Wedding Custom Wedding Dress - Did you consider it? What did you decide - Why?

[Pandora II]

Date: 11/25/2008 6:09:20 PM
Author: sba771
Pandora- I just looked up your old posts to see your dress. OMG!! Stunning beyond words and classic! That dress is to die for! Just wanted you to know- I am very jealous.

Thank you - it was beyond my wildest dreams and I was so sad when I had to take it off.

For me the best moment was when I tried it on the night I got back to my parents where I was staying the week before the wedding. My mother has MS and has been very ill for the past few years. So ill that she wasn''t able to come to any dress shops or wedding fairs with me (hence my husband had to - and helped with the designs).

My youngest sister put me into the dress and I went through to show my parents. My mother''s face made it all worthwhile and made up for her not being there for all the other things.

I could have murdered my darling husband though. As I walked up the aisle I couldn''t see him anywhere - he thought you weren''t allowed to turn round and look at the bride or it brought bad luck. Men

Oh, he also asked me the day after the wedding if I wanted to be buried in my dress!

How morbid is that???

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 11/25/2008 11:49:56 PM
Author: Sparkalicious

Date: 11/25/2008 9:55:15 PM

Author: neatfreak

I would only consider if I already had a seamstress who I knew and trusted. Otherwise I wouldn''t risk it personally. There are a lot of bad seamstresses out there.

Thanks Neatfreak!


Agreed! I can''t imagine going with some yahoo seamstress due to the time constraints involved. There is just no going back. Imagine - 2 mos out and a botched wedding dress??

Who needs that kind of stress and disappointment? Right?


The custom designer I am considering is Luly Yang and she is quite well respected and referred highly. While this is nice to know, this fact does not provide me with total confidence because how do I know that she will get my dress right?!! This being said, I have gained increased confidence due to the fact that the designer has been able to translate my ideas into her preliminary sketches really well and seems to grasp exactly what I am seeking. I''m still not sold completely on this process, however, I am really excited at the prospect of seeing an amazing end result and intrigued by the possibilities!


Thanks for chiming in ... I am appreciating everyone''s insight and perspectives!

I''ll ask you another question, if I may - given that you were comfortable with the seamstress and her abilities ... would you have any further objections or hesitation with regard to going custom?

I would have many hesitations, sure. But the question for me would be whether the potential gain was worth the risk. If it is, I would go for it. If not (i.e., I could get almost the same dress ready made for $50 more or I wasn''t 100% sure about the seamstress, etc.) I wouldn''t do it.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 11/26/2008 9:18:01 AM
Author: neatfreak
I would have many hesitations, sure. But the question for me would be whether the potential gain was worth the risk. If it is, I would go for it. If not (i.e., I could get almost the same dress ready made for $50 more or I wasn''t 100% sure about the seamstress, etc.) I wouldn''t do it.

Therein lies my struggle. I''m trying to assess it fairly from all angles instead of just getting swept up in the excitement and emotion of it all. While custom appears to be more expensive, I fear that if I go with the ready made dress, the cost of alterations will take that price right up to around where the custom price is. I just find it all so confusing as there is no certainty and ... even if I''m confident about the seamstress ... I''m not together confident about myself, in that, I''m not sure that I will be able to express clearly what it is exactly that I would like as I have a hard time visualizing the final product. I know what I like to see but there are so many different components that I don''t want it to get too busy and horrible. Ugh ... thanks for listening to me ... I''m blathering and basically typing an argument with myself.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Another question - Based on your experiences or unfamiliarity with the custom process, what types of questions might be good questions to ask your desired seamstress?

I think that communication is key to the success of this process and I would like to ensure that if I do decide to go custom that my thoughts/ideas are well articulated and that I have been thorough with any due diligence.

Any ideas?

 

[Mediterranean]

Hi,

i finally got my sister in law''s permission to post a couple of pics of her in her gown. We''ve been playing e-mail tag with all the Thanksgiving prep going on!

To answer your questions about what to ask a designer:

1. Start with YOUR budget. Frankly, a custom dress can be either crazy-expensive, or lots cheaper than the crazy expensive designer original, so it'' probably better to work within your personal budget frame from the get-go.

