How Much Is a Custom Prom Dress?

Prom night isn't cheap. The cost of prom can easily be more than the monthly rent or mortgage payment for a family.

A custom design prom dress dress can significantly cut these costs. How much does it cost to design your own prom or formal dress?

Price

Finding the perfect dress for prom can be a daunting task. Why settle for something that is similar to what you want when you can create your own dress that is unique?

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

The first step of the process begins with an initial Pinterest board that Sheila Frank uses to show her clients proms dresses that have similar colors or styles to what they're looking for. The next step is to discuss the design the fabric and style, and then schedule a consultation. Based on the complexity of the design, additional fees may apply. Sheila Frank creates a muslin sample for clients to test during their first fitting.

Fabric

Fabric is the foundation for the dress and plays significant impact on the appearance of the dress. Prom dress fabrics are available in various styles and materials, and can add sparkle, drama or sophistication to the final design.

Dresses can be created using the combination of synthetic and natural fibers, and then embellished with beads, embroidery or applique. These elements can transform a basic dress into a masterpiece that is sure to impress. These elements can also allow the designer to personalize the gown for the person who wears it.

When choosing a fabric for prom dresses, take into consideration the color and prom dresses custom texture of the material. Some fabrics sparkle or shine and others have an incredibly smooth and satiny texture. Satin and silk are classic options, while lace can provide a delicate touch. Velvet is a luxurious and luxurious fabric, whereas chiffon has a very airy and light feel.

After choosing a fabric, choose a pattern that matches it. Many commercial sewing patterns explain the types of fabrics that can be used for each design, and certain patterns work best with multiple different fabrics. For example silk or satin bodice can be paired with a 3mm sequin material or glitz sequins for a glamorous appearance.

Certain fabrics might require a lining which gives warmth and structure to the dress. The type of lining you choose will depend on the fabric as well as its weight, and the thickness of the seams or hemlines. The lining should be the same color as the dress's main fabric.

A privacy screen is a great option for those who wish to increase the modesty of a sloping neckline. You can achieve this by putting up a panel in coordinating fabric or by replacing the fabric for the lining.

The way you dress for a prom dress will determine your final look. In cold temperatures, a wrap or bolero can be worn. Shoes that are appropriate for the occasion will complete the look. A bustle can be a useful option which allows the wearer to tie the train of the dress to ensure that it's not in the way when dancing.

Design

Custom designs are made to be a perfect fit for the body shape of the wearer, as opposed to the standard gowns available on the market. This is crucial, since an outfit that doesn't fit well can cause discomfort on a big day. Custom-designed dresses also allow for a more personal design. It's a good idea to start looking for that perfect dress at least six months prior to the date. This will give you time to get it altered and made.

Gia Koutsokostas is excited about her prom gown -- and not just because she has a date to impress. She is certain that her dress, which is the only unique one at her school's dance, will be the only comparable dress in the world. Sheila Frank Kauffman is the owner of Sheila Frank Bridal in Mechanicsburg.

A few high school girls are opting to have their prom dresses custom-made instead of going to formalwear and department stores. Some of these dressmakers provide online shopping and design services which allow teens to design their own prom dresses with only a few mouse clicks. Some of these websites even offer a customer support representative to answer questions.

Downloading the free application Prom Dress Designer allows you to "design" your prom gowns by using sketches and photos. The app is designed for ages 4 and above, and is a fun-time way to spend a few hours than an actual dressmaker's tools. The process of designing is more complicated, starting by selecting patterns and colors, before "cutting" the fabric (virtually). The final garment is "modeled" on an online runway.

Similar to the website, Prom dresses Custom LoliPromDress allows users to create their own dresses and share the designs with family and friends members for feedback. It also allows customers to upload pictures of dresses currently available and make modifications they wish to be made. The website will send an email confirmation and request more details.

After submitting the initial details the customer is able to set their budget and receive sketches of the completed dress. Depending on the amount of time it takes to complete the dress, the price can vary from $100 to $1,000.

Alterations

The alterations you want to make can greatly affect the price of your dress. A skilled tailor or seamstress will be able to tailor your dress to your body type and give you the perfect prom dress. This includes incorporating straps or sleeves or a hip and bust adjustment and letting in or out the waist and trimming the length of the dress. Simple adjustments can transform an outfit into something extraordinary that you'll love wearing on the occasion.

While some alterations are easy to make however, other modifications may be more complicated and take more time and expertise to complete. It is important to discuss any major changes you would like to make to your prom dress with the seamstress or tailor prior to the time of the prom. This will give them an idea of the amount of time and work is required to make the changes and also what the cost will be.

For example an alteration to the neckline that involves cutting fabrics can be a challenge. It's best to avoid this if possible as it can ruin the style of your dress. You can also add fabric to the neckline instead however it's a challenge due to the fabric grain and how it moves.

A gusset is another example of a more complex mod. A Gusset is a triangle that is added to the seam to increase its size. It is typically placed on the lining layer. For this reason, the gusset is typically required to be made from matching, if not identical fabrics for the lining and the outer garment.

Other modifications that may be challenging or costly are the use of sequins, lace and other ornaments. These kinds of fabrics are difficult to work with and may increase the cost of the modifications. In these situations it is usually best to choose a new style and return the dress. It is important to discuss with the seamstress or tailor about what alterations you want to have done and their estimated costs prior to scheduling an appointment. This is particularly true in red short prom dresses season, when it can be difficult to get an appointment. It is essential to obtain a breakdown of the time to complete the alterations as well as the estimated cost before beginning the alterations process.