Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

Salaam :slight_smile:

Just to give some context, I will give some background on the situation. I am getting married in the first week of November inshaAllah. I order my bridal lengha from Toronto, Canada. I have some family in Pakistan, but because of their busy lifestyle it would have been hard for them to get me a lengha made and I’m not sure if I could trust their taste as I have only been to Pakistan once and that was 18 years ago when I was 6 years old. There is an auntie who sells clothes from her home in Toronto. We have been going to her for our clothing needs for the past 3 years and she always has FABULOUS suits. Really unique and lovely. The fit of her suits is always spot on and everything is tasteful. I decided to order my bridal suit from her since we like her her taste and trusted her. I sent a very detailed word document of exactly what I wanted and discussed this with her. It was worded very carefully and headings were used to make it more clear, so that no miscommunication would ensue. I specifically asked for something elegant and sophisticated and NOT gaudy or kaam se barrawa. I order this back in April. Her designer in Pakistan was supposed to send her pictures and samples during the process of making my suit, but unfortunately this did not happen. I had asked for some pictures in June so that if any changes needed to be made, they could, but the designer (not the lady I ordered from) did not send any. Before you know it my suit had arrived. I just picked it up yesterday. I am really upset. They did not follow the picture they were to replicate and the details I had given. I looked at the suit and wanted to cry. Of course I didn’t while there. I thanked her politely and left. I think she knew I was a bit disappointed. When I got home I started to sob as i told my older sisters the situation, literally I was blubbering. I had envisioned a more sparkling dress, one that felt more glamorous and bridal. Because of the light pink color too, it doesn’t give as much of statement as a red bridal dress would. But, I could never envision myself in a red bridal and always wanted to wear a lighter color and look angelic and sort of “sparkle” lol. As of right now it just feels like “a lengha”.

First off, a color change was made without my knowledge or consent (the color of the nugz and jamawar border lining). I had specifically asked for a 4-5 inch kaam border on the front of the dupatta (the other 3 sides 1.5 inch to save money). They literally kept the front border 1.5 inch with spaced out thin peaks that come up 5 inches…sort of like this pattern
^^^_____________^
The top of the shirt is completely empty from neck to thigh. There is no kaam. We had agreed that she would not do the horizontal line going across for an empire waist, because if its not done to the proportion to your body it could look weird. Too low (sagging chest look) or too high and its sitting on the chest looks like you got the wrong size. I would have even been satisfied with spray kaam at the top of the kameez. They used a plain chiffon and lining, so because there is no jamwar underneath it looks completely barren. A patterned fabric like jamawar would have made a difference. The dupatta is see through and I wear hijab. I had specified that dupatta should have fabric that is a thicker chiffon. The suit should have had bigger nugs and diamontes. There is no sitara or kamdani for sparkle. The designer said he would add these, but it was not done. Although, I must admit the actual lengha bottom is amazing. It is super pretty and there is just the right amount of kaam. I must say that the quality and fit if the suit is pretty good.

Now to the point, I’ve already spent $1400 on this suit which was the top of my budget. I have already told the auntie who I ordered my suit from all these issues. She said that because I wanted an “elegant and sophisticated” they went lighter on the kaam. She also said that my budget was very low so that is all the designer could do. If I wanted a a more fancy shirt and dupatta I would have to add on another $400-$500, which is A LOT of money that I cannot afford at this time. Weddings are already so costly and things have added up quickly.

My mum and sisters are trying to make me feel better by telling me that with my makeup, dupatta setting and jewellery, the suit will look awesome. By the way I am wearing the same set my mum wore on her wedding ( a really big circular teeka, jummars and necklace - all really beautiful!). I know part of what my mum and sister are saying is true, but I am also realistic in knowing that it still wont change the suit. I am super sad and really pissed about the whole thing!

I am looking for some options so that I can fix this. Here are some that I’ve heard from my family and friends

  • Adding Swarovski Crystals (can be bought at fabric, craft and beading stores and it comes in the clear or a range of colors and different sizes) to the dupatta in between the peaks to make it look thicker and on the shirt. I’m not sure how I would add a pattern to the shirt without making it looked like I glued these crystals myself an having it not look out of place or apart of the suit. I could use them in a clear, ruby pink or purple as my suit has these diamontes/nugs already in it. The colored ones might make the suit pop more. Any suggestions?

  • Get a jamawar shirt made underneath to jazz it up. Would this look okay?

  • I know gora people get beaded and crystal work on their gowns and bridal dresses. Is there a place in Toronto that can do something for my lengha? Cost?

