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Before you:
Hire Your Videographer
Choose a Videographer
Choose a Photographer
Planning for Great Photography
Hire a DJ
Choose a Bakery
Working with Your Baker
Looking for a Wedding Planner
Ceremony Location
Working with a Designer or Seamstress
Working with a Designer or Seamstress
Firstly, know the difference between a seamstress and a designer. Designers will design and make a gown especially for you, seamstresses will make what you ask them to, using a store bought pattern to do it. Designers make their own patterns, or have them made especially for an order.
DON'T ask a designer to knock off another designers work, especially if you are asking them to do it cheaper than the other designer's price. It's insulting.
DO go to a seamstress if you want to have a duplicate style made for less.
If you are going to a designer, you might want to have some idea about what you like, but don't order the designer to make a certain dress. designers cost more because of the skill set they have, and are great if you want something DESIGNED for you. If you know exactly what you want, a seamstress is the better, and cheaper, route to go.
If you have an unusual element to your gown, say a funky back or something, ask if the seamstress can do it. If she uses patterns exclusively, she may not know how to alter them to get exactly what you want. Where designers actually draft patterns specifically, you might want to go that route.
Seamstresses and Designers alike will ask for a deposit up front. This is usually 50% of the final price.
Ask your seamstress or designer about how they work. Some will want you to bring them your fabric (usually seamstresses, but some designers will too. Others might want to go shopping with you to pick something out, and some will go shopping on their own.
Let the designer or seamstress take your measurements. This will give the best fit.
Always show up on time for appointments! If you can't make a fitting, give ample notice!
For your first meeting, try to bring some photos and magazines with gowns you like.
Especially in the case of a designer, listen to their professional advice. If they tell you that a certain neckline will NOT suit you, don't ask them to do it anyway.
When you are getting measured, be sure to wear approximately the same type of undergarments you will wear under the gown. See "General Tips"
When you are getting fitted with the actual, partially complete dress, bring your wedding shoes with you.
Give the designer or seamstress as much time as possible to do their work! Some may be able to make emergency gowns overnight, but aside from costing you a fortune, it'll stress them out. Be nice!
On that subject, please be polite. Many designers and seamstresses have to put up with rude customers, and grow to hate their job. Be a ray of sunshine in their career!:)
Don't expect something for nothing. Yes, you may be able to buy a gown for $200 for some places, but remember that the manufacturers of those gowns pay next to nothing for fabric, and usually manufacture the gowns in sweatshacks for $5 a week or something. It wouldn't be unusual for your seamstress or designer to have to pay more than that $200 for your fabric alone!
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