We have a fantastic business that is very unique. When you walk into Creations, you will not see racks of dresses, but bolts of material. We have fabric both in stock and by custom order to create wedding gowns, mothers' dresses, bridesmaids and flower girls. The dressmakers who work out of Creations can copy dresses from pictures, a pattern or your imagination. They can combine several pictures to create the perfect dress for you or design something you haven't been able to find in stores. Many times this is a more affordable option and there is no need to pay for alterations, the gowns are made especially for each customer! If this sounds like something you would be interested in, stop by or give me a call at 804-740-7312. Also, we offer veils, headpieces, shoes, gifts, and rent beautiful cake stands.

Steps to Creating the Perfect Gown

The first step is to convey to your dressmaker what you would like the garment to look like. This can be done by verbal description, an email of what you like, or in person with the use of photographs. Many people bring us several dresses printed from the internet. They may like one neckline, another waist, the skirt width from another picture and the train from yet another. It will be the dressmakers, job to put all of your ideas together to create the perfect gown.

From here we suggest fabrics that would work well with your design and cost the project out. Questions would be asked such as, "What colors are you interested in? Do you want a natural fiber such as silk, or would you rather polyester?" My suggestion is that girls pick out what they love first, with no thought of price. They are often pleasantly surprised with the final cost compared to that of the designer gowns. However, when the price is given, if this is more than you're looking to spend, simply say so. We will be happy to make some suggestions to keep you in a comfortable range. This price difference can be achieved by a change in design or materials. The only request we have is that you do compare apples to apples. For example, if your materials cost and labor quote combined, come to the same price as a ready made gown, keep in mind that having it made is actually a better value. Why is this? Alterations. A gown that is custom made is just that, custom made for you. It will be a wonderful fit with no need for expensive alterations. *Note-if a customer is unable to get into the shop (ie, they live in Chicago) we would do this via the internet and snail mail. Most of the time customers email me photos of what they have in mind and I then mail them out a packet with swatches and cost run-downs.

Measurments are then taken either in person by your dressmaker or by a dressmaker/alterations person in your area. If we are unable to see you then a measurement chart would be sent to you with specifics of what your dressmaker would need.

A garment much like your final garment is then created out of a muslin material. Muslin is an economical fabric similar to what sheets are made of. This is done for two reasons. One is for the dressmaker to be sure that the fit is good. If something needs to be adjusted, this is the time. Another reason would be for you to be sure this design is what you have in mind. Is the neckline low enough, is the skirt full enough, are the sleeves how you want them etc.? This would be the time to tell the dressmaker if there are any changes you would like to make. If you are an out of town customer, than your muslin would be mailed to you with specific fitting instructions. It could be taken to the same person who did your measurements perhaps. PLEASE make sure that who fits you is someone you feel confident in their pinning abilities; in other words, please do not let your husband try his hand at tailoring!

Your garment is now pretty much complete. There may be a few more adjustments made, but if not, you will be on your way!

It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. It is something we have perfected over the last twenty years. We hope this explanation helps to answer many of your questions. If you are going to be an out of town customer, the only other information I could give is to send, along with your ideas, your regular dress size and how tall you are. I would need to know these things before I could estimate yardage and then price out your garment. Please be very honest with all sizes and measurements. Keep in mind that from this information they will be making your dress and you want it to fit perfectly!

-Maggie at Creations