HOW IT WORKS
The process of ordering your bespoke, made-to-measure dress begins with a free* (see Booking), no obligation 30 – 60 minute consultation with our founder Jordan.
This appointment, which can be done face-to-face at our studio or via email if you are not local to Cleckheaton, is a chance for you to discuss your ideas and budget, and agree on the shape, fabric, cut and colour of your dress.
You’ll discuss what you do and don’t want from your dress and the occasion you’re having your dress created for, be it a day at the races, a wedding, a prom dress or just to treat yourself!
If you feel self-conscious, please don’t worry! The Wake team have seen all shape and sizes, your body is the canvas we want to turn into a masterpiece you will feel confident in. It’s a quick process, all measurements are taken over your clothes, using a measuring tape and they will never be shared with anyone else. The style of your dress should reflect your individuality and make you feel comfortable and confident.
A bespoke dress is created just for you. It’s made-to-measure for your body’s shape and size. The style – be it the neckline, the skirt shape or the length – is up to you.
Wake will discuss the style of your dress with you at your initial consultation.
During this consultation, Jordan will sketch out rough ideas for you to approve and will take your measurements.
YOUR CONSULTATION
Your free consultation is your chance to share your ideas and create a dress that reflects your individuality and style.
N.B. Consultations will take place at our shop in Cleckheaton or online only.
During your consultation you’ll discuss:
- Your dress design ideas: Is there a particular celebrity’s style you admire? What shapes and colours do you usually wear? How do you want your dress to fit?
- The occasion you’re having the dress made for: Most made-to-measure dresses are created for a special occasion such as a prom, a wedding, a day at the races or an awards ceremony. Jordan will make sure your bespoke dress fits the bill, whatever the occasion.
- Your budget: A bespoke dress is an investment. Jordan will talk to you about your budget, what can be done within your price range and the payment options available to spread the cost.
- The fabric you’d like: Different textures and colours suit different people. Wake sources every customer’s fabric to order, so Jordan will discuss with you which materials are suitable for your dress.
- The cut of the dress: Do you want a full skirt or something more fitted?
- The neckline: Halter–neck, one shoulder, strappy or strapless – it’s up to you.
- The length: Do you want a floor-length dress? Or a shorter cut?
- The detail: Love a waistband? A bow? Diamantes or studs? It’s all in the detail
A member of the Wake team will take your measurements at your first consultation. The style of dress you want will affect what body measurements Wake requires, but as a general rule you will have the following taken:
- Bust
- Waist
- Hip
- Shoulder to Waist
- Waist to Dress hem
If you are placing an online custom order, we will require you to provide these using a dress makers tape measure. Guide?
Wake sources fabric for each customer to order, from a variety of carefully selected, tried and trusted suppliers within the UK. It’s a good idea to consider the colour and texture and pattern of the fabric you’d like for your dress before your first consultation. Of course, Jordan will discuss the different fabric options with you and advise you on how different choices of material will affect the style.
Come to your consultation equipped with ideas and inspiration. We will work with you to bring your ideas to life and advise you on ways you could enhance your dream dress and show your style – whatever the occasion.
Please don’t feel overwhelmed, we’re here to help!
COSTINGS & DEPOSIT
Following your consultation, you’ll be asked to formally agree your bespoke dress design and an estimate cost will be supplied to you.
A 50% deposit will be required within five working days of the estimate being supplied.
Once this deposit has been paid, the Wake team will get to work creating your dress, making it to measure your exact body shape and size.
Unless you require your garment posting out, your next appointment will be your first dress fitting. You’ll try on your near complete dress. This is your chance to see how the finished garment looks and for the Wake team to make any small alterations required. You will need to wear the correct shoe and under garments for the dress so we can finalise the length and fit. Your second payment instalment will be required at this stage (a further 25%).
Final dress fitting – you’ve got your own bespoke dress!
Your final fitting* is when you’ll get your finished bespoke dress. Jordan will do some final quality checks to ensure your item fits and sits right, and the final remaining 25% payment will be required.
*All fittings take place at the Wake Bespoke Shop in Cleckheaton by appointment only. The cost quoted is inclusive of the consultation & two fittings. ADDITIONAL FITTING APPOINTMENTS can be arranged ON REQUEST, for an additional fee.
Ordering a bespoke, made-to-measure dress is the chance to DESIGN YOUR OWN unique garment, custom-made, exclusively for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We’ve listed some of the frequently asked questions we receive from our clients below. Our full list of FAQ’s are available here.
If you have a query that is not listed in this section, please Contact Us.
All you need to bring is an idea of the style of dress you’re looking for and any photographs or sketches that may help illustrate your ideas.
If you require a floor length gown, the heel height you will be wearing would be ideal if possible.
A 50% deposit is required before fabric is sourced and work begins on your dress. At your consultation, or just after if you require a specific fabric sourcing, the Wake team will provide you with a quotation and a breakdown of payment instalments required. Once your deposit is paid, you can pay the remaining amount in instalments. The balance must be paid in full before you receive your finished dress.
The elasticity, weight and composition of fabrics makes them react differently to being cut, sewn and washed.
As a dressmaker and designer, the Wake team has worked with a wide variety of fabrics, and therefore, it’s always advisable to allow them to choose a fabric they know will achieve the results you’re after.
YOUR MADE-TO-MEASURE DRESS WILL FIT AND FLATTER YOUR FIGURE, NO MATTER WHAT SIZE OR SHAPE YOU ARE.
Each dress is made to fit your exact body measurements, so you can feel comfortable and confident whatever occasion you wear it for.
You will need to wear the type of bra that you intend to wear with your finished dress. Try not to wear any garments that add bulk to your body shape, for example ruffles, frills, padding or thick fabrics. Most importantly, however, make sure you feel comfortable!
The answer is that there’s no set price. Made-to-measure dresses can cost anywhere between £100 – £600 or more all dependant on what you require. The cost depends on everything from the fabric used to the style and shape of the dress.
Wake works closely with their customers to help them choose fabrics they love and create a dress that they feel comfortable and confident in, meaning that for not a lot more than the cost of a high-end store-bought dress you can have an outfit that’s completely unique to you and that fits your shape perfectly.
If you’re unsure of costs or have a lower budget in mind, get in touch and we will discuss options within your budget.
We also accept payment plans – This means you can spread the cost of your bespoke dress into manageable amounts.