FAQ
Where are you located?
We are located in Nashville,TN. All custom dresses are made right here in town. We work with brides locally and internationally. Using technology we are able consult/meet with brides via Zoom, FaceTime, email, and phone.
What services do you offer?
-Bridal gowns and outfits
-Reception gowns
-Bridesmaids gowns for large parties
-Special occasion gowns (including prom and pageant gowns)
Add-on services available:
- Custom veil
- Day of styling (Meaning I'll be onsite the day of your wedding, getting you dressed)
- Wedding shower dresses
How much are consultations?
Wedding gowns: Virtual and in person 90 minute consultations are $100, that price is applied to the final cost of the dress if you choose to proceed.
Bridesmaid dresses: Virtual and in person 60 minute consultations are $75, that price is applied to the final cost of your dresses if you choose to proceed.
Do you only make custom couture gowns?
No, we have released our first collection. Email us to inquire. Also available at Mahogany Bridal in Charlotte NC
Do you make plus size dresses?
Absolutely! As a plus size woman, it was imperative that I created dresses for all!
How far in advance should I start working with you?
I suggest that brides schedule their consultations 9-14 months in advance. Creating a dress is timely process, from the creative process of designing your gown to sourcing fabrics, it takes time. At a minimum, we must have 6 months to complete a wedding gown.
How much will this cost?
Pricing for custom wedding gowns range from $4,250-$15,000+, average bridal gown being between $6.000-$8,000. Bridesmaid dresses start at $350, but please note that pricing varies depending on the complexity of your gown and fabrics. We will discuss the price point during the free 20 minute consult and/or 90 minute consultation/design session. Custom formal wear starts at $2,000.
What's included in wedding gowns:
- Custom design
- Made to measure garment
- Fittings to get the perfect fit
- Highest quality fabrics
What's included in bridesmaids dresses:
- Custom design
- Made to measure garment
- Quality fabric (chiffon, stretch satin, etc.)
How do we begin?
We start with the consultation/design session (click here to book online), which requires you to fill out the pre-consultation questionnaire, click here. After confirming your design, a quote is sent to you along with a contract which valid for 14 days. After signing your contract, you have an additional 7 days to pay your 50% (non-refundable) deposit, and the fun begins!
How does the process work for wedding gowns?
Step 1: Design Consultation
After scheduling your consultation, email us any inspiration photos you may have. Think about your likes and dislikes on the inspiration, and feel free to include comments about the details of your dream dress. Pinterest is a great resource for creating a vision board. They have secret boards you can create and it allows you to leave comments on each photo. Your photos can also include your venue and décor, that also helps us get an idea of the overall feel you’re going for and can be incorporated into your dress. In addition to your inspiration photos, please email us a head to toe photo of yourself so we can use it as a silhouette to sketch on during your consultation.
During your consultation a sketch will be created. We'll touch base on fabric options. Additional sketches can be made after the initial consultation for an additional fee. (Upon committing via contract and deposit, this fee will go towards the final cost of your dress in this package!) After the consultation a full assessment of your agreed upon design will be done and the price will be determined.
Step 2: Beyond The Design & Fabric Selection
Once you know this is the right path for you, we will sign a contract before anything begins. After the contract is signed and the down payment is received, we will finalize fabric and make the selections best for your dress, For local clients, I can show swatches and/or photos of fabrics (as some fabrics are sourced from overseas) and colors for you to see in person. Custom lace and beaded designs are an option as well. You will make the fabric and color selection, and we’ll confirm all the details we agreed upon in writing so we’re both on the same page.
In addition, your measurements will be taken. This dress will be made to your exact measurements plus you'll have fittings, so no alterations will be needed.
Step 3: Creating Your Dress
Add on service: A cotton muslin/toile prototype of your dress will be created. At which point we will conduct our first fitting. This is when minor changes can be made (i.e. lower neckline or back, lengthen the train etc.). The changes will be sent via email and confirmed by both parties. That way we can make sure we are always on the same page.
Multiple fittings will take place, at which point the bride gets to the see the evolution of her dress. (It's AMAZING to see!) Typically local brides have a total of 4 fittings (give or take), that way we ensure your dress fits perfectly. I am flexible and willing to work with my non- local brides to do what’s best for the situation.
Final payment will be needed prior to final fitting. After final fitting, your dress will be ready to take home!
How does the process work for bridesmaid dresses?
Step 1: Design Consultation
After scheduling your consultation, email us any inspiration photos you may have. Think about your likes and dislikes on the inspiration. Pinterest is a great resource for creating a vision board. They have secret boards you can create and it allows you to leave comments on each photo. Your photos can also include your venue and décor, that also helps us get an idea of the overall feel you’re going for and can be incorporated into your dress.
During your consultation a sketch will be created. We'll touch base on fabric options. Additional sketches can be made after the initial consultation for an additional fee. (Upon committing via contract and deposit, this fee will go towards the final cost of your dress in this package!) After the consultation a full assessment of your agreed upon design will be done and the price will be determined.
Step 2: Beyond The Design & Fabric Selection
Once you know this is the right path for you, we will sign a contract before anything begins. After the contract is signed and the down payment is received, we will finalize fabric and make the selections best for your dresses, For local clients, I can show swatches and/or photos of fabrics (as some fabrics are sourced from overseas) and colors for you to see in person.
In addition, your measurements will be taken and for non local bridesmaids, they can use a local professional to take their measurements and send it to me. Although the dress will be made to measure, you should still expect that minor alterations will be needed. We can provide that service at a nominal fee.
Step 3: Creating Your Dress
Each dress will be created and either shipped directly to the bridal party or shipped to you for you to distribute.
How long will this process take?
This varies on the complexity of your dress, but on average it can take 6-12 months from the initial start date (deposit received). We strongly advise starting closer to 12-14 months from your wedding date. This timeframe can be longer depending on the if for instance there is a lot of hand beading work or if fabrics are being flown in from overseas. Once dress is complete we will both sign off on the dress pick up date, final payment must be made before pick up.
If you are not local to Nashville, we will sign off on the estimated delivery date of your dress. After final payment is received, you will receive tracking number and estimated delivery date. Someone MUST be home to sign for the package.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept debit card, bank transfers, or check. Credit cards accepted with 3% processing fee. All orders are taxed.
Do you have a question not answered here?
Shoot us an email at info@ellenellebridal.com or text us at 615-601-2831.