bianca
10-05-2000, 12:25 PM
Before I read the Fields book Bridal Bargains, I went to 3 of the more popular bridal shops in the Seattle area. Victoria's (who made Melinda Gates wedding dress); Elaine's of Edmonds; and I Do Bridal. I had a "special" request. I wanted a dress in a particular style that I could not find in a bridal magazine. All the bridal shops claimed to custom make gowns. I do know how to sew and understand what is involved in making gowns so I thought that I would probably find something similar in the not formal category. In addition, I did not want any fabric in white.
At I DO bridal I was ignored. A young salesgirl finally did try to assist me. She called out the seamstress who gave me the name of another seamstress. (The advice they gave was okay, it's just that I was ignored.)
I then made an appointment with Elaine's of Edmonds. They tried to push the magazine dresses on me. When I firmly stated what I wanted they said "it will be very hard to get anything like that." They told me to contact the designer personally and that I should go down the street to Victoria's Bridal. I did so and was helped immediately by a woman who said she was the seamstress. She said she could do what I asked. However, it would cost -- get this! $1200.00 flat fee not including her labor of $65.00 an hour. Plus I would have to buy the fabic myself. She said that the cost is high because I would be getting a custom gown. When I said that it was too costly she replied that I may be able to find a seamstress for less but to be careful -- make sure that I get a seamstress from a nice boutique. Hmmm... I did find a seamstress to make my gown for $10.00 an hour. I bought the fabric. The total cost of the dress (CUSTOM MADE) about $350.00. Just thought all you guys in Seattle might find this info useful!
At I DO bridal I was ignored. A young salesgirl finally did try to assist me. She called out the seamstress who gave me the name of another seamstress. (The advice they gave was okay, it's just that I was ignored.)
I then made an appointment with Elaine's of Edmonds. They tried to push the magazine dresses on me. When I firmly stated what I wanted they said "it will be very hard to get anything like that." They told me to contact the designer personally and that I should go down the street to Victoria's Bridal. I did so and was helped immediately by a woman who said she was the seamstress. She said she could do what I asked. However, it would cost -- get this! $1200.00 flat fee not including her labor of $65.00 an hour. Plus I would have to buy the fabic myself. She said that the cost is high because I would be getting a custom gown. When I said that it was too costly she replied that I may be able to find a seamstress for less but to be careful -- make sure that I get a seamstress from a nice boutique. Hmmm... I did find a seamstress to make my gown for $10.00 an hour. I bought the fabric. The total cost of the dress (CUSTOM MADE) about $350.00. Just thought all you guys in Seattle might find this info useful!