Your Dream Wedding or Evening Dress Made to Measure

 

Your questions answered...

 

Do I need to make an appointment?

No, an appointment is not necessary to come in to our studio. However, if you would like to spend some time talking about your ideas in detail with me or my staff, an appointment is recommended so that we can allocate a good amount of time to sit down with you. If you wish to try on some dresses, then there will be a small fee.

Do I have to bring anything to my appointment?

Often when thinking of designing a dress from scratch, whether it be a wedding or evening dress, it is recommended that you start by collecting different images of things that you like. It may not be images of your perfect dress, but rather a collection of different dress images with design features that appeal to you. Your choices and your ideas will help me get to know you and your tastes which will lead to a design sketch of the perfect dress especially for you. This is completely up to you however - otherwise you can just feel comfortable to come in to your appointment and know that I am sure to understand your needs!

Can I bring people to my appointment?

Of course, members of family and friends are most welcome. But keep in mind numbers so as to ensure the intimate nature of the process.

Can I come in and browse through the collection at La' Shika Bridal before I make an appointment?

Yes of course you are welcome to do so. At La' Shika Bridal I also offer a range of one off, hand crafted designs, jewellery, bags and shoes. For more information on different labels stocked, visit the wedding dresses section of our website.

When should I make an appointment?

When you and your fiancé have set a date for the wedding, it is then a good time to get thinking about your wedding dress design and bridal party outfits. I am available Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays by appointment only. Please feel free to give the studio a call and we will make an appointment that is convenient for you. If you are thinking of getting a wedding or evening dress made then the sooner the better so that the process is as enjoyable and relaxed as possible.

Will I be charged for a consultation?

Yes, the consultation fee is $50. You will meet with me or one of my very professional staff. This service includes trying on sample gowns, advice and ideas on styles, colours and fabrics. You are welcome to bring any different images of things that you like. It may not be images of your perfect dress, but rather a collection of different dress images with design features that appeal to you. Your choices and your ideas will help me get to know you and your tastes which will lead to a design sketch of the perfect dress especially for you. This is completely up to you however and you can feel comfortable talking about your wedding in a private environment. This appointment usually takes one hour.

How many times can I come before making a commitment?

As often as you like! However, from experience, by the second visit it is easy to have made a decision as to whether you would me to make your special dress.

How early should I order my La' Shika wedding or evening dress?

It is recommended that you order your dress between 6-12 months before your wedding. This is to ensure we have enough time to add you on to our schedule and to source all necessary materials for your designs, as most of the materials used at La' Shika Bridal are sourced from overseas for their quality and uniqueness. It also ensures you enjoy the process without feeling rushed for time. This way you are guaranteed to receive the best service in originality and quality the designer can offer.

For evening dresses a good 4-10 months prior to the event is great for the same reasons.

Oh No! I am getting married sooner than that!

Take a deep breath and do not panic! Just give us a call to make an appointment as soon as possible so we can sit with you and discuss your needs and ideas. At La' Shika Bridal, we will do the very best to accommodate for you. It can all be done - we offer the same advice for evening dresses also, so don't worry, just give us a call!

I live outside of Wellington or overseas, how can I still have a La' Shika dress?

Even though La' Shika dresses are both limited edition items and made to measure designs I can still work around this. Having dealt with many brides outside of Wellington and overseas, it wouldn't be a problem to schedule your fittings to fall on consecutive days which you are in Wellington so that you are not travelling back and forth! Just give us a call and I or my staff will be glad to discuss the most convenient options with you.

I have no idea what I want! Do I have to know before a consultation?

No - I am here to help. I will get to know you and your personality before going on to design a dress for you by asking a series of questions about the wedding or event and go on to discussing the things you like and dislike. I will go through sample styles with you and determine a silhouette that most flatters your figure. I then move onto discussing different fabrics, colours and accents which will make your dress come alive and really encapsulate the type of person that you are.

Don't feel alone as most brides don't know what they want! This is why I advise that you put together a scrap book of ideas - even if you are sure of what you don't want the process of elimination is often the best place to begin. Ask yourself "How do I imagine my dress? Is it contemporary or romantic? Princess or Goddess?" What ever your imagination desires ... La' Shika Bridal will deliver!

I want to lose weight before I wear the dress. Is that a problem with made to measure?

 

No that's fine. Because of the fact that there is up to 4 fittings, the dress is not measured, made and delivered finished to you too soon. It is a process that allows you to see the dress come together and allows us to perfect the fit and style up until the pick up date. Just make us aware of your intentions so that we can accommodate your fittings accordingly as core design features may not be able to be changed.

How long does it take to make a wedding or evening dress?

It all really depends on the design and the amount of work involved. Because of the unique style of La' Shika, you will find that most designs are finishing by hand sewing. Again, it all depends on the style of the dress. You will receive a much firmer indication of the time involved once your design is decided on.

Will I be dealing directly with you after I have ordered my dress?

Definately! It is very important to me that every customer is dealt with on a personal level. From sketch, through to discussing all the finer details of the design and to every fitting, I will be there with you.

How much can I expect to pay?

Again, it all depends on the design and extent of work involved in creating it. How much lace, fabric or beading is involved? I do understand that every bride is working to some sort of budget and am more than happy to try and deliver the perfect dress within the price bracket you are willing to spend. Normally wedding dresses start from:

$2,500 (for a straight dress) and
$3,500.00 (for a fuller skirt dress).

For evening dresses, it is very hard to say without having a design in mind. Our off the rack evening dresses start from approximately $500. I am more than happy for you to email an image through to give me an indication of the style you are after so that I am better able to give you an estimated cost.

How much deposit do I need to pay?

 

When ordering your made to measure dress at La' Shika Bridal, a 50% deposit is required. Payments are then divided in to two, which are due at different stages during the process.

What are the methods of payment?

At La' Shika Bridal we take Eftpos, credit card, cash and direct deposit or internet banking. Please note our special sales usually require payment other than credit card.

How many fittings are involved?

With any made to measure dress in total there are up to four fittings involved in creating your dress. Please contact us for more information.

Does La' Shika Bridal design and make bridesmaids, flower girl and mother of the bride/groom dresses?

Yes we do offer this service if the bride purchase a ready to wear or orders a made to measure wedding dress, to compliment the bride and theme of the wedding.

What guarantee do I have that everything will be perfect and on time?

I am a well established and trustworthy designer and cater to your every fashion need with the support of a highly experienced team totalling well over 10 years in the industry. Many clients come from referrals and word of mouth, proving that my customers are happy customers who are spreading the word.

With every dress booking:

  • An agreement is signed by both customer and I, which outlines the design details (together with a sketch) and price.
  • Scheduled fittings - your fittings dates are set when the deposit has been made, making sure that your couture experience is organised and stress free.
  • Satisfaction of the agreement is signed, by both customer and I, before the customer takes the dress away. The dress must also be tried on for a final time to ensure the customer is happy and the dress meets their requirements in design and quality.
  • At La' Shika Bridal we create a partnership with every customer so that we are working together towards the same goal!