wanchai's vintage wedding thread!

wanchai_2

Robinred wrote: »

I think it depends how much you have faith in her to make the right dress for you. Also how long would it take to have it made, is it a setup where you can say if you're not happy with it and she can change it at no extra cost? I love the idea of having it made as it's totally unique and also supporting small local businesses. OTH I wouldn't want to spend the next 6 months worrying about it and if that would be the case imho the extra money would be well spent to avoid the worry... Sorry to be so indecisive!

She's said that she will make a toile of the dress to check that I'm happy with the shape etc. So I don't know if I could change it, hopefully I wouldn't need to!

It should be finished by May if she starts in late January, so plenty of flexibility with the timescale.

White_Sapphire wrote: »

Which one's your favourite dress again? Was it the one with the spaghetti straps? (sorry, I'm easily confused )

If you've had a recommendation, and have seen examples of her work, and are happy with the initial meeting you had with her in terms of the ideas she had, any sketches she made, and how nice she is (very important!) then I'd say you have nothing to worry about. She will consult you on the design, including any detail, all fabrics used, etc, so you will know what the dress will look like before it's finished. She'll also make a toile (mock-up) of the dress in a cheap fabric to check that you like the design and that it suits you, and to make any alterations to the design before she makes the real thing.

It's entirely up to you, and please feel free to ignore me (I won't be offended, honest) but I personally would rather have a dress custom- designed and made to suit my body shape perfectly than buy a (more expensive) dress that is perfect in some places but not in others.

x

My favourite shop dress is like the one in this blog but with a bateau neckline and lace overlay all over.
http://greenweddingshoes.com/real-wedding-catie-bens-vintage-inspired-backyard-wedding/

She didn't make any sketches at our first meeting, maybe I should ask her to? She did seem lovely though, and totally put me at ease.

Thanks to both of you for your comments. I know you're right, and I love the thought of (a) having a totally unique dress made just for me and (b) supporting a small business.

What worries me?

• That she will get the shape 'wrong' or that it won't look as good on me as the shop dress
• That the bodice won't be as structured/boned as the shop dress - the shop dress bodice gives me the most amazing silhouette and nipped-in waist
• That the finish will be poor quality
• That I will choose the wrong lace for the overlay and it will look 'cheap' (couldn't find the same lace in the fabric shop)

:o:o:o:o

Robinred

I think you should meet her again and take these worries to her. I bet she will be able to assuage them with photos, sketches and words. At the end of the day her reputation is very important to her business so I don't think she would take on a project that she couldn't excel in. I'm sure she wouldn't be offended by you asking her about her concerns. I always say, if in doubt, have a conversation!

Just one thought though: Your colleague who raves about the dresses - does she have excellent taste? Just cos I've seen a few brides saying they're really happy with dresses they got from China and when I look at them I er, don't think they look that nice! hth

lovecake

Hi Wanchai - I don't know if this will help you in any way, but I am having my dress made and this was my experience:

When I met her at her studio we got on really well and I felt she really understood what I was looking for. She interpreted my ideas perfectly and suggested some lovely touches which I hadn't even though of. She also did a sketch of the dress at our first meeting.
She told me about her qualifications and how she had been a costume designer before she started her own business which made me feel confident that she had the ability.
She told me of some examples of past clients where she'd had to deal with mums or friends who might be a little opinionated and try to push the bride in a different direction and I was happy as I know she will listen to me and my ideas and not let anyone upset me.
She had samples of lace in her studio and actually pinned material on to a basic dress so that I could get an idea of how it would look which was really helpful.
She also has a website which has loads of pics of her actual clients in their dresses so I was able to see lots of examples of her work.

All in all, I feel really confident in her abilities and have no doubt in my mind that she will do a brilliant job. I have not looked at another dress since we had our first meeting.which was way back at the beginning of the summer and have not been tempted at all to see what else is out there.

If your experience has been similar then I would go for it, but there is any doubt in your mind then I would say just go for the dress you already know you love (to hell with the cost! :rotfl:) as it will save you the worry and stress! With everything else you have to worry about for your big day you don't want to have the added stress of worrying how your dress will turn out.

