The Process
1 - Consult
Creating the look for each bride is where my passion really lies. At our initial consultation, I'll review your ideas, then combine 50% your style, 20% considerations for figure, 20% your wedding vision/theme, and a just a *sprinkle* of my style. Metro Houston brides, you can select from three convenient locations. You can bring inspiration images if you like. Sometimes I get so excited about a bride's vision that I'll do a sketch for you even before we meet!
2 - Confirm
With your ideas from our consultation, I follow up with a detailed fashion illustration rendered to your likeness, so that you can get a real grasp of your design with your face and figure. At this time, my production team and I review the materials and labor required and provide your estimate. Budget brides can request a "budget-friendly" quote, to allow you more options to achieve your dream dress. All brides are quoted primarily for luxury materials - silks, luxury laces, etc. Keep in mind that our process eliminates the need and cost for alterations!
3 - Order
Once you are happy with the details of your design, we will meet to take your measurements. DO NOT PANIC; modifications can still be made to your sizing through the next step. Bride puts down a production deposit - usually about 60% (I know that's more than the expected 50%, but that's because I'm still keeping my bottom line prices on the low end!). After this point, you can follow your order with our online status log.
4 - Fit
A mock-up version of your design is made in muslin. Any design details or sizing adjustments will be made at this point. (Sometimes a followup to this step is necessary.)
5 - Tweak
The next fitting will be to try on your actual bridal gown! Any final needs for adjustments will be noted, then it's time to...
6 - Pick up
You may opt to try on your gown if changes were made since your last fitting. Make sure all of your accessories are perfect for your walk down the...
7 - Aisle!
Listen for the "ooh"s and "ahhhh"s when the church doors swing open!
8 - Brag
Get featured in our Couture Brides Gallery! Submit your iamges and photographer's information with a little word about how your dream dress fit into your big day.
How long does it take to receive my order?
Delivery times may vary per style. Custom bridal & formal orders typically take 3-5 months for delivery. Expedited/rush orders are also available, and can be placed for an extra fee. We recommend you begin early, as we can assist a limited number of brides per wedding month. We never want to miss the opportunity to create an incredibly inspired design. If you are considering losing weight, budgeting, etc, please...still contact us early! We may schedule a consultation right away, but if our availability will allow, wait awhile to measure or require your deposit to order.
Ok. I'm sold. How much?
Good question! Pricing can vary greatly depending on your design details like fabrication, patterning complexity, and embellishment. While some are below and some exceed, our average price range for couture bridal services is $1250-3500. When you stop to consider hundreds in alterations savings and our personal customer service, you will appreciate our excellent value.
Budget brides - consider one of our fabulous, customizable Damsel Maids styles in white or ivory for a fashion-forward dress under $500. Exceptions can also be made to our couture pricing in the case that we already have a pattern which would work for your design.
I have an idea that I don't see on your site.
Terrific! As our favorite service is offering unique custom gowns, the possibilities are limitless. Please contact us for details and quotes.
Do I need to be in Houston to order?
We have two ways clients can order a dress from Natalie Harris Design. Firstly, if they can meet with Natalie at one of three Houston locations, we can offer a full ‘Made-to-Measure service, with all consultations and fittings included in the fixed price. Many clients travel up from as far as New Orleans and Dallas for their fittings.
For out of town brides, our ‘Mail-Order’ service allows us to create a made-to-measure dress by producing a gown made to measurements you provide from a trusted tailor in your town. The muslin first draft gown is optional for these customers. ‘Mail-Order’ gowns will require alterations by a tailor in your area once received.
Do you have a brick and mortar salon or retail store?
We have a home design studio based in northwest Houston and travel metro Houston for consultations (within 20 miles of 77070). Additionally, as a partner vendor with a terrific wedding vendor co-op centrally located in the Houston Heights, we can hold consultations and fittings at Event Luxe. We do not carry the overhead cost that goes along with gown inventory and store expenses. Our passion is in the design process and matching brides to their dream dresses, not running a store. We pass those savings on to you. We do plan to have Damsel Maids designs in premiere bridal salons for the Fall 2011 season.
Do you accept returns?
As is customary with bridal, formal, special occasion and custom apparel, we maintain a "All Sales Final" policy. We make only one exception to this rule; an even exchange may be given for manufactured defects only. All merchandise is inspected prior to delivery. In this rare occasion, the client would be responsible for returning the dress within 2 days of receiving the gown. Prompt return is of utmost importance so we can correct the issue as soon as possible. Standard delivery times may apply. Once you have obtained a return authorization from us, you have 5 business days to return the merchandise which must be in brand new condition. Merchandise that is not returned in the condition it was sent will not be returnable and will be billed at full purchase price. All returned packages must have a return authorization number on them. Exchanges/Refunds must be requested within 2 days of receiving gown. An RA or return authorization # is required. No returns are accepted without the RA #. All returns must be unworn, unaltered with original hangtags intact. Items must not have any tears, smells, or stains. Natalie Harris Design reserves the right to approve or refuse any item returned that does not meet the requirements above. Refunds will be made in the payment form received.
I placed an order, can I cancel it?
All orders are typically processed within 24 hours of receipt. Once you place an order, an automated receipt and confirmation will be sent by e-mail to confirm the order. Once an order is submitted for production it cannot be cancelled, as our manufacturing partner has begun processing your request and typically does not accept returns. Natalie begins sourcing materials immediately when an order is placed, and if materials for your order have been purchased, your order may not be cancelled.
Do you do alterations?
We prefer that you are present with a specialist in your area to make sure that your dress is a perfect fit. As part of our custom bridal services, we do offer the option to have your dress custom sized. We do not alter gowns purchased elsewhere.
Will you notify me when my order is placed and when my order is shipped?
Yes, you will email for any order placed and also when your order is shipped. Please make sure you provide the correct email address when you place your order. To prevent these notifications from getting caught in a spam filter, add natalie@natalieharrisdesign.com to your address book.
