Would you trust a custom designed dress?

[givenkbcfc]

Hi ladies!

First of all congratulations on your engagement. I am a fashion design student that got married a little over a year ago and after much pain and agony of trying to find the "right" dress I ended up making my own. Because of all the problems I went through trying to find my own dress I am thinking about focusing on custom bridal designs. Since you are now the brides I was wondering if you would be willing to give me some feedback. Why would you or would you not decide to go with a custom made gown. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. If I decide to go this route I want to make sure that clients are happy and I meet their needs. No one wants to be unhappy about their dream dress on their wedding day!

Thanks in advance for your time,

Kat Given

[simreality]

I think it all depends.
Would you ask the bride what type of dress they are looking for and tailor it to their needs? Do you have any pics of dresses that you have designed already?
I would probaby go with one if the price is right and it meets my needs.
A reason I wouldn't go with one would be b/c it's not from a well-known name and not know what type of quality it would be.
Hope this helps a little.

[PrincessLaura]

Well Kat, personally I think everything starts out as custom designed in the first place, and if it didnt cost an arm and a leg I would have gone that way my self!

[sillybride]

Actually, I am seriously considering a custom designed dress. I am having problems finding something that fits my body type and that I like. Each dress that I have found, has a little of something that I like, but is always missing something. So, yes, I would do it.

[lizardbnorton773]

I might go for a custom designed dress if the price is right. I would because then I would get what I want not just partially what I want. I would be very cautious if I wasn't able to see a decent size sample.

[brandiwine79abbf]

Well of course we have all looked at the sites that will "custom make" a dress that they have a pic of to your size or change a lil something here and there....and they are usually pretty cheap.....which is why I am thinking about doing this...BUT my only thing is, not being able to try something similar on and if I dont wind up liking how it looks, I dont want to have to pay for it....these are my set backs when it comes to buying custom made, online. Now if it was going to a shop and having it done and it was cheaper than the other stores, or if I wanted something unique then I would do it.

[givenkbcfc]

I think it all depends.
Would you ask the bride what type of dress they are looking for and tailor it to their needs? Do you have any pics of dresses that you have designed already?
I would probaby go with one if the price is right and it meets my needs.
A reason I wouldn't go with one would be b/c it's not from a well-known name and not know what type of quality it would be.
Hope this helps a little.
I would absolutely ask the bride what type of dress she was looking for. The design process would be to give the dress the details that the bride is looking for but staying true to my own style. It is a fine line and few designers can do it without losing themselves. I am thinking of having my own designs available for purchase, as well as the option for a completely custom look (you tell me what you want and we make it happen). Some of the things that I am thinking about offering once I open up shop is free alterations, cleaning, pressing, gown preservation, garment bag, and shipping if necessary. Would any of these be incentives to buy from a custom designer if you were pleased with the quality of work samples you had seen?

Also, just to throw out there, I am looking to expand on my current portfolio. If there are any brides out there that live in the So. Cal area and are looking for a custom made gown I will do it for cost of materials so long as you promise to send me a picture of you in the gown on your wedding day to add to my portfolio. If anyone is interested feel free to send me an e-mail or private message.

Thanks for your input!


Kat

[lizardbnorton773]

I think having those incentives would be a great help. I would definately have you as one of my top choices for where to go. Where in So. Cal are you? Keep me posted on your business. I am still in the planning stage. I don't plan on having a wedding until 2008 but I am interested.