Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice do you need to make my dress?
Usually four to six months notice is adequate. It is sometimes possible to complete a garment in less time, depending on existing bookings and the availability of clients for fittings.
How long will it take to make my dress?
Wedding dresses are usually commenced eight to ten weeks prior to your wedding date and completed two weeks prior. Event wear is usually commenced six weeks prior to the required date and completed one week prior. We are flexible to the individual requirements of the client.
What if I don’t know what style I want?
Clare will work with you to ascertain which styles and decorative aspects you like, what will be most flattering and complement the theme of your wedding. It is not in Clare’s best interests to spend weeks making a dress for a client that won’t suit them or that they won’t like.
How much will my dress cost?
The pricing of our couture is based on labour and fabric. The absence of a retail outlet keeps our overheads low and makes owning a custom made wedding dress more affordable. Most of our couture wedding gowns are priced between $2,000 and $4,000.
Labour is calculated at how many hours the garment will take to complete, including handwork such as beading. We do not charge for fittings. Fabric is sourced by Clare Chittenden Couture from reputable importers. We offer a range of fabrics for clients to choose from to suit the style of their dress and their budget.
The consultation estimate gives prospective clients an idea of what their garment will cost. If the estimate meets the client’s approval, we then commence the design work. A formal quotation is provided once the client settles on the final design and fabric choice.
Bridesmaids’ dresses start at $550 and flower girls’ dresses start at $250. These are priced higher than mass manufactured dresses as they are handmade here in Melbourne to a unique pattern using silk, not polyester.
Can I supply my own fabric?
Yes, however we request a sample as some fabrics are more time consuming to work with. There are certain types of fabrics we do not work with in order to maintain a high standard. Clare will advise the required fabric lengths should you wish to supply your own.
I want to lose weight for my wedding. Where does this leave me?
This is very common among brides and we try to accommodate their needs as much as possible. Once the calico toile is completed and the dress commenced, it is difficult to keep dropping the size of your dress, especially if it contains a boned corset and or beading along the outer seams. We suggest you commence any weight loss program well in advance of your wedding.
Can you copy an existing design from a picture?
No, we can’t. Aside from copyright issues, this is not what a couturier does. A couturier designs gowns and creates a unique pattern for that design using the client’s individual measurements. We are happy to use pictures of dresses you like as inspiration for your own unique creation.
I bought a dress. Can you alter it?
We regret to inform we are not an alterations service.
I bought a dress. Can you make a bolero or shrug to match?
Yes, we can. These are very popular for women who are conscious of their upper arms. We can supply the fabric, or you can supply your own. We can show you a range of styles that we offer or you can commission your own design. We usually only require a maximum six weeks’ notice for these.
Do you make Debutante dresses?
We are unable to compete with mass produced debutante dresses made off-shore and therefore do not offer a debutante service.
Do you hold appointments and fittings after hours?
Yes. We offer after hours appointments on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with the last appointment being 7.30pm. We also conduct appointments from 10.00 am until 4.00pm on Saturdays.
Can I bring others to my appointments?
We suggest you attend your initial consultation alone or with one family member or friend only. This will provide you with the opportunity to clearly convey your own ideas. We can comfortably accommodate three others in our studio during your fittings.
Children, aside from flower girls being fitted, are not permitted in our studio due to safety issues and the delicate nature of other clients’ garments that may be under construction. Please note we do not have separate waiting facilities for your fiancé in the event you wish to keep your dress under wraps.
When will your new studio be completed?
We ask clients to be patient during this period! Our new studio is scheduled for completion in May 2010. Appointments will be conducted in our current studio during this time. The new studio will still be located at 7 Tait Street, however entrance will be near the corner of Brown and Tait Streets.
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