Brides & Tailor

uisite. Throughout the process I felt like she heard what I wanted without being afraid to give her own input using her knowledge and expertise. I so appreciated her fast work, flexibility, and of course her craftsmanship. I couldn’t have been happier—the dress was just what I wanted.

I got the correct gown, because for me, my special day had a double meaning; I wanted it to honor the memory of my late grandmother, who always called me Emerald, a legacy which became my pen-name. It was a process to find all of the arrangements that we wanted while trying to stick to the theme. I searched and searched the internet for just the right dress, but none of the ones I found seemed to fit my vision. I wanted one that was traditional, but also fit this special theme me . . . I came across this amazing dress that Brides and Tailor had on their website. I knew from the moment I saw it that it was the right one for me. The price was a little bit steep for us, but honestly- after the fact, and all of the work I saw that was put into it and what a process it is to make, the price seems very reasonable (fortunately, and unbeknownst to me at the time, my sister had decided to make the wedding dress itself her contribution to my wedding). When I found that out, this dress became my reality, and I contacted the company immediately. From the first point of contact, Manal and her team were wonderful. They walked me through the process and everything that was involved and patiently answered all of my questions. Not only was their customer service very good, but Manal herself seemed very invested in her work and passionate about it. You can just tell from talking with her that she loves what she does and truly cares about her clients. Looking back, I’m so glad that I chose to make her a part of my wedding, and I can honestly say that she was an integral part of helping to make it become a reality. I’m so happy that I enlisted Brides and Tailor on my team for this very special part of my journey. This day was so special in so many ways, and I really did need a whole team to make it a reality. Not only was it symbolic for me and a tribute to my late grandmother, but my grandmother on my mother’s side- who is of Middle Eastern origins- also had a hand to play in it. She helped me plan a Chaldean-American wedding, so that the D.J. would play a variety of middle-eastern songs and dances as well as someAmerican ones. Unbeknownst to me at the time, her contributions to the wedding would be a last and parting gift, as she passed away from cancer a few months later. I will always be grateful to her for helping me to have the Iraqi-American wedding I’d always desired. So many memories, contributions, and legacies were captured in the photos and videos taken at the wedding, and I’m grateful beyond words that they will be forever imprinted all around our house. The wedding was everything I needed it to be and more, and managed to convey so much in just a few short hours (hours that myself and hopefully everyone who was there will forever remember). At the center of everything is the amazing dress that helped me to accomplish the exact look I wanted and to step into my fairytale ‘shoes.' If you are searching for the perfect wedding dress and to enlist a team that will be with you, march with you, and ride it out through the good and rough parts of the trail, reach out to Manal. I promise you will not be disappointed. Thanks Manal for helping make my emerald-green wedding happen! I will never forget you or your amazing efforts. Brooke, aka Emerald ~

nitely recommend!!

options I liked. She explained that she couldn’t replicate copyrighted designs, which was completely understandable, so she worked with me to create a custom dress that fit the theme and style I wanted. Manal sent me detailed measurement guidelines, and for any measurements she wasn’t sure about, she asked me to redo them to ensure everything was perfect. She kept me updated throughout the entire process and even sent me photos as the dress was coming together—by then, I was already in love with it! When I got the email saying the dress was ready, I was so excited. It was beautifully packaged and protected, and I was in awe when I opened the box. I just had to try it on right away, and I even shed a few tears seeing how beautiful it was. I can only imagine how everything will come together on my big day! I was initially skeptical because Brides & Tailor is based so far away, and I found them randomly online. But honestly, they are the real deal. Manal was amazing every step of the way and never steered me wrong. If you’re thinking about a custom dress, please reach out to them—you won’t regret it! I can’t wait to share an updated review with pictures once everything is complete. ❤️

cated website, which made the ordering process even easier. After I submitted my order details, they reached out to me quickly and kept up great communication throughout the entire process, and regularly sent updates and progress photos, which I really appreciated and felt involved through the whole process!

munication was top notch. Any question I had was answered and I was kept well informed thru the entire process of my dress being made. I did not have you a typical wedding dress made and I honestly wasn’t sure how achievable my wild ideas were going to be but wow! I am truly amazed at what was done. I sent in a picture of a few dresses that I wanted different parts of pieced together and the dress turned out looking exactly like the picture. If you’re willing to wait the time frame having a dress made here is 100 percent worth it. If you can dream it this girl can do it. I have no doubts.

