Wedding Gazette

Choosing a Dressmaker

By Jennifer Baumann

Karen Lambert of KAL Bridal Designs has some helpful hints and must-have information to help you get what you want when you decide to buy a custom made gown. Read on - for what questions to ask, what info to bring along with you, and where to find the designer who understands your vision.

Get references

Karen suggests beginning this process by talking to everyone you know - friends who've gotten married, your local fabric store, your dry cleaner, your tailor. They will more than likely have recommendations of desingers they know or have worked with, which is a much more reliable and focused search than opening up the yellow pages.

Schedule interviews

Once you've selected three or four designers, make appointments to hold an interview. Bring important information with you, like your wedding date (obviously), sample photos and drawings of your ideal, and fabric samples if you've gotten that far.

Question the dressmaker

Give 'em the third degree, in a nice way. Things you need to know:

• Is the dressmaker available to make your gown, with time enough to have fittings, and enough time for you to have the finished dress in your hand a month before the wedding. This time frame is up to you, but the earlier the dress is in your possession, the more time you have to really stress about something else?
• Will the dressmaker use a custom design or a pattern - and do you care?
• Ask to see samples! What's their work really like?
• Ask for references from previous brides.
• Ask for a signed estimate and how much they require upfront. Be sure that this is in writing, too.

Listen to your dressmaker.

Keep in mind that this professional has been making wedding gowns for a living, so listen to what they might have to say regarding the style and fabric that will look best on your body, and whether or not a certain fabric is compatible with the design you've chosen.

Allow plenty of time.

Special-order fabric usually takes at least 4-6 weeks to come in, and then there will be fittings and such while the dress is being put together. For goodness' sake, don't wait to the last minute to approach a designer about making your wedding dress. Most designers recommend beginning your search 9 months to a year prior to your wedding date.

Bring your checkbook.

Most custom dress designers require a 50% deposit once you decide on something.