Why choose a custom gown? {expert tip}

Custom Gown Q&A with Tami, Designer and Creator of Mina Bridal Design (www.minabridaldesign.ca) Stratford, ON

Q. WHAT IS CUSTOM DESIGN?
A. A custom gown is designed and created for your distinct style and made to your measurements. It is truly a one-of-a-kind gown that no one else would have.

Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
A. In 2013 I officially started Mina. But the first wedding gown I made many years before at 22yrs. Since then I have made over 200 gowns.

Q. IS IT EXPENSIVE?
A. I have made gowns ranging from $150-$10,000. The cost of a custom dress depends entirely on what you want: materials, adornments, embellishments, etc. I always take your budget into consideration.

Q. WHY WOULDN’T I JUST ORDER MY DRESS?
A. Custom design isn’t for everyone. But with it, you get exactly the gown of your dreams with no extra charges for fittings and alterations. For these reasons, a custom dress can sometimes be less expensive than salon prices.”

Q. HOW DO I CHOOSE A STYLE?!
A. The design process is something we do together, usually starting with you sending me a few images of what you like. We would then meet in person and figure out a style that suits your body as well as your idea of a dream dress.

Q. HOW DO I KNOW IT WILL LOOK GOOD ON ME?
A. I do recommend trying on a few different dresses to help you see what you do and don’t like. My services can include a trip to a bridal salon with you for my professional advice and help in determining what your best cuts and colours/shades are.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE DESIGN A STYLE? HOW DOES THIS WORK?
A. I will take your measurements at our first meeting and we will discuss fabrics. The next time we meet you will try on a mock-up dress. We can tweak or change up the design to better suit your body before cutting out your actual fabric. You get to choose your fabrics and we would set up a fitting schedule right up to final pick up. There are anywhere from 3-7 fittings and this entire process can happen in as little time as 4 weeks.

Q. WHAT ARE MY LIMITATIONS? DO YOU ONLY MAKE WEDDING GOWNS?
A. With custom design there are no limitations. I design, draft patterns, and sew all kinds of creations. I am a 100% inclusive business and am happy to create for anyone. Some of my past work has been bridesmaids, mothers of the bride/groom, men’s and women’s suits, prom, grad, show dresses, and some accessories including jewelry, veils, and garters.

Q. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS?
A. I have always felt like bridal chose me. While in college for fashion design, I got a job working in a bridal salon doing alterations. It gave me a deep understanding of dresses and how to fit a body. Not wanting to be limited to dresses, I branched out to more diverse custom designs. Being able to help someone bring their dreams into reality is such a privilege and honour. I can truly say I love my job.