The Made-to-Measure Process
Firstly, choosing made-to-measure ensures that you will be wearing a perfectly fitting outfit, which gives so much more confidence at such an important event. We know from customer feedback how fantastic they felt knowing they looked amazing and didn't have to worry about someone else wearing the same outfit. Most ladies are not standard sizes, and buying an off-the-peg outfit from a retailer and having it altered is always a compromise.
When an outfit is made specifically to your proportions, it will feel and look very different to one that has been altered, as the off-the-peg garment will have been made for a standard height, so if you are smaller or taller, it won’t fit from back neck to waist.
Having your outfit individually made for you may be a little more expensive but many consider it well worth it to get the resulting look and confidence it gives. This is an investment piece, and most of our designs can be worn over and over again as they don’t look like “typical Mother of the Bride outfits”. Take off the hat, and our designs can be worn to dinners, cruises, and other special occasions.
Our philosophy is simple: elegant designs, well cut in luxurious fabrics, classic with a twist that don’t date. Our previous customers bear testimony to this as they tell us how much wear they have had out of their outfits. Some are still wearing the designs that they bought when we opened 30 years ago, and they still look fashionable.
Once you have decided to have a bespoke outfit, it is better to start the process rolling. The wedding industry is very seasonal, with Spring and Summer being peak periods, and therefore we are exceedingly busy making outfits at this time.
Most mothers are trying to lose weight and want to put off looking until they have reached their target. This puts a lot of pressure on them because if they leave looking till near the wedding and then go out and find nothing they like in the retail shops then it may become too late to have an outfit made to measure.
We advise to start looking early, fabric and production time can be booked in advance and a later date for measurements can usually be accommodated then at least you know everything is organised whether or not you reach your target weight. It is always a relief to have your outfit decided on and the longer you can envisage how you will look on the day the more relaxed you will find the run up to the wedding. This not only applies to the bride but also the Mums, especially the Mother of the Bride who usually has a lot on her plate in the weeks before the wedding.
Our Made To Measure Process Explained
First visit to the shop. All the designs (and more) that we show on our website are in our shop to see and try. We may not have all sizes but we can usually give you a good idea of how it will look. Because you are having your outfit individually made for you we can incorporate changes to the design if necessary.
If you choose on this day, then your measurements can be taken straight away, or a date in the future can be arranged. Fabric and production time is secured on payment of a 50% deposit.
- At the first fitting, the outfit is made in a cotton toile (mock-up) and pinned to make sure you are happy with the fit and depth of necklines, etc.
- At the second fitting, your outfit is cut in your actual fabric without a zip or hems, and final adjustments are made.
- Usually you collect at the 3rd fitting when hat and accessories are also ready, and this is when the balance of the payment is due.
We don’t like to quote timescales as some people don’t have 6 months left before the wedding. We always try to accommodate latecomers, but sometimes it just may not be possible as production is limited and our exclusive fabrics and laces can take a while to come in. Therefore, we advise to come as soon as you can
A large percentage of our Mums travel long distances in the UK. Many come to our shops in London and Glasgow from overseas because our designs are unique and we have won many awards for customer service. Distance doesn’t seem to matter when it comes to looking and feeling extra special on your daughter or son’s wedding day. If you can’t make it into the shop for any reason, we do offer an international service.
