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Custom Design

  • How much does it cost to have a garment made?
    The cost will depend entirely on your design. The amount of fabric, lace or detail will all influence the price. The design appointment is when we will sketch your design, choose fabrics, and cost out the garment. There is no fee for the design session, so you can explore the possibilities. It is most helpful if you have your garment budget in mind. It can help us when choosing the fabrics and details of your design, plus potentially keep you within your budget.
  • How much time do you need to create a garment?
    Timing is everything! Meaning, your timing. We will work with your schedule for fittings and completion, but we have to get you on our schedule in order to accommodate. The best answer is, the more time you give us the better. If you want to be sure, give us a call.
  • How will I know what it will look like?
    During your design session, whether it is in our shop or online, Lora VanLear will sketch the design and details of your garment. You will have input and approval of the design and fabrics.
  • What happens if I don't like the garment after it's made?
    We will have multiple fittings and opportunities for you to share your concerns or design change ideas. The sooner you discuss them, the easier it will be to make the changes to the design that will make you happy. The changes may be free as part of the process, or may generate a price change. We want you to love your garment, so we will work with you.
  • What happens if I want to make changes to the design after it's started?
    Some design changes are minimal and we won't charge for them. If you change fabric, color or have major changes to the pattern, there will be additional cost. All changes are possible, and we will discuss the cost changes with you.
  • Do I need to buy fabric or a pattern for you to create my garment?
    No. We have resources for you to choose from. We will do all the purchasing. However, if you have fabric you want us to use, we will gladly use it to make your design.
  • Can you redesign my mother's wedding gown to be MY design?
    Yes! We will carefully deconstruct your mother's dress and redesign it to fit you and your style. We will provide any extra fabric needed to create your design.
  • Do I have to know exactly what I want for you to design a garment for me?
    No. Lora will listen to your ideas, look at any pictures of inspiration you have, and ask questions that will help her design the garment. It can be based on your style, your figure and your event.
  • Can you hem it so I can to wear high heels for the ceremony and flats for the reception?
    Not unless we have removable or changeable parts to the dress. We can design your wedding gown so that it not only bustles the train, but perhaps bustles the front of the dress as well. It depends on the design of the dress. We recommend choosing ONE pair of shoes for both parts of the day. If you must wear high heels, try to find comfortable platforms that are the same height as your heels.
  • What should I bring to the design session?
    Just yourself! You are encouraged to bring your inspiration photos, but it is not required. Your inspiration can come from anywhere! A favorite blouse that inspires a dress. A feeling from your favorite romantic movie. Or it could just be a color swatch. Lora will help you find the words that will give her the information she needs to design your garment.
  • What about COVID-19/Coronavirus?
    As of 3/23/2020, we will be closed temporarily. We want all our customers to put their own health and safety first. Just click on the Contact Us page to reschedule a custom design, fitting, pickup or alterations appointment.
  • What are your hours?
    We are by appointments, no walk ins. Appointments available: Tuesday through Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm.

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Header image provided by © Acquire Wedding Photography