2. You''re going to pretty much have to be involved in the process every step of the way (as opposed to ordering, waiting a few months, fitting, walking down the aisle). It''s more hands-on. So, make sure you LIKE your designer, and make sure you''re aware of how much of your time he/she needs.

3. Ask a lot of questions about the actual process: where your dress will be made, who is actually fabricating it, how many fittings you''ll need, and what you should bring (some people use only their own fabric, some use only yours, some are flexible)

4. Tell them a little about your favorite clothes (ones you own and wear, not your dream wardrobe) so that the designer has an idea of what YOU think flatters your style and your body and your personality. Tell him or her why you love those particular clothes. Ask him or her to recommend styles for your body type, too.

5. Ask about the ordering process: how long it will take to get your dress, how everyone will be processing order confirmations/shipping/etc.

6. Make sure you have a good handle on what the alterations process is. Some designers alter their own dresses, but some don''t, in which case you''ll need a good alterationist, so maybe do a little research there too.

I think it can be a lot of fun, and VERY rewarding to have the dress designed, but it''s good to lay groundwork so that it doesn''t become more of a stress than it should be....

 

[Sparkalicious]

Oh Mediterranean - Your assistance is much appreciated! Thanks for helping out.
Big thanks to your sister in law for sharing as well ... what a gorgeous dress! I love the back ... It looks just like a Jim Hjelm dress I like that I''m certain is much, much more expensive!!

Great advice ... these questions and the input I have received from you all so far will really help to assist me with laying the groundwork and, ultimately, making a decision between designer gown or custom. I''m still on the fence.

I think that some more meetings with the designer, in addition to, seeing my current favorite dress, in person, will really help highlight if this is, indeed, the right choice for me.

What you mention about budget is of such great importance and while this has already been addressed, my fear is that the price can easily zoom up ... as I get further along in the process and want to add more, for example, this will increase the price. I''m not sure how I would reign myself in once I already started ... you know, wanting it to be "perfect" and all. Ugh. Decisions, decisions. While I do want a gorgeous gown to be stunning in on our wedding day - custom or not custom - ... I do not feel that it warrants the astronomical price tag that could easily be attached nowadays.

 

[supergirl10]

hi sparks

thanks for your compliments to answer your questions yes I have 100% faith in my aunt that she wil do a fab job. The reason that I am getting her to make it is because it will save a lot of money, with the type of dress i would like! My aunt is also very very frank ie no sweetie that is NOT a good look on you, it would be more flatering if you ... Blunt and straight to the point is what i need because I want to look beautiful (as we all do)

I have copied a link of a dress which is my absolute favourite so far my plan is to modify it slightly and add a tiny bit of poffyness to the bottom (is that the word). I also love the model''s whole look especially the hair as I have similar skin tone and hair colour, but that is where the similarity ends lol! Unfortunetly you cant see the back in this picture but it is covered from the neck downwards in just lace and dips to a point 2/3 down the back.

http://www.wendymakin.com/popup.asp?catid=1&productid=362

 

[Samantha Red]

I too am going custom, because I haven''t seen any one dress that blows me away, and I would need lots of alterations on anything off the peg because of my large chest! I found a couple of designer/dressmakers at a wedding fayre and I love them. I am a bit scared because I can''t ''see'' it before it is made but the key is going to be communication I think. I have already bombarded them with tons of photos of stuff I like and I have chosen the dress fabric (an antique gold silk) and a lace to create a bolero. I am being measured on the 6th December and go for the first cotton fit at the end of January (my wedding is April 4th 09). I guess that the good thing is we can tweak stuff as we go a long too which gives more flexibility depending on what I like. Ultimately I really like the idea of wearing a dress that no-one else will ever have. There is definitely a scary side to it though and I will be very relieved to end up with a beautiful amazing dress on the day.

 

[Sparkalicious]

supergirl - You''re welcome. It sounds as though you are on the right track. Your aunt will do a wonderful job for you ... you''re so lucky!!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Samantha Red - I understand ... I''m the same! No single dress that I have seen has been "entirely" what I am seeking. While I''m still looking, I''m thinking that custom may very well be the route to take. Especially since, like you as well, I love the idea of wearing a dress that no one else has.

