Today is a beautiful sunny day here in London and although it is cold outside the warm colours are making me think of Spring. For many this is that special time of year when they have chosen to marry and some of you might be looking around for your perfect wedding dress or outfit. Creating a wedding dress for a bride-to-be is a very special process and one that I enjoy immensely. I have created a few wedding dresses over the years and today I'd like to share a small selection with you. To my mind the dress should be as unique as you are. It doesn't have to be white or long or indeed a dress. The important thing is that the outfit you choose is comfortable, suits you and gives you a sense of occasion.
Having a wedding dress tailor-made can be a daunting decision. You might have doubts about whether the final product will really be what you want. What if you change your mind along the way? Will you be able to imagine the final dress and look from a drawing and fabric swatches? I'll try to answer a few of the more common questions below and please feel free to add your own by commenting on this post or by getting in touch: info@daraford.com
Pale pistachio green dress with draped bodice
Polyester satin with a silk tulle cathedral length veil
Polyester satin with a silk tulle cathedral length veil
Step 1: Initial consultation
The process usually begins with an informal chat about your ideas, time frame and budget. Maybe you have a clear vision of what you want or maybe you'd like some advice on what suits your shape. It is a good idea to visit a few shops and try on some wedding dresses & evening gowns to see what shape you feel comfortable in and what details you might like. The beauty of having your dress made for you is that you can pick and choose features of various dresses and have them combined into your dream gown. That way you also don't have to miss out on the fun of wedding dress shopping with your best friend!
If you are ready to go ahead with an order I will then take your measurements and three photographs of you (from the front, side and back) so that I can draw directly onto a template of your exact body shape. This really helps to determine the right dress proportions for you. We will discuss what kind of fabrics and what quality of finish you'd like.
Step 2: Design sketches, fabric choices & basic patterns
After this initial consultation I will start by drawing up some designs for you to consider, source suitable fabrics as well as making up a very basic block pattern to your measurements. At your first fitting I will adjust the basic pattern and from this I can create your actual wedding gown design. We will go through the design sketches together and discuss details, shape and fabric.
Step 3: First fitting of design in cotton fabric (toile)
At your second fitting a toile of your chosen design will be ready to try on and I will have ordered in the fabric for it too. This is usually a very exciting moment as you will get a real sense of what the finished dress will be like.
Step 4: Second fitting in final fabric
Following adjustments to the pattern your dress will now usually be ready to cut and stitch together. At your third fitting the nearly completed dress is checked over and minor adjustments can be made to ensure the perfect fit. I recommend that this fitting be no more than two weeks before the wedding as a lot of brides tend to lose weight before their big day on account of the stress of organising it all! Should you wish to add any accessories such as a veil this can also be done now.
Step 5: Completion
Following this final fitting I will complete the dress and any accessories you ordered and then your dress will be ready for your special day!
As you can see - the entire process is a journey of several weeks from start to finish (I usually require a minimum of 8 - 12 weeks, although a fast-track service is available) and your outfit will develop organically throughout this time. I find that the initial idea often evolves into something more personalised throughout this time and as we get to know each other. My aim is to create not just a dress or an outfit for you but a feeling that will stay with you long after your big day has passed.
Strapless cocktail length dress from silk twill with lace overlay
Personal shopping and styling advice for the groom's outfit
Silk duchess halter neck gown with pleated back, train and silk tulle veil
I also make bridesmaids and flower girl / ring bearer outfits
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