paid!

o Manal Chams, I was greeted with equal parts kindness and professionalism unmatched. I was worried about not actually being able to go and try it on, (a long with their other gorgeous gowns) with me being so far away. But my worries melted away with reassurance from Manal and the detailed instructions on how to get correct measurements so that they could custom make my gown. They sent a plethora of under bodice colors for me to choose from, and continued to be very communicative throughout the entire process. They even sent pictures when it was done, ramping up my excitement and eagerness to finally get to try it on. When my dress arrived, (within the work week of them finishing it) I was flabbergasted. It was more beautiful than I could have even imagined. It fit like a glove. It was of such refined quality and beauty. I have never and don't think I will ever see another gown so perfect in my entire life. My wedding guests were left feeling the same. If you've thought to choose brides and tailor for your wedding gown, Look no further. This is the one to say yes to.

before I could leave the store I realized I had to have the beautiful black dress I saw on their website. I compared every dress I tried on to it and realized I had already found the one. Their communication is beyond fantastic, not to mention I got my dress extremely fast I could hardly wait to try it on! I would and will always recommend this company to any brides in the future. I can't thank everyone enough for making my day truly special in everything I could ever want in a dress!

e loved it and I couldn't be happier 🩵

verything went by so smoothly. Can’t wait for the big day!! Thank you brides and tailor!!

o detail. It literally left me speechless when it arrived! Buying my wedding dress couldn't have gone any better. It is beautiful, and I would highly recommend buying your dress from them too because there is no way you won't agree with me. I am now a forever fan!

I even had a small change after approving for order that they were able to still accommodate. Highly recommend for your custom tailoring needs!

ress. The dress looks beautiful and well made and fits me perfectly. The fabrics are very nice and comfortable. I can't wait for my big day!

trouble finding someone in the U.S. to make an affordable custom wedding dress. I found Manal on Etsy and things have been easy since. From our first correspondence she has been so professional, timely, and sweet. She took care of me as if I was her own. She always responded to me, answering all my questions, and even sent me follow ups when I didn’t get back to her. In the end of the process, I decided to go pick up my dress in person, and it was a beautiful experience! Manal made it perfect! My dress is gorgeous and I cannot wait to send her pictures soon!

re process. They gave great suggestions to help me decide on things for my dress and kept me in the loop about everything. I really liked that I was able to split the payments up as well so it wasn’t one huge lump sum for me. They are super flexible in design and just overall great communication. The dress itself is OUTSTANDING! And I can’t wait to wear it on my wedding day. Their customer service is excellent as well. I called them to ask them how to attach my removable train, and they answered the phone immediately and explained step by on how to hook on the train to the dress. Honestly 10/10 would recommend this company for custom wedding dresses!

have a more alternative style, so I was really stressing about finding a wedding dress that truly felt like ‘me’. I made several appointments in bridal boutiques, tried on countless dresses, and scoured the internet trying to find my dream dress. It felt hopeless at a certain point and I almost settled for something that I didn’t completely love. That’s when I found Brides and Tailor! I ordered a custom sketch and sent in a ton of inspiration pics. When I got my sketch back, it was as if they had jumped right into my brain and put my vision on paper. I’m even crying right now writing this review! Haha! Once they started making my dress, the communication from Manal was just astounding. They sent pictures of lace samples to choose from, kept me updated with progress pictures, gave me advice on design choices, accepted my last minute requests with zero hesitation, and even caught a possibly disastrous issue with the measurements that I sent in (but that’s a story for another day). Now the dress.. omg the dress.. I’m obsessed. My vision was a kind of gothic fairytale. Think the dress that the dark fairy princess wears as she runs through the woods. I wanted sparkles, poof, and a train. And did they deliver!! The dress was so light and easy to wear. Fit completely perfectly, no alterations needed! I had guests at our wedding telling me that they literally gasped as I walked into the ceremony. If you’ve made it this far, do it. Order the sketch. Get the dress. You won’t regret it a single bit.

