Our Services
We pride ourselves as being a unique bridal shop as alongside our collections from other bridal designers we also stock our own brand of wedding dresses which are made on site in our studio.
Bespoke Bridal Services
Bespoke Wedding Dresses
Alongside or designer collections we stock we also offer brides the opportunity to have a bespoke dress created as a one off piece as individual as each bride. We will guide you through the process from design to fabric selection in order to bring your dream dress to life.
Dress consultations typically last 1 1/2 hours as we talk through your ideas and bring them to life by sketching your design whilst we sit with you showing you fabric and trim options to finalise your design. Each dress is individually priced based on fabric and the level of work involved. If you do have a budget in mind we will do our best to accommodate this by showing you fabrics that work within your price point.
Once we have finalised the design of your dress we will take all of your measurements. A deposit is also required before we undertake any work to your dress. We will initially construct a toile of your dress to ensure a perfect fit. Once we are happy with the fit of the toile we will make your dress in the final fabric you chose at your initial consultation. Once made in the final fabric your dress may require a few additional tweaks. Usually brides choosing to have a bespoke dress will require around 5 appointments.
It is recommended that 6-12 months is allowed for the process of making a bespoke wedding dress however we can make them in under 12 weeks for an additional rush fee.
All garments and accessories are handmade at Natalya’s studio in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.
The process for your bespoke wedding dress
Stage 1: The Consultation
The first appointment is a consultation during which Natalya will discuss any inspiration and design ideas for your garment along with silhouette, potential fabrics and embellishments. If you decide you would like to work with her, Natalya will then produce a range of designs and an estimate on cost.
Stage 2: Selection
This is when you will select the final design and fabric for your garment along with any trims and embellishment. Natalya will then take your measurements in order to begin drafting the pattern and making the toile. A final quote will be given and at this stage a 25% deposit will be required.
Stage 3: Toile Fitting
Using your measurements taken at the previous meeting a toile/mock up of your garment will be made in calico and any alterations or changes can be made before producing the garment in the final fabric. At this stage a further 25% of the final cost is required.
Stage 4: Final Garment Fitting
Once the garment is made in the final fabric, fitting can take place. Several fittings may be required in order to achieve the perfect fit.
Stage 5: Collection
After the final fitting and you are happy with your garment you can take it home. At this stage final payment of the outstanding balance is required.
Bespoke Accessories
Alongside our accessory collection we also offer brides the opportunity to have unique accessories created to compliment their dress whether its taking inspiration from one of our collection pieces or something entirely different we aim to create a each accessory as a piece every bride can treasure.
During an accessory appointment we will offer you the opportunity to try on any of our accessory samples that we have in our boutique. Brides are able to order these as the sample, change them to suit their own colour scheme or ideas or have something made completely from scratch. Any accessories made from scratch will be designed through sketches during your appointment and we will talk through beading and trim options before pricing up your individual piece. Prior to undertaking any work on your accessory we require a 50% deposit with the balance due on collection.
Please note the above service applies to all accessories made by Natalya James.
Alterations
In-house Alterations
We offer an in house alterations service to both our brides and others so even if you haven’t bought your wedding dress or bridesmaid dresses with us we are more than happy to undertake any alterations required to your dress. We price every dress individually based on the construction of the dress and the type of alteration required therefore until we physically see each dress on our bride we are unable to give an exact price. It is vitally important that when attending each fitting you bring your shoes with you if the hem requires alteration.
How the pricing works
We will price the alterations upon your first fitting with us, at which point we will require 50% of the balance, with the remainder due upon collection. Should any additional alterations be required or any changes in weight occur after the first fitting that mean further alterations are required, these alterations will be charged additionally to the original quote. Typically most brides require 2-3 fittings with us including collection. We advise that alterations are undertaken no sooner than 8-12 weeks prior to your wedding in order to ensure a perfect fit and to allow enough time for all your alterations to be completed.
Optional Consultation
Should you wish to have a consultation with us prior to your first fitting we are happy to talk through alterations with you but these are charged at £20 for the appointment.
Emergency Appointments
We can also offer rush appointments if you require your wedding dress in under 4 weeks however, there is an additional rush fee unless in exceptional circumstances.
Alterations Price Guide
Please find below a price guide for our alterations to give an idea of cost however, please note the prices below are to act a starting guide only and all alterations and prices are individual to each dress. We usually advise a rough guide of £200-£400 for wedding dress alterations, but it really does depend what you need doing and the construction of your dress.
Wedding Dress Alterations
Plain hem from £55
Lace hem from £95
Take in/ Let out from £55
Redesigning from £60
Straps from £22
Bustle from £15
Bust Cups £17.50
Bridesmaid Dresses
2 layer hem £38
3 layer hem £50
Take in/ Let out non-boned from £25
Take in/Let out boned from £33
Please contact us about our bridal alteration service
Wedding Dress Cleaning
Need your wedding dress cleaned after the big day? Don’t worry Natalya James is able to provide a wedding dress cleaning service, working with a local cleaners. Although they cannot guarantee that every stain and mark will be able to be removed they will ensure that your dress is cleaned to the highest of standards possible without damaging the delicate fabrics and trims.
Discolouration can also be caused by not correctly storing your dress, so it is important to not keep your dress in a plastic bag as mildew can occur which is almost impossible to remove. The best way to store a wedding dress is in a breathable pH neutral wedding dress box wrapped in acid free tissue as this will prevent damage and discolouration from pollutants.
Natalya James highly recommends you have your wedding dress cleaned professionally and then stored in one of our beautiful wedding dress boxes.
Wedding Dress Boxes
If you want to keep your wedding dress after the big day but need a storage solution Natalya James can help as we sell a range of beautiful boxes made especially for wedding dresses. We have a wide range of designs for you to choose from as well as box sizes for all styles of dress from slim line to princess style. All boxes are made in the UK and an be personalised if you wish. We also have box options for bridesmaid dresses.
We can even help if you are getting married abroad as we also sell wedding dress travel boxes that are especially made to cabin size specifications to take onboard as hand luggage so you have that piece mind whilst travelling.
All boxes are made to order so please allow 14 days for delivery from time of ordering. Prices vary depending on the type of box and the size needed for your dress so please contact us for prices.
