What is your most memorable wedding?
That's a difficult one as there have been so many! But if I had to choose one, then I would have to say it was making a wedding dress for my sisters wedding.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Unique, bespoke, personal, stylish, affordable.
What about your business are you most proud of?
That's an easy one to answer. I am most proud of my happy brides and their referrals to their family and friends and the reputation that I have built for myself over 35 yrs in business.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Planing your wedding is a fantastic time in your life, but it can also be a very stressful time trying to get everything just perfect. My tip to all couples is to try and relax and to enjoy the planning stages as much as the big day and not to lose sight of the bigger picture.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Well first of all, I hardly see the groom if ever and that's the way it should be. After all we don't want him seeing his bride in her wedding dress before the big day now do we ladies?
A typical process would begin with pinning in the dress for an alteration service. Then a fixed price can be offered and if accepted by the bride, we then take a 50% deposit. The balance to be payable at the end when everything has been completed.
If a bride wants a wedding dress to be made for her then we will do a consultancy to discuss her ideas. We usually allow 1-2 hours for this appointment and we will sketch out the design on paper and choose fabrics. We will then make a mock up in calico called a toile prior to the first dress fitting. Usually there will be 2 dress fittings, followed by a final check approx 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Brides will be measured on each visit and it is our expectation that the bride will maintain her weight and shape during the process. Otherwise extra charges may be incurred if work has to be redone to accommodate a change of size or weight. We normally split payments into 3 equal payments at the design stage, the second payment is due at the first fitting and the final payment is due at end.
What do you love most about your job?
I consider my job is very hard work but it is rewarding and I love to be my own boss and to be in business for myself. My job is very varied and no two brides are ever the same and there is also plenty of variety in everyday. What pleases me most about my job is the joy and happiness I get from my customers when they leave with a smile on their faces and knowing that I have done a good job.
What is your favourite style of wedding dress?
My favourite style of wedding dresses is the Fishtail dress.
What is the best way to incorporate "Something Blue" into the wedding outfit?
This could be in your bridal accessory for example in your headdress or by simply adding a blue ribbon to lift the train.
What is your favourite wedding dress of all time?
The wedding dress Kate Middleton wore in the Royal Wedding to Prince William.