I think that the fact that you are engaged in the process and providing pictures and lots of input etc, will assist greatly with attaining a desirable result. As you mentioned, communicating effectively and expressing your ideas is essential. My concern is just being able to articulate my ideas in a way that the designer will be able to translate with relative ease.

I''m sure that your dress will be lovely!! Please keep us updated on your progress ... I would love to see how your dream dress has progressed from beginning to end.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Update - Went for a 3rd consult with the designer this weekend. Ugh! What''s wrong with me??!! I think that I have gone about this all wrong. While I did check out some wedding dresses beforehand, I''m thinking that I should have exhausted all of my options, i.e., looking for bridal gowns, before considering custom. I have an appt to check out more dresses tomorrow, but the sketches of this custom dress and what we have come up with so far are stuck in my head.

It includes all of the components that I covet for "my" wedding dress. How will any other dress compete?!!

Anyways ... I''m excited to check out more dresses to see what is out there and if anything really does compare and if it does compare, will it cost less?! That is the true test. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Please keep any insights about the custom process - perceived pros/cons coming ... Your thoughts are helping me wade my way through my thought process/decision.

Thank you!

 

[blondebunny]

Date: 12/1/2008 2:04:04 PM
Author: Sparkalicious
Update - Went for a 3rd consult with the designer this weekend. Ugh! What''s wrong with me??!! I think that I have gone about this all wrong. While I did check out some wedding dresses beforehand, I''m thinking that I should have exhausted all of my options, i.e., looking for bridal gowns, before considering custom. I have an appt to check out more dresses tomorrow, but the sketches of this custom dress and what we have come up with so far are stuck in my head.

It includes all of the components that I covet for ''my'' wedding dress. How will any other dress compete?!!


Anyways ... I''m excited to check out more dresses to see what is out there and if anything really does compare and if it does compare, will it cost less?! That is the true test. Keeping my fingers crossed.


Please keep any insights about the custom process - perceived pros/cons coming ... Your thoughts are helping me wade my way through my thought process/decision.


Thank you!

what components are you looking for in a dress?? Like neckline, silhouette, fabric?, detailing??? Just curious

I might start another thread with all the things I want in a dress.. I def dont think I could find the "one" with all the things i like.. hahaha

 

[Elmorton]

Hi spark, I haven''t read the whole thread - but I did want to offer a compromise option if no one else had already. When trying on gowns, have you found any that are "almost" right? If so - maybe consider altering the heck out of an existing dress to make it perfect.

My dress was from a destination collection (so it was less poofy and way cheaper than most of the dresses at the bridal shop I went to - came in at I think $650). I wanted a tea-length gown, which was darned near impossible to find two years ago. I found a dress that I liked the basic feel of, and then when it came in, we went to town on it. The store''s seamstress (who was AMAZING), took out the zipper back and put in a corset back. She made the neckline have a slight sweetheart curve instead of go straight across. She took off the bodice, cut off about 2 ft off the top of the skirt, and then reattached it, so not only was the skirt tea-length, but now it was fuller, cut off the train of the dress, and re-attached the bow that went around my ribcage so it was a nice flat 50''s type bow instead of a droopy loopy one. All the alterations ran about $300, so I came in right around 1k (which seems "normal"). I was really comfortable throughout the process - I liked that from the get-go, I had an actual dress that I had pictures of and could see myself in. I think it helped calm the nerves a lot. I didn''t have to wonder what I''d look like because I more or less knew. The only really scary time was a month before the wedding (prom season) and when my seamstress called to double check on some stuff and told me that my dress was in three pieces. That blew my mind a little, but other than that, it was a really positive experience. I got the dress of my dreams without the couture pricetag.

Like everyone has said, if you go semi-custom or entirely custom, you definitely need a seamstress who knows what she''s doing and who can visualize these things with you. I had a bad experience with my jr. prom dress - I had a bodice custom made to go with a ballroom style skirt, and the thing didn''t fit me right and the fabric seemed so much flimsier than formal wear usually is. The seamstress did beautiful work, and the top is definitely gorgeous (I still have it somewhere...), but it was just a lot more delicate than the store-bought stuff. Granted, it''s only one experience, and it sounds like you''ve received excellent tips if you do decide to go custom.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/1/2008 2:31:12 PM
Author: blondebunny
what components are you looking for in a dress?? Like neckline, silhouette, fabric?, detailing??? Just curious

I might start another thread with all the things I want in a dress.. I def dont think I could find the ''one'' with all the things i like.. hahaha

BB - You are so much fun! I''m so glad that you are a PSer.

