Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Fermata Designs eco-conscious?
“Socially conscious,” “eco-conscious” and “environmentally responsible” have become buzz words in our culture today, and sometimes the true meaning of this to a consumer can be unclear.
At Fermata Designs, we use “eco-conscious” to convey how we operate our business and the materials we use. Our goal is to provide the best gown to our bride, with the least negative impact on the earth, its people and resources. We use fabrics that are organic and/or sustainable, and we are constantly looking for better sources for our textiles. Low-impact dye is used for all of our custom dyed fabrics, which means that it is less toxic than many dye techniques. Our trims, lace, buttons, buckles, and brooches are all authentic vintage pieces obtained from searching and culling secondhand shops. We efficiently cut and use all the fabrics and trims that we use, making sure to recycle those we can’t. Paper products we use are from recycled sources, and when possible, our printing is done with soy-inks. Garment bags for our gowns are re-usable and recyclable. All artists and crafts people who contribute to our designs are paid a living wage and are provided proper working conditions.
In short, at Fermata Designs, we are in a constant pursuit to improve our methods and sources. We are not perfect, and no one is – but we will always remain conscious of our social, ethical and environmental responsibility.
What’s the price range?
Because the price of a gown can vary greatly depending on the style, fabric and customizations, we ask that our brides call us for the initial complimentary consultation. At this time, there is no commitment to buy the gown, and we can provide a more accurate price range to you based on the specific customizations you think you’d like.
Our Gown Upcycling is typically a good choice for a bride on a budget; discuss your needs with us at your initial consultation, and we will make a plan that works for you.
How much time does it take for the dress to be ready?
In order to deliver the most high-quality gown to you, we ask that you contact us no later than five months before the date of your wedding. Because each gown is custom-made and requires much care, we want to make sure that we have enough time to complete fittings as needed to get the gown exactly as you like it. We always aim to deliver the gown one month before your wedding.
If you have a rush order, please call, as we will consider those on a case-by-case basis. In addition, Gown Upcycling services may take less time.
What if I need help accessorizing my dress?
We are always on the lookout for vintage jewelry, trim, headpieces, shoes and the like. We have an extensive collection so let us know what you are looking for, we may already have it! In addition, we have partnerships with local artists and designers that use recycled materials, so check out our affiliate artists page. If you love rummaging for your own vintage trinkets, we have a list of thrift shops and flea markets to point you in the right direction.
What about the care and cleaning of my dress?
We are always glad to answer questions about the care and cleaning of your custom gown, before or after the big day. All Fermata Designs garments are dry cleanable, and we always recommend an eco-friendly option, such as CO2 cleaning. We can help you find a cleaner in your area, or check out nodryclean.com or igreenclean.org.