Custom Dress

I'm following this cause I would like to know too

Not for my wedding dress, but I did for prom. My advice is to go try on dresses if you haven't already. Try on as many shapes, necklines, fabrics, etc. so you know pretty much exactly what you want and take lots of pictures of the ones you like. Then call 5-10 well reviewed seamstresses in your area and ask if they do full dresses.

View Quoted Comment Thank you!

Have you looked into Anomelie? I've heard great things!!

View Quoted Comment I have too, but I’m nervous about ordering without physically seeing things. The lady I met is right in my city and showed me a lot of gorgeous stuff. I’m more concerned about cost.

View Quoted Comment They give you a sketch beforehand I believe, as well as fabric samples so in a way you get to see it. Doesn't hurt to check it out!

Yes, I had my dress and veil custom made. I paid around $2,500 for both. Price comparison is hard to say but I believe the same dress would have easily cost me at least a thousand dollars more because I purchased the highest quality fabrics and laces (silk chiffon and imported chantilly lace). The dressmaker's labor was $45 per hour and then I was able to buy my own fabrics. I found my dressmaker on Yelp and we designed the sketch together based on my Pinterest pins of dresses I liked (and knew they would look good on me based on wearing similar styles in the past). Then she measured me and told me how much fabric to buy in the silk chiffon and the lace to make the dress. She recommended I purchase my fabric from a world-renowned fabric store in San Francisco (Britex Fabrics) to get the best fabrics (quality fabric is easier to work with and looks better). S.F. is only 1.5 hours away from me so my bridal party and I made a day out of it and spent the day in the city shopping for my fabric. It was a lot of fun and they each had a hand in choosing fabric and accessories for my dress and veil. My dressmaker began making my dress in late September for my December wedding and I think I had 4 fittings before it was done. Here are some pics of the process:

Hey Jacqueline! Have you decided to go for a custom made dress?

Not yet! I was getting overwhelmed so I took a break
from planning. I HAVE to get started back on it! Any suggestions?

I had my dress custom made...at 4'9" and round like an apple, the thought of trying on dresses in a salon literally gave me a panic attack. I wanted a tea-length dress, too, and those can be hard to come by, even for taller girls! Anything I bought would have required extensive alterations, and though I paid about $2K to have my dress made, it was probably about as much as it would have cost to buy something and have it taken apart and put back together again to fit me. I have no regrets! I felt beautiful, I was comfortable as hell, and that dress was perfectly *me*.

Here are some pics from the construction process, and the final product:

House

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That was going to be my suggestion! I'm going through them and it's been going so great!

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Not only does Anomalie send you a sketch and the fabric sample box, they also send you a measurement guide. I believe the dresses start at about $1k. For my custom dress, they quoted me at $1250 but it also depends on how simple or complex your dress will be including fabric materials and embellishments.

If you don't like it or you decide to cancel your order, they have a 100% refund policy. Definitely worth checking out if that's in your budget and you're notified every step of the way through your Anomalie profile. You get to create a look book to upload photos and go over any inspiration and details you have in mind that your designer has access to. You can even leave comments. Even if you don't end up going with Anomalie, I hope you find what you're looking for.

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I love seeing these progress pictures!

It turned out amazing

My FH's grandmother made mine. I only had to pay for the cost of the pattern and materials. It cost me about $55 bucks, but unless you know a seamstress willing to gift it to you.. I imagine they'd charge labor.