Top 10 FAQS about custom dresses

Commonly Asked questions

about having your

dress designed

1. Do you have sample dresses?

   • Yes, we do have sample dresses that you can come and see however they’re all from photo shoots, as brides keep their dresses.

2. Can I try dresses on?

   • Not here, we absolutely recommend finding a style that you 100% love and fits your body type before meeting with me. This will help to ensure that the finished dress will be exactly what you wanted.

3. What is included in the quote provided?

   • Everything included for this dress quote; fabric(research and shipping), labour, minor alterations, fittings and taxes.

4. How involved can I be in the process?

   • You can be as involved as you want, some brides want me to send updates and pictures as I find fabrics and get things done, others wait until there first fitting. Totally up to you, this is your investment so I will provide as much information as I can for you during the process. 

5. What is the process?

   • Can be found in the Investment Section of my website.

6. Is there a required deposit? Is it refundable?

   • Yes there are two deposits required; one is for booking the first meeting appointment which is $100 to hold your spot and will be taken off the final payment. The second is 50% of the final payment at the first meeting, this ensures completions and enables me to purchase fabrics for your custom dress. Neither of these deposits are refundable. We do have payment plans available, inquire within.

7. Do you make dresses for the whole Bridal Party?

   • Yes, we make dresses for you, your ladies, the mother of the bride/groom and the flower girls.

8. How many fittings will I have?

   • That is dependent on a few things; typically there are two fittings the first and the final pickup, however if weight is lost or something about the dress need to be drastically alter(does not happen often) then there may be 3-6. This is to ensure the perfect fit, when it is custom made it is truly made for you!

9. What types of fabrics do you use?

   • We find quality fabrics within your budget that coincide with the month your wedding is in, ie; if your wedding is in the summer months we will find light weight satin’s, silks chiffon’s and laces that work well with the style of your dress but won’t make you swelter in the heat.

10. How long does creating a dress take?

    • Currently we are booking meetings 8 to 12 months out from your wedding date, depending on if they are bulk orders or single dress orders. Everything depends on when fabrics are found, purchased and then scheduling fittings.

I hope these have answered any questions you may be having about making a custom dress your dream dress. If there’s anything else you’d love to know, I’d be happy to help, contact me (Amanda Garrett).

Finding the Perfect Wedding dress for your body type

What do you love to wear?

You may be thinking, okay what does what kind of dress that I love wearing normally have to do with my wedding dress? SO here’s the thing, if you know what fits your body, empire waist, drop waist, fitted, flowing, etc. Then you will have a rough idea of a style that will work for your wedding day. Also, knowing your specific body type goes hand in hand with the idea of your dream dress. Every BODY is so different, that you would see a model who has a completely different body then you and love a dress but once it is on you, you realize your shape makes it look different. There is nothing wrong with this, but with custom I have found over the years, that I can adjust a gown to better fit your body instead of a cookie cutter style of dress that will end up making you feel uncomfortable.

Now I am sure that you have started creating boards and saving pictures of what you would love to wear on your wedding day. That is fabulous! Knowing the fabrics that you’re loving and the style makes it so much easier to narrow down what will make your heart sing when you try dresses on. This will then allow you to find the silhouette that will accentuate your assets and leave your less-loved characteristics out. With my help, I cut and fit a dress exactly to your shape. This means that depending on fabrics and weight lose you may only need one fitting and a final pickup. Also your alterations are INCLUDED in the price so you don’t have to worry about additional costs once you get your dress. How fantastic is that!

Now let’s talk silhouette and body type;

Petite Frame


You don’t want to wear something that you seem to be swimming in, this is mainly for us shorties out there, but if it is too big it can be overwhelming for your body.

A sheath or more fitted trumpet gown would be perfect. If you are wanting to go with a ball gown, a drop waist princess cut would work well because It will lengthen your torso and give you a bit more curve.

A plunging V-Neck with a sustainable strap, elongates that neck and draws the eye upward, which is where we want everyone to be looking anyways right?!

An empire waist style is lovely to give the illusion of long legs and flows really beautifully outward.

Simple fabric, appliques and beading that aren’t too overwhelming can be exceptional design details for you.

Curvy Frame (Hourglass)

Illusions can be your best friend (if that is what you’re looking for) or do you want a style that celebrates all your curves. then you don’t want to miss out on this!

As is for the petite women, the empire waist will give a lengthening effect pairing with a chiffon sleeved skirt, acting as a whimsical and delicate cover up.

A lace illusion styled neckline can be very slimming when paired with a cummerbund-style waistline.

Having an lace off-shoulder neckline, if you’re more narrow, can provide a beautiful long neck and show off the collar bone perfectly. Pair that with a sweetheart underlay and you’re golden. (This is one I have created several times)

Sheath can totally be the way go, creating a long and lean look while accentuating your curves at the same time. High necklines and slight trains for the win!

Accessories like a darker colour sash draws the eye in, creating a slimmer waistline.

Scoop necklines help you to avoid a strapless bra for those who have voluptuous cup size.

The dropped waist silhouette or basque waistline enhances the hourglass figure.

Long & Lean Frame (Athletic)

Most gowns were created with you in mind, as many models have a straight body type. Here are some types to give you some curves and options that not every bride can pull off like you can!

Sheath with it’s different styled necklines.

Contouring seams at the hips can create a curve for the eyes.