  • Does anybody know of anyone in Toronto that does kaam work? What about Gerrard? And cost?

  • I’ve never ordered from Catwalk or Prototype (I’m pretty new to this forum), but do you think they would be able to do anything about the shirt or dupatta?

I really only have 2 months left. Please give me you suggestion or resources :slight_smile: I never thought I would get like this, especially over a dress, but the crazy bride in me is starting to peak. Every since yesterday, every time I go through the Bridal Pics forum I see all these beautiful brides and their lenghas and I just want to cry. If anything this LONG post gave me a good chance to vent. Please make dua for me! :slight_smile:

Here is a picture of what I wanted replicated

  • I have spoken to the auntie again and she said she will talk to the designer. She said she will let him know my complaints and ask for him to give me a thicker border on the front of my dupatta. She would have to send the dupatta back to Pakistan. If he refuses she will ask him to give some money back ($50-$100) so that I could use that towards whatever I wanted to do with the suit. She is going to ask after Eid, because she said he is probably overwhelmed in Pakistan with Eid orders and it would be best to talk to him after to get a more favorable response. So the dupatta may or may not be fixed and as of now, no solution for the shirt.

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

aww feel so bad to hear that it didnt turn out the way you wanted. But ur mum n sis r ryt dupatta n jewelry etc will add to the look. If you were planning on lighter toned makeup, go for darker eye makeup so that it doesn't look like a valima look and looks more barat day.

i'm not a fan of jamawar or under chiffon even though it is coming back ,haven't seen it done well enough (with the exception of them on the catwalk by designers) to recommend it.
If it is possible try and line the chiffon duppata with a same or contrasting colour lining.That can really make ur entire outfit look gorgeous and baraat day bridal too. It could be a typical lilac/pink combo or something more striking.Think out of the box & then decide on the color your happy with.But make sure the shade the lining is dyed is one your happy with. Take any heavy outfits ur mum sis friends have and put ur dopes as an overlay-see which one looks best with ur skin tone etc.
It might change what you had in mind but will def give a heavier look & that way you can have lighter makeup.

Easiest solution to the shirt is do **spray work *& do it ur self. First buy the crystals , i'd suggest the smallest size and if u have any close friends call them over to help. but practice on a small outfit first so ur hand gets steady. Try and take turns with whoever is helping you rather than having 4 people do it at once , as that can cause accidents and make it look shoddy. 2nd try n do it in *one stretch* , since we're not professionals you might start off somewhere else and create a pattern even if u don't intend to. *

Neckline: How about two sized stones? You could wear your outfit and mark the empire waist line you think looks flattering on your figure.Then fill the neck to the waist line with slightly bigger n and smaller crystals of the same colour and after the empire waist a spray & then the border. YOu will be all sparkly plus in the photos which are not full length it won't look "empty" as you say.

Hope this helps :)

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

Oh n btw do be careful because workers take atleast 2-3 weeks off for eid since they go to their village so it must be in time for you're wedding.

Another suggestion if you're not comfortable doing spray work is go with the diff colored lining option and rather then have ur duppata at the back bring it to the front either to cover the outfit till ur waist , or just bring it down one side. That way the contrasting color will add to the outfit & fill it with some punch. and ur hubby will be on the other side i'm sure ull be fine;)

I'll add pics if i find any that help with undertsanding about how you can bring the duppata to the front.

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

to cover your kameez till the waist

Down one side of the front

Not at the back since the front is plain

Hope these suggestions help you .

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

@majesty you are a sweetheart! thank you :)your suggestions are very helpful! and your message has made me feel a bit better and not so hopeless. I really have been upset all day and get teary at the thought of my bridal dress (i know it sounds a bit dramatic, but its true). i really expected a lot more than what i got.

the auntie told me today that they can redo the dupatta, as long as i pay $100 for the shipping costs. i’m not sure if i"m going to do that. i’m trying to seek out all options. i might message prototype tonight to ask if she can do anything about the shirt and dupatta or if she has any ideas and the cost. if i can afford it, it might be an option.

alhumdulillah i have 3 older sisters who are very willing to help me out. if i do the spray kaam idea suggested, i know i will have lots of help. i really liked your idea about the empire waist and putting stones all over.

for my dupatta, i wear hijab and really wanted to have it set with one side coming down and the other around my wrist…like this

i will post an actual picture of the suit i received, so that it is better for others to understand the issue at hand. right now i am leaving to the masjid for taraweeh, but when i come back i will post some pictures inshaAllah

Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

Awww i feel sorry for u .. Do msg proto i am sure she ll be able to help u ..hugs.

