So, I’am about to book some appointments at designers in Lahore but I really want to know the procedure of what happens. I’ve never been to designer for my sibling’s wedding so I don’t want to behave like an idiot when I go. I really want to know:
What happens when you attend your first designer appointment?
Can I have a jora made completely from scratch or do I have to work with their creations? Can I ask them to change colours?
Do they give prices straight away?
How long does it take to create a bridal lengha?
How many times does a person go back for alterations etc? (I will be staying in Islamabad, and the designers will be based in Lahore so I can’t travel to them frequently.
Any help for a newbie to the world of designer bridals would be very much appreciated!
While I'd imagine it varies from designer to designer I would come prepared so that way you aren't wasting your time or their's - have an idea in mind what you want (design styles, colors, price range, neckline, etc.) along with looking at their designs what they show you. If you already know what jewelery you're wearing I'd try it on before so you know what type of neckline you need. I'd also make sure you're wearing the type of bra you'd wear with the blouse and bring your heels (or know the height of the shoes you're wearing) so that they can get accurate measurements. I think most designers will be able to work with you along with infusing their own designs. You can definitely change colors. With pricing they'll tell you the range for what it is, but then if you have a price range you can also say that and they'll tell you what they can do to modify the design to fit in your budget. I think the length of time it would take to make the lengha would vary from designer to designer but I'd say anywhere from 3-6 months depending on the season.
I would go back for 2 alterations shortly before the date (1 and 3-4 weeks before) because some designers purposely don't make the final stitching until closer to the date because your measurements are bound to change or they want to see it on you and some also want to make sure that the fabric dying is done so the colors are fresh and not sitting around for months. I would check-in with the designer though every once in a while to make sure things are going smoothly and make 2 appointments for your actual fitting. Good luck and hope this is helpful...
okay the thing is just first hear ur designer what they say.......as i do give some suggestions .then let them tell u what u want ...but gaian it varies if the designer is willing to hear from u u can understand it by the way of talking of a designer that will he?she gona hears urs...
after the whole procedure of deciding then comes the payments...again the desiger will tell u that if u add this or remove this it will cut ur cost but again it depand some designers are rude......reallly they don want any donts.
so any way who is the designer.
While I'd imagine it varies from designer to designer I would come prepared so that way you aren't wasting your time or their's - have an idea in mind what you want (design styles, colors, price range, neckline, etc.) along with looking at their designs what they show you. If you already know what jewelery you're wearing I'd try it on before so you know what type of neckline you need. I'd also make sure you're wearing the type of bra you'd wear with the blouse and bring your heels (or know the height of the shoes you're wearing) so that they can get accurate measurements. I think most designers will be able to work with you along with infusing their own designs. You can definitely change colors. With pricing they'll tell you the range for what it is, but then if you have a price range you can also say that and they'll tell you what they can do to modify the design to fit in your budget. I think the length of time it would take to make the lengha would vary from designer to designer but I'd say anywhere from 3-6 months depending on the season.
I would go back for 2 alterations shortly before the date (1 and 3-4 weeks before) because some designers purposely don't make the final stitching until closer to the date because your measurements are bound to change or they want to see it on you and some also want to make sure that the fabric dying is done so the colors are fresh and not sitting around for months. I would check-in with the designer though every once in a while to make sure things are going smoothly and make 2 appointments for your actual fitting. Good luck and hope this is helpful...
Thanks Yasmin, that was really helpful. Especially the idea of taking heels along. I didn't think of that. I wanted the bridal lengha to have a lovely "gher" so yea, it's a good idea :)
It varies slightly from designer to designer but i'll try and answer based on my overall experiences with designers.
1) What happens when you attend your first designer appointment?
Well u'll be showed a range of clothes from which u'll pick what u like the best n what u wanna oder...
2) Can I have a jora made completely from scratch or do I have to work with their creations? Can I ask them to change colours?
You can but they wud charge u alot for it n u'd be better off picking something they already have with some changes.
3) Do they give prices straight away?
Yup unless u go for some major changes then the assistants may need 2 ask the designer for the updated price.
4) How long does it take to create a bridal lengha?
Minimum 3 months.
5) How many times does a person go back for alterations etc? (I will be staying in Islamabad, and the designers will be based in Lahore so I can't travel to them frequently.
Well it does take 2-3 alterations usually i suppose to get the best fit. However if lucky it can be all fine at the first fitting too. Really depends.
remember that you are the client and they are offering you a service. if their attitude is snobby, pretentious and unhelpful, take your hard-earned money elsewhere. it can only be an indication of future service.
if you cannot make the scheduled appointment, call them and apologise and make another one. don't call them 1 hour before, call them the day before to give them a heads up. this shows you are serious about doing business with them and hopefully demonstrates the kind of courteous treatment you are looking for.
always negotiate the price, put down a deposit only after you have everything in writing- including what you are purchasing, what colours it'll be in, when the template will be ready, when the outfit will be ready, and when the final payment is due. and since this is pakistan, don't tell them you are from overseas as they'll only up the prices on you. take someone with you who knows their stuff- the more naive you appear, the quicker they will be to take you for a ride.
give them a date of completion at least two months before your wedding date, so that leaves plenty of time for them to complete your order including any delays.
if you can, take along fabric swatches of the exact colours that you want your outfit in with you. give them a piece of the swatch and keep a piece for yourself. being in pakistan, they can dye the outfit exactly as you want it, so there's no need for guesswork on which shade of pink/blue/red/orange/whatever you want.