Your special occasion is a time of careful planning. Part of that planning is finding a dressmaker that you are comfortable with - one that can help you created the image you are looking for. When you decide you are going to have your dresses custom made, start talking to every one you know.

Check your local fabric stores to see if they maintain a list of qualified seamstresses. Ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Check with a trusted dry cleaner. Or local alteration or tailoring shops. Your wedding is too important to just pick a name from the yellow pages. You will want to find someone who is empathetic to your dreams. Someone who you are able to communicate with, and who will listen to what it is you want but is honest enough to share her opinions (not in a pushy way) as to whether what you have in mind will work in a way that will be pleasing to you in the end.

Whatever source you choose, there are some steps you can employ to ensure that the person you hire will be able to accomplish what you want.

WHAT TO TAKE TO YOUR INITIAL INTERVIEW:

• Your time schedule
• Pictures of the dress or the pattern you've selected
• Number of Bridesmaids, their approximate sizes, and body types
• A small sample of the fabric, if you've already chosen it.

WHAT TO ASK THE SEAMSTRESS:

• Her time schedule
• Can she create a custom design or does she prefer to use a pattern
• To see samples of her work
• References
• Estimate of costs
• What she expects you to supply - most seamstresses will ask you to pick up all the notions and etc.
• Her suggestions on compatibility of your fabric and pattern, Is the style you've chosen suited to your body type?
  Will the dress be comfortable to wear or will you have restricted movement? (This could be important if you are planning to dance at your reception. )