Considering a bespoke wedding dress? Check out Paper to Lace...

Credit: Claire Juliet Paton

My friend suggested I have my dress made; I love the idea but it seems daunting. What's involved?

There's no need to feel daunted; going bespoke is a very rewarding process and the end result is extra-special and unique. It's also a lovely way to incorporate something personal into your look – perhaps a piece of veil, some fabric or a button from your mother's or grandmother's dress.

We start the process with a meeting to discuss your ideas. This might be from magazine clippings, a Pinterest board or photos of dresses you've tried on. It's a good idea to not only look at wedding dresses, as often the design may stem from a red-carpet look or a favourite dress you already own.

From this, a toile is made, which is a mock-up of the dress in a practice fabric made to your measurements. This allows us to get the fit just right, while giving you the chance to make any design changes before the dress is made in your chosen fabric. We then create the final dress and have a fitting to check everything is perfect before you take the finished gown home. You are in control the whole way through, from the concept sketch to the final look.

Christina and Becky | Paper to Lace | www.papertolace.co.uk