Bespoke Wedding Gowns – Your Passport to Being Princess for a Day

If you’re a bride-to-be planning your dream day, you’re may be looking in to the process of commissioning bespoke wedding gowns for you and your bridal party. This can actually be quite a daunting task for the uninitiated, especially when considering the thousands of other tasks that need to be accomplished for your big day.

However, this is one task that should be enjoyable rather than stressful, and if you do choose to have bespoke wedding gowns created, only your imagination and your budget are your limitations.

There’s nothing as luxurious as having the most important dress of your life made to order to your design and specifications – and it's a luxury you deserve, especially on this day! In an age of ready-made and off-the-rack fashion, however, many brides may at a loss as to how to begin and whether they are getting their money’s worth when it comes to bespoke wedding gowns. We’re here to help. Below, we present a short introduction a few of the major elements that affect the cost of the process.

Designer

Just as with other types of clothes and accessories, which designer you choose can greatly affect the cost. The good news is you don’t have to shell out a fortune to hire big-name designers such as Marchesa or Ines de Santo to get your dream gown. There are many lesser-known designers that are just as cutting edge, creative, and talented within your price range. Just be sure to do your research—cheaper is not always better. Make sure your chosen designer has a sound reputation; they should be clear and open about their process and offer both a portfolio of past designs and a list of satisfied customers for references. Materials

In addition to style, the cost is also greatly dependent on the fabric for the main body of the dress and the trimmings and accessories involved. Fabric is the first consideration: natural fabrics such as silk and cashmere can be quite expensive, as can handmade materials such as lace and hand-embroidered muslin. In addition, the amount of fabric needed is also a consideration. For example, a full gown requiring yards of material will naturally cost more than a simple sheath dress made from the same fabric. Trims such as beadings and ribbons will also affect the cost – but there's no need to go overboard with the accoutrements. Your designer will be more than happy to work with you to decide how to strategically use trims and choose the appropriate materials for your budget.

Quality

In addition to fabric, trimmings and perfect fit, another thing that clearly differentiates bespoke wedding gowns from off-the-rack dresses is the quality of the craftsmanship. Ragged seams, no lining, and glued-on accents are a trait of factory-manufactured dresses, whereas one-off dresses will generally feature invisible seams and darts, hand-sewn embroidery, beading and lace.

Service

Some wedding guides may suggest that you can save money by purchasing a ready-made dress from an online store or mass retailer. Again, the mantra to remember is that cheaper is not always better, especially when it comes to looking your best on the most important day of your life. A reputable designer will provide a stylish and quality outfit along with a personalised service.

Looking for couture wedding gowns? Tatiana Porembova is one of the leading designers of bespoke wedding gowns in London and her work spans a range of styles and influences. Based in Richmond, she creates beautiful bespoke bridal gowns and bridesmaids outfits to provide the perfect garments for the perfect day.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.