I hope my story will help you make up your mind!

wanchai_2

Robinred wrote: »

I think you should meet her again and take these worries to her. I bet she will be able to assuage them with photos, sketches and words. At the end of the day her reputation is very important to her business so I don't think she would take on a project that she couldn't excel in. I'm sure she wouldn't be offended by you asking her about her concerns. I always say, if in doubt, have a conversation!

Just one thought though: Your colleague who raves about the dresses - does she have excellent taste? Just cos I've seen a few brides saying they're really happy with dresses they got from China and when I look at them I er, don't think they look that nice! hth

OK, will speak to her and outline my concerns.

My colleague is always very well dressed and likes good quality clothes, she is stylish rather than 'trendy' so I would trust her opinion.

lovecake wrote: »

Hi Wanchai - I don't know if this will help you in any way, but I am having my dress made and this was my experience:

When I met her at her studio we got on really well and I felt she really understood what I was looking for. She interpreted my ideas perfectly and suggested some lovely touches which I hadn't even though of. She also did a sketch of the dress at our first meeting.
She told me about her qualifications and how she had been a costume designer before she started her own business which made me feel confident that she had the ability.
She told me of some examples of past clients where she'd had to deal with mums or friends who might be a little opinionated and try to push the bride in a different direction and I was happy as I know she will listen to me and my ideas and not let anyone upset me.
She had samples of lace in her studio and actually pinned material on to a basic dress so that I could get an idea of how it would look which was really helpful.
She also has a website which has loads of pics of her actual clients in their dresses so I was able to see lots of examples of her work.

All in all, I feel really confident in her abilities and have no doubt in my mind that she will do a brilliant job. I have not looked at another dress since we had our first meeting.which was way back at the beginning of the summer and have not been tempted at all to see what else is out there.

If your experience has been similar then I would go for it, but there is any doubt in your mind then I would say just go for the dress you already know you love (to hell with the cost! :rotfl:) as it will save you the worry and stress! With everything else you have to worry about for your big day you don't want to have the added stress of worrying how your dress will turn out.

I hope my story will help you make up your mind!

Thanks for your post. That is very reassuring to hear! Your DM sounds fab.

I will try to make a decision soon. I just hope that, whatever I decide, it turns out for the best.

White_Sapphire

Hey Wanchai!!

I hear you have made a decision on the dress! :T:beer::T

Can we have a little peek please? I can only find photos of the blog dress and the bateau neckline thin straps one.

Nosey old me, I know!

x

wanchai_2

I have no pics of it!!! The design is exclusive to the shop and there are no pics online. Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's like the blog dress but with lace overlay all over, and a bateau neckline (think Audrey Hepburn/Grace Kelly) instead of the little dip that she has. And WAY more nipped in on the bodice! It's like a vice lol.

It's also a more delicate lace.

nickki44

If you decide to go with the dress maker - you'll need to take her with you next time you try it on, so that you can be sure that she knows EXACTLY what you want

OR - once you buy it, they will let you take a photo of yourself in it

xx

wanchai_2

nickki44 wrote: »

If you decide to go with the dress maker - you'll need to take her with you next time you try it on, so that you can be sure that she knows EXACTLY what you want

OR - once you buy it, they will let you take a photo of yourself in it

xx

How can I bring the DM to the shop??? She's about 50 - I can't pretend that she's my bridesmaid! :rotfl: Maybe I could say that she's OH's mum. No, it would feel very dishonest to do that.

LOL - when I do order it, I will be sure to get a pic of it -they hopefully won't mind, since I'll have paid!

nickki44

wanchai wrote: »

How can I bring the DM to the shop??? She's about 50 - I can't pretend that she's my bridesmaid! :rotfl: Maybe I could say that she's OH's mum. No, it would feel very dishonest to do that.

LOL - when I do order it, I will be sure to get a pic of it -they hopefully won't mind, since I'll have paid!

oooooooooooooo Wanchai - that sounds suspiciously like a decision there
:j:j:j
xx

wanchai_2

Yes, eek!!! I do love it very much....