Clem Short Couture

Bespoke Wedding Dresses in Buckinghamshire created and sewn by seamstress designer Clem Short. Clem is a unique and gifted dressmaker based in Chesham but servicing Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead also.

If you are from the Hemel, Chesham or Berkhamsted area and you are looking for an extra special wedding dress, the Clem Short Couture is offering bespoke wedding dresses and special occasion wear, made to measure from your own ideas and inspiration; the dress of your dreams made exclusively for you by Chesham's premier dressmaker.

Clem also offers an alteration service that will help you get that made-to-measure look from your purchased bridal gown, evening dress or everyday wear. So for outfit alterations in Chesham, Hemel or Berkhamsted contact Clem Short.

Bespoke Services

Clem will work with you to create your ideal evening gown, wedding gown or prom dress, from pictures, ideas, an existing pattern or based on a favourite dress. Because each gown is individually made-to-measure, you can be sure that it will fit perfectly and ensure that you feel great for your special day. Every wedding dress and evening dress is designed and made exclusively by Clem who has been a dressmaker in Chesham for the past 30 years and she prides herself on attention to detail and giving a friendly, personal service.

Bridal Gowns in Hemel, Chesham and Berkhamsted

The Process

Step 1: At the initial consultation, Clem will discuss your ideas and requirements, time scale and budget. From here, she will work on a set of designs to submit to you at your next meeting, with suggestions for fabrics and an estimated cost.

Step 2: Your measurements will be taken and you will discuss the options and finalise the initial design from which a toile will be made for your first fitting.

Step 3: Toile fitting: A toile is a mock-up of the dress, usually in cotton, which will give you a good idea of how the gown will look on you. Alterations to the fit and proportion, and modifications to the detail are made at this stage to ensure that you are happy with the design, before the real material is cut. The final choice for the material will be made now, if it hasn't been already decided.

Step 4: Dress fitting: At this fitting, the wedding gown will be ready to try on. The fit will be fine-tuned and details of decoration discussed.

A further one or two fittings will be necessary before you come to Chesham for the final time to try on the completed gown, with veil and accessories if you like, to ensure that you will be completely confident in the dress on your wedding day.

Alterations Services in Chesham, Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead

As well as making bespoke dresses, Clem also offers an alteration service. If you have purchased a wedding gown, it is quite usual for it to need a bit of adjustment at the seams and hem to create the perfect fit.

Alternatively, you may be considering buying a second-hand wedding gown, or wearing one that has been kept in the family, particularly if finances are limited or you are aiming for an eco-friendly wedding. Clem will be happy to alter the dress to fit, and, if desired, change or add details to personalise it.

Please bear in mind that it is usually easier to take a dress down a size or two, although if you want to wear a dress that is currently too small, there may be ways to make it bigger, such as putting in a lace-up back. Clem will be able to advise you as to what is possible.

Clem will also alter bridesmaid dresses and evening dresses, or any garment that never gets worn ‘because it isn't quite right'. Sometimes it only takes a little adjustment in fit or detail to turn it into a firm favourite. And if you always find that off-the-peg clothes are the wrong shape for you, Clem will be able to solve your problems.

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