Off the rack vs. Custom made wedding dresses: which is right for you? From Cambridgeshire bridal designer Phoebe Crosby Design
Planning your dream wedding in Cambridgeshire? One of the most significant decisions you'll make is choosing your wedding dress. This guide will help you understand the differences between off-the-rack and custom-made wedding dresses so you can make an informed choice that suits your style, budget, and timeline.
Off the Rack Wedding Dresses
Off-the-rack wedding dresses are pre-designed and manufactured in standard sizes. They are mostly available for immediate purchase from bridal boutiques.
-Pros-
1. You can try on the dress and take it home the same day.
2. Generally less expensive than custom-made dresses (without the cost of alterations).
3. A vast selection of styles and sizes readily available.
4. Ideal for brides with a shorter timeline.
-Cons-
1. Alterations can be made, but overall design changes are limited.
2. Standard sizes may not fit perfectly, requiring additional alterations. Everyone has beautiful quirks in their body which cannot be catered to with standard sizing.
3. Less unique to each bride.
Custom Made Wedding Dresses
Custom-made wedding dresses are designed and created specifically for you. This process involves working with a bridal designer to create a dress that fits your vision, measurements, and style preferences. At Phoebe Crosby Design, I try to incorporate pieces of your personality to create a dress that is perfectly you.
-Pros-
1. Perfect Fit: Tailored to your exact measurements, ensuring a flawless fit. Custom design will include tailored samples of your dress, so that you can see exactly how it will fit before the dress is made in final fabrics.
2. Unique Design: A one-of-a-kind dress that reflects your personal style. You have full creative control of your dress.
3. High-Quality Materials: Often crafted with superior fabrics and detailing. I show my clients through a look book of different types of fabric. Whilst new fabrics can be ordered in, it gives you a good idea of what types of fabric you like, and which ones you don’t.
4. Personalised Experience: With a custom made wedding dress you are in charge of the design process. I offer my clients the option to make tweaks to the design after their first sample fitting, meaning you are in the drivers seat.
5. No alterations: Due to the fitting process before final fabrics, you won’t need costly alterations.
-Cons-
1. Higher Cost: Generally more expensive due to the bespoke nature.
2. Longer Timeline: Requires several fittings and a longer lead time.
3. More Effort: Involves multiple consultations and decisions (However I feel like this is a half con, as I *love* the consultations and so do my brides!)
Why Choose Custom Made Wedding Dresses in Cambridgeshire
As a bridal designer in Cambridgeshire, I specialise in creating custom wedding dresses that celebrate each bride and their unique beauty. Each wedding dress is so personal to me, and I really enjoy the process of getting to know my brides and creating something perfect, just for them. All of the wedding dresses are created at my home studio in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire. This is where all fittings are held, however I travel for initial design consultations if needed.
Conclusion
Choosing between an off-the-rack and a custom-made wedding dress ultimately depends on your personal preferences, timeline, and budget. If you're looking for a unique, perfectly fitted gown and are willing to invest in the process, a custom-made dress is an excellent choice. As a bridal designer in Cambridgeshire, I am here to help bring your dream dress to life.
Ready to start your custom wedding dress journey? Contact me to schedule your first consultation. Let's create something beautiful together!