Frequently Asked Questions

Elegant Gothic bride getting ready

Working with me to make your hopes and dreams a reality for your bespoke wedding gown is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, I know it can seem overwhelming, particularly if you’ve never worked with a couture designer before.

I’ve put together a list of questions I’m often asked by clients, so that you will feel more reassured and prepared when we start our journey together.

 

Elegant Gothic bride getting ready

Working with me to make your hopes and dreams a reality for your bespoke wedding gown is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, I know it can seem overwhelming, particularly if you’ve never worked with a couture designer before.

I’ve put together a list of questions I’m often asked by clients, so that you will feel more reassured and prepared when we start our journey together

 

“Caroline works tirelessly to create your dream dress.  She is highly skilled and lovely to see.   She made me feel very comfortable, which is so important with something as intimate as wedding dress fittings…”

– Andrena

“"Caroline works tirelessly to create your dream dress.  She is highly skilled and lovely to see.   She made me feel very comfortable, which is so important with something as intimate as wedding dress fittings..." - Andrena

Before your appointment

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Obviously, this is entirely dependent on the complexity of the style and fabrics chosen, but as a general guide, my bespoke hand-made wedding gowns start from £1,800. Brides typically around £2,500. 

Contact me here.

Yes.

I recommend you book your first appointment at least 9 months before the event. This ensures I can make and fit your dress in good time for your wedding and thus avoid unnecessary stress. If you have less time than this, I may still be able to help you, so it is worth you contacting me to ask.

No, I buy in the best quality silks to suit your budget and that will work with your design and this will be included in the price.

During your appointment

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Yes, directly outside the door and you will be the only person visiting my studio during your appointment so there will be no parking issues.

I am happy for you to bring another adult (over 16 only) to your appointment but would prefer not to have multiple guests, due to space issues in my studio. Also inevitably, the more people you bring, the more conflicting opinions there’ll be!  It is my mission to reduce your overwhelm.

Your initial appointment will last up to an hour. Subsequent appointments will be relaxed and unhurried and will take as long as we both need.

Fittings and alterations

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For the design consultation, please bring any pictures of wedding dresses that have inspired you.

For the measurement-taking appointment, please wear a black snugly-fitting vest or T-shirt and black tights or leggings, that you don’t mind me drawing on with tailor’s chalk (easily removed).

It is imperative that you wear an underwired bra that you feel gives you a pleasing silhouette for the initial fittings, even if you don’t plan to wear a bra with your dress.

Please bring the shoes that you intend to wear on the day to every fitting.

It is helpful if you can bring your veil and accessories to the later fittings.

I request that you don’t apply fake tan prior to attending a fitting, in order to protect your beautiful gown. I also recommend that you don’t wear make-up, which can easily transfer to light-coloured fabrics and is difficult to remove.  

If you’re planning on changing your shape, we will agree a deadline from which you should  maintain a stable weight, so that I can perfect the final fit.  After this deadline, should your shape change significantly, I will of course, still endeavour to accommodate you, however any extra sizeable alterations will incur additional fees.

I’d be delighted to, as long as you are reasonably local to the Heath and Reach area.

Find out more about my wedding dress alterations service!

Paying for your dress

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Yes, once you formally instruct me to start designing and swatching, I will require a 50% deposit of the agreed estimated price.  

Once you have chosen your design and fabrics from the selection within your requested price range, we will agree the definite final price.  

4 weeks prior to the event by which time we will be in the final fitting stages.

Unfortunately, I am unable to offer finance.

 

“…Essentially, she has the creativity and vision to make your perfect wedding dress become a reality.  Highly, highly recommended.”

– Andrena

“…Essentially, she has the creativity and vision to make your perfect wedding dress become a reality. Highly, highly recommended.” – Andrena

bridal couple, bride wears a black wedding dress
fashion illustration of dark blue lace and taffeta wedding gown
Alternative autumn bridal couple in flower field
bridal couple, bride wears a black wedding dress
fashion illustration of dark blue lace and taffeta wedding gown
Alternative autumn bridal couple in flower field

All wedding images courtesy of Sally Masson Photography 

Let’s chat!

 

Contact me to make your dream dress a reality. 

Find out more about me.

Tel: 01525 234111

"Caroline did such an amazing alteration on my bridesmaids dress, very friendly and professional."
- Emily
"Caroline was an absolute life saver when it came to altering my wedding dress at extremely short notice. She did a terrific job and made me feel really confident, despite it being so close to the wedding. I can’t recommend her enough."
- Chloe
"I trusted Caroline with my wedding dress and she really did not disappoint me. Would 1000 percent recommend her. She kept up great contact all the way through and us an extremely lovely lady. She made sure my dress was perfect before allowing me to take it home. Fantastic service."
- Ki m
"My prom dress made by Caroline was exactly what I wanted and it was a great way to have something that was really unique, rather than buying a high street dress. Her attention to detail was amazing and she was really knowledgeable when it came to making recommendations for the dress design. The dress turned out beautiful and I couldn’t have been more pleased"
- Chloe