How soon in advance should I contact Jennifer Oberg to make my wedding gown?
It would be best for you to set up an initial consultation 4-6 months in advance of your wedding date. However, Jennifer can make a wedding gown in as little as 4 weeks. But it is not ideal as rush charges may occur, and fabrics, fitting time, and design options may be limited.
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How much does a custom wedding gown cost? What about a special occasion dress or other custom-made clothing? And when is a deposit required?
Custom wedding gowns start at $2500. Special occasion dresses or outfits start at $1200, day dresses at $600. For other clothing, the price range varies widely based on the design and complexity of the garment, and the quality of fabrics and materials used. A thorough cost estimate will be written up for you, after an initial meeting to discuss your needs. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to start the process. For custom wedding gowns and other custom clothing, the remaining balance is due at the completion of the muslin fitting. For alterations, the remaining balance is due when the garment is completed.
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What should I bring to the consultation and how will the design be created?
Sometimes a client will come to the initial consultation with a very specific design in mind. Other times she will come with a few photos and want assistance in pulling the design elements together. Please bring whatever ideas, photos, and fabrics that inspire you, and we will go over it all together. We will consider your personal style, your personality and your figure type in creating the perfect design for you. You are welcome to invite a few friends or relatives to join you.
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I’ve seen different styles of wedding gowns or special occasion gowns that I like. How will I choose just one style?
This is why having a custom-made gown or ensemble is so ideal. You can choose exactly the design elements and fabrics that you like, and blend them into one special, unique gown that is all about you.
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I found a wedding gown that I love. Can Jennifer copy it for me?
If you found a gown that you adore, it's probably better to go ahead and purchase it. Jennifer's focus is on creating unique custom gowns that reflect the individual personality and style of the bride.
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What if I become pregnant, or gain weight or lose weight after we decide on a design? Or what if I have a wedding gown EMERGENCY?
Jennifer is very good at managing nearly any dressmaking or design issue that comes her way. She is not only a master dressmaker, but a master patternmaker. Having a strong patternmaking background gives her a deeper knowledge base to turn to, in the event of a design dilemma. She will do whatever she can to work through problems like this.
Jennifer can handle most wedding gown emergencies. The most recent one was a bride from Georgia who arrived at the Four Seasons in Wailea with her gorgeous Vera Wang gown, only to discover a HOLE in the tulle! Her father called Jennifer, and within 3 hours she was at the hotel, repairing the gown for the wedding next day. The bride and her parents were thrilled. So, if you are experiencing a wedding gown emergency, please call Jennifer at 808-269-09525.
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What is restyling?
Restyling is a wonderful way to bring new life to an heirloom, cherished wedding gown. By carefully refashioning a beloved grandmother’s or mother’s gown, a daughter or granddaughter can wear the updated gown for their own wedding. It is also possible to re-work an entire wedding gown bodice to be more modest by adding panels and bead work in all the right places. Also, restyling is a great way to update and expand your wardrobe, by removing shoulder pads, changing out buttons, shortening sleeves and skirt hems, making pants into capris, adding trim, inserting godets into skirts, and more.
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Why do we need fittings?
Because we want to achieve The Perfect Fit! That is what it is all about. Depending on the project, we will need to schedule at least one fitting and sometimes as many as ten! Custom-made wedding gowns require the most number of fittings. Custom-made dresses and other clothing may vary on the number of fittings. Basic alterations should only require one to two fittings.
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What about returns or exchanges? And what about alterations after the garment is finished?
There are no returns or exchanges for custom work or alterations, just as there are no returns on ready-to-wear bridal gowns once a contract is signed. Once the garment is completed and you are satisfied with the results, any further alterations will result in additional charges.
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What do alterations cost on a ready-to-wear wedding gown? What about other garments?
Alterations on a ready-to-wear wedding gown run between $75.00 and $300.00 plus. On heavily beaded gowns, the cost could be as much as $500.00. On other garments, it varies, depending on the alteration, the fabric, how the garment is constructed. Extensive alteration/restyling work can run between $75.00 and $200.00 plus. We would need to schedule a fitting to determine the exact cost.
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How is an “alteration specialist” different from a seamstress or tailor at my local dry-cleaners?
An alteration specialist is able to work on nearly every type of garment, doing nearly every type of alteration, including extensive re-working and restyling of garments. On the other hand, an average seamstress can only do basic alterations such as hemming pants. Alteration specialists are the best choice for doing alterations on wedding gowns, evening wear, designer dresses and suits, and delicate garments with beading and fine detail.
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What about rush orders and rush fees?
Rush orders will be accommodated if at all possible. For custom-made clothing, rush work is considered to be 4 weeks or less. Markup fees will vary. For alterations, rush work has a same day, next day, or second day deadline. A 100% markup will be added to same day rush orders. A 75% markup will be added to next day rush orders. A 50% markup will be added to second day rush orders.
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Where are you located and do you make house calls?
Jennifer's sewing and fitting studio is located in Haiku. All fittings are by appointment only. Yes, she can absolutely make a house call to your home or hotel. Additional fees will apply.
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