Made for you – finding the dress of your dreams.
Made for you – finding the dress of your dreams.
Made for you – finding the dress of your dreams.
Made for you – finding the dress of your dreams.

Made for you – finding the dress of your dreams.

There’s no doubt the ‘the gown’ has become an absolute focal point of the modern wedding. It’s all eyes on the bride as she stuns her groom – and guests – walking down the aisle in the chosen dress of her dreams.

But when it comes to choosing a wedding gown – how is a girl to know where to start?

We enlisted the expertise of Ivory Tribe resident couturier Georgia Young, who helped us navigate the key differences between made-to-measure and ready-to-wear gowns.  

Melbourne-based Georgia studied couture, pattern-making and garment construction at the Melbourne School of Fashion, and knew from the age of 12 that fashion was her calling.

” I started practicing on my Mum’s old sewing machine. It took a few years to figure out the basics. In year 9,  my textiles teacher noticed my passion for it and one day took me out of school to the local dressmakers. I started working there one night a week and learned so much.”

This life-long passion and her stunning range of couture bridal gowns she is becoming renowned for, assure us we’re in good hands gathering this  advice.

There are usually two big choices a bride is faced with prior to locking down her dream dress – to buy off the rack, or have a gown custom made.

When weighing up the options, Georgia explains the following considerations as key:

 

Price – Ready-made or off-the-rack can be half of the cost of a custom design,’ explains Georgia, adding that this will depend on the brand or designer – but is often the first enticement.

Fabric is the next consideration –  often, there is much more choice of exclusive and high end fabrics when it comes to a custom-made gown. Ready-to-wear is not necessarily cheaper fabric but can be more minimal in terms of less design features and often, less fabric. 

Insides of the gown – As Georgia explains, some ready-made gowns can be quite difficult to alter due to how they have been constructed.  Particularly if the gown is super-sculpted or has lot of draping or embellishment. Georgia’s signature style includes stunning, sculptured gowns with a structured feel to them – this level of detail can be overlooked if the gown is not made to fit the individual.

Proportions – One of the hardest things to work through. Everyone is different in their measurements, it’s a fact of life. Ready-made dresses are all based off standard proportions. They can be taken in, but the height of the torso cannot be altered.  Georgia explains that this is probably one of the most important elements for consideration. When ready-to-wear shopping, it’s important to try on the size closest to your own. Ensuring the proportions are fitting correctly will help negate future disappointment when the gown arrives.

Fittings –  Depending on where you look – fittings and/or alterations aren’t always included in the purchase price.  It’s also important to consider leaving enough timing to consider weight fluctuation etc, Georgia says.

For her own couture process, construction starts 4-5 months prior to the wedding. There are five fittings involved, with the final fitting taking place 1.5 weeks prior to the wedding date.   “For structured gowns it needs to be to the very millimetre, so you leave it as close as you can to the wedding,” she explains.

At the end of the day, it all depends on the bride’s wants, needs and budget. Look around for a good quality ready-made dress, try on options and make sure it already fits you quite well.

“It’s about being aware of the differences and knowing what it is you’re looking for,” says Georgia.

“Some people know exactly what they want, they just can’t find it elsewhere,” she adds. “In that case, we sit down together and work through a custom design for them.”

“We can also select fabric for them – particular lace or silk etc, with many of her brides booking 6-12 months in advance. This lead time allows for ordering of fabric, arranging paperwork and giving the couture process the care and attention it requires”.

Above all else – Georgia’s passion and commitment to her craft is evident. She takes on 4-5 gowns each month to ensure there is no compromise of quality – each client deserves your time and service.

Georgia herself is set to head down the aisle this August, in Mullumbimby, NSW. We cannot wait to see what the style queen produces in terms of a gown of her own. “I never though I would get married, I might have ten dresses,” she laughs.

To book an appointment with Georgia Young enquire here. Also be sure to check out her latest collection SALT.

 

CREDITS

Fashion: Georgia Young Couture

Photography: The Chubby Fashionista

Hair and makeup: Luciana Rose

Model: Shannikah Doherty of Dallys Models

 




loading
loading
Crop The Image

Actual Size

Recommended Size

Cropped Size

loading