FAQs | WEDDINGS
CUSTOM WEDDING GOWNS
Welcome to a fun adventure in fashion, art and creativity. Yes, some might call it bold and brave… true immersion in the artistic, creative process of the design of a gown from start to finish. In our personalized and intimate process, we offer our clients a beautiful experience through the fitting process.
BRIDAL ALTERATIONS
Beauty through superb workmanship and excellent fit. In our personalized and intimate process, we offer our brides an enchanting experience through the steps of fitting and alteration. We ensure that everything is perfect and exactly how you want it to be. Our favorite part is the final fitting – it’s the full transformation and we love to see the happy look on the bride’s face when it’s all done!
WEDDING DAY SERVICES
Are you planning a wedding on Maui? We provide pressing, steaming and emergency sewing services for the entire wedding party. With all the specialty attention of a luxury bridal sewing atelier, passionate care for wedding gowns, and true joy in being part of your most important day, our brides and grooms love our services.
How much will a custom wedding gown cost?
Custom gowns begin at $4000. This includes the initial sourcing, sketching, pattern design, garment construction, every fitting, alterations, and communication.
How long does the dressmaking process take?
The process takes approximately 2-4 months to complete a custom gown, but gowns have been completed in less time. Please reach out and we will assess on a case by case basis.
Where will we have our fittings?
The sewing studio is located in Upcountry Maui. Fittings are by appointment only.
When should I bring in my wedding gown for alterations?
The sooner, the better. Schedule your first fitting appointment as early as possible to be sure your dress gets into our queue, and our staff has plenty of time for alterations. Ideally, we like to have wedding gown alterations completed months in advance of the wedding. The final weeks before a wedding are generally very busy for brides, so we like to cross the wedding gown alterations off your list early. If you have been a stable size for a long time, and do not plan on losing weight, we encourage you to come in early and have your alterations done. We try to leave the final four weeks before a wedding day for those brides who are in the process of losing weight, have found their gown at the last minute, or have an alteration emergency.
What should I bring to my first bridal fitting appointment?
Please bring your calendar, wedding date, shoes and undergarments. If you do not have your shoes yet, please bring shoes that are the closest in height to what you will be wearing. If you are unsure about undergarments, please bring several options and we will be happy to assist you with the correct choice. You may also bring your veil, jewelry and other accessories. Please bring your preferred method of payment since a deposit will be required at the first fitting.
Do you alter clothes for the wedding party?
Absolutely! We work with the groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, and wedding guests. We are able to work on suits, tuxedos, formal dresses, cocktail and party dresses and more.
How much will wedding gown alterations cost?
Normal wedding gown alterations range from $300 to $1,000. We need to see your gown in person to be able to give you an estimate. Cost varies based on the fabric, details, hem style, number of skirt layers, type of bustle and more, and the number of alterations required. Gowns with extensive bead work, complex detailing, or that need to be completely restyled may cost more.
I don’t live near you. Can I still take advantage of your services?
Yes! Make a vacation of it and visit Maui! Custom dressmaking is a very personal affair, and requires a minimum of five fittings, sometimes as many as ten. So, we need to be together to make your dream come true. Maui is a wonderful place to visit with your fiancée, family or friends. You can combine a memorable vacation with having your custom gown made. Depending on the complexity of your dress, you may need to make two trips to Maui – one for the first round of fittings, and one for the second round of fittings. Plan on spending at least a week here, with a fitting every day, as we progress through your gown. After the second round of fittings, your dress may be complete or may need finishing work done. Once the dress is complete and ready to be delivered, you will need to come to Maui for a final fitting and to pick up the gown. We can also fly the completed gown to you. Please inquire.
What types of wedding gowns do you alter?
We work on all types of gowns, from new couture designer gowns, to your mother’s gown that you may want restyled, to beautiful consignment gowns. New designer gowns that we have worked on include Oscar de la Renta, Galia Lahav, Claire Pettibone, Jenny Peckham, Liancarlo, Matthew Christopher, Naeem Khan, Robert Bullock, Anne Barge, Carolina Herrera, Lela Rose, and more. We work with fine fabrics, including silk, satin, charmeuse, organza, chiffon, lace, intricate beadwork, and more. We have worked on ready-to-wear gowns ranging in price from $25,000 to $250. We restyle gowns by taking existing dresses and adding or removing certain elements to create a dress that is special for you.
I plan on losing weight before my wedding day. When should I come in for fittings?
Again, the sooner, the better, so that we can get you into our queue. We will schedule your fittings within six weeks of your wedding day. Two weeks out from your wedding day, we suggest that you maintain your weight so as to not have any last minute alteration emergencies.
Can someone come with me to my fitting?
Of course! We have designed our fitting room so mothers and bridesmaids could accompany you during these appointments.
Do you work with mainland brides getting married on Maui?
Yes, we do! If you are visiting Maui for your wedding and need on-site pressing, steaming or emergency alteration services, please give us a ring at 808-757-5915. We can travel to your hotel or wedding venue and bring sewing machines, pressing and steaming equipment, and sewing supplies.