Okay ... to answer your questions ...

Neckline - Strapless, Modified Sweetheart (possibly with a delicate "crumbcatcher" or tulip ruffle embellishment)
Bodice - Sculpted with beadwork/embroidery (gold threading)
Silouette - Lots of volume - but not exactly sure how. I''m drawn to trumpet b/c I would like to accentuate the positive, however, some sort of modified Aline or ballgown might work as well ... all depends on how it all works together.
Fabric - Duchesse Satin
Detailing - Love embroidery & beadwork on the bodice and possibly on the train
Hem - pleated ruffle (to balance out or compliment tulip ruffle in neckline)
Train - Cathedral or, minimum Chapel (Elaborate and captivating)
Must have - Tiered Ruffle - definitely in the train but possibly around the entire dress (not soft and romantic or flowy but more organized and structured without being harsh and still has movement to it)
Waist - Dropped or Natural

Overall look - Luxe, glamorous, WOW but not over the top and ridiculous. I love Kenneth Pool gowns but don''t necessarily love the poofiness in the back with some of the trains.

Does that help?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/1/2008 2:36:31 PM
Author: Elmorton
Hi spark, I haven''t read the whole thread - but I did want to offer a compromise option if no one else had already. When trying on gowns, have you found any that are ''almost'' right? If so - maybe consider altering the heck out of an existing dress to make it perfect.

My dress was from a destination collection (so it was less poofy and way cheaper than most of the dresses at the bridal shop I went to - came in at I think $650). I wanted a tea-length gown, which was darned near impossible to find two years ago. I found a dress that I liked the basic feel of, and then when it came in, we went to town on it. The store''s seamstress (who was AMAZING), took out the zipper back and put in a corset back. She made the neckline have a slight sweetheart curve instead of go straight across. She took off the bodice, cut off about 2 ft off the top of the skirt, and then reattached it, so not only was the skirt tea-length, but now it was fuller, cut off the train of the dress, and re-attached the bow that went around my ribcage so it was a nice flat 50''s type bow instead of a droopy loopy one. All the alterations ran about $300, so I came in right around 1k (which seems ''normal''). I was really comfortable throughout the process - I liked that from the get-go, I had an actual dress that I had pictures of and could see myself in. I think it helped calm the nerves a lot. I didn''t have to wonder what I''d look like because I more or less knew. The only really scary time was a month before the wedding (prom season) and when my seamstress called to double check on some stuff and told me that my dress was in three pieces. That blew my mind a little, but other than that, it was a really positive experience. I got the dress of my dreams without the couture pricetag.

Like everyone has said, if you go semi-custom or entirely custom, you definitely need a seamstress who knows what she''s doing and who can visualize these things with you. I had a bad experience with my jr. prom dress - I had a bodice custom made to go with a ballroom style skirt, and the thing didn''t fit me right and the fabric seemed so much flimsier than formal wear usually is. The seamstress did beautiful work, and the top is definitely gorgeous (I still have it somewhere...), but it was just a lot more delicate than the store-bought stuff. Granted, it''s only one experience, and it sounds like you''ve received excellent tips if you do decide to go custom.

Why thank you very much, Ms. Elmorton! Much appreciated!! Great advice! Holly did suggest something similar and I am seriously considering it for this one dress that I am presently coveting. My concern is that with alterations - this particular dress will cost more

than going custom!! Another dress that I found that was pretty much perfect and the only dress that I could fully envision myself in, with limited alterations was $7,500+ ... Ummm, NO!

I still have some legwork to do, however, I am keeping this option at the forefront of my mind so that when I look at a dress I am also ensuring to visualize it''s possibilities w/alterations etc, as opposed to just taking it for what it is. If I can buy a dress that I love for significantly less and then alter the heck out of it to make it perfect and still reasonably priced?!! Why not?!!! That is definitely the best of both worlds!!

