AN INTERVIEW WITH EMMA BEAUMONT - DESIGNING YOUR BESPOKE WEDDING DRESS

Emma Beaumont established her brand in 2013 and has since become recognised as a top British designer. Emma is known for her intricate embroidery, delicate shaping and stunning floral embellishment. Her one-of-a-kind, handmade, bespoke wedding dress designs exude individual style and personality. It was an absolute pleasure to interview Emma and to gain an insight into her design process and the journey she loves to embark on with all of her clients. Special thank you to Emmy Shoots for her stunning imagery too.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH A BRIDE?

You will begin the exciting process of designing your bespoke wedding dress and will be guided through an extensive range of beautiful fabrics and embellishments. To help inspire your own design, you will get the opportunity to try on some of our dresses and study the craftsmanship behind each stunning creation.

As well as discussing your dream wedding dress, we will ask you to share the details of your special day. This is important so that we can visualise the exact setting for your dress and make sure it all flows perfectly.

We will then create a sketch of your dress design as a way of gathering together your ideas and putting them down on paper, including any concepts you may want to explore in more detail. This is the first step in bringing your wedding dress to life.

In preparation for your first meeting, we would recommend compiling a selection of your favourite images so that you can discuss them together on the day.

HOW MANY FITTINGS SHOULD A BRIDE EXPECT TO HAVE FROM CONSULTATION FROM FINISHED WEDDING DRESS DESIGN?

Our beautiful brides are all very different and while some prefer to take a back seat, others choose to be more involved in the design process. If you would like to be more involved, then we may need to spread out the fittings so that you can control development step by step.​

At the very least our brides have 4 fittings with us, the toile fitting, first fitting, second fitting and final fitting along with collection.

​THE TOILE FITTING 

A magical moment where the sketch really comes to life. The toile, which is a cotton replica of the dress, is made from measurements taken at the initial consultation and is completely unique to you. At this stage, we will critique the design and make any necessary adjustments. We will also drape fabrics over the silhouette to define the lines of the dress and help you visualise exactly how the finished garment will look.

FIRST WEDDING DRESS FITTING 

At the first fitting, you will get to try on your dress. Although still in the very early stages of development, your dress will really be starting to take shape. It is likely to be very plain at this point so that we can ensure a perfect fit before adding any embellishment. It is also a great opportunity for you to have a say in the placement of lace or any embellishment and to create a stunning dress that is unique to you.

SECOND WEDDING DRESS FITTING

Your dress has now come to life and we will begin work on the finishing touches to ensure that the fit is perfect and that it is every bit as incredible as you first imagined

FINAL WEDDING DRESS FITTING & COLLECTION

Your dress is now complete and ready to wear. Your final fitting will normally be held between 2-4 weeks before your wedding day and this is where we carry out all the last-minute checks.

HOW DOES A BRIDE PREPARE FOR HER WEDDING DRESS FITTINGS?

It is important that a bride wears the correct underwear for each fitting. Please wear the bra that you intend to wear on your wedding day at each appointment and where possible, avoid padded styles. Seamless and nude underwear is highly recommended. Shapewear should be worn from first to final fitting if it is to be worn on your wedding day.

Although shoes are not essential for your toile fitting, a rough estimate of heel height will be noted at this point. Gloves will be provided to ensure your dress is fully protected while you try it on.

Please also be aware that false tan, make-up and oil-based products may transfer onto your garment during fittings and should be avoided for 1-2 days prior to any appointments.

FINALLY, WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING A BESPOKE WEDDING DRESS FOR YOUR BRIDES?

It wasn’t just the beautiful dresses or the glamour that got me inspired, but the feeling when you see that person wear their perfect dress, looking exactly how they imagined. That is what keeps me going and working so hard, diving into the brides mind trying to capture exactly how the envision to look and bringing that to life. Sometimes it’s not even the dress they can see, just the overall mood or essence of style they want to portray, seeing their face when you have brought it all to life is really quite special. Bespoke really is my passion.

One of my gorgeous brides Rebecca went through the process to design 2 dresses for her wedding day with Emma, and she did it all the way from Canada flying over for fittings. Take a look at the stunning outcome here!

'We love nothing better than personalising dresses for our brides. If you would like us to add a blue ribbon or a small pouch to hold a trinket or sentimental item, then we will work with you to create something truly special and memorable’

EMMA BEAUMONT