onalism, and attention to detail. My wedding dress remains the gem of my wardrobe; building it together from scratch was a highlight of my wedding experience and I’ve received countless compliments on it. I highly recommend Brides and Tailor to any bride who: a) has a curvy figure & may have trouble buying clothes off the rack in general b) wants a nontraditional dress (ie custom colors, a specific combination of fabrics & styles, or a specific “theme” to fit) b) wants a durable, custom art piece that you can wear to formal events beyond the wedding (I’ve already worn mine to two themed balls post-wedding!) d) wants to feel powerful and stunning on her wedding day, and in control every step of the dress buying process I will also say Brides and Tailor is very reasonably priced for the custom & quality of dress delivered. For example, the traditional dresses I looked at before coming to Brides and Tailor cost $3,000-5,000 plus; working with Brides & Tailor got me a similar style customized to my preferred colors, measurements, and style for less than half of the traditional dress. Given how responsive and attentive to detail Brides & Tailor are, I would guess they can modify designs to fit any budget. Read on for more tips & details! Tips: Try on different dress styles at a local boutique before committing to a style or design for your custom dress. I wound up changing my design completely based on how a certain style looked on me in real life (vs a skinny model in a picture). Purchase the sketch from Brides and Tailor to confirm you’re aligned on vision. I’m really glad I did this step as it made me feel confident in my decision and trust that B&T knew how to execute. I also got to make small modifications for my comfort before moving forward. Order directly from the Brides and Tailor website - online third-party shops sometimes have weird rules about delivery times that aren’t conducive to the custom dress collaboration process Invest in a good local tailor as you will need to work closely with them on measurements before ordering and after for alterations! If you’re in Chicago I recommend Uncommon Closet. Other vendors featured in the photos: Photography by Diamond Wedding Studios Venue: Camp Lakotah in Wautoma, WI Groom’s custom suit by Sharpe Suiting (partnered with Uncommon Closet)

easy. They guide you and keep you involved the entire time. I had a unique request and I couldn’t be happier and the price is extremely reasonable especially considering you’re getting a CUSTOM dress! The dress was also completed in the timeframe they gave and I was blown away. I looked into one other dress maker and they told me it would take an entire year at nearly triple the price!

unobtainable & out of reach. I stumbled across her Instagram and after having the initial consultation, I was encouraged that it was possible. She made the process seamlessly easy and stress free! (Especially being in two different states) She listened to me and my “wants” and also gave her opinion without overstepping her boundaries or deterring my vision. To the point where I NEVER envisioned myself in a ball gown style of any sort. She sketched the train on my dress and I fell in LOVE! She was SO PLEASANT AND TRULY A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH. Her communication throughout the process was impeccable and the constant updates and picture mail left me at ease during the process. My gown was finished 5-6 weeks early and was shipped with care. Even with her sending me the final product before shipping, NEVER IN MY LIFE would I have thought the gown would look how it does. The pictures did it NO JUSTICE and it was ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!! She incorporated everything I wanted! Gold Mermaid style gown with detachable train AND sleeves! Also added her own little flare adding chocolate beading in with the gold! I was brought to tears unboxing it as the details and beading were so intricate and neatly placed/sewn! I will never have the words to thank her enough!! But I will sing her praises FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!! Not only did she make me feel like the BADDEST MAM-A-JAMA walking the earth on my wedding day but she made me feel AND LOOK loke ROYALTY!! The feeling of knowing that I have a ONE OF A KIND DRESS that can’t be duplicated and a gown that will be talked about for YEARS TO COME is AN OUT OF THIS WORLD EXPERIENCE! THANK YOU AGAIN, TO MANAL AND BRIDES & TAILOR, for helping make my special day one to always remember!!

sts. In the end, she finished much faster than I anticipated! Best of all, the dress is exactly what I wanted! She captured my vision and brought it to life. I cannot wait to wear it!