I saw your dress in another thread and though that it marvelous! Great, great job! Definitely worth the effort!!!!!

With regards to the designer - I''m confident in their abilities due to their reputation and the fact that she is able to translate my vision into a design. What she has come up with so far is divine. I''m lovin'' it!!!

Thanks so much for the thoughtful and informative response. You guys are so wonderful!

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 12/1/2008 2:47:52 PM
Author: Sparkalicious

Date: 12/1/2008 2:31:12 PM
Author: blondebunny
what components are you looking for in a dress?? Like neckline, silhouette, fabric?, detailing??? Just curious

I might start another thread with all the things I want in a dress.. I def dont think I could find the ''one'' with all the things i like.. hahaha

BB - You are so much fun! I''m so glad that you are a PSer.

Okay ... to answer your questions ...

Neckline - Strapless, Modified Sweetheart (possibly with a delicate ''crumbcatcher'' or tulip ruffle embellishment)
Bodice - Sculpted with beadwork/embroidery (gold threading)
Silouette - Lots of volume - but not exactly sure how. I''m drawn to trumpet b/c I would like to accentuate the positive, however, some sort of modified Aline or ballgown might work as well ... all depends on how it all works together.
Fabric - Duchesse Satin
Detailing - Love embroidery & beadwork on the bodice and possibly on the train
Hem - pleated ruffle (to balance out or compliment tulip ruffle in neckline)
Train - Cathedral or, minimum Chapel (Elaborate and captivating)
Must have - Tiered Ruffle - definitely in the train but possibly around the entire dress (not soft and romantic or flowy but more organized and structured without being harsh and still has movement to it)
Waist - Dropped or Natural

Overall look - Luxe, glamorous, WOW but not over the top and ridiculous. I love Kenneth Pool gowns but don''t necessarily love the poofiness in the back with some of the trains.

Does that help?

Just wanted to throw out a ''beware'' here:

Things like pleating, embroidery and beading will add $$$ to the cost as they are very time-consuming. If you want a lot of beadwork on the bodice, I would suggest either going for a beaded fabric or not going custom.

Beading and embroidery are separate skills from being a good seamstress - some can do both, but don''t assume it.

ETA: I never tried on any wedding-dresses at all. However, I am a very black & white person and fairly confident in my decisions so it was a lot easier for me than it would have been for my sister, for example, who is never quite sure about things.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/1/2008 3:25:27 PM
Author: Pandora II

Date: 12/1/2008 2:47:52 PM
Author: Sparkalicious

Neckline - Strapless, Modified Sweetheart (possibly with a delicate ''crumbcatcher'' or tulip ruffle embellishment)
Bodice - Sculpted with beadwork/embroidery (gold threading)
Silouette - Lots of volume - but not exactly sure how. I''m drawn to trumpet b/c I would like to accentuate the positive, however, some sort of modified Aline or ballgown might work as well ... all depends on how it all works together.
Fabric - Duchesse Satin
Detailing - Love embroidery & beadwork on the bodice and possibly on the train
Hem - pleated ruffle (to balance out or compliment tulip ruffle in neckline)
Train - Cathedral or, minimum Chapel (Elaborate and captivating)
Must have - Tiered Ruffle - definitely in the train but possibly around the entire dress (not soft and romantic or flowy but more organized and structured without being harsh and still has movement to it)
Waist - Dropped or Natural

Just wanted to throw out a ''beware'' here:

Things like pleating, embroidery and beading will add $$$ to the cost as they are very time-consuming. If you want a lot of beadwork on the bodice, I would suggest either going for a beaded fabric or not going custom.

Beading and embroidery are separate skills from being a good seamstress - some can do both, but don''t assume it.

ETA: I never tried on any wedding-dresses at all. However, I am a very black & white person and fairly confident in my decisions so it was a lot easier for me than it would have been for my sister, for example, who is never quite sure about things.

Oh, Ms. Pandora - Don''t I know it!!
This is something else that I''m struggling with with the custom process - I''m definitely going to have to curb my desire for elaborate beadwork and embroidery. This is one of the only "compromises" that I have had to consider with custom in order to keep the price "reasonable".

