Anyone had a dress made for them?

[Youremindmeofthebabe]

Anybody used a local seamstress to make them their perfect wedding dress? I cannot find what I want in any shop, and am seriously thinking about doing it. Any advice/ recommendations/ horror stories?

If you live anywhere within driving distance of Teesside, i can strongly recommend someone.

I could be, DrS. I have family on wearside. Can you pm me?

I did and it was brilliant, there's no way I could have found what I wanted in a shop (got married in navy). But, you do need to be really clear with what you want. You need to look at their previous work, agree costs in advance (may depend on the materials you choose), work on the design drawings together and agree a timetable for fittings etc.

One thing I found out along the way was to ask about seams - wedding dresses sometimes have hidden seams (say under a fold or ruching) and it hadn't occurred to me to ask how they would put it all together, which made a slight difference to the finished look. Also you need to make clear what you don't want, say a zip, when you'd rather have buttons.

Oh, and there should definitely be at least one toile fitting where you agree the pattern/style, before they start to use the real material. That will save a fortune if something isn't right, or you have changed your mind!

Yes and, like Pragmatic would recommend it if you're happy with the dressmaker.

In terms of both time and material costs it's a lot cheaper too. Mine worked out about one-third of a similar quality item had I bought ready-made. It's also nice to have something specifically designed for you rather than getting an off-the-peg gown that has to be tweaked to fit.

Congratulations too!

Yes, and I thoroughly recommend it. I had quite a traditional princess-dress but as I'm petite, wanted something tailor-made to my size. The biggest benefit though was in terms of overall experience. It was so different and special going to all the fittings. On the day, it really felt like my dress had a story behind it because I'd been involved in every stage. And of course, no other bride has a dress quite like it

Be very very careful about choosing your dressmaker. I thought I was clear about what I wanted but didn't end up with this at all. Also ended up with a dress it was impossible to sit down in. Thank Fxxx it wasn't my wedding dress! On other hand I loved my wedding dress and had it customised with alterations. I would never get a dress made again after my experience.

Would anyone be prepared to say roughly how much it cost?

I know an excellent dressmaker and would like to ask her to make a dress for my daughter, but because I know her in another context it's hard to ask about price (especially if it's loads and we then can't afford it!). There's no indication on her website.

My sister did.

I was going to have mine made by : lizziejayne.co.uk/

But found one in my local bridal shop sale in the end.

If anyone is in or near London, my SIL is a professional tailor and has made several wedding dresses.

I did, by a fantastic dressmaker in Nottingham. I actually saw her dresses at the NEC wedding fayre so knew she was good. I too got married in blue (though not navy) it was slightly terrifying as I wasn't due to receive the dress until the week before the wedding but it exceeded my expectations and it cost the same as an off the hanger dress so I really couldn't complain.

Mine cost £1500 with a fair amount of lace, the whole thing in raw silk and a cute brooch. Couple of fittings, really talented lady who basically made no profit from it but does it for fun.

Oh, mine was corseted so loads of steel involved and obviously really structured and complicated.

Mine cost £500 in 2007. Happy to recommend someone in Horsforth, Leeds, if that's useful... I enjoyed the process - it's really fascinating and I enjoyed being part of the planning and design.

Anyway, onto wedding number 2 a few (embarrassingly short) years later - doing everything diametrically opposite and so buying ready made off ebay for me!!

Mmm, forgot to say it was A line halterneck, gently corseted and in ivory thai silk with some crystal beading around empire line

I got mine made by "lamaras weddings", made to measure online, couldn't find anything in the shops I liked, fitted perfectly and fantastic service, you can find her on Facebook as well.

cost 500, she's based in northampton

can you pm me the details of the nottingham dress maker please?