Manal was able to creat my dream dressing Ive been wanting since I was 12! I know I was probably a little hard becauce I changed the dress design 3x before we finilazed it, but the dress came out like a dream and fit like a glove, she gave the best advice on what she thought would work and wouldn't ! I cant wait to wear it!

s above and beyond anything I’ve ever seen. Dream dress!!

l, 'out of the box' wedding gown! She's truly creating works of art!

n enough after nothing spoke to me, I came across an Etsy page for customized wedding dresses and started brainstorming what I wanted from pieces of dresses I loved. Soon enough, I received a sketch of the most breathtaking dress on the planet and what I had exactly envisioned. I don’t know how Manal does it, but they are a magical human being that every single bride should go to! If you are debating on getting your gown completely customized from scratch, and it be one of a kind, stop and just do it. I cannot believe that the price of the gown and everything was fairly affordable too, probably the same price as purchasing a brand-new gown on the rack and it not being 100% original. I could go on and on about how happy I am with making this decision. I will cherish this gown and make many memories with it for days to come. I cannot wait to share my wedding photos and surprise my soon-to-be husband. With love, MV

with a process that was the most stress free part about planning a wedding. I had to change plans for my dress twice after ordering due to some unforeseen circumstances and without hesitation Manal was there to make it happen. Not only is my dress of the best quality but it also fits perfect which I was not expecting since I had never been there in person and have to have my measurements don’t locally then sent in. I can’t thank you enough for making me the dress that will make me feel the most beautiful on my wedding day!

l

es & Tailer to anyone looking for a custom wedding dress.

d the entire time it took to complete my dress and if I had any concerns or questions, Manal was prompt with a response email!! Can’t wait to wear it for our summer wedding!! Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a custom dress!!!

would get my dream wedding dress, but this is it. The speed with which they worked was so impressive. It seemed like I'd just started the process when Manal let me know they were nearly finished, and for such a quality product, this blows my mind. Initially, I was nervous about buying a dress online, but this fits just like it should and, like I said, stunning. The first words out of my partner's mouth were that it was entirely worth the money. If I ever need/want a custom dress again, I would definitely use this business.

. This was the most stress free and easiest part of planning for my wedding thanks to the wonderful team at Brides & Tailor. Every step of the process from having the sketch created of my dream wedding dress to all the wonderful updates from Manal and the seamstress made this an enjoyable process. I want to say thank you again Brides & Tailor for making me such a beautiful Wedding dress!

ad that I went with them

are communicative and friendly. Manal helped guide me through the process that was easy and fun. The dress is gorgeous and a great price for such a beautiful custom piece.

provided updates which lessened the stress so much. The fit is so comfortable and perfect. I am so excited! If you are wanting a dress from Manal, don't hesitate, the quality of the item is worth it!

dress. My daughter said she will now have a one of a kind wedding/prom dress. Your company saved the day! Thanks and blessings, Kim

&Tailor's Etsy store. Well... when I received my dress, I couldn't stop smiling and didn't want to take it off after I tried on! It was just what I was imagined! I changed few design from the original picture was on etsy store and it was super easy to communicate with the owner Manal. She also sent me a leftover lace fabric so I could add few spots that I wanted to cover little bit more. From the time I sent my measurements to received my dress was about 45 days and which was very fast for a custom dress. I am very happy with Brides&Tailor experience and my beautiful wedding dress!! Thank you so much!!

above and beyond to make sure it was a stress free experience. Which is hard when you never meet in person! I couldn't be more happy with the result. I never thought I could have a custom wedding dress in my price range. Especially one as beautiful as mine. Will be recommending to those close to me.

ed awful when it was finally here. Manal made me feel special and calm. She earned 100% of my trust quickly. From the original sketch, to fine details, picking out the lace, and talking about exactly what I wanted... The communication was clear, and frequent. When I first saw the photos of the dress, it was even better than I imagined. Once I had it in my hands... I cried. It's perfect. I even bought a veil which I was sure I didn't want. But I'm so glad I got it! If you want your dream dress to be made with love, quality, and magic... Don't hesitate to reach out to Manal and her team. This dress was 1000 times better than any I've tried on in a store. And I will keep this for the rest of my life. Thank Manal. You can see the passion you have when you feel the dress, and I am honored to be able to walk down the aisle in one of your masterpieces.

ges to my original design due to a unexpected date change. She was very kind and honest with her opinions on design. When we first met I was a little nervous that I hadn't explained my vision correctly, but when I saw the sketches she sent me I was blown away! It was like she got me! The fabrics used are very high quality, and the bead work is stunning. I would recommend this bridal boutique to anyone! I can't wait to wear my dress!

want a gorgeous custom wedding dress, she is the best person for it!