Category: Tips and Suggestions

1. What to look for in a bespoke designer?

   Posted on 10:07am Thursday 30th Jun 2016

   

   Sometimes, you just can't find the thing you want, in shops, online, anywhere. It may be that you have seen something in the right shape, but not the right colour, or vice versa, or it could be that what you are looking for simply hasn't been created yet. The answer to that is of course to have it made specially for you - a custom, bespoke order. But what should you be looking for in selecting the right designer? Whether it is a dress designer, or one for shoes, hats, accessories, jewellery, these points should always be considered: 

   - How close to your style is the designer's existing work? If you have something in mind already, does it roughly match the type of things the designer has already done? If you found something that he/she makes but just not in the colour or size you want, that's perfect, but if their style is more shabby chic and you're looking for an ultra modern effect, think twice. 

   - How much bespoke work does the designer do? The more bespoke experience, the better it should be for you, simply because he/she will have learnt from prior experience what works and what doesn't. By all means, this doesn't mean that no bespoke experience is bad, but experience will give you a smoother process. You could ask to view pictures of previously completed bespoke pieces, and even better, if the reviews on bespoke services are great, it is a good sign.

   - How is the initial communication between you and the designer? If it is prompt, courteous, not full of grammatical errors, and with a positive tone, it is a good start towards making sure you will have a positive experience. 

   - Does the designer 'get' what you're saying? Sometimes, if you have to work too hard to get a message, a concept or an idea across, be mindful. You may be surprised or disappointed at the end when the outcome is totally different to what you expected. It helps if you could explain your ideas visually, for example using a Pinterest board, or showing them pictures of the styles you like, and see how he/she responds.

   - Is the designer going to bring something to the design? Asking someone to just copy an existing design is a big no-no for any self-respecting designer. As a designer, I am happy to take inspiration from other people's work to create something unique, but copying is unlawful. 

   - Is the designer happy to share pictures of work in progress if you so wish? Not everyone is interested in being kept in the loop at every stage, but if you are, will you be? 

   - Can the designer deliver on time? This very much depends as well on how long you are giving them! Always ask about the timeline, and if it is a rush order, try to get reassurances that the order can be completed on time. 

   - How are payments made and what are the terms? A deposit is very common, and often this is non-refundable. Payments using well known channels, with an invoice and receipts are always better. Run a mile from anyone you don't really know asking for a cash deposit, particularly if there are no receipts. Make sure you understand all the payment requirements, e.g. when next payments will be due, how much, whether there might be additional payments over and above your original quote, etc. 

   And finally, how do you feel after talking to or messaging the designer? Confident? Excited? If that's the case, go for it! 

   Blue Lily Magnolia makes bespoke bridal accessories, and accessories for formal wear, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride, etc. If you have any other good pointers for people on what to look for in a bespoke designer, please share! 

2. Brightening up a suit this spring...

   Posted on 9:12pm Saturday 12th Mar 2016

   This month, I have been experimenting with making small flowers from shirting and tie fabrics for men's lapel pins. And I must say that I am loving the look. Far from being too much for everyday wear, I think that a small simple flower on a pin or even a small brooch, really lifts up a jacket or suit. To me, it says, "Spring is here, and I am loving it", "I love a little flash of colour", "A gentleman does appreciate flowers, you know" and "I want to make you smile". And many other things too. 

    

   With a bit of trial and error and of course some mistakes along the way, this photo sums up what I think works best as far as boutonnieres, lapel pins or men's brooches are concerned. So, whether you are considering to have lapel flowers on your wedding day, or simply everyday, to bring a little bit of colour and texture in your outfit, don't hesitate! 

    

   

    

    

    

3. Making the Best of Little Ones at Weddings

   Posted on 9:12am Thursday 25th Feb 2016

   Whether the little ones are yours or those of close friends and family, having them to be fully included in the proceedings will always be rather special but can seem a bit daunting to some. Tiny flower girls, little ring bearers, or simply small witnesses can be a little unpredictable, so here are some tips on how make the best it it without too much stress or too big a dent in the wedding funds! 

   Talk it Through 

   When a little person has a key role, it sounds obvious, but many forget to talk about it with the right mind set - that it is something special to look forward to, that mummy and daddy will be very proud if everything goes to plan, that he/she will play a very important role, etc. They should of course know what is expected of them (whether it is just sitting pretty for photos or walking down the aisle). A verbal story or pretend play with little figurines or similar items are great for explaining it all, as are books with weddings scenes. 

   Manage the Pressure 

   Which all depends on the child's character and abilities. If little one is too young to understand instructions, let alone follow, don't count on him/her to be able to be able to carry the rings, have a back up plan, e.g. an older bridesmaid who can help. If your child is shy, walking down the aisle on his or her own is very stressful, so have someone else hold hands and practise a lot. Or allow them to carry a favourite teddy. 

   Make Sure it's not all Go Go Go on the Day

   A tired baby or toddler (or even bigger kids) are more likely to lead to melt down, so make sure that there is enough quiet time, or relaxing time - as well as a suitable place to wind down, have a cuddle, read a book, etc. Have a little bag of snacks and a drink ready too, because hungry tots are no fun too, and food is nearly always late at big dos!

   Think of Entertainment

   It doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive if your budget doesn't allow: entertaining the kids can be as simple as having  a few balloons, crayons and paper, some simple games, or if you have quite a few little ones to entertain, a cordoned off area with borrowed garden toys. 

   The Logistics 

   This can be a bit complicated if you don't give it a litte thought in advance. Make sure the venue has what you need for little ones - changing facilities, high chairs, children menu, etc. You might be surprised how many places lack some basic facilities. If that's the case, then just plan ahead and bring your own stuff, such as a proper changing mat, booster chair, or tubs of food. 

   Clothing and Accessories

   Nothing more frustrating that buying expensive clothes and accessories and have the kids throw them at the wall because they don't like them. Unfortunately, this very often happens, whether as a way of expressing their independence (and being fed up of just been told to do this and that), or simply because what you bought is uncomfortable, clumsy, itchy, etc. As an accessories designer, my advice to parents is to never get something too expensive, to allow them to choose before purchasing whenever possible, and to try to get them to wear and try in advance, with a lot of emphasis on how  much fun it is. Books showing a character in a pretty dress, with the type of accessories you want them to wear etc., are always useful as they can be used to point out the pretty dress, the bow tie, the bouquet, etc. Have a back up plan, if there is a melt down on the day about getting dressed up! 

   Praise Good Behaviour

   Finally, when you see good behaviour, don't forget lots of praise to keep them going. Little ones are proud when they feel that they have achieved something, so show them that you approve!