What's Going On?

So, you may have heard some rumors...like, rumors about Maeve closing down. Well, we are happy to say...we're not!

In fact, we have made some changes to the way we will make decisions (we have been running Maeve as a partnership, and although the partnership worked great and we did just fine, it was not very efficient or easy to direct the business that way), and we actually believe it will be even better than before! Another change we've had to make, in light of the economic situation, is we did pull out of our office. So, while we did contemplate closing down, in the past two weeks we changed our minds, changed the things that needed changing, and we're still here!

That's the bad news...all of it.

The good news? Well, the good news is, first, Sara just moved into a big house in Falcon that has the perfect room for fittings. It's a relaxing drive, and it will enable us to continue to grow while decreasing our overhead cost. Second, all the same design and seamstress team is still here to work for you - nothing in that area has changed or will change. You probably won't even notice any differences about Maeve other than the fitting location.

So...are you getting married in 2010, or even fall 2009? We'd be thrilled to design a gown just for you! Get in touch with us today, and we'll get started!

Fabric Choices: Taffeta

We are currently working on Juree's gown, to be made with silk taffeta. Many people have experienced polyester taffeta bridesmaid gowns, and have the wrong picture of this wonderful fabric! Quality silk taffeta is smooth, breathable, and makes that wonderful rich rustling sound when you move! It has just the right amount of shine to make your pictures turn out incredible. Contact us today for your free quote and to schedule your consultation!

Open House

Don't forget! Our open house is this Saturday, 11am-3pm, in our offices at 5555 Erindale Dr. Ste 203, Colorado Springs, 80918. Feel free to call 719-351-2604 or email info@maevebridal.com with any questions. Whether you are engaged or just love the work Maeve does, we'd love to see you!

There will be cake tasting, photographers we love, wedding planning, catering, and more also represented. Come find fantastic vendors for your wedding in a much more intimate, quiet setting than the big bridal fairs. And most of all, talk with our designer about your special gown!

Muslin Fitting

Want to see what a muslin fitting looks like? We recently did Natalie's, and it went great!

What if I don't live in Colorado?

All the time, brides tell us online, "I LOVE your gowns, but I don't live in Colorado, and I can't afford to fly out there." Well, having your gown done in person is NOT the only way! :) If you live out of state and cannot come for fittings, your process can look like this. You can still have a custom Maeve gown!

1. First, we will have a consultation via phone. Ideally, we'll have internet access at the same time so we can send pics/drawings back and forth during the phone call. This can be done by 3-way call or speakerphone with Sara and Holly. You can even put us on speakerphone at your end if you want to include other people in the consultation. We will nail down what you're looking for.

2. We will have your gown professionally illustrated. This way, everyone is on the same page and we all know what is being made.

3. You will go to a seamstress or tailor in your area (call a high-end clothing store for recommendations) and have measurements taken. The measurements we need depend on the style of your gown, so we will tell you which ones are needed and send you a form to have the seamstress fill out. You will send us the completed form.

4. We will make a muslin version of your gown and actually send it to you for you to try on. This confirms your measurements and the fit of the gown. If it does not fit, you will need to take it to a seamstress for them to mark changes for us. Then you send it back.

5. When we receive the muslin, we will use it as the pattern and make your gown, start to finish. We will then ship it to you (of course with insurance, etc!) Your gown will be made to the measurements you originally sent us, and must be paid in full by Paypal before we ship the dress. You will receive pictures of the completed gown before you must pay, then once we receive payment we will send the gown, and give you a tracking id for the dress package. If additional alterations need to be made once you receive the gown, you will just find a local seamstress (often you can call a local bridal shop and they have recommendations) who can do those for you.

It's a little more complex than ordering a dress in the store, but overall fairly straightforward! Please contact us for more info!

Fabric Choices: Raw Silk

Gowns made from raw silk give off an artistic and carefree but glamorous feel! Hands down, brides tell us their two favorite gowns of ours are Renee and Tarah, both raw silk gowns. The silk gives off a sheen that looks incredible in natural or dramatic lighting. It wears amazingly well - not very susceptible to wrinkling and very breathable.



Because it is a natural fabric, there is a large variation in silk fabrics - both color and texture-wise. This means your raw silk gown will be completely one-of-a-kind!

If you're looking for a raw silk gown, contact us for a consultation. We can create one just for you that will add the perfect amount of drama to your wedding day!

2009 Bridal Expo

Stop by and say to Natalie on Saturday - she's representing us at the 2009 Bridal Expo at Stargazer's Theatre. Free admission! 11am-4pm April 18th. (P.S. She's also a client of ours, so she can give you the inside scoop!)

See Alpine Chef for more info!

Fabric Choices: Linen

"Linen?" you might ask? For a wedding gown?

