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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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