Beaded fabric is an interesting option ... one that I did not even realize was a possibility!!!! Thank you, very much! This might afford me the luxury of being able to get the look I desire for the price I need. Fingers crossed??!

Thanks for the tip about the seamstress as well ... I know that this designer & her seamstresses are proficient at both but thanks for the head''s up b/c this is absolutely an important consideration and something that may very well be overlooked!

Being a black and white person must have certainly made the process easy for you. If an individual is at all wishy washy, I can imagine that it makes the designers job much more difficult.

 

[blondebunny]

Date: 12/1/2008 2:47:52 PM
Author: Sparkalicious

Date: 12/1/2008 2:31:12 PM

Author: blondebunny

what components are you looking for in a dress?? Like neckline, silhouette, fabric?, detailing??? Just curious


I might start another thread with all the things I want in a dress.. I def dont think I could find the ''one'' with all the things i like.. hahaha

BB - You are so much fun! I''m so glad that you are a PSer.

Okay ... to answer your questions ...


Neckline - Strapless, Modified Sweetheart (possibly with a delicate ''crumbcatcher'' or tulip ruffle embellishment)

Bodice - Sculpted with beadwork/embroidery (gold threading)

Silouette - Lots of volume - but not exactly sure how. I''m drawn to trumpet b/c I would like to accentuate the positive, however, some sort of modified Aline or ballgown might work as well ... all depends on how it all works together.

Fabric - Duchesse Satin

Detailing - Love embroidery & beadwork on the bodice and possibly on the train

Hem - pleated ruffle (to balance out or compliment tulip ruffle in neckline)

Train - Cathedral or, minimum Chapel (Elaborate and captivating)

Must have - Tiered Ruffle - definitely in the train but possibly around the entire dress (not soft and romantic or flowy but more organized and structured without being harsh and still has movement to it)

Waist - Dropped or Natural


Overall look - Luxe, glamorous, WOW but not over the top and ridiculous. I love Kenneth Pool gowns but don''t necessarily love the poofiness in the back with some of the trains.


Does that help?

wow... it sounds like its going to be stunning!! when u mentioned ur neckline i immediately thought of this dress i just saw and loved the top

 

[blondebunny]

and then this back i love too

 

[emeraldlover1]

I really considered it too! I even sketched each possible angle of what I would want my dream dress to look like. In the end I decided that I was so distressed about it that I would try on a ton of dresses and in the end if I didn''t find anything, go custom. So, that is how I made my decision. I love my dress and my sketches maybe I''ll have made into something someday.

 

[E B]

Have you seen the Sophia Tolli Dolce? It doesn't have every single thing you're looking for, but the back is pretty WOW and it has the soft ruffle embellishment at the neckline.

 

[E B]

The back:

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/1/2008 8:35:19 PM
Author: blondebunny
wow... it sounds like its going to be stunning!! when u mentioned ur neckline i immediately thought of this dress i just saw and loved the top

Why, thank you, blondebunny! I appreciate that. From what I have described, it sounds kind of confusing and sort of like a hot mess, however, I''m glad that you are able to see the vision behind all the garble. The designer is super excited and thinks that we have collaborated to come up with will be divine and I have to agree ... I just wish it sounded better when described. If I am ever able, I will post some sketches ... I tried to replicate them. Tried being the operative word. Ugh.

I totally see why you thought of that first dress when I mentioned "tulip ruffle" ... It looks exactly like a tulip. Pretty. Not exactly what I was going for ... the ruffle to which I was referring is more of a pleated ruffle. Not even really necessary ... I would be happy with a simple modified sweetheart neckline. IF I can find some pics of the type of ruffle, I will post them for you.

I love that Winnie Couture dress, the one with the deep back ... LOVE it. I actually even have it in my little wedding scrapbook thingy but I just couldn''t do it ... the back is too low for me! Yikes. Also, I''m looking for more beading vs. lace. I laughed when I saw that though ... I think that you and I are on very same wave lengths right now.

EM1 - Hi!! Thanks for stopping in ... I covet your dress.

It is gorgeous and you look amazing in it!! You absolutely didn''t have to go custom ... thanks for sharing that. I appreciate it b/c that means, to me, that if I keep looking, that I may be blown away by a dress in a shop too! Yay. I would love to see your sketches ... do they look anything like your dress???

