Читать книгу The High-Street Bride’s Guide: How to Plan Your Perfect Wedding On A Budget - Samantha Birch - Страница 63

In bridal circles, this tends to mean going to one of the big-name couturiers and spending thousands of pounds having your dress designed and crafted to your exact spec. What I’m suggesting is a less intensive – and expensive – experience that’s perfect if you’ve got a dream dress in your head that doesn’t seem to be on the hangers.

I’ll be honest: this option is going to take a lot of legwork. You’ll have to Google/Yell.com/Thomson Local dressmakers or seamstresses in your local area, check their reviews online and call them up for prices. Numbers are likely to vary, but in general are cheaper for – you guessed it – shorter, simpler styles.

Your best bet is to ask around among friends and relatives – maybe even put up a post on Facebook or hit Twitter. You’ll be surprised how many people have taken a prom dress to a tailor in the past or even know someone who makes clothes for a living. For me, working with someone who’s been recommended by a pal you know and trust has got to be a better bet than hoping the reviews you read on that random website weren’t just written by the shop itself.

Once you get down there, get to know your seamstress before you book anything. Ask to see samples of their previous work, or items they’re working on now, and touch the fabric so you can see that it’s of a suitable quality.

Then sit down and discuss their process – are they a one-man band expecting you to supply the silk, or a boutique ordering their fabric in at a range of prices? Make sure you get a written quote before they get started too – or you could end up having all the fun of bringing in cowboys to redo your kitchen and watching the price go up and up and up…

Best for: Brides of all shapes and sizes. Petite brides, in particular, might have trouble finding a style in your standard sizes, but as long as you’re careful about the dressmaker you choose, this option could land you with a luxe, perfectly fitted look.