Show off those legs girl, with a slit at whatever length you desire, the higher the better ;)

High necklines and a full A-line skirt can balance your height while showcasing it.

Illusion necklines with trickling lace, leaving a hint of bare skin shows off your long beautiful neck.

Crop tops and skirts, yep that’s right you can do it!

Ballgowns are just right because they won’t overwhelm your tall figure.

Top Heavy (Busty)

If you have girl problems, and I mean “the girls” then this one is for you! You can reveal or conceal!

Illusion necklines paired with a sweet heart can be every bit as supportive as it is delicate and elegant.

The sweet heart with straps and a full skirt will balance your frame and keep those “girls” in check.

If you want to go strapless, you can with a straight across neckline as this actually minimizes your assets.

The square neckline is perfect because it is not too revealing and is super supportive.

You can still do a plunging V if you want to, go as deep or as high as you would like. The best part about custom is you can really choose how low you can go.

A draped cowl neck sits seamlessly over your bust allowing you to have more options with a more figure-hugging gown.

At the end of the day, try dresses on! I recommend this unless you know 100% the vision you have will be perfect for your body. I have had clients love one thing and then I need to make adjustments once we get to the first fitting because it does something to their figure they hate. The good thing is, I can change it, YAY! So ladies whatever your body type their is a dress out there for you, all you have to know is what fits you well in life, what you want and you’ll be set!

Looking for suggestions let me know, I’d be happy to discuss options that would fit you seamlessly :)

I hope this inspires you!

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

www.amegdesigns.com

Bohemian Styled Wedding

Bohemian is one those styles that has come back with a BIG BANG! It’s everywhere and it’s coming from so many different perspectives of brides and designers. Allowing you to experiment with a non traditional imagination, mainly off white laces, tied knots and jewelry for your, head, hands and feet. The gorgeous photos you’re about to see are a collaboration of all things bohemian created by some amazing designers and photographers. This style has really transformed what your dream wedding may look like. The images below are just a few of my favourites with so much beauty involved.

For more inspiration from this shoot, it was featured on Elegant Wedding Magazines Blog, Strictly Weddings Blog, Let’s Bee Together, and Lovely Day Journal.

Love this Bohemian style of a dress? Let’s Chat!

Featured Venue

Now the venue for this shoot was unlike most, the Oakview Terrace Reception Centre, a hidden gem in Richmond Hill. With so many diverse areas to take your wedding pictures, for the ceremony and your reception can be indoors or outdoors. Any season is perfect for this venue and the views from the reception hall are incredible. Inside is not a large space, so if you’re looking to have 200 people most likely won’t be happening here BUT if you’re having something smaller it is idyllic. I did a small wedding show there and the venue itself is so spectacular, the food was delicious and the owners are kind. OH there is even a chapel that has beautiful wood details and can be paired with so many different wedding styles. I would totally recommend this fabulous venue!

Check out -> Oakview Terrace

Hope this has inspired you!

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

Want a dress like the Bohemian Beauty? Let’s chat!

Dress Designer: A.M.E.G. Designs//Handmade Goods Designer: Tyinglooseends//Design and Decor: Vintage Rentals//Cake Designer: Sweetcaketown//Invitation Designer: AB Stationery//Floral Designer: La Belle Fleur Floral & Decor//Hair Stylist: Tammy Makeup & Hair//Makeup Artist: Cindy Makeup//Cinema and Video: Allbert Film Works//Reception Venue: Oakview Terrace Reception Centre//Shoes: Barefoot Designs By Crystal//Event Planner: Destiny Weddings//Photographer: The Right Moments Photography//

A Pink Wedding Dress

This was the second wedding dress that I ever made and how much FUN! This two in one twirling ruffle and cocktail style was perfect for this bride. AS I tell a lot of my brides with custom you can do anything and this shows you that 100%! She wore this one for her at home wedding from city hall to love with family. It was such a pleasure to be apart of this because I’ve known Meghan for such a long time and for her to help support my beginning is amazing! You can see in these fantastic shots shes absolutely stunning.

A truly special experience

“Amanda takes all the ideas you throw at her and brings it to life. The finished product was even better then the vision I had in my mind! I was so happy with this beautiful dress but even more happy with all the time spent with the designer. She's a one of a kind soul and those are the people you want creating for you!”

Looking for a custom dress or accessory? Let’s chat!

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

www.amegdesigns.com

Blue Lace Dress

This dress was so lovely to create, from finding the fabric to piecing it together. I loved every minute of it. The lace overlay is gorgeous and the sleeves give it an elegance you just can not deny. To be worn for two weddings, my client was so pleased with the outcome, she had to put it on again when she got home from picking it up. I am so happy to help her illuminate the room with her presence in this beautiful piece.

Dresses should be made to be versatile as often as possible. I believe that with this one you can dress it up or down and wear it all throughout the year.

Every time you wear a dress it should help you to feel radiant and free. Free to be exactly yourself and comfortable throughout your entire day or event. I know what it feels like to be uncomfortable in your own skin and it helps so much to wear a piece of clothing that helps dissolve those feelings. Enter Moi! I can make sure that your dream dress is the perfect fit for your frame and vision.

(Photos are from my Holiday Fashion Show check out more from that coming soon!)

Beautiful work by;

Photographer Michelle Liane Photography

Hair Piece Bow Appetit By Marie

Looking for a custom dress or accessory? Let’s chat!

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

www.amegdesigns.com