Choosing your Wedding Dressmaker

If you are having a wedding dressmaker make your wedding gown it is advisable to give yourself at least one year.

Go to the bridal boutiques and try on different styles to see which suit you best. Take a note of the styles that suits you, or better still have someone take digital shots of you in different wedding gowns.

Take these with you when you visit the dressmaker (please do check first with the bouquets if they will allow photos to be taken, and don't let them know that you won't be buying a gown from them, it may create an awkward situation).

Ask the dressmaker if she can combine different looks or details from two or more gowns, and will they compliment each other. Listen to the dressmaker's opinion, she should know what will look appropriate for your size and shape.

Before you select your dressmaker, check her work, she should have a portfolio of her work to show you, also ask her if she has any samples of her work for you to look at.

When you meet with your dressmaker tell her what you want, take along pictures or photos of the styles you like and have an idea of the type of fabric you would like your dress made in.

The wedding dressmaker should be able to give you an estimate of how much it will cost.

Her estimates will be based on what you have discussed, your fabric selection and the style of the gown chosen, and any changes made to the dress during the fitting stages. This should all be discussed with you before you pay the deposit.

You must be comfortable with the dressmaker, and you must be confident that she understands what it is you want, and you must be confident in her ability to do the job. So choose the dressmaker carefully and you should get the gown of your dreams.