An in-home experience with a variety of options, the Build-A-Bride collection from The615Bride is the perfect bridal boutique for those brides looking for a customized wedding dress. From different silhouettes, textures, veils and more, you’re now able to create the dress of your dress. Independent consultant, Sarah, of The615Bride is sharing all the benefits of having a custom look for your wedding day! Keep reading to find out why this may be the experience you’re looking for!
What does the design process look like for a custom wedding dress with The615Bride?
Sarah: During the bridal appointment, we first start with our silhouettes. We call them our blank canvases. Each silhouette is a different shape whether it be trumpet, ball gown, A-line, sheath style- the bride begins by trying on 3 to 4 different silhouettes so she can see her body and I can understand her likes and dislikes. Once she feels absolutely beautiful in the dress, that’s when we begin to build and customize with our lace add-ons, belts, and veils. The customization part comes in to play as the bride has the choice of changing her dress fabrication or lace type for her dress, adding straps, changing the bodice shape-this really makes the dress come alive to match the bride’s wedding vision!
What is the difference between purchasing a custom dress and a pre-designed dress?
Sarah: With pre-designed wedding dresses, there is no changing or customizing available for brides. I see on popular bridal TV shows where brides say , “it would be perfect if I could just take the top of this dress and skirt of that dress…” With Build-A-Bride, brides can do just that. We have the ability to change the bodice shape, add straps, add buttons, we can even use the front of one dress and the back of another. The sky’s the limit! Build-A-Bride lace tops are all hand-made at Heidi’s Atelier in Birmingham. So the bride can be assured that she is getting high-quality pieces.
How long will it take to get a custom dress made?
Sarah: Build-A-Bride dresses can take up to 14 weeks to arrive. Every bride has an option to rush her dress for a fee. The dress will come to me first for steaming and preparation, then I hand-deliver the dress to the bride for final sign-off.
What is the price range for a custom gown?
Sarah: For a true custom gown that Heidi creates with a bride and fits exactly to a brides body- those start at $10,000 and are done at Heidi’s Atelier in Birmingham. For a Build-A-Bride custom look, prices range from $1,550 to $6,000.
How many fittings will it normally take for a custom gown?
Sarah: When a bride says ‘yes’ during her Build-A-Bride appointment, I take all of her measurements and we order the dress closest to her size. Brides have the option to order the dress in what we call a ‘split size’. This means we can have the bodice (the top) in one size, and the skirt (bottom) in a different size. This reduces the need for alterations. The dresses may require some alterations which will be performed by an outside alteration specialist selected by the bride.
What are some customizable options through Build-A-Bride?
Sarah: Brides can change the dress fabrication. All of the silhouettes in my kit are made of different fabrics so the bride can feel each one and experience how it feels on her body. For example if she’s having a summer wedding and needs a lighter material, we can select an appropriate fabric in the silhouette that she wants. Brides can pick from different lace variations for her top. Brides can choose from add-ons that provide short sleeve, long sleeve, halter, straps, sparkle. They can add straps to the actual dress silhouette; use the front of one dress with the back of another. They can add illusion sleeves or straps. Brides also have the option to incorporate their family heirlooms in to their dress whether that be adding lace from a mother’s dress to their gown or on their veil. This would be done in alterations.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about Build-A-Bride’s custom gowns?
Sarah: A custom wedding dress and custom look are 2 different things. Build-A-Bride offers the second. We do our best to fit the gown as close to the bride as possible but they will typically need to be altered so that cost will need to be budgeted by the bride.
Thanks so much Sarah for sharing this awesome insight with us! How awesome would it be to say you had an in-home bridal boutique experience AND created a custom look?! Your dream wedding dress is now easier than ever to achieve! For more information, reach out to Sarah at The615Bride!
