The Custom Gown Process.
True Couture means hand sewing work inside and out.
Finishing the inside of our Custom gowns is as important as finishing the outside. We love to use a thick cotton sateen lining for comfort, and add an embroidered "something blue" patch with your initials and wedding date inside.
Every gown begins with a sketch. During your Consultation we go over all your inspiration details and I start to sketch until you fall in love.
Seams Couture has exclusive access to some of the finest textiles available in the US which you can choose from during your appointment. Once we've taken your Measurements and a Deposit of 1/3 of the estimated cost of your gown, your fabrics are purchased and your Muslin is started.
Each Custom Gown starts with a working sketch and evolves during fittings. At the end, each Couture Client receives a matted sketch of her finished dress as a keepsake Thank You.
Your 1st Fitting is a Muslin, which is a 3D sketch of your gown in cotton muslin fabric so you get to see and feel what the shape is going to become. This is taken apart to become your pattern, so during the Muslin Fitting we make sure together that the shape is exactly how you envision it, and make it fit as true as possible. Design changes can happen during a Muslin Fitting, and it's your chance to change any details. One this is approved, then your gown is cut in the real fabric and assembled for your 2nd Fitting.
The Seams Couture Workroom on a busy week day. Photo by Kristin Chalmers
FAQs
Most gowns take 3-5 Fittings and we allow 2 hours of time per fitting appointment, so that we're not rushed and you can focus. Taking pictures of the process is highly encouraged so that you can track the progress as the work evolves and watch it come to life.
Your Final Fitting is scheduled about a week before you Pick Up, it's our last chance to check the fit and finalize any details. Your final payment is due when you pick up your gown. Your gown will be packaged in an opaque breathable garment bag to keep it clean and a surprise until the big reveal.
Seams Couture is also a Bespoke Women's Suit Tailor and the process to order a Wedding Suit is the same as our gowns. The construction and fit of tailored suits for a woman's body is different from those constructed for men. Our process is the same as our gowns and begin with a Muslin before we cut into your choice of silks, linens, hemp, or cotton blend fabrics. Suits are fully lined or half lined, with your choice of pants or skirt. Two piece suits or 3 piece with fitted vests and include monogramming inside in something blue!
Antique lace from Spain with a new added comb and invisible tulle reinforcement.
At Seams Couture you're not just a Dress Size, because each garment is made-to-measure and custom fit in a series of Personal Fittings. The first rule in garment draping and pattern making is that no two women are shaped the same!
Cost: Depending on the details and fabric choices we can work within your budget and give you an estimate during your Consultation Appointment. We respect your budget and make sure you don't go over what is outlined in our contract together.
Custom Gown Orders begin at $3000.
Full lace Custom Gowns begin at $5000.
Bespoke 2-piece Women's Suits begin at $2000.
Custom Veils and Headpieces begin at $300.
Vintage and Antique Wedding Gown Re-making & Restoration & Alterations are priced at the same rates as Custom due to the amount of careful de-construction involved. We ask that you have vintage pieces professionally cleaned before we start the work, and highly recommend Dependable Cleaners in Quincy, MA as a specialist with delicate antiques and heirlooms. Seams Couture has taken many antiques and made them wearable again with new features so that they can be kept for new generations to come! From the 1980s to the 1780s, we have restored priceless heirloom gowns and veils for preservation.
See photo below of Shaina’s mother’s 1986 gown, Before. We took the skirt and collar off (preserved for another bride) and she wore the top with pants at her Wedding after party.
We can re-design your gown, adding or subtracting elements as you wish. We go over all the details and come up with a game plan during your Consultation Appointment. My years of Professional Costuming on TV and Movie sets are at your service, how a garment fits for the camera is a specialty.
