Bridal Wedding Report: Crafting Your Dream Custom-Made Wedding Dress and How to Plan It ♡

2016.08.20 published

Wedding Report Part 3!

Hello, this is Nagisa from marry. I had my wedding in June this year and I'm sharing my wedding report on marry＊

@ngs0606

⇒ Part 1: As a graduate bride, I'm starting a wedding report ♡ First, what are my thoughts and points of emphasis regarding the wedding??

⇒ Part 2: A graduate bride speaks, "In my case"＊ Among the myriad of information, these were the two points I didn’t emphasize!

Actually, I had a full custom wedding dress and colored dress made for me＊ This time, I would like to introduce the whole process of my custom wedding dress ♡

Process of Custom Dress: ① Design Decision [6 Months Before]

For a custom wedding dress, the process involves deciding on the design → deciding on the fabric and materials → measuring → first fitting → second fitting → completion! Compared to renting or regular purchasing, this process involves a lot more steps＊

Deciding on the design also takes quite a bit of time. In my case, I initially hadn't planned on going full custom, so I was going to various dress shops for fittings!

As I tried on many dresses, I had already decided that I liked certain designs, so the discussions about the dress design progressed smoothly♩

www.mydreamlines.com

However, the people at the full custom dress salon are all professionals in dress making! Even if you don't have a clear idea yet, you can start consulting from scratch with them ♡

I decided to go with a full custom dress about half a year before the wedding day. However, it's actually cutting it close to order a custom wedding dress even at the six-month mark!!! It may vary depending on the design, but those considering ordering should start as early as possible＊

My 【Ideal Dress】 is as follows＊

The dress should have lots of fluffy petals

I wanted the fluffy petals to extend all the way to the train in the back

I also wanted the train to be short enough for use at the after-party and location photos

The top should have a luxurious feel with lots of embroidery and beads

These four points were my main focuses＊ Based on these four points, I discussed with the shop staff♩

Process of Custom Dress: ② Deciding on Fabrics and Materials [5 Months Before]

Once the design is decided, we then choose the fabrics and materials to be used. You can select from many types of fabric such as silk, satin, tulle, and organza＊

The choice of fabric and materials significantly impacts the cost, so it's important to confirm this◎

www.etsy.com

The fluffy flower dress I envisioned is super cute, but the fluffiness can sometimes cause it to be heavy and lose its shape!

I wanted to avoid that if possible, so I requested a material for the fluffy parts that would maintain its shape well! It was decided to use a very lightweight organza, resulting in a delightful fluffy finish♡

@ngs0606

What about the details?

We also decided on the finer details. In my case, I didn't want the neckline to be too simple, so I added lace＊ I fell in love at first sight with delicate lace adorned with three-dimensional flowers and jewels♡

@ngs0606

The back was made with covered buttons! I debated between that and a ribbon lacing because the latter allows for size adjustments, but I decided to go with the covered buttons to keep it classic and bridal ♡

@ngs0606

Additionally, I arranged for the long train to be adjustable to a shorter length! We added hooks in between the train to attach to a hook at the back, allowing me to move easily during the after-party♩ It added a cute volume to my backside◎

Here is the train in its normal length...

@ngs0606

And here is a photo of it shortened. It might not be clear since it's not taken directly from the back, but it is slightly shorter!

@ngs0606

I believe we made these decisions about 5 months ago＊ In my case, the fabric and such were mostly decided early on, so we focused mainly on the finer specifications♩

Process of Custom Dress: ③ Measurements [5 Months Before]

Measurements involve taking all sorts of measurements of your body (laughs). This process ensures the dress fits you perfectly♡

If your body shape changes before the big day, it's good to maintain your ideal figure by the time of measurement◎

In my case, for some reason, I ended up losing weight and had to stuff a towel in the waist on the day of the event、、、、！

@ngs0606

The timing for measurements varies by salon, but most are done around six to four months before. I was pretty close to the deadline, so they conducted the measurements simultaneously with steps ① and ②♩

Process of Custom Dress: ④ First Fitting [3 Months Before]

Based on the measurements, a provisional dress made from different fabric is created for size adjustment.

We check the waist position and the length of the train, etc.＊ With semi-custom dresses, while you can achieve a perfect fit, you can't adjust the waist position or bust line.

I think one of the charms of going full custom is that you can create a dress that not only fits your size but also suits your body shape♩

It usually takes about 1-2 months to complete the first fitting. The actual dress is still a ways off、、、、!

Process of Custom Dress: ⑤ Second Fitting [1 Month Before]

At this stage, we adjust the nearly completed dress made from the actual fabric.

Since this is still a fitting stage, size and position adjustments are okay! Be sure to double-check everything♩

@ngs0606

Since I was cutting it close, mine was done a month before, but in reality, it would typically be a bit earlier.

Process of Custom Dress: ⑥ Final Fitting [2 Weeks Before]

By this point, all the flowers in the back have been attached! We try on the completed dress＊ If you've decided on your veil or accessories, it's a good idea to bring them along to try with the dress◎

@ngs0606

When you get to this point, completion is just around the corner! Make sure to clarify any concerns you have◎ I insisted on having more flowers added to the front!

For me, since I was cutting it close from the start, this was done two weeks prior. It would be ideal to aim for around a month before the wedding for the final check in case anything pops up＊

Process of Custom Dress: ⑤ Completion!

And just like that, the custom dress is complete＊

@ngs0606

I will never forget the emotion I felt the moment I saw my completed dress. After much deliberation about whether to rent a popular brand's dress or purchase one, I ended up opting for the custom dress I had wanted all along, so I thought, "I'm glad I agonized over it!"

It might sound exaggerated, but that's how grateful I felt, filled with joy and appreciation for the staff who created it with me up to this point＊

@ngs0606

Moreover, when I thought about wearing this pure white dress to become a bride, I felt a mix of happiness and a deep sense of sadness. I planned to have a first meeting with my husband, so my mother often accompanied me for dress fittings.

I will always remember my mother’s delighted face when I wore the completed dress, but also a somewhat sad expression. That unforgettable experience outside of the wedding day may well have been thanks to the dress I had agonized over...!

@ngs0606

Then came the big day 【First Meet】

It was actually my husband who suggested we have a first meet! So, he didn’t know what kind of dress I would be wearing on the day. (However, initially, he accompanied me for fittings, so it wasn't the first time he had seen me in a dress.)

I thought a first meet wasn’t necessary, but he was incredibly pleased and said, "You look cute!" which made me very happy♡

@ngs0606

I felt glad we had the first meet at his request ◎

Future brides considering a ceremony should definitely keep the first meet in mind♩

About the shop＊

The place where I ordered my dress is called Dress Studio FMN located in Aoyama, Tokyo. The owner is very reliable, and the staff are kind and attentive ♡

Here is the shop where I ordered my dress 【FMN】＊

I’ve heard that mentioning "I saw it on marry" or "Nagisa's introduction" might get you some discounts, so if you go, please be sure to let them know♡

Currently Accepting Article Requests ♡

I'd be happy to hear any themes or requests you have in mind ♡

Please send your requests via DM to marry's official Instagram account or my Instagram account＊

➡ Here is marry's Instagram＊

➡ Here is my Instagram＊〔@ngs0606〕

For Dress Inquiries＊

※ I sometimes receive inquiries asking to borrow or purchase my dress! I’m not considering selling it at this stage, but I can lend it out, so please reach out via DM on my Instagram for inquiries＊