Custom made dress question!

sarmac26

I am looking into having a dress made specifically for me.  I am meeting with a local seamstress tomorrow.  I would like to have a dress created to look like the one that I am wearing in an upcoming wedding.  It is gorgeous and everything I would want in a simple classic wedding gown.  It's just mocha!  I literally want the exact same dress, in ivory and add pockets.  The seamstress said that this would be easy.Those of you who have done this:  budget wise what does this look like?  I will find out tomorrow but I would rather have any idea before I go in and get sticker shock.  Or maybe it is more affordable than I think.  The dress is very simple.  V neck front and back, empire waist, long a line skirt.Any help?

bridesrighthand

Custom dresses from a seamstress are often MUCH cheaper than a dress from a store. They don't have the overhead or middlemen, like the designers do. However, it varies greatly, depending on the dress and the seamstress. Who is the original dress by?

sarmac26

The dress is Priscilla of Boston Vineyard Collection Bridesmaid Style 1422.  http://www.priscillaofboston.com/dress_detail.jsp?gid=603&sfid=50851&f=

mbcdefg

That's really a question for the seamstress. Prices will vary by the design, material, labor hours, the area of the country where you are getting this made, and how in-demand the seamstress is.  There are a lot of factors at play here. I would get quotes from several seamstresses to see if there's a similar range. If one is charging hundreds more than another, you may be getting ripped off (either by someone overcharging for the same service, or undercharging because of crappy service). Shop around. Can't you just order the original dress in ivory and have pockets added? Or do the pockets need to be in the original design, which is why you want it custom-made?

mbcdefg

And I'm not trying to talk you out of a custom gown, but have you looked at jcrew.com? They have a lot of dresses that seem pretty similar to what you want: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WeddingParties/Wedding_Bride.jsp

sarmac26

Unfortunately, they do not have the dress in ivory.  Already checked.  Also, I just want pockets!  If she is making the dress I would love to have pockets added. Yes, I have looked at JCrew and I love their dresses.  If this custom one is not in my budget, I will be buying the Gracie dress from J Crew.  I would prefer to have the custom one though, it looks incredible on me.  We will see tomorrow!

becs11048

I am guessing it will probably be twice as expensive as the bridesmaid dress was (so $750) if you are using silky satin if you upgrade to full silk the price will sky rocketTwo other comments:Have you looked at Amsale, they have dresses that look like thatAlso, when is the wedding that you are wearing the BM dress in? Do you want to keep the BM dress? You could save money and get closer to what you want if the designer can take the dress and even take it apart... that way she won't have to create a muslin mock up or anythingJust a thought

lvasilen

Sarmac - Would you mind posting what the seamstress says, I am really curious. Thanks!!

sarmac26

Great news!  She is going to make my dress!  To do it in the same quality of silk taffeta as Priscilla of Boston would be about $1200 +.  She is going to do it with a slightly lower quality of silk taffeta (won't notice a difference) for between $800-$1000.  I meet with her in a few weeks to look at fabric swatches.  The only thing she is changing from the original design is turning the empire waist band from 2 thin bands to one thick one and she is also adding pockets.  She will be making it in a creamy ivory. I AM SO EXCITED!  Sarah

remilekun

Hi Sarah, Im looking to do the same thing!! I met with a seamstress today but her labor alone is $800 ive seen her work its really nice but thats way out of my budget and my dress is very simple. could you please tell me who your seamstress is. I am in atlanta GA by the way. you can email me at babe_up@hotmail.com please and thank you. Id really appreciate it. Im really trying to find a seamstress i can trust. THANKS!Rere