A package for MTM bridal gown - why is top-up required?

[midnightsun83]

I have engaged a designer for MTM - a poofy wedding gown and a slim bridal dress at a package of $3+++, together with the usual groom suit MTM and bouquet.

I already know that I wanted a poofy tulle gown for photoshoot and a slim gown for a solemnization ceremony, and I said these before I signed up. Now, the designs on paper are drawn out and they fit my requirement. The tulle gown has ruching on the bodice and layers of tulle for the skirt; the slim gown is duchess satin and has a beaded belt. There is no embroidery, no crystal, no fancy fabric, nothing. HOWEVER, the designer is asking for a top-up of 50% of the package price, which brings me to nearly $5000.

I am not with the well-known brands so the price took me by surprise. I had to ask for off-the-rack, but they are really limited. The designer pushed me to make a decision: either the designs with top-up or off-the-rack. If I don't want to top-up, I have to change my designs.

This is my only encounter with a designer so I do not know what to do. I engaged a designer because I know what I like - if I have to change my designs which I already communicated even before I signed, I feel cheated for a wedding that will be one-and-only-time in my life.

Do you have any similar experience or advice to share, please?

 

[megal]

Wow. That's a lot of top up for tulle. I know it's a huge top up for full lace gowns usually and there is usually a top up for tulle as well. Just sounds like a lot. Tulle maybe abt $1k top up? Unless you have a lot of layers..

 

[midnightsun83]

I have 4 layers. I heard about one-stop bridal shops charging for things like that, but I really didn't expect the same thing to happen.

And the best part is, the first thing that came out of my mouth when we exchanged names was that I wanted tulle gown. The designer could really have told me upfront then. What was the point of having me sign the package and then require the top-up, thus forcing me to take otr in the end?

It's a really unpleasant experience for me.

 

[megal]

Agreed. When I spoke with my BS, she told me that if I MTM, she would tell me upfront how much the extra material would cost. But her OTR gowns are really nice as is anyway.

Did you put much deposit down? Are you able to get out of it? If not, maybe if you reduced the number of layers of tulle? But have another material underneath to bulk up the skirt? $4k on top of $3k is really a lot...

Edit: oops I misread. She made u top up to about $5k makes it about right. Nearly $1k plus for the tulle sounds normal. But she probably should have given u some sort of warning.

 

[midnightsun83]

Tulle on itself is not expensive. I always thought that bridal shops charge more because it's trendier these days, so they make brides top-up just to rent or make the dress.

A bridetobe told be that The Wedding Present didn't charge her extra for a tulle dress, on top of that the designer gave her a tulle skirt FOC for the couture look in her Europe photoshoot. She paid 4.2k in total, no top-up at all.

I really don't know what to do. Can I just ask him to design smth that's non-topup? It'd be then unlikely that he will put in his best effort.

I can afford the price; I just don't like being lied to.

 

[megal]

I think each bridal studio specializes in a type of dress, ie Ted Wu with embroidery, Bridal Veil with very simple and elegant gowns and Silhouette with princess ball gowns. So it may be possible that a studio will ask u to top up for something while another will not.

I think it is really up to you now, whether you think you can get along with the current designer and settle for a gown you don't really want, or if u can afford it, spend the money on top up or forgo ur deposit and find another studio that can make u happy and make ur ideal gown.

Keep in mind that if money is not an issue, then u are the bride and you should be happy with the whole experience and process.

 

[midnightsun83]

Thanks MeGal, you were really helpful. I can't be happy knowing that someone took me for a ride. But you are so sweet to lend your helping hand so thanks.

 

[megal]

No worries

I think all of us are here to ask for a listening ear and help from one another. I hope that u are able to come to a decision that u will be satisfied with.

 

[angust]

Is encountered non-performing traders, poor child!

 

[swing]

I just received my discount designer wedding dresses under 200 and i really love it.

 

[juzagal3108]

Hi, can anyone share their contacts for a good MTM bridal gown designer pls? What is the process and price range like? Am also considering ordering from overseas. Thanks

 

[serena tan]

hey, I was thinking of doing a MTM bridal gown also I saw this gown on pinterest and refused to sleep until i found out who the designer was and how I could go about getting it. So I found out that he is a designer based in australia, and the label is paolo sebastian
one rare thing about him is overseas labels do not usually post overseas, or do made-to-measure for overseas clients. But they do measurements and communications via skype. i'm quite excited! made an appointment on the 11th of April
wedding gowns cost from 4500AUD, but the one I want should be 6000AUD. approx S$8000. ex :S but when i love something so much I have to have it. LOL. I don't like knockoffs