Even a shy bride knows that all eyes will be on her when she walks down the aisle at her wedding. If you want to be sure that you look the best you can – for yourself, your groom and your proud family and friends – then consider a couture wedding dresses. Of course brides in an off-the-rack dress can look beautiful. After all, a great deal of time and attention to detail went into their dress. But when it’s all over, that dress was made to fit a standard size and it was only taken in or let out to fit you. A couture dress is the alternative to off-the-rack dresses. It’s not unusual to find French lace and Italian silk in a couture gown. Here are some tips to help you decide if a couture wedding gown is right for you – and some help understanding what goes into a couture gown:
Fittings are Mandatory
You may well be a perfect size six, eight or 10, but that doesn’t mean a couture dress in that size will fit you. Gowns often run small. If it is an off-the-rack dress, it may fit you, thanks to the use of spandex and other materials with “give” to them. But with couture gowns, the fabrics are woven and need to be tailored to your body. Also, the tailor or seamstress can also help you identify the undergarments you’ll need to look the best in your one-of-a-kind dress.
Leave Adequate Time
Getting a couture gown dresses made is not an overnight process. Expect it to take four to six weeks at the very least. Add to that shipping time, so two months is probably the minimum. Some design houses will tell you it can take up to six months, depending on the availability of the special fabrics and the talented seamstresses and master tailors.
To ensure there is enough time to get the fabric you want – and the skilled laborers you need – allot as much time as possible to get your gown made, fitted and delivered. For a rush fee, you can sometimes move up the timetable, but that will cost dearly.
Beware of Discounts
If you see a couture gown for a discounted price, beware. It may be a genuine couture gown, but don’t forget that part of what you’re paying for is a dress designed to your specific needs. You also will not have the guarantee offered by the couture salon.
No Price Listed
Some Web sites will not list the price of couture gowns. This is because there are so many customizable aspects of a couture gown. Fabrics, fittings and trims can all affect the price. It’s best just to assume that a couture gown will be more expensive than a gown that’s purchased off the rack.