Overview

Schedules

First thoughts of making any type of 'special occasion' outfit (e.g. wedding dress) are to do with scheduling especially with regard to the garment's construction & assembly. A definitive framework should be set-up early on & maintained as closely as possible throughout the period of its making. Ideally it should be along the lines of:

- making & fitting an initial toile

- prepare & make a pattern from the toile

- cut out & make the garment

- alter if necessary

- add finishings & complete

Design Criteria

Initial contact with a customer (for a special occasion garment), usually includes questions relating to:

- availability of customer, planned time-frames, fitting schedules

- what is expected from the garment, how it is intended to be worn & for how long

- whether any specific other items will be worn eg. underwear/under-garments, footwear

- any other special considerations that should be taken into account

This helps to determine if there will be any ‘problem design areas’ apart from those specifically garment related. If relevant, some of these often ‘forgotten areas’ may include financial considerations, travel criteria, anticipated weight loss &/or gains, as well as any health &/or medical conditions. From personal experience in making many type of garments, I have often found that it's one of these ‘overlooked avenues’ that comes to play an important role within the garment's design & construction process.

Special Finishes

For many special occasion outfits, I always try to add some sort of personalisation apart from my own garment label ... I believe it makes the outfit that little bit more special ! I usually try to incorporate something that is individual to the person - sometimes just some hanging loops - a personal date or name label as well as any special finishings that are necessary. Here are some of my favourites: