There’s this nasty misconception in the wedding dress world that the word “custom” automatically means “expensive.” I hear it again and again from brides who are shopping for a wedding dress. They see “custom” and hesitate. “This can’t be for me,” they think. “It’s probably way out of my budget.”
I completely understand why but I’m here to tell you that custom doesn’t mean $10K. The custom wedding dresses I design start at $2,000. I want to acknowledge that this is still a lot more money than you’ve probably ever spent on a single piece of clothing but when it comes to wedding dresses, $2,000 is actually pretty close to the national average of $1,600 — and that’s for a wedding dress not made specifically for you. And don’t even get me started on all of the other benefits to designing a wedding dress rather than buying one off the rack.
Fit makes all the difference
As a wedding dress designer, I see the same thing happen again and again. A marrier will try on a custom wedding dress, look in the mirror, and say “Wow! This looks really good.” They think it’s the dress doing all the work but guess what? It’s not the dress. It’s her. For once, they’re just wearing something that fits properly.
That moment — when a marrier sees themselves more clearly (often for the very first time in her adult life) — is one of the best parts of my job. I love designing pieces that enhance, not distract, from who’s wearing it. I tailor each piece just right so you can actually see the person.
What a novel idea, right?
Consider the labor you’re putting in
So often I hear from people who say they didn’t consider a custom dress because they “didn’t have a vision” for what they wanted to wear. That’s OK! That’s my job. I’m a designer, which means that I have experience taking all those muddled thoughts swirling around your brain and translating them into something you can actually wear.
Often I find this process actually makes things easier for the client. Rather than braving the fluorescent lit pressure cooker of a bridal boutique, she’s able to work with a professional to develop a dress that works for her shape. She doesn’t have to do the emotional and physical labor of sorting through dresses that even with alterations will never quite fit her frame. Why do that to yourself? Instead, we can come up with something really, really cool made for you.
It’s about the journey
There’s a surprising upside to going the custom route: You get a crash course in self-confidence.
I do what I do because I want you to feel heard, empowered, and amazing in your own skin. Throughout our time together, I encourage you to speak up and tell me what you — nobody else — likes about your style and your body.
Working together is always about more than the look; it’s about celebrating who you are as you celebrate your unique love. And that’s priceless.
Want to start designing your custom wedding dress? Get in touch!
