Using a dressmaker for MOTG outfit

[rondo]

I’m just worried I’ll not like it and end up saying yes it’s great and I hate it.

Strong memories of my mum making my clothes

has anyone had a success?

No but, if this is how you feel, don’t do this to yourself! There are many options, although a lot of shops don’t have their full “wedding guest” range in yet.

perhaps book a session with a stylist instead?

Yeah. I will. I know it’s too early.
my mates were telling me this is a solution but I’m wary

Well it depends!

Are you a talented clothes designer? Or do you have a professional pattern you’d want the dressmaker to use? Do you already have an experienced and reliable person in mind - whose work has impressed you in the past?

If none of the above apply you’re probably better off taking advantage of the limitless clothes available to buy, or rent.

And of course S&B is an excellent place to ask for suggestions. Budget? Context? Size? Styling preferences, etc?

Yeah. Good advice.

I’ll pop back in April when there’s stuff in the shops

Well, don't say it's great then.

The difference between your mother (in memory) and a seamstress is that in this scenario, you'll be a paying customer who can demand things to their specification, rather than offspring getting something probably encumbered by your mother's preferences for what she wanted you to wear.

I have no experiences in the UK - although I have just bought some fabric online and will want to get a shirt made from it - but I had dresses made years ago in my home country. You came in with the fabric, explained (drew roughly, or the seamstress drew roughly) what you wanted, and then you'd come back in for a couple of fittings. I wasn't after anything too complicated (not a frill-y person), but I was perfectly satisfied.