Regardless of your budget, most brides want to look their best on their big day. However, finding the perfect gown that fits isn’t always easy or affordable. If you’re considering having a dress custom made, it’s important to understand what factors affect cost.
The type of fabric and design will have the biggest impact on total dress how much does it cost to have a dress made cost. Higher-end fabrics like silk and hand-embroidered lace will drive up the price more than cotton or synthetic options. The amount of handwork a gown will require also impacts cost. The more hand beading, embroidery, appliques, crystals and lace, the higher the cost.
Evening gowns and prom dresses typically use more expensive fabric than cocktail or daytime wedding dresses. This is because of the fabric’s quality, as well as the additional embellishments and detailing. Additionally, evening gowns have a heavier structure and more layers than daytime dresses.
A professional seamstress or tailor charges a different rate for each alteration job, which is determined by how long it takes them to complete the task. In addition, a seamstress’s experience and skill level will influence how much they charge. Generally speaking, seamstresses with decades of experience charge more than newer professionals.
Tailoring and sewing services also charge different rates for hems, waist cinches, and shoulder straps. In addition, the number of layers in a dress will increase or decrease the alterations fee, as will the fabric’s weight and material. For example, hemming a dress with several layers of horsehair will take more time and cost more than hemming a simple cocktail dress with two layers of polyester.
Lastly, the price of zippers and buttons can vary from dressmaker to dressmaker. Some designers have relationships with couture lace houses and fabric mills, which can also affect the overall price of a dress.
In addition to a gown’s design and fabric, other costs include alterations and accessories. Nearly every gown requires alterations to ensure that it has a picture-perfect fit. For this reason, a bride should plan to spend at least $200 on alterations, no matter what dress she buys.
The bottom line is that a custom dress will likely cost more than an off-the-rack one, but it’s worth it for the unique design and perfect fit. If you’re planning on spending less, consider getting a dress with fewer bells and whistles or incorporating some DIY elements into your final design.
Another option is to scour sample sales and wholesale stores to find the dress you love at a lower price point. Lastly, don’t forget that dress shopping isn’t just about the gown itself—there’s also the shoes, veil, and other accessories to consider! By doing your homework and working with a trusted dressmaker, you can save money by buying a gown that’s made for you.
