Beth Philpot Bespoke Bridal Wear

If you've read my post about the National Wedding Show, then you'll know that finding your perfect wedding dress is not always the fun and exciting experience it's made out to be. For some of us, it's a slide into increasing desperation as we realise our perfect dress doesn't exist. The recent growth of the vintage and vintage-inspired bridal wear market helps to solve this dilemma for some, but for others the best solution is to have a bespoke dress designed and made specially. 

Beth Philpot is a Somerset based bespoke bridal wear specialist, who can design and make the dress you've always dreamed of. Having your dress made specially for you means you get to choose the style, fabrics and detailing, and perhaps have a period reproduction dress, or one made from Eco-friendly materials. All this without having to trawl round countless bridal shops trying to find the best compromise between what you really want and what's on offer. 

Beth has a background in making costumes for film and theatre - she even worked on Pirates of the Caribbean II and King Arthur - and she has a degree in costume design. As such you are ensured to receive the highest quality workmanship and not a dress that's been made somewhere in China. She prides herself on offering a personal and friendly service where you can be involved with the design process and truly happy with the end result.

The design process begins with a free initial consultation at a time that is convenient to you (including evenings and weekends), which allows Beth to get to know you and understand what you're looking for in your dress. With this input, she can produce some designs until you're happy you've found the perfect dress. You can choose from a huge array of fabrics in a variety of colours and, once happy with the quote Beth has provided, your measurements will be taken. This ensures the dress will fit you perfectly and compliment your body shape. 

Beth will arrange several fittings with you - including one to try on a toile cotton mock-up of the dress - to make sure you are happy with the dress and that it fits exactly, and details such as embroidery or embellishment will be added just before the final fitting. Prices are dependent on the type of fabric used and the style of dress, but start at £800, which is no more expensive than the vast majority of off-the-peg dresses sold in bridal shops. Having a bespoke dress made will, as I said before, ensure that you get the dress you really want, and not have to settle for something that's second best. It's also a great way to gain creative input into what you wear on your big day, and will definitely guarantee nobody will ever wear the same dress as you! 

Below are some examples of Beth's previous work. I particularly love the beautiful, delicate little butterflies on the third dress! Please take a look at her website at  http://www.bethphilpot.co.uk/index.htm for more information and to arrange an initial consultation.