DRESSMAKING and ALTERATIONS
Ceris Davies Bespoke Seamstress is an established dressmaking and alterations business with over 14 years’ experience, specialising in the design and creation of custom-made wedding dresses and bridal wear.
As a fashion design graduate, Ceris worked for many years on some of the West End’s most famous shows as a costume assistant and maker. Whilst working backstage, she developed her knowledge for couture sewing techniques from some of the most experienced people in the industry.
Based in Billingshurst in West Sussex, Ceris works with clients from Crawley, Worthing and Horsham to Chichester and then up to Guildford and Dorking in Surrey, plus all of the surrounding areas. She provides a number of seamstress services ranging from general clothing and bridal alterations to the creation of your own custom dress for any occasion.
https://calendly.com/ceris-davies
Custom made dresses for weddings, proms and more
“I am able to work with you to create your own bespoke garment for any occasion. Whether you have lots of different ideas, one specific idea or absolutely no idea I can help bring it all together from design and fabric selection to the creation of the final beautifully crafted garment.
I specialise in custom-made bridal gowns but also provide an alteration service for bridal, prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flower girls and occasion wear.
Having a dress made is a very unique and personal experience so I aim to make it an exciting, relaxing and enjoyable one!
All my dresses are made to the highest standard using quality fabrics sourced from UK suppliers.”
Designed and handmade in Britain
The Process
WEDDING DRESSES AND OCCASION WEAR TAILORMADE TO FIT PERFECTLY
You are very welcome to book an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your specific ideas and the process in more detail. Whether you are looking to have a bespoke garment designed or you have your own ideas, I can help guide and develop it into a final, beautiful garment.
Bespoke garments such as Bridal Gowns vary in cost depending on complexity of design and fabric choices, but I would be able to give you a quote during an initial meeting once I have an understanding of what you are looking for.
Initial Meeting
Bring along inspirational pictures and ideas so I can get a real understanding of what would be your perfect dress. I have fabric and lace samples for you to peruse and can guide you through what would work with your ideas.
The Design
Once I have an understanding of what you like, I will sketch a few designs based around our discussions. I will then email you the designs along with quotes. From this point we can finalise the design together, adding or changing parts until it’s exactly what you invisioned.
The Toile
The Toile is a basic mock up of your dress made from cotton calico. This is an important part of the process as I will pin the toile to fit you perfectly and any modifications can then be transferred back to the paper pattern. If it is a particularly complicated design, it may need a couple of toile fittings. At this point we would finalise the design, and the fabrics so that the next stage can be making the actual dress.
Fittings
Once the dress starts taking shape in the real fabrics, it may require at least 3 fittings at various stages along the way. During this process you can see your dress develop and you will be able to have input into any tweaks at each fitting.
Design Your Dream Dress Today
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your prices for custom made dresses?
Prices vary depending on design and fabric selection. Bridal gowns range from £600 to £3000. Other occasion wear starts at £400 and children’s wear £150
How long does it take to make a custom-made dress?
For bridal gowns the preferred amount of time from first consultation to final fitting is 3 months, or for more simple designs 2 months. It gets booked up months in advance so please enquire in good time.
What alterations do you do and what are the prices?
All wedding dress, women’s wear and select menswear alterations. Prices start from £20 for individual alterations requiring a fitting. Please contact me for a specific price list.
Could you make exactly what I want if I design it myself?
My main aim is to work alongside you to get as close to your final vision as possible.
When should I book my appointment?
Wedding dress alterations should be secured as soon as possible and booked in for anytime up to 6 weeks prior to your wedding date. Should you require a last minute alteration please contact me for availability. Custom-made dresses should preferably be booked as soon as possible and can be made 3 months prior to the event.
Testimonial
Testimonial from one of my lovely brides
“My wedding dress and Ceris were a dream. I couldn’t possibly have wished for more. Ceris’ dedication towards my dress was overwhelming. The hours spent and the attention to detail allowed the dress to reach perfection and was everything I asked of her. Her creativity and flare made the dress extra special and totally original. I felt amazing on my wedding day and the comments on the day went a little like – that is the most beautiful wedding dress I have ever seen!”
Lucy Thatcher