearer to check the style.

All consultations and fittings take place in my own home so you will be completely private and you will have my full attention during your appointment.

How long does it take? Rush orders?

Four to six months notice is usually required though I do get booked up in the summer more quickly than the winter months. Smaller commissions like bridesmaids and evening wear require less notice.

I have made dresses with less then 3 weeks notice on occasion, please ring or email to see if I have space for your rush order.

Most wedding dresses take me between 30 and 70 hours of sewing to create. Once your deposit is paid your sewing time is booked into my schedule and your dress will be made in the time we have reserved for you. The actual time-scale is very flexible, we can spread the work over many months or begin and finish inside a few weeks.

Will it blow the budget?

Consultation appointments are free and we can discuss your ideal budget and design with that price in mind. The cost of each commission will depend on the amount of work involved and the cost of the materials.

I am usually pretty comparable for wedding dresses to the prices of mid-range designer dresses, designers such as Ian Stuart, Jenny Packham or Pronovias. Bridesmaids dresses from the high street will always be cheaper than having each dress made bespoke but you can be sure of the perfect colour, style and fit for each girl when you choose my services.

Please note that all the prices on this website are for guidance only, every commission differs depending on the work involved.

Materials can be bought through me or purchased yourself and can be chosen to suit your budget.
Fabrics usually comprise about 1/3 of the total cost.

Price guide for bespoke (labour only)

Wedding dresses
from £300 to £5000, typical £800-£1600
Adult Bridesmaids/evening/prom
from £180, typical £285
Mother of the bride/Ascot dress
from £300, typical £500
Boleros
from £50, typical £95
Waistcoats
from £70, typical £110
Cravat or tie and hankie set
usually £36
Children’s bridesmaid dress
from £100, typical £140

Do you take alterations?

I will sometimes take in alterations on 'bought' dresses if I have space in my schedule. I usually advise that wedding-dress alterations are made about 3 weeks before the big day but you can visit much earlier for a quote and then reserve time by paying a booking deposit.

I have altered more than 700 wedding dresses during my sewing life and there is very little I cannot manage. If you are unsure whether your dress can be altered the way you would like I am happy to offer advice and help at a free fitting appointment.

Example costs

Hems from £25 per layer
Take-in at bust/waist/hip from £25
Bustle hook-up for train £5
Create lace-up back on dress or bodice from £60

Do you make copies?

Yes, I can, but no I don't. I would usually be capable of re-creating a dress for you but if it is a design that is still available from the actual designer it is illegal for me to copy it. I am happy to use other people's designs as inspiration and I actually encourage you to bring along pictures from magazines or the internet which we can use as a basis for designing your dress. It's useful to have some idea of the kind of thing you would like.

I have made people near copies where the original was nearly right but not quite, with changes to the style, detail or colour to create the exact dress they wanted . If you really love a dress exactly as it is by another designer it's best to buy it from the original source.

What if I lose or gain weight?

This should not be a problem. We can reserve your sewing time for a period closer to your wedding to allow you to reach your target weight before we begin work. If you loose more weight or gain after we have started, the dress can be altered to fit as we go along. The final fitting would normally be in the last few weeks before the wedding anyway to ensure a perfect finish.