You asked: I would like to have a custom gown so that my dress is one of a kind. How should I go about choosing a style that fits my figure best?
Consider your venue
“I like
to know what sort of venue is being considered, as I like to tailor my
design with this in mind. For example, is it a church wedding, beach,
mountain or meadow? This affects the fabric, style and color. Above all,
I recommend brides be realistic about what they are involving
themselves in. Custom gowns require a great amount of attention and
cooperation, not just from the designer, but also from the bride.”
—Alina Pizzano of Alina Pizzano Couture Bridal in Pasadena, alinapizzano.com.
Know what looks good on you
“Think
about what types of dress silhouettes are the most flattering on you. My
suggestion is that you look in your own closet and see which styles of
everyday clothes you gravitate to and feel best in. Your designer will
guide you; you must be in tune with what lines of a dress make you feel
most beautiful. Details to consider: necklines, sleeves, narrowness or
fullness of the dress.” —Cocoe Voci of Cocoe Voci Atelier in Los Angeles, cocoevoci.com
Arrive inspired
“After
seeing an image of the bride’s dream dress, her fiancé, and knowing how
big the wedding will be, I sit down and design a gown that complements
all of those elements while taking into consideration the bride’s
character, style and budget.” —Arminé Sexehian Ohanessian of R-Mine Bespoke in Studio City, rminebridal.com
Trust your instincts
“Brides
don’t need to know exactly what they are looking for, but should have a
good understanding of the silhouette they like—a full, modified A-line,
bias slip dress, for example? I have [my brides] try on various dresses
and then recommend what elements are good on them while keeping in
balance what they are looking for, because at the end of the day they
have to be happy with the gown.” —Jin Wang of Jin Wang Atelier in San Francisco, jinwang.net
