Buying a wedding gown is stressful enough, now you want me to design one? If that is your first thought as you look through these pages, don’t fret. Many of our brides come to us because they don’t know where to begin. Our advice, grab a friend and go shopping! A wedding gown is not something you wear every day, perhaps you don’t know what silhouettes look best on you. Try on a few gowns to see how they fit. Try on wedding gowns, prom dresses, sundresses. Find out what makes you feel great. Nothing you like? Look to magazines, websites, even your own closet. If you have a favorite dress that you love to wear, show us. If you have a shirt with a perfect neckline, we want to see it. Inspiration can be anywhere!

Time for some coffee talk! Schedule a consultation to discuss your gown. Bring your inspiration images or garments, and we can discuss what service is best for you. You are under no obligation to engage our services at this time, so this is a stress free meeting. If you are interested in a custom gown, we will provide you with sketches of the design we discuss within one week of this meeting. If you are interested in updating a vintage gown or specialty alterations, you may be required to try on the gown at this time. Please allow half an hour for this meeting.

If you have decided to order a Custom Couture gown from Fermata Designs, we will meet again to discuss design specifics. We will finalize the design, choose fabrics and take your measurements. A deposit will be required to begin the build process. Please allow half an hour for this meeting.

All of our gowns will require multiple fittings to perfect. At all fittings you will be required to bring your wedding undergarments and shoes to allow us to properly fit your gown. If you need advice on undergarments, we will be happy to advise you on the best type of undergarment to support the proper silhouette for your gown and locations to purchase these items. Fittings usually take between 45 and 75 minutes.

For our Custom Couture gowns, your first fittings will be in a plain cotton muslin mock up. This allows us to perfect the shape and fit of the pattern before cutting into the more expensive fashion fabric of your final gown. At these fittings style elements may be changed to achieve the best look of your gown. Once the gown is made from the fashion fabric, only minor changes may be made to the style of your gown. Fittings usually take between 45 and 75 minutes.

At our final meeting, you will try on the finished gown. Please bring your wedding undergarments, shoes and accessories so you can see your full wedding look. Friends are welcome at this fitting for last minute advice. We will answer questions about the care of your dress, including how to bustle your skirt, tie your belt or pack your gown for safe travel. Then, take home your finished Fermata gown!

Enjoy being a beautiful bride! If you have any last minute questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with us. We would love to hear about your experience.