It’s not just the fit…

I’ve been in the wedding industry long enough to know what separates a so-so bridal gown from a gown which screams I’m-getting-married-to-the-man-of-my-dreams-looking-oh-so-fabulous-and-I-just-feel-oh-so-damn-beautiful. I’ve probably seen it all… well, sige na nga exaggerated yun… but I have seen plenty. I’ve had a bride who was not allowed by her couturier to fit her gown. Twelve hours before her wedding, she got it, fitted it, jumped, and her strapless gown fell to the floor. I’ve had to fold and sew gowns on the morning of the wedding because the gowns are just soooo long (yung pinakamahaba kong kelangan i-fold ay, no exagg, dalawang dangkal!). We’ve had to sew some beads back on kasi naalis na at nahuhulog habang nasa dress form. I’ve had brides who told their designers “____, hindi ako makahinga” and unfortunately, I’ve worked with designers who replied, “Sister, couture ang gown mo. Tiisin mo!” I cannot count the number of times we’ve had to to use pencil erasers to erase the dirt from the hems and the seams. But, of course, I have seen so many wonderful, absolutely splendid gowns with the perfect fit and perfect cut.

When brides ask me for referrals to designers, I always tell them outright that having a perfect fit is my number one priority. I’ve had a bride who had a gown worth almost half a million. I was so excited! Come wedding day, the fit in the bodice area was very unsatisfactory; if you were talking to the bride, you could see into her bosom.

Recent events, however, have made me realize that aside from the fit, the attitude and the efficiency of service of the designer matter a great deal, too. Oo naman, alam ko naman yun dati but normally kasi I wouldn’t really care. Deadma kung feeling diva the designer and as long as s/he does her work, kaya ko siyang deadmahin. But as I said, recent events have convinced me that a designer’s work is not just about delivering a great gown.

If you visit my personal blog, you’d know that I would be taking a hiatus from coordination next year. Since I only have a handful of brides left and all their designers, I think, are okay naman, this is not even for my brides but for other brides who are still looking for THE perfect gown maker.

Here are a few things which I think a bride must bear in mind when she’s looking for a gown maker:

(Disclaimer: I am not a gown designer. Hell, I am not even into fashion. LOL! But I am a wedding planner, and I think, a good one at that. I am not claiming to be a fashion expert nor an expert’s apprentice. These are merely based on my years in the industry and on my observations on what works and what does not.)

1. Design. I know most designers design based on the bride’s personality and what the bride wants. That’s super okay. Sometimes though, hindi bagay sa bride what she wants. Plus I think most underestimate the technical aspects of the design. Since not all women have the perfect modelesque curvy body (kung oo lang, eh di ang saya ko na! hahaha!), it’s a designer’s job to make sure that the cut of the gown fits her… really fits her. And it’s not just about the body, pati leeg, hugis ng mukha, layo ng mukha sa katawan… lahat yan tinitignan. A very good friend and my favorite designer once told my bride super matter of factly “You have a very pretty face but your head is not proportional to your body because you’re so slim so we must do something about that.” My bride was so not offended and readily delved into finding the perfect cut for her.

Btw, the most common mistake I see is assuming that having an off-shoulder gown would benefit a plus-size body. I am sorry to say that it does not. Hindi po nakakatago ng malaking braso ang off-shoulder neckline. I have browsed through David’s Bridal’s selection for the plus-size bride. Umabot na ako sa kalahati ng 126 gown designs and I had yet to see an off-the-shoulder gown. If you must have sleeves, then have cap sleeves or sheer long sleeves (dapat ata sheer para hindi mabigat tignan).

All pictures are from David’s Bridal.

2. Fit and Length. Fit is mejo common sense: walang kulubot sa bodice, nakalapat yung neckline sa katawan, hindi naka-usbong ang puson, etc. And normally, I think, designers do try to create that perfect fit. But of course, one cannot be complacent. Look at the pictures of that designer’s previous brides and really study how his gowns fit real life brides.

Length is more often that not, overlooked. Make sure to fit the gown in the shoes that you’re going to wear with your petticoat and sash on (if applicable). With the gown (and sash and petticoat) and shoes on, make sure the hem of the gown is one inch from the floor. Ekaskto na yan paglakad ng carpet.

3. Attitude. If a designer asks you to starve yourself to be able to fit into his/her gown, please get someone else (unless you’re a fashion model by profession and it’s your job to fit into his gown). And, remember, you’re the client and while you should not abuse this position, you’re still the client. (Please do not abuse this position. )

4. Taste. Enough said.

5. Budget. I had a bride who got an astronomical quote from a designer. She asked if pwede pa babaan. Hindi na daw kasi yun na yung quote. She asked if she can do anything (like change the design or whatever), hindi na daw kasi yun na yung design. And I’m telling you, her original budget was not low.

6. Service. This is the reason I am writing this whole post, to make sure that no bride is shortchanged when it comes to service.

Before signing a contract and paying a downpayment, you might consider asking/discussing the following questions/points:

a. Appointments. Will I get a schedule of the fittings beforehand or will you just inform me a week before each fitting appointment? Do you fit during weekends (when most brides are available) or do we have to fit during weekdays? Oh yeah, can I actually fit the gown or do you subscribe to the notion that brides can’t fit their gowns?

b. Delivery. Will you be delivering the gown or do I pick it up? If I pick it up, when will it be ready? A week before, a few days before, the day before? Upon delivery, is it ready to be worn or do I have to have it cleaned first? If so, how do you suggest I clean it?

c. If I pick it up, chances are it will be in a box. Should I just leave it in the box or should I take it out? Do I need to have it ironed/ steamed ironed?

d. Will you lend me a dress form? If you’ll be delivering the gown (to the preps venue normally), I assume that the dress form will be with it. If not, when will the dress form be available for my use? If it will be delivered on the day, I would need it at least five hours before the wedding ceremony. Please make sure it is there otherwise the photographers will not be able to take pictures of my gown when they arrive. Also, please lend me a dress form approximate my size (S, M, L). Sana rin black and hindi shiny gold. [LOL! This actually happened to us and we had to look for another dress form.]

e. Will you be sending someone to dress me up? If so, will they have emergency kits (sewing kit, scissors, etc.) or do I have to provide that? Will your staff bring an iron/steam iron to iron out creases?

f. Willl you be sending someone to assist me in the church? How about in the reception?

g. If emergencies arise, for example, a gown accessory was forgotten in your shop or something, can I count on you and your staff to at least do your best to make sure the problem is addressed? [I don't think anyone would say NO to this but you have to ask this just so they know that you're counting on them.]

When you ask/discuss these questions/points, please be magalang and do it in a very polite manner. The goal is not to be confrontational but to make sure that you won’t be stressed out on your wedding day.

Happy gown and gown-maker hunting!

P.S. If you ask me, para wala na lang problema sa service, go to Veluz or Cecilio Abad.