How Much Is a Custom Prom Dress?

Prom night isn't inexpensive. Between purchasing tickets, renting a limo and a brand new dress or gown for the occasion the cost of prom for high school students can easily exceed a month's rent or mortgage for a family.

However, a custom-designed dress can reduce the cost of these expenses significantly. What is the cost you to create your own formal or prom dress?

Price

Prom night is the climax of high school for many girls, and finding the perfect dress can be a challenging experience. Why settle for something similar to what you want when you can design your own dress that is unique?

Gia Koutsokostas walked into Sheila Frank Bridal in Mechanicsburg and knew right away what she wanted. She wanted to have an exclusive prom dress that was hers alone in the Susquehanna Valley. Sheila Frank helped her design an original prom dress.

Sheila Frank shows her clients dresses with similar styles or color schemes on her Pinterest board. After that, they'll discuss the style and fabric and set up a design consultation to get the ball gown wedding dress rolling. Depending on how intricate the design is, there could be additional charges. Sheila Frank creates a muslin sample for the customer to try out at their first fitting.

Fabric

The fabric is the mainstay of the dress, and it can have a significant impact on the appearance of the dress. Prom dress fabrics are available in various styles and materials, and can add a sense of drama, sparkle or elegance to the final design.

Dresses are made of an amalgamation of synthetic and natural fibers. They can be adorned with beads, embroidery or applique. These elements can transform a basic dress into a masterpiece that will impress. The addition of these elements allows the designer to customize the dress to fit the individual.

When choosing a fabric for a tailored prom dresses dress, consider the color and Prom Dresses Made To Order texture of the fabric. Certain fabrics have a shine or shimmer while others are smooth and silky. Silk and Satin are both classic fabrics, and the delicate lace is a nice touch. Other fabrics, such as velvet, are luxurious and extravagant, while chiffon can be very fine and airy.

After selecting a fabric, choose a pattern that matches the fabric. Commercial sewing patterns often specify which fabrics are suitable for each style. Some patterns also work well with a variety of fabrics. For example, a satin or silk bodice can be paired with a 3mm sequin fabric or glitz sequins for an elegant appearance.

Certain fabrics may require a lining which provides warmth and prom dresses made to order structure to the dress. The kind of lining that you choose will depend on your fabric, its weight and the thickness of the seams or hemlines. The lining should be of the same color as the dress's main fabric.

A privacy screen is a great option for those looking to boost the sexiness of a low neckline. You can do this by adding a panel with a similar fabric or substituting the fabric for the lining.

What you wear for your prom white ball gown wedding dress will determine the final appearance. A bolero or wrap can be added for cold weather, and shoes that are appropriate for the occasion can complete the look. A bustle is a useful addition. It permits the wearer to tie the train of the gown to keep it out of the way when dancing.

Design

Custom-designed designs are created to fit the body shape of the wearer, unlike dresses that are sold off-the-rack. This is important because a dress that doesn't fit correctly could cause discomfort and make her feel uncomfortable on a big night. Custom-designed dresses can also provide the possibility of a more personal appearance. It is recommended to begin looking for the perfect dress at least six months in advance. This will give you time to get it altered and made.

Gia Koutsokostas loves her prom dress, and not just because it's a great way to impress your date. She is certain that her dress, and the only one of its kind at the school's dance will be the only similar dress anywhere in the world. It's because she's working alongside Sheila Frank Kauffman, owner of Sheila Frank Bridal on Main Street in Mechanicsburg.

Some high school girls are opting to have their prom dresses made to order instead of visiting formal wear and department stores. Some dressmakers offer online shopping and design services, allowing teens to create their own prom dresses with just a few mouse clicks. Some of these sites have a customer representative who can answer any questions.

Downloading the free app Prom Dress Designer allows you to "design" your prom dresses ball gown with sketches and photos. The app is recommended for ages 4 and up, and is more of an enjoyable way to spend just a few hours rather than using an actual dressmaker's tools. The process of designing is more complex, beginning by selecting patterns and colors prior to "cutting" the fabric (virtually). The final dress is "modeled" on a virtual runway.

The website LoliPromDress lets customers design their own dresses and then share them with friends and family to get feedback. Customers can also upload images of dresses that are already on the market and make any modifications they'd like to make. The site will then send a confirmation and ask for more details.

After submitting the initial information, the customer can determine a budget and get sketches for the finished dress. Based on the amount of time it takes to complete the dress, the price can vary from $100 to $1000.

Alterations

The changes you wish to make can greatly affect the price of your dress. A skilled seamstress or tailor can tailor your dress to your body shape and give you the perfect look for prom. These modifications include adding straps or sleeves, hip and bust adjustment, taking in or letting out the waist and making the dress longer. Simple adjustments can transform an outfit into something extraordinary that you will love wearing to the occasion.

Some modifications are easy to make however others will require more time and experience. You should discuss any major changes you'd like to make to your prom dress with the tailor or seamstress prior to the time of the prom. This will give them an idea of how much time and effort is required for the change, as well as what the price will be.

For instance changing the neckline which requires cutting fabrics could be a challenge. It is best to avoid this, if you can as it can ruin the design of your dress. Fabric is a good option for neckline alterations, but this can also be difficult due to the grain of the fabric and the movement it makes.

Another example of a sophisticated modification is the addition of a gusset. A Gusset is a triangle added to the seam to increase its size. It is usually put on the lining layer. Because of this, the gusset is typically required to be made from matching, if not identical fabric for the lining as well as the outer garment.

Lace, sequins and other embellishments can also be expensive or difficult to modify. These materials are difficult to work and can increase the cost of alteration. In these cases it is generally recommended to return the dress and pick a different style. It is important to discuss with the seamstress or tailor about the changes you'd like to make and their estimated costs prior to making an appointment. This is especially true during prom season, when it might be difficult to get an appointment. It is important to receive an estimate of the turnaround time as well as the estimated cost prior to starting the process of alterations.