New Clients FAQ

Welcome 2009!

The wedding season is in full swing, and my in box is full of new client requests. Instead of replying to everyone individually, I thought I’d make a new post answering the most commonly asked questions here.

Where are you located?

I am in Lindon, Utah.

Do you work with out of state clients? Will you make & mail me a dress?

I currently work with out of state clients who will come to me for fittings. For wedding gowns, the fitting schedule is anywhere from 4-8 fittings and for bridesmaids, 2 fittings. I will mail a dress after these fittings are done, but for the time being, I only work with custom clients.

What exactly does custom mean?

Custom means (for my purposes), fitted exclusively to the clients body proportions and measurements, in the style and fabric chosen.

How much is the “……” dress?

When emailing about costs of a certain dress, please keep in mind that the “Janet” dress is actually a real person named Janet, and that is her dress that was personally designed for her body.

I give estimates based on style, fabric choice, complexity of design and availability. Dresses can range anywhere from $800 to $4,000. Prices are most greatly affected by fabric choices and design.

In order to have realistic expectations, I prefer to meet with (or email if you are out of state) each individual client and design a dress personally for each client. If you would like something similar to a dress already in my portfolio, please remember that fabrics come in and out of stock, and the exact fabric used on a previous client may not be available.

Also, availabiltiy (of schedule) is also a factor in estimate cost. Brides who want dresses done in two weeks, when I’m already booked, will pay a different price than those who book me 2 years in advance, and their fittings follow a relaxed schedule. Each bride is unique and each fitting schedule is unique. Each price is unique because of this.

How do you design a dress?

I prefer to meet each client in person for a consultation appointment. These can last anywhere from half an hour to an hour and include advice on design, body awareness (what’s appropriate for you), fabric choices and a sketch of the proposed design.

Before this appointment, I prefer to have a little information from each bride so I can better prepare:

1. more information (or photos) of the type of dresses you are looking for (this gives me an idea of the design-direction you would like to go in)

2. your event date & venue location(your date gives me an idea of time line) (is this a formal event, a city-hall wedding or a beach event)

3. any specifics about your preferences for design, color, etc.(do you love-love love dusty rose, but detest banana orange) ( are you only interested in bright white gowns as opposed to ivory or off white)

4. are you local for fittings (can you travel to Utah for appointments)

How long does it take to design and construct my gown?

As mentioned earlier, each bride’s schedule is unique. I have had brides request a gown for the next weekend available. If I happen to have their choice of fabric in-stock, and my schedule permits, this can be accomplished. I also have brides who book their dresses two years in advance, and their fittings follow a relaxed schedule. The bridal market in Utah (local brides) is typically a 2-4 month in advance schedule. This schedule fills very quickly, so drop me an email to see if I’m available.

Can you do my dress in time for my “….” date wedding?

Feel free to email me for a consultation appointment at jesmaydesigns@yahoo.com.  I am also only working with local clients, or out of state clients willing to fly in for fittings, due to the recent birth of my son. Please leave me a comment or email me if you have any more questions not answered here!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Jessica