Bespoke Wedding Dresses
Alongside or designer collections we stock we also offer brides the opportunity to have a bespoke dress created as a one off piece as individual as each bride. We will guide you through the process from design to fabric selection in order to bring your dream dress to life.
Dress consultations typically last 1 1/2 hours as we talk through your ideas and bring them to life by sketching your design whilst we sit with you showing you fabric and trim options to finalise your design. Each dress is individually priced based on fabric and the level of work involved. If you do have a budget in mind we will do our best to accommodate this by showing you fabrics that work within your price point.
Once we have finalised the design of your dress we will take all of your measurements.A deposit is also required before we undertake any work to your dress. We will initially construct a toile of your dress to ensure a perfect fit. Once we are happy with the fit of the toile we will make your dress in the final fabric you chose at your initial consultation. Once made in the final fabric your dress may require a few additional tweaks. Usually brides choosing to have a bespoke dress will require around 5 appointments.
It is recommended that 6-12 months is allowed for the process of making a bespoke wedding dress however we can make them in under 12 weeks for an additional rush fee.
We do also offer Mother of the Bride/Groom dresses and bridesmaid dresses as a bespoke option.
All garments and accessories are handmade at Natalya’s studio in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.
The process for your bespoke wedding dress
Stage 1: The Consultation
The first appointment is a consultation during which Natalya will discuss any inspiration and design ideas for your garment along with silhouette, potential fabrics and embellishments. If you decide you would like to work with her, Natalya will then produce a range of designs and an estimate on cost.
Stage 2: Selection
This is when you will select the final design and fabric for your garment along with any trims and embellishment. Natalya will then take your measurements in order to begin drafting the pattern and making the toile. A final quote will be given and at this stage a 25% deposit will be required.
Stage 3: Toile Fitting
Using your measurements taken at the previous meeting a toile/mock up of your garment will be made in calico and any alterations or changes can be made before producing the garment in the final fabric. At this stage a further 25% of the final cost is required.
Stage 4: Final Garment Fitting
Once the garment is made in the final fabric, fitting can take place. Several fittings may be required in order to achieve the perfect fit.
Stage 5: Collection
After the final fitting and you are happy with your garment you can take it home. At this stage final payment of the outstanding balance is required.
“Natalya is amazing. She knew exactly what to do to make my dress perfect and is brilliant at what she does.”
Bespoke Accessories
Alongside our accessory collection we also offer brides the opportunity to have unique accessories created to compliment their dress whether its taking inspiration from one of our collection pieces or something entirely different we aim to create a each accessory as a piece every bride can treasure.
During an accessory appointment we will offer you the opportunity to try on any of our accessory samples that we have in our boutique. Brides are able to order these as the sample, change them to suit their own colour scheme or ideas or have something made completely from scratch. Any accessories made from scratch will be designed through sketches during your appointment and we will talk through beading and trim options before pricing up your individual piece. Prior to undertaking any work on your accessory we require a 50% deposit with the balance due on collection.
Please note the above service applies to all accessories made by Natalya James.