Well, it all depends...there are two types of people in the world. Type one is the type that hates wearing linen. The common complaint is that it wrinkles the minute you site down. It's true. It does. There's no getting around that. Type two, however, is the type who in spite of wrinkles, would wear linen every day if they could! It's soft, breathable, comfortable, and gives a little of that Boho/Hippie feel. Are you the second type?

A linen gown would be perfect for a beach or backyard daytime wedding - casual, breezy, fun! There are so many options for making a linen gown unique, feminine, or even just a little more dressy! Check out Anna's hippie wedding gown, and contact us for a free quote!

Open House

Maeve Bridal will be hosting an open house on May 2! If you're engaged, know someone who is, or are just interested in what we do, please stop by - we'd love to meet you. :)

Check out our Facebook event for all the details...

Fabric Choices: Satin

Emily

Brides often come to us not knowing much about fabric choices. This is not a problem at all, because we have swatches of fabric you can look at and feel before we actually choose your fabric. However, we thought we'd talk about the pluses and minuses of certain fabrics here, so you can be better informed about this choice when it comes to your custom wedding gown!

Satin is probably the most common fabric used in special occasion dresses. It's that shiny, smooth fabric that is everywhere. Check out this Wikipedia article for a technical explanation of satin. Dresses of ours that were made with satin are Safiya, the bottom edge of Emily, and Jennifer (pics coming soon!)

The advantage of satin is obviously its look. Especially with silk satin, it feels sensual and smooth on your skin. It gives that traditional wedding gown look, perfect for so many beautiful gowns! It catches the light and gives off that creamy glow in pictures.

There are some challenges with satin. While we advise all of our brides to buy shapewear for under their gowns (even thin people are not totally smooth, and you'll want to look smooth under your dress!), even shapewear does not always cover everything. If you are concerned about your weight or want to disguise certain parts of your body, satin is not very forgiving. It also snags very easily. Even rough finger tips can snag it, let along sitting on a plastic chair at a reception, or other wedding-day adventures.

Fabric choice is very important to the "feel" and look of the dress. At your consultation we can advise you on the perfect fabric choice for your perfect dress!

Occasionally Asked Questions

Have a question that's not answered on the website, but you've wondered about? We'd be happy to answer it for you! Here are a couple to get you started:

How much can be changed about my dress once the process starts?

-At your first fitting, you will try on a "muslin" of your gown - basically a version of your dress in simple cotton that will allow us to get the fit just right before using the real fabric. We will make marks all over it and then actually take it apart to make the pattern for your dress. If you try on the muslin and don't like the neckline, or if the skirt is too full or not full enough, or if the sleeves aren't shaped like you thought, etc., at this stage it is easy to make some changes. The further along the process we go, the harder it is to make changes other than minor fit adjustments.

Can I buy my own fabric/trim?

-Absolutely! If you find something you love, you can definitely do that. You will need to be in touch with Holly about how much to buy, and we will give you a new quote without the fabric cost. Depending on the circumstances, buying your own fabric may or may not save you more than the cost of the fabric in your quote from us.

So, ask away! We'll look forward to your questions...

New Site!

Our new site is up and running! We are so excited about a better way for you to view the beautiful photography of our wonderful photographers. Check it out!

Facebook

Just created a new profile on Facebook. Come "friend" us!

More Pics of Tarah's Gown

Audrey Hannah Photography took some incredible pictures of Tarah in her Maeve Bridal gown. Go check 'em out!

Tarah

Tarah wanted a very unique look - strips of fabric, cris-crossing to form the top of the gown. Holly created this special pattern just for her.

We were losing the light here also - had to go with plan B for a picture location. But check out Megan Hardre Photography - she does a terrific job!

Safiya

Playing a bit of catch-up with our blog. Safiya's wedding was back in October...

My favorite part of this one was the back - with the long sash and the underbustle, it was very sleek and elegant!

Our light was fading fast so these don't accurately represent her beautiful work - but check out Heather Bauers Photography!

So you want to have a dress made...

Once you've made the big decision, what's next?

-We will send you an official quote along with the professional illustration of your gown. You will sign off on the paperwork, and turn in your 50% deposit that will hold your space.

-When we are ready to begin the gown, we will take (or you will send us) your measurements. Preferably, these will be taken in the undergarments you will wear for your wedding. This helps avoid needing alterations later on.

-Holly will create your pattern by hand, and sew a simple cotton muslin version of your dress for you to try on.

-Your first fitting will be in the muslin, to make sure the pattern is right. An additional 25% payment is due. If you haven't already seen it, you will see the fabric we will make your dress from.

-Your gown will go to the seamstress, who may or may not need a fitting with you during the sewing process.

-When the gown is complete except for the hem and bustle (if needed), you will have a fitting for those.

-Your final fitting! Your gown is complete and perfect! Make your final payment and take your gown home to wait for your big day!

Follow us on Twitter!

Follow us here.