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

actually it's not dramatic at all, all brides get stressed & MUA & DRESS were no1 reasons I'd say. It's more a tumble of emotions and the dress is just the last straw.

I don't have a picture but many brides in 2011 were doing the neckline idea of two sized stones. Re-doing ur dopes isnt necessary honestly . i'd just get a lining for it either same color or different so that it's not so sheer .Maybe keeping the dopes simple will allow room for work on the dress?
I'm sure Proto can help you out but shipping costs will be there no matter who the designer.

Best of luck, & don't think ur being melodramatic all brides go through this otherwise there wouldn't be so many GS threads on the wedding forum :p. Thank Allah for the lovely person you're going to marry for the perfect person is more imp than the "perfect" dress. And as a guppie you'll know any dress can be made perfect with help.

Positive things are that it fits you well, that is what most brides struggle with even the ones who go for trials etc so being in canada that is a huge wight off your shoulders.Plus you have a support system willing to work these crinkles out which alot of people dont. I'm sure by ur wedding in Nov it will be okay .

Hugs

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

definitely talk to proto or catwalk about working on your suit. if the designer didn’t do it right the first time, there is no guarantee he’ll fix it to your liking this time either. if you do opt to self-correct, queen st. west at augusta has a bunch of jewellery supply stores. the one i go to most frequently is Artons Beads. they have actual swarovski beads that they can sell in bulk to you and you can sew them on, instead of gluing them on. it’ll be a lot of work but since you have mA three sisters to help, maybe you guys can split the work. their swarovskis come in many, many colours. there are two Artons stores- one sells the fake, cheap stuff; the other one sells the real gems and beads. you’ll know the difference when you walk in lol.

here’s a list of other stores that supply stones and beads on queen west- 10 places to get jewellery supplies in Toronto

as well, having something done by an artisan by hand for your jora will likely cost you an additional $400-$500, and i would avoid gerrard like the plague. one other thing you could do though, is go into any reputable gora bridal shop like Beckers Bridals on the Danforth (or fone them up first) and ask them if their seamstresses would be available to lend a hand in fixing your jora. again, it would probably be pricey if they are willing to do it but then you would get quality.

one last alternative is visiting a fabric store that carries high-end fabrics- like Designer Fabric Outlet on Queen West- and purchasing new material, possibly pre-embroidered and having either the lining on the shirt replaced, or having a new shirt made entirely. they have a huge selection of really beautiful fabrics- definitely worth a visit- don’t go by their website. https://secure.designerfabrics.ca/shop/scripts/

lastly, if nothing works, remember that once you are all decked out in jewellery, makeup and outfit, you’ll look beautiful and bridal no matter how much kaam the kameez has :slight_smile:
maybe you can ask the makeup artist to give you a more glamorous look instead of something too subtle?

also, in the future, remember to send fabric color swatches from any fabric store of the exact shade you want so they can dye it exactly in pakistan. otherwise, its a risk because monitors vary, printers vary, and in the end, they might just have a chosen whatever pink they thought they could get away with.

p.s: was this lady abida qureshi from markham, btw?

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

@majesty aww thanks for making me feel not so bratty! lol really, i was getting a bit pagal. its funny because i'm the one who is always telling my friends before their weddings (and something is not to their liking), that "its only one day" or that "the more important thing is to have found a partner...and focusing on the marriage and life after the wedding". i'm glad you were able to give me back that same outlook, because it really awakened me to realize my priorities and the importance i give to the things in my life. You are right, there are positives to the situation - the fit is pretty good, the color they got spot on, the quality of the kapra used is really good, and the kaam seems well done. It really isn't gaudy and has an elegant feel to it. I do have some wonderful family and friends! I also have lovely poeple like you on GS who have helped me a ton, made me feel better and supported me :)

i might either do the plain lining or a contrasting fushia/magenta pink for the dupatta. i am still considering taking up the auntie on her offer and getting the front border thicker so that it is 5 inches. for some reason i just love the look of a thick kaam border on the dupatta with the thick jamawar pathi lining.

shipping costs would be killer to have the shirt done up with more kaam, and to be honest i'm not sure if it will be worth in the end. i think i am going to do as you suggested and create an empire waist with the crystals. i really love the look an empire waist gives. If i can find bigger purple and pink stones that match the ones already in the kaam, i can put those in the centre of the empire waist border for a pop. Also, I think it'll add the right amount of sparkle to also do the sporadic two sized stones. on the shirt and sleeves. I will have to be careful to not overdo it and go "crystal crazy". InshaAllah, it will be a-okay!

