How do I begin finding a dressmaker? Questions to ask?

[yellowalstroemeria]

I think I've been in most of the wedding dress shops in the nearest city and haven't found one I like

The thing is that I want one with proper sleeves (not lace sleeves).

I've seen loads on Pinterest but they all come from Spanish or Portuguese websites.

I've asked nearly everyone I know but hardly anyone had had a dress made, and it was always an auntie or gran with a sewing machine that did it.

So

• can I ask for a quote?
• will there be preliminary appointments before we decide we are definitely going ahead?
• how long can I expect it to take?

And if any Scottish MNers can recommend a dressmaker in the Central Belt (or a wedding dress shop which sells sleeved dresses!) I'd be so grateful.

There's a shop in Stirling called Master Tailor, run by a seamstress who does amazing repairs and alterations. I think she's Polish. She might also make dresses? Not sure. Would be worth asking. I bet she'd alter or add sleeves to a bought dress.

I'd like the bodice and sleeves to be of the same material so I don't think altering a bought dress would work, but thank you, I'll give her a phone.

Do you want it made? or would you like to buy one?

Loads of designers do long sleeved wedding dresses

If you are happy buying:
What shape dress do you want?
What material?

I'll find you a few designers in the right shape then we can look for stockists near to you

If you are buying for very late 2019 or 2020 then if you order a dress without sleeves you can normally order additional material at the same time which can then be made into sleeves by the shops alteration service