Creating the dress

Following an initial free consultation I will outline the cost of designing and creating the dress you have in mind.  You may choose fabric from one of the samples I hold here or supply it yourself. 

Each dress is priced individually and the final cost is dependent on design and fabric choice. Typically, creating the dress could cost between £700 and £1800, which includes your chosen fabric, toile fabrics, fitting time and haberdashery. Hand beading or embroidery are priced separately.

I initially make a toile of the design, which I fit on you and make any necessary alterations.  Only when we are both satisfied with the style and shape do I start working in your chosen fabric. 

I usually ask for a minimum of six months in which to make your dress, although depending on other commitments a shorter time-scale can be possible.  You need to allow time for fittings, which can be arranged flexibly during the week, evenings or weekends.

For a completely co-ordinated wedding, I can create bridesmaids' dresses and page boy outfits following the same principles that I apply in making wedding dresses.

Payment is by staged payments spread over the allocated timescale.

New for 2007: samples of environmentally friendly fabrics.

This stunning red dress in dupion silk features a corset style bodice decorated with hand-made roses. The draped skirt is supported by a steel crinoline and net petticoat. The bridesmaid is wearing a similar style corset top with a hip- skimming long skirt in purple dupion silk - a versatile outfit that could be worn to a future evening event after the wedding.

The wedding took place in an inflatable church, hired by the bride and groom!

Planning an autumn wedding does mean you need to consider the caprices of British weather. This wedding outfit comprises of a corset-style top, an A-line skirt, frilled petticoat and coat with train. The latter is perfect for outside wedding photos but can be taken off for an indoor reception later in the day.

The bride chose a coffee coloured Dupion silk along with her own oriental-design silk fabric bought while travelling.

This bride and groom wanted a Medieval theme to their wedding. The bride opted for a bias-cut dress in ivory silk crepe and chiffon, trimmed with gold.