Our most popular questions are answered here for you.
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us at couture@gatherandstitch.com.
GENERAL:
What is the best way to contact you?
The best way to contact us is via email or through our website. You can expect a response within a few days. Emails are checked and responded to Monday – Friday. If you don’t receive a response, please contact us via phone to check that your email has been received. You can also contact us via the phone number on our contacts page. Best times for phone calls are between 9am – 5pm AEST Monday to Friday.
Where are you located?
We are physically located in Carlingford, Sydney Australia. We have a home based studio that caters to hair, makeup and our fashion services.
What are your work hours?
Our work ‘office’ hours are Monday to Friday are 9:00am – 5:00pm AEST, Saturday 9:00am – 12:00noon AEST.This is the best time to call us. You must make an appointment if you would like to come an see us during this time.
How do I pay for my services?
For custom orders; we only take payments in direct bank transfer or cash. The details on when and how to pay will be on your invoice or booking email. For online orders please refer to our online shopping payment methods.
FASHION DESIGN:
WHAT WE DO:
What is the difference between Gather and Stitch Custom and Gather and Stitch Collection?
Gather and Stitch Custom pieces are uniquely different and made to order for each individual client. No two products are the same. We typically require 6 – 12 months to carefully create for weddings and red carpet events. This shope is not for this service. Visit www.gatherandstitch.com, then ‘Custom Enquires’ in order to access that service. For more information about this visit www.gatherandstitch.com, then “About Us”.
Gather and Stitch Collection pieces are ordered from our online store. Visit www.gatherandstitch.com, then “Shop Collection” to access those services. They are created so that all items in our store are available to anyone who wishes to purchase them in their size. These items are available globally and require 2 months to be created.
If you purchase your Gather and Stitch Collection you are able to come into our studio (Sydney, Australia) to pick up and try on the garment. All items typically require small to moderate alterations after creation to fit perfectly to your individual curvatures and shape. This can be done inhouse for you.
If you purchase your gown online or live internationally your gown is delivered directly to you via courier and you will need to access your own alteration services.
What kind of custom pieces do you do?
We do couture pieces specifically custom made to each individual for Bridal wear and evening/red carpet wear.
Do you have a specific target market?
Our target market is specifically from ages 16 up to the Bridal market.
Do you do alterations?
No. We are our own label and do not provide tailoring facilities.
Can I order something custom internationally/interstate without coming to a fitting?
Our label is based on an accurate fit and custom made quality therefore you may be required to attend fittings. If you would like to enquiry about international or interstate possibilities, please send an email through to couture@gatherandstitch.com.
THE PROCESS – CUSTOM:
What is the process of ordering a couture piece?
You can get started by enquiry through the ‘contacts’ page on the menu bar. If we have the availability to take your order we will make and appointment with you to come in for a consultation. At this stage we will draw a rough sketch of what the piece would look like and feel like. Within a week we will send you a quote for this design, from there you can decide to book us.
How soon should I order my item?
As far in advance as you like! We recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment. We only take a certain amount of orders to ensure our quality of work.
When is my order confirmed?
Once you have decided to go through with the order we will send you an invoice. Your order is confirmed when the deposit has been paid for.
How many fittings are there?
The amount of fittings will depend on the style of the couture piece. There will be a minimum of 2 fittings which are always at the studio in Carlingford.
Can I make any changes as I go?
The type of change to the design will effect the possibility of the changes. If there are changes that can be made, it may push out the due date. There may also be extra charges for changes to the design.
Do I put down a deposit?
Yes. We need a deposit to begin the creation of your piece. From this moment on, time and care is taken to create your garment, due to this reason the deposit is non-refundable.
When do I make my final payment?
The final payment is due 30 days before the pick up date. This information will also be on your invoice.
THE PROCESS – COLLECTION:
Can I come in and try your pieces?
At this stage we do not offer this service. You can purchase the items online only.
Do you offer consultations?
We offer a free online 15min phone consultation that can be arranged if you email couture@gatherandstitch.com.
Do you do TRUNK shows?
At this stage we do not offer this service.
How far in advance should I order my items?
Our items take 2 months to be created. We recommend looking over our website and Instagram for inspiration and ordering as soon as possible to allow ample time for your gown to be created before your wedding. We can work with rush time frames depending on availability and rush fees often apply. Please email couture@gatherandstitch.com before purchasing to check availability.
What alterations are done if I am able to come into your studio?
If you purchase your Gather and Stitch Collection you are able to come into our studio to pick up and try on the garment. All items typically require small to moderate alterations after creation to fit perfectly to your individual curvatures and shape. This can be done inhouse for you.
We do not do alterations in house for those unable to come into our studio in Carlingford, NSW, Australia whether they are local or international orders.
Can I customise any designs?
Not for our collection pieces. All options that are available are given to you on each product page. Beyond this, there is no other customisation available.
How do I take care of my items?
Before your wedding, we recommend storing your gown bag in a cool, clean and dry environment.
After your wedding, we recommend dry cleaning your gown with a dry cleaner who specialises in wedding gowns specifically. If possible, we recommend purchasing a gown box to store your gown in. Ensure your gown box is then stored in a cool, dry and clean environment.
How do I work out my size?
Our sizes are unique to our brand and are based on a brides bust, waist and hip measurements in centimeters. Before purchasing, we recommend carefully taking your measurementsand checking this against our size guide.
What if my weight and measurements change before my wedding?
Your gown is made in the size that was initially indicated at the time of purchase and cannot be changed thereafter. Whilst we are happy to offer advice where applicable, all alterations and changes to gowns will need to be arranged and orchestrated at the expense of the bride. If you have any concerns around this please contact us.
Will my items fit me perfectly?
Our pieces are designed to fit you as accurately as possible. However it is likely that with a fitted design that it will not fit to each curvature and beautifully unique proportion of your body.
In almost all cases, industry wide, gowns will need alterations after completion to ensure your gown is perfect for you. We strongly urge our brides to arrange to have alterations upon receiving their gown and to budget for this within their gown process.