A Chat with Judy....
Summer Wedding Dresses & Other Words of Advice!
by Pat Brethauer
April 2010


In my March Newsletter I announced that samples of Judy Jost Collection is now available at Sarnia Weddings.  Judy visited the store recently and I had a discussion with her on a couple of topics. The first was about "summer dresses" vs "winter dresses".

 
photos from the 2010 Runway True Fantasies Bridal Expo
 


 		 Judy why is it that you are only displaying this style of gown (shown above) and not the big poufy or "Cinderella" styles?

The dresses in your store are my Island Elegance Collection or "summer" collection.  I can design any style of gown but as you know most brides get married in the summer and the weather is warm.   The "Cinderella" styles of gowns are hot and very heavy.  I encourage Brides to select gowns so that they are comfortable on their wedding day.

Your right I never thought of that,  in all the magazines you see these beautiful "Cinderella" type gowns but they don't tell you what season they are best for.

 

 
Exactly, Brides should take into consideration the time of year that they are getting married.  Those big "Cinderella" gowns are heavy.  With layer after layer of material it's like wearing a blanket in the summer time.  Also another part of a gown a bride should consider is the train.  Lugging a long train on a hot day can get tiresome as well.
What fabrics do you suggest a bride consider when selecting a summer gown?
 

 
Most wedding gowns are made of polyester however, there are several fabrics that a bride can consider.  Raw Silk is very soft and light but can be expensive.  There are other alternatives such as Silk Georgette.  This is a very beautiful sheer silk that is light and floaty often used in veils and trains and as a sheer layer over dresses. It is made from silk or man made fibres.  Another light fabric is Chiffon.  Chiffon is a very fine, sheer fabric with a matt finish made from silk or silk mix or manmade materials. Chiffon drapes beautifully and works well as sleeves, or on a full skirt, overlays or for a cover over shoulders.  These are just a few of the type of fabric that can be used. 

During our conversation the topic changed to pricing and costs.


Judy Jost designs can be created in any Style and Colour.

What about costs?
 

 
The cost of a gown depends on a lot of things.  First as I mentioned before the type of  fabric that is used will affect the cost of the gown.  There are many alternatives that can used.  Another factor is the style of gown.  Yes I can design a "Cinderalla" gown for Brides or they can purchase one off the rack,  but with that type of gown the costs will increase because of the amount of fabric that is used.  Also another consideration is the accessories that is designed into the gown. The amount of beading, crystals, lace etc. will be a factor in the cost.
Can you design a gown to meet a Bride's budget?
 

 
Yes!  I can work with a Bride and create a gown within her budget.  However I would hope the budget and

gown expectation are in relation to each other.  I'd be happy to work with a Bride to make her happy to  look her very best and beautiful on her special day.
Store bought or Designer Gowns? (by Judy Jost of course!)
 
  
It all depends on many things.  I've had brides come to me with pictures of a designer gown.  I'll be honest with the bride and let her know if it would be more beneficial to purchase the gown "off the rack" or have me create something similar.  Dresses made in other countries can be less expensive to purchase than to have someone hand make it here.  However, usually there is additional costs as I have done alterations on a lot of these dresses in the past and some designs are nightmares to alter.  The quality in craftsmanship is not there and sometimes a lot of adjustments have to be made - which in turn costs the bride more money in alteration fees.
So what's unique about Judy Jost Fashions and why should a Bride come to you?
 
  
Several things, first and foremost is that I love designing gowns and I can design a dress exclusively for a Bride.  The gowns in your store are samples of the work that I can do and are Judy Jost exclusives.  If a Bride does choose one of these gowns but prefers something different that she sees on another gown such as crystals, lace, colour, etc. I can make the adjustment easily. Also there are no alteration costs!  My creation will be design to fit the Bride and that is included in the price!
Thanks Judy, these are some great tips and excellent words of advice!

more about

Judy Jost Fashions was founded in 1987 in Sarnia.  Before opening her studio in Sarnia Judy graduated in 1985 from the "International Academy of Design & Technology" in Toronto.  After graduating  she continued to cultivate her skills working with experienced designers and larger companies in the Toronto fashion district.

Judy's passion is designing and her attention to detail and unsurpassed personal service has carved a niche for her in the bridal and evening gown market!   As a Canadian designer she takes pride in the fact that her gowns are created locally and with high quality standards.  To learn more about Judy, visit her website at www.judyjost.com

 

or visit Sarnia Weddings to see her collection on display.


Northgate Plaza, Sarnia Ontario