HI Ebree!

No ... I had not seen that dress. It is wow and yes ... the soft ruffle at the neckline is similar to what I am interested in ... I going to check out more of that website. Thanks so much ... while it isn''t exactly what I had in mind ... it does give me ideas on how to incorporate some of my ideas.

Thank you SO much!!

 

[emeraldlover1]

Spark...Thank you so much for the comments on my dress! I have to tell you that if I had seen a pic of my dress on the model before I went to the bridal salon I probably would have not even tried it on. So, my personal thought is that if you can describe what you like and you know what will look good on you, you may find a dress without having to go custom. Either way I would still try on as many as possible. Its just fun!

My sketches have some similarites to the dress that I bought but at the same time are very different. My designs are a sweetheart halter dress with some braided two tone fabric through the halter with free flowing fabric from the tie. I had the back cut really low with buttons to probably tea length. I wanted it fitted to the knee where I had drawn a tier of fabric so I could have a removable train with ruffles. Its hard to expalin. If my scanner ever works I''ll scan it for you to see. It was really elaborate but at the same time really me. I wanted to use the best fabrics and that would have cost me. I sincerely had nightmares about it not turning out the way I wanted so in the end it was better that I found a dress I love. What swayed me the most was the way the dress looked on me. It felt like it was made for me and I hadn''t seen it before which made me happy. I was really surprised that I loved the dress considering its silk tafetta and I didn''t think I liked that. In the end though, it felt like it was my dress and I have the comfort of knowing that my dress will be well made.

I can''t wait to see what you decide!!!
''

 

[Sparkalicious]

Okay - Tried to find some pics and will try to point out what I like/don''t like about each dress.

This is a POB dress. Love the beading on the bodice but would prefer a modified sweetheart neckline (not difficult to alter)
Like the "texture" of the tiered ruffle but don''t like this particular ruffle on the skirt ... don''t love the train.

http://www.priscillaofboston.com/dress_detail.jsp?gid=100&sfid=290&f=

 

[Sparkalicious]

Love the sculpted bodice of this dress & the beadwork and it has a shape I like but is missing the tiered ruffle that I love so much.

Front

 

[Sparkalicious]

Back

 

[Sparkalicious]

This Kenneth Pool Marlene has a similar, what I call "crumbcatcher" neckline ... I would prefer mine a little more subtle and graduated ... hard to describe.
This dress also has a pleated ruffle hemline that I like.

http://kennethpool.com/gallery/071207/k290.shtml

Sorry I couldn''t post a pic, it wouldn''t work for me. Ugh.

 

[Sparkalicious]

I think that this Kenneth Pool Vermeer is most similar to what I like in the bodice and neckline. The skirt is not what I would prefer and it is lacking the tiered ruffle that I love so much ...

http://kennethpool.com/gallery/070605/k273.shtml

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/1/2008 10:26:50 PM
Author: emeraldlover1
Spark...Thank you so much for the comments on my dress! I have to tell you that if I had seen a pic of my dress on the model before I went to the bridal salon I probably would have not even tried it on. So, my personal thought is that if you can describe what you like and you know what will look good on you, you may find a dress without having to go custom. Either way I would still try on as many as possible. Its just fun!

My sketches have some similarites to the dress that I bought but at the same time are very different. My designs are a sweetheart halter dress with some braided two tone fabric through the halter with free flowing fabric from the tie. I had the back cut really low with buttons to probably tea length. I wanted it fitted to the knee where I had drawn a tier of fabric so I could have a removable train with ruffles. Its hard to expalin. If my scanner ever works I''ll scan it for you to see. It was really elaborate but at the same time really me. I wanted to use the best fabrics and that would have cost me. I sincerely had nightmares about it not turning out the way I wanted so in the end it was better that I found a dress I love. What swayed me the most was the way the dress looked on me. It felt like it was made for me and I hadn''t seen it before which made me happy. I was really surprised that I loved the dress considering its silk tafetta and I didn''t think I liked that. In the end though, it felt like it was my dress and I have the comfort of knowing that my dress will be well made.

I can''t wait to see what you decide!!!
''

Oooh ... scanner, please work!! Sounds amazing!!