Tips for Creating your Gown

When Ordering Fabric - Remember:

1. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery




2. Allow time for sewing and fitting (consult you seamstress)




3. Most stores require a 50% deposit when special orders are placed




4. Collect money from your bridesmaids, if necessary, because when fabric arrives it should all be purchased at a single time in one piece if possible.




5. Working with one sales clerk will insure smoother arrangements with the purchase.

Amount of Fabric to Order:

1. Get accurate measurements for each attendant. You don't need to tell anyone what size pattern their measurements fit, just get the measurement!
   
   
   Bust:__________________Height:__________________
   
   
   Waist:_________________Hips:____________________
   
   
   ***when lengthening or shortening dress be sure to measure from the floor up not the waist down. (i.e. 7" from floor )




2. When combinations or fabrics are used, how much of each fabric for each component?
   
   
   Bodice:________________Bows:___________________
   
   
   Skirt:__________________Hats:____________________
   
   
   Sleeves:_______________Lining:__________________

Choosing Fabrics:

1. Remember to consider full costs, a $80.00 dress can become $120.00 with the addition of fabric, labor, notions, and an expensive pattern.




2. Always consult a seamstress about appropriate fabrics for a particular style.




3. About color:+ flattering to all bridesmaids
   
   
   + works with the setting of the wedding (i.e. - church, home, garden)
   
   
   + appropriate for the season
   
   
   + availability




4. Fabrics:
   
   
   + Silks - expensive, colors less accurate to order, dry clean only, dress worth keeping
   
   
   + Polyester - moderate price, many colors available, usually washes, will wear better
   
   
   + Cottons - moderate price, comfortable, more casual, prints available, usually washes
   
   
   + Rayon blends - moderate price, easy movement and attractive drape, many colors available, dry clean only
   
   
   + Acetates - less expensive, many colors available, dry clean only, creases easily

Choosing Styles:

1. The style of the bridal gown can suggest the style for the attendants (i.e. necklines, boys, deep vee in back, dropped waist, skirt length)




2. Choose more sophisticated styles when attendants are older. (i.e. dressy suits, less frills)




3. Consider special fitting factors:
   
   
   + pregnancy
   
   
   + very petite/tall
   
   
   + heavy/thin
   
   
   + cleavage




4. Appropriate for occasion:
   
   
   + indoor/outdoor transitions
   
   
   + comfort for lengthy ceremony/reception
   
   
   + dancing/dining/transportation




5. Can it really be worn again?