Having Your Dream Wedding Gown Designed

Have a unique body shape or style?  Having a hard time finding just the right dress in the store?  You may want to try having a dress designed just for you.  Look online for reviews (EasyEventPlanning.com may have reviews for dressmakers in your area).  Here are some questions you may want to ask:

1.    How did you get started in the business?  (Do they seem passionate about their work?)

2.    What were you doing before this?  (Do they have any other relevant experience?)

3.    How far out are you currently booked?  (If you’re looking to get something created quickly, you want to make sure they have the time to accommodate you without rushing.  If their schedule is wide open, it could be a red flag.)

4.    How long would it take to create this dress?

5.    Do you use a machine or do all of your work by hand?

6.    Do you ever outsource your work?

7.    What’s your specialty?

8.    What’s the process? How many fittings, etc?

9.    Can I see samples of your work?  (It’s better to see and feel actual samples instead of just seeing them on a website; you can more easily see the quality of the stitching)

10.    Can you design a dress from photos? (Point in the pictures what you like about each design – the buttons, stitching, neckline, cuffs, waistline, etc)

11.    Will my custom pattern be saved?  (You may want to have a flower girl dress patterned from the same design)

12.    What fabrics are you used to working with?

13.    Can you review the differences between fabrics?

14.    Which fabric(s) would best accommodate my budget?

15.    Would I be able to contact your 3-4 more recent clients?

16.    Will you be able to offer style advice?

17.    Do you carry insurance?

18.    What is your payment policy?

19.    What is your cancelation policy?

20.    Why should I hire you over other dressmakers?