Lessons Learned: Why Choosing the Right Bridal Boutique Matters

This week I received a call from a very stressed bride-to-be. She asked if I was open on Monday, October 6th, even though it’s a public holiday. I told her no, but explained that I would be at the boutique catching up on sewing.

She then shared her situation—she had a gown made in Sydney, but it wasn’t right. I invited her to come in that very day so I could see if I could help.

When she arrived, she didn’t bring the gown. Instead, she told me she’d lost the love for it completely. She showed me a photo, and I immediately recognised it—it was an attempted copy of the Martina Liana 1710. She then tried on the real Martina Liana gown in my boutique and said, “This looks so much better.”

The Sydney version, while made to measure, lacked the craftsmanship and detail that makes a gown come alive:

✨ The skirt fabric was too light and had no weight,✨ The ivory cups stood out instead of blending seamlessly,✨ The heavy 3D lace overwhelmed the design and hid her beautiful shape.

What really stood out to me was the process. She explained there were no mock samples and very few fittings, and that the gown was customised from another design rather than being created true to what she wanted. The communication between the salesperson and the designer was not the same as working with a seamstress who understands construction, fit, and detail.

In the end, she purchased the Martina Liana gown from me—with only four sleeps before her wedding. She admitted, “Lesson learnt.”

Brides, this is why protecting designers’ designs and not taking photos is so important. When you choose a boutique that works closely with designers, you’re not only investing in the gown itself—you’re investing in a process that ensures the dress you love is the dress you receive.

Connie xo