Sarah Stoute Bespoke: Your Dream Dress Timeline
A bespoke timeline to make sure you get your dream dress.
A common misconception by many brides is that the day is “so far away”. Although, yes, this day may be over a year away but it is so important to get onto some of the most important parts as soon as you can. This to-do list includes booking your venue, photographer, furniture hire, florals and your dress! So why would you need to look into these so early? Well, these are the parts of your day that often can only be performed by one person and can get booked out before you have the chance. Disappointment of not getting your first choice is not the way you want to start your wedding planning journey.
What is a Bespoke Dress and what makes it so special?
This process is one where a bride has the opportunity to work closely with me to create something completely unique. From drawings and image inspiration, pattern, mocks, fabric choice and the final garment; you are there every step of the way to make your dress everything you ever dreamed of. This dress should be an expression of yourself, while capturing a feeling you only ever imagined. I love bringing this all to life. To make a garment that is the perfect fit to you. That brings out your favourite qualities through fit and fabric. It is such a joy to see brides standing in a dress they didn't think was possible while feeling their true selves.
Why would your dream dress be in this list?
Well for me, I can only take on a certain number of dresses in a season, hence the reason it is so important to book in advance. There is only one of me, and once that slot is taken, I cannot take on any more brides. Bespoke dresses are a part of my craft that I pour every ounce of myself into, so I never stretch more than my capabilities to make sure that your gown is absolute perfection. This also adds to the experience as you know that your dress is one of a kind and no one else will have the same dress as you.
So, where to start?
Not every bride is a bespoke bride, so going to wedding dress boutiques and trying on an array of dresses is SO important. Learning what dresses feel good, what dresses feel great, and what dresses do the opposite; is all part of eliminating and inspiring until you get to your dream dress. I always advise brides to book into a few wedding boutiques and to try a range of dress (even ones you know you would never wear) to make sure you have a full idea. Taking along your bridesmaids and having a few bubbles and a girl’s lunch is the best excuse to get the wedding excitement going. I have had brides in the past that have done this and found their dream gown. I have no problem with this at all! If your dream dress exists out there, go get it! And then book in to have it fitted perfectly by me! But on the other hand, if you don’t find anything that gets you excited, inspired and feeling like a bride, this is the point to come and have a consult with me.
What does a consult mean?
This is a time to sit and look through images of what you tried on, Pinterest boards of inspiration and swatches of fabric. From this you can then get a true idea from front to back, top to bottom of what is going to make you feel like you are wearing your dream dress. I have outlined all the bespoke details in my Bespoke Process blog post found on my website, you are welcome to have a read!
When should I be booking?
As you may be wondering I have still not outlined a timeline, so best case scenario? A year out would be ideal; as a year out the bookings are not as full and there is plenty of time to get designing. A bespoke dress takes me 6-8 months to make which includes the design, mock, fabric selection, final garment and alterations. This does not mean that you should leave it to 8 months out as your chance of having a spot will not be a guarantee.
I am finding more and more brides consulting up to 14 months in advance. This makes sure you get a slot, your designs have been poured over, you have tried on dresses, and you have one more thing ticked off your list. This also makes sure that I have time to find fabrics to suit your design as this alone can take months.
I have also had brides get in touch 6 months out. Sometimes this is possible! But it depends on the wedding date, design and budget. I am always an open book, so starting the conversation to find out more and get an idea of what it involves is the best way to get the ball rolling. The bespoke process is one that every bride I have worked with has loved. This is a dress that might only be worn once, but through this process you work through every choice and design detail while truly making it your own. This dress is one that will be a part of your wedding memories forever, the most important garment you will ever wear.
Who is Sarah Stoute Bespoke?
Sarah has over 15 years of sewing experience and a degree in Fashion and Textile design. She has worked as a menswear designer, pattern maker and even in logistics, but somehow she has always been brought back to wedding dresses. After having her little one, Sarah decided to take the leap and work full time in something she is passionate about; creating and altering beautiful wedding dresses. Sarah loves bringing ideas and dreams to life, working on beautiful fabrics, being a part of such a special day while creating the most important garment you will wear, and getting to work alongside other creatives in collaboration shoots. Who knows where the next 5 years will take her, but Sarah is so excited to continue to bring happiness to the brides who choose her.