What is involved? How does it happen?

Like most designers Alison works by appointment. The initial consultation is a process whereby you discuss your ideas with the designer who will show you a range of fabrics that will be suitable for your design etc. This is the stage where I develop and define your ideas using expertise and experience. If you deside to go ahead we ask you to pay a deposit – usually about £200 - £250. The fabric is then ordered and you are given a cutting for matching cakes, flowers etc

The first stage is the underwear. It needs to be appropriate! It can be as simple as a well-fitting bra or alternatively we might need to incorporate a boned corset into the dress.

The second stage is a toile. This is a mock-up of your design in calico. The purpose of this is to establish the line of the gown and to refine the fit.

How will I know what it will look like and what if I don’t like it?

You will get a very good idea of the basic overall shape when we fit the toile. The advantage of having your gown and made is that you will see how the design evolves at each fitting. This flexibility gives us the opportunity to alter any aspects of the design as we progress thus eliminating any potential problems as they arise. Remember – this is a partnership where Designer and Bride are working together towards the same goal – perfection on the day! The comment we hear most often is “it’s far more beautiful than I ever imagined it would be!”

Will I need lots of fittings?

This will vary on the style of gown and your size and shape. A rough guide is 1-2 toile fittings and 4-5 silk fittings before we stand back and admire!

What if I put on or lose weight?

It’s jolly inconvenient but we’ll get around it somehow!! All joking apart, the point of having your gown made is that it fits you perfectly on the day. To this end the final fitting doesn’t happen until 7-10 days before the wedding.

Will it be ready on time? When can I collect it?

Of course it will!! It’s not my interest to miss this deadline – I’d never work again! Many clients like to collect the gown 2-3 days before the wedding or if space is at a premium I will bring the fress to you on the day as long as your wedding isn’t in Timbuktu!

What about co-ordinating with other members of the
Wedding Party?

At your initial consultation you will be asked about the whole look of your wedding. This is not nosiness on the part of the designer but an attempt to identify how the individual elements combine to make the whole picture. This involves discussing how colour and shape combinations will complement the bride and create a pleasing look overall. We would be delighted to design and create for bridesmaids and mothers as well as waistcoats and accessories for the groom.

How long does it take?

Ideally, six months is perfect. This gives me plenty of time to sort everything out. However not everyone fits into this timescale and I have been known to produce a gown from start to finish in a week!

How do I clean and store my dress after the wedding?

I always recommend a good dry cleaner who speacialises in cleaning wedding gowns and who can arrange to have your gown packed in acid-free tissue and a double-layered box for safe storage.

Where do I go from here?

Pick up the phone and call Alison Miles on 01225 336805.

I look forward to hearing from you.