A question for all of you seamstresses!?

Question

I am going to be getting my wedding dress made for me, and I just was wondering what price, including labor YOU would charge for this dress: http://www.houseofbrides.com/product.php?productid=26702&cat=1228&page=4 Thank you!

Answer 1

Cookin' Gal is actually quoting you on the low side. Depending upon where you live you may actually pay closer to 2500 - 3000. If you are not located in a 'larger city' the fabric will most likely have to be specially ordered, as will the lace and beading on the bodice. You are also asking the seamstress to duplicate a dress just from sight, not with a pattern in hand. This means she needs to basically design the dress and create the pattern as well.  

You'd be better to take her advice and look around at the bridal shops, this is going to be an expensive undertaking that you may not even be happy with once it's done if you haven't already tried the gown on.

Answer 2

Thats a really tough question. The pattern will be made to fit you perfectly (which takes me about 2 hours). If the seamstress will be including the price of the fabric in the cost...(looks like about 10-12 yards) really nice special occ. fabrics are about $20 (or higher) so thats $250 ish on the low end for the fabric alone. If there is any hand beading or boning in the bodice, thats a LOT of work. This doesnt include the layers under the skirt for the crinoline or the fabric for the lining. If you need a bustle on the skirt or any alteratons, thats going to cost something too. Have you talked to any seamstresses in your area? Have you priced this dress or one thats similar? It might actually cost less to go to a bridal salon and buy a dress (Ive seen this one just about everywhere) If I were to make this dress for someone and I had to charge for the cost of the fabric, I would charge at least 2,000 and I think thats pretty cheap for the work involved!

Answer 3

although silk tafetta runs about $18 per yard, you should be able to get polyester taffeta for $5.00 per yard, which will hang similarly. That dress has such a large skirt that you will want to economize on fabric: I'm guessing that at least ten yards go into its construction, maybe more!