Wedding dresses generally cost much more than a casual day dress, and more expensive fabrics can be more difficult to work with, so they can take more time to finesse. But whatever your budget, with so many options available, if you shop around you will find something that works for you and for your wallet, too.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $20,000 for a custom-made dress.
On the low end, you may work with a seamstress and use average-quality fabric for a simple but elegant item that is made to fit. On the high end, you can commission a custom-made wedding gown from Vera Wang that will be the highlight of your special day.
Where To Find A Designer
Many fashion designers who do custom work are located in large cities, such as New York and Los Angeles. But if you live in a more remote area, you can still find a talented seamstress or designer who will be willing to create a made-to-fit item especially for you. Better yet, many designers located in the smaller cities and towns charge quite a bit less than those in the larger cities. In addition, some designers will fill remote orders if you provide the measurements. Keep in mind, though, that without trying on the dress throughout the process, you may not get a perfect fit on your first try, so allow time and money for additional alterations to get it just right.
To find a fashion designer in your area, ask for recommendations at small clothing boutiques that carry local clothing lines. You can also see if a seamstress at a high-end department store is available for any custom side work. Finally, look in the advertising section of your phone book as well and ask people you know who are well dressed for their recommendations.
It is also worth mentioning that if you don’t have the time or budget for a custom-made dress but still want something with the same effect, you can work with a tailor to have a vintage dress tailored to your shape and add your own custom touches to turn it into a one-of-a-kind creation.
With a little time and lots of creativity, you can look and feel as good as your favorite celebrities do even without the high-end designer label.