Thank you so much hugs back Load of duas for you!

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

@sgc yes, inshaAllah i am going to email them both and see what can be done. the only thing that concerns me is cost :frowning: i’ve seen their work on gs and fb and i am really impressed. i wish i had known about them earlier. (i joined this forum a few days before ordering my wedding suit)

You have given me plenty of options for the diy route - i love it! thanks a ton :slight_smile: I am going to try and check out some of these places, especially arton beads. It looks like I’m going to have to make a trip downtown inshaAllah

oooff an artisan or bridal shop sounds quite pricey:bummer: i could probably get the kaam re-done in pakistan for that price

the shirt isn’t all soo bad, its the lack of pizazz and kaam on the top, hopefully some beading (mothi and crystal can fix that). if i get the dupatta fixed from the auntie with a thicker border i think that will also help majorly.

originally i wanted to go for a very glowy angelic look. i wanted to look like myself but super glam and pretty (thick lashes, thick liner, pearly eyeshadow with some definition in the crease, glowing cheekbones with a mid pinky lipcolor). thanks for the makeup ideas! i agree - a more dramatic look will be needed, maybe a smokey eye for such a light pink color suit would be a good contrast?!. the teeka is pretty dramatic on its own (especially the size) so hopefully that will drum up some couture glam lol

ooooh you are right! i didn’t even think of that. knowing some of my friends experiences with designers and kaarigars i could definitely see some of them trying to get away with a half-a** job, especially for someone who lives in Canada and can’t overlook the work. for future reference..swatches it is!

Again thanks soooooo much for your help. You are wonderful! and so very helpful and resourceful xox

p.s. no it wasn’t abida qureshi. although i did visit her before ordering my suit. she has some really nice stuff and some of her pieces are really stunning, but she was a bit aggressive (and demeaning about my budget), for my first time meeting her and i didn’t feel comfortable to go through with an order.

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

the image uploader keeps freezing on me..i will try to post pics tmrw :)

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

hey willow, would you mind sharing the info about your designer on here? there are always brides looking for joras, and frankly, i need eid clothes!

also, the fuschia piping sounds gorgeous esp if you have matching fuschia lips. a smoky grey eye would be gorgeous too with your shade of pale pink. i would keep the border heavy on just the one long length that will drape around your face. a really thick border on all four sides will make the dupatta stiffer, heavier and harder to keep on.

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

I would suggest not to spend further on shipping back to pakistan for alterations unless you convince the designer lady to pay for the shipping part atleast as compensation. you can add spray of stones,pearls and sequins on your own and then you can get an expert tailor add a border like these

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=224948564249730&set=a.151246121619975.38601.123481071063147&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.247327998678453.58984.123481071063147&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=315249155219670&set=a.247327998678453.58984.123481071063147&type=3&theater

or something similar to the dupatta and shirt to give a richer look.

IF you can send it back to pakistan,and you are willing to spend more, the options/suggestions are:

-add kaam motifs spray all over

-transfer all the kaam onto new fabric (they call it patching the kaam in karigar’s language) where you can change the colour/fabric according to your choice. it is not too costly and will take about 15-16000rs for patching kaam of the entire bridal dress onto new fabric

but I would suggest not to invest more in something that you will be wearing once or twice anyway. You will be the star of the evening in any case and I am sure with makeup,jewelry,etc you will look perfect. you would rather want to make a new formal in that price that can be worn multiple times :wink:

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

yeah that about sums it up... when i went to her for my bridal 5 years ago, she was just getting started so she was more flexible with pricing. i've heard she's quite expensive now, although her stuff is lovely.

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

I really think it will look fine and honestly I've never seen an "ugly" bride , even those with really out there outfits look beautiful . and smokey eyes would be a good idea. and the jewelry will definitely add to the entire look . hope we have d-stressed u a bit :)

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

I have to sent you mail

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

I took a break from GS to get away from all the hungama and I've slowly been creeping back into it lol. Just thought I should give an update to all you lovely people. I got some very comforting and great emails from both prototype nd catwalk. They both had some wonderful suggestions and were willing to help. They both definitely know what they are doing and I am grateful for their responses :) InshaAllah I will order in the future from them. The person who made my suit agreed to sending back the dupatta and shirt to Pakistan for alterations. She said the dupatta would be made with a 5 inch border and some kaam added to the shirt. I left it up to her and her designers discretion and basically told her I trusted them both to do fantastic work. I will inshaAllah be getting it next week, so will keep you posted :)

Re: Bride Desperate For Your Help & Ideas! (Toronto & Global)

All the best hope it turns out great :hugz: