Check out bespoke wedding dress and alterations expert Bespoke Savannah

Credit: Studio41 Scarborough

Tell us about your business...
I specialise in wedding dress alterations and a bespoke service ranging from dresses, veils, over skirts and any other accessories for the big day. Customer service is paramount for me and I pride myself in being able to achieve any request from a bride to a high standard. I focus solely on bridalwear, which means every bride I work with will have someone with a high level of expertise, broad understanding of specialist fabrics and finishings and knowledge on the anatomy of a gown, working on their dress. 

What's your background and why did you launch your business?
I graduated with a degree in fashion design, where I developed sewing and pattern-cutting skills. After I graduated I trained in men's tailoring but bridal alterations were in high demand in my area. I worked on my first dress six years ago, and I fell in love with everything bridal – I haven't looked back since.

I originally started Bespoke Savannah because I loved sewing and had a passion for creating one-off pieces, but I struggled to find work in the industry. Since then I have worked with hundreds of brides and I'm incredibly lucky to be able to pursue something I love. 

What's your top tip for brides choosing their wedding outfit?
Trust your instinct! And I can't stress that enough. No matter how many people tell you it's the one, if it doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't the right one. Which leads me to my next tip: shop around! Try every cut, finish and embellishment you can, wedding dress shopping can be daunting and even scary at times. By ruling out aspects of a dress you don't like not only will you start to paint a picture of what you want, but it will also stop you thinking "what if" after the wedding day. 

What's the most common question brides ask you?
I get a lot of brides worried about wearing a bra or the fit of the bust area in general. I would say 95% of brides-to-be will need the bust area of their dress altering, simply because every woman is different! The right seamstress will be able to alter the dress and add extra support where needed so you don't have to wear a bra on the big day.

Secondly, I get asked all the time "is this ok?" And "are you sure you don't mind?" and my answer is simply "of course!" No request will ever be too big! The wedding dress is one of the most important things a woman will ever wear, and as a seamstress, the responsibility I take on is not something I take lightly. The only person who wants your dress more perfect than you, is your seamstress! 

Do you have any news to share about your business?
I am currently working on a product range that will be launching in summer! There will be a range of handmade accessories and made-to-order bridal gowns. This range will not only be made to a high standard but will also give the bride a bespoke experience without the price tags! 

Stephanie Carr | www.bespokesavannahbridal.com
Instagram www.instagram.com/bespokesavannah_