First off, thanks for supporting the indie-designed products industry. I'm a designer of one-of- a- kind bridal gowns in imported silks and laces. Everything you see on this site has been created by hand in my design studiio. Like a dress you see in the gallery? Hit the link and it will take you to my Etsy store where you can see more images and get price info. If there's no link, call or email me and I'll send on a description along with more images.
We (You with me helping) can also customize an existing gown--new or old with your own chosen adornments. I'm known for making the design process here one of the most memorable and educational experiences of your engagement; youll actually look forward to each fitting . . .
Turnaround time for a custom made gown is 10-12 weeks at the soonest and 4-6 months for more intricate designs. This can also depend on whether you place the order during rush season (April-September). I'll reiterate here that we definitely need to talk before you place an order so I have a clear idea of your expectations in reference to fit and sizing, etc.
*I need your wedding date and deadline at the time of purchase so we can make shipping arrangements for a guaranteed on-time delivery.
*Any dress can be lengthened or shortened; sleeves attached or detached; necklines altered as I try to work any change within the framework of the posted price points whenever possible.
* Gowns range between $1200 and $3000. Generally we use 100% pure silks and imported laces as well as green-friendly alternatives. Every design you order is an original made here in the US.
* If youre far away here is what you need to do. Have your measurements taken by a professional seamstress or tailor. I need to reiterate 'Professional' here. Ideally this is the place youll be having the gown altered after we ship it to you. And please note, you will need alterations. No matter how beautifully or personally made, anything as 'Red Carpet' as a wedding dress needs some kind of altering to make it really 'yours'.
*I go more by measurements than sizing so here are the numbers I'll need:
Height and weight.
Bra cup size
Bust
Waist
Hip
Back Waist Length
Waist to floor
Waist to ankle
Arm Length (for sleeves)
Arm circumference
*While I do need measurements, a full length picture of you is worth a million measurements. Creating the dress and me picturing how you're going to look in it are all part of my design process . . . .
*Fabric swatches are available upon request. For international mail be prepared to wait 1-2 weeks . . .
Payment
I accept checks if you are local to the San Francisco Bay Area and we meet personally. Otherwise I only take Paypal. The good news is, you can use your Visa, Mastercard or Discover through Paypal.
*Dresses are custom made to your measurements. Half payment is required at the time of purchase and remainder upon delivery (shipping not included in this price. See shipping details below)
*If you're ordering a smaller ready to ship item like a fascinator or veil, full payment is required at the time of purchase. For custom accessories (anything that's not ready to ship and has to be custom made for you) I can do half at purchase and half on delivery.
*Call or email if you need to make other arrangements and we'll work out a different payment plan. I do need at least 1/3 down to purchase materials.
*Please don't ask me about final asking prices or lowering my price. If you saw the time and sweat that goes into creating these gowns and/or head pieces you'd understand the prices are right where they belong.
Shipping
*IMPORTANT: I need your wedding date and deadline at the time of purchase so we can make shipping arrangements for a guaranteed on-time delivery.
*Note that the shipping price includes handling. That means the price is also factored by box, tissue, plastic as well as time and care it takes to pack your lovely . . .
*I do my best to work within your time line yet do realize once something enters the US postal system it is out of my hands (especially on international orders). Please understand that I cannot be responsible for the exact 'When' of your merchandise arriving. Fed Ex and UPS cost extra but can guarantee a time and delivery date.
DOMESTIC ORDERS:
For dresses, especially the ones with big crinolines, USPS shipping runs about $65.00 in the US as long as it is not expedited. Fortunately this includes insurance. The good news is, no sales tax if you reside out of CA. The slimmer silhouettes are lighter and run around $30.00-40.00
*For hats and veils shipped in non-crush boxes, shipping with USPS runs about $15.
*If you want your head piece shipped in a heavy-duty envelope it runs about $8-10 depending where you live. Not recommended for net or tulle head pieces that get crushed.
*If you want overnight or expedited service with UPS or Fed EX the price is higher but is guaranteed so it minimizes the stress factor on your end as well as mine . . ..
INTERNATIONAL ORDERS:
*Shipping dresses and head pieces outside the US requires special handling. Call or email me and we'll discuss the different rates involved.
*Items shipped internationally go through customs. Delays can happen on either end, whether in the US or the country of destination. Even if your order is expedited through UPS or Fed EX, do calculate this possible delay into your time line .
*International tracking gets expensive so I only offer it if you request it; an additional shipping charge will apply.
*A word about customs. By law I'm required to abide by the laws of customs. I declare any items shipped into other countries as 'merchandise'. Buyers are responsible for any and all duties, taxes and customs charges that may be incurred.
Refunds and Exchanges
Due to the nature of custom bridal, there are no exchanges or refunds unless there is a flaw or problem with the merchandise.
If a dress does not properly fit or head piece is not what you expected, please contact me so an arrangement can be made that creates a positive experience for both of us.
Additional Policies and FAQs
PLEASE NOTE: All dresses, head pieces and veils are created by hand in my design studio, so no two items are identical. That's part of the charm of one-of-a-kind pieces! Please expect and allow for slight variances from what is shown in the made to order photos.
* Once you receive your lovely headpiece it is recommended that you steam veils and any tulle or net on the head pieces whether shipped in a box or heavy duty envelope.
* Plan on having your dress professionally pressed after it arrives and is altered.
Accessories? Im renowned for my overall look. Most of my gowns have customized accessories. These go from $175-$400.00 and can be recustomized. Yes, any hat or veil you see can be made to order.
If you need any further info or want to place an order shoot an email to amyjotatum_gmail.com or call Amy 415.258.8204
