Our Designer, Wendy, has been making dresses for 17 years, 15 of those spent at her shop in Heaton Chapel, Stockport.  During this period she has gained a reputation for excellent service, listening to, advising and giving each bride exactly what they have in mind.  She has made two dresses for some clients, met many bridesmaids whose turn it is now to be the bride and one client even thought about calling the wedding off when she saw that the shop had closed!  However it is still business as usual and the same care is taken with each commission, our client base covers Liverpool to Buxton and Bolton to Stafford.

Wendy says ”I love my job! It’s so varied and creative.  When your dress is nearly finished the smile that looking at your reflection brings gives me so much satisfaction in a job well done.  Take a look through the different categories on the left and you will find individual Brides’ stories and what influenced their choice of dress."

Bespoke, couture, designer what is involved in having your dress made in this way?  You may be put off by the idea of so much personal attention, after all you usually just go into a shop select size and colour and walk out with the garment!  Nevertheless a bespoke design gives you so much more.  It offers you exactly what you want without compromise and has the added advantage that your gown fits you everywhere, a win-win situation.

There are lots of different necklines, one shape will suit you better than all the others.  You probably have already worn that shape and it’s still in your wardrobe!

The middle of each bodice has panels cut at different angles dependant on what they are to achieve, some will give a more curvy bustline   others will create a smaller waist.  You won’t have noticed these when looking at pictures but when you start trying on it will immediately be apparent which flatter your shape most (you will have “dropped a dress size” without the diet) and give perfect proportions.  The finished waistline of the bodice together with the skirt shape and size gives emphasis or can also take away from the hips.

These are the three main areas to look at, with a fourth being the skirt which then leads you to those fabrics which will achieve this shape.  A soft crepe or georgette will be needed for a bias figure hugging cut whilst satin gives a sharp defined look required for an A line skirt.  By the time you have got this far you will know whether you dress should be completely plain except for buttons and loops as a back fastening. Alternatively you might want to just add an accent of crystals scattered around the neckline or an all over lace design for your whole bodice.