Bespoke headpieces and wedding hair accessories - 7Q’s answered
1) What is a “bespoke”, “custom-made”, or “made to order” headpiece?
All the bridal hair accessories, hats and features featured on my website are handmade for customers as and when they are ordered, sometimes with a slight twist or adaptation, this is my standard service.
I also offer a designed from scratch service too, “Bespoke”, also referred to as made to order or custom-made.
Often “off the peg” is too much of a compromise for a special occasion. As a bride, a mother or the bride or groom or attending a special event you want to look and feel your best.
For some this is as uncomplicated as creating the clients vision, for others it can be more complex. This may include particular requirements, such as needing to look taller, coping with fine hair or hair loss, lack of confidence with head wear, styling with short hair, concern about glasses, finding something “age appropriate”, the list goes on, and this is where bespoke really comes in to play in a special way.
2) What “bespoke” services does By Harriet offer?
Bespoke wedding hair accessories
Bespoke hats, fascinators & headpieces
Bespoke costume jewellery - necklaces, bracelets, earrings & shoulder jewellery
If you can’t find what you are looking for we can work together on a bespoke design. It’s what I do. I’m good at listening and understanding, then translating the ideas in to a finished piece.
3) How does the bespoke ordering process work?
Bridal Bespoke
Option 1 - In person at the studio - You can try on and play to your hearts delight
Option 2 - Via the wonders of modern technology & Royal Mail - I can send samples for you to try at home
The conversations will be broadly the same, however we meet, I’ll ask you to…
“TELL ME ALL ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY PLANS & DREAMS”
Elegant or indie?
Boho or beach?
Town hall or village pub?
Stately home or back garden?
Lots of guests or small and intimate?
“TELL ME ABOUT YOUR STYLE”
The dress
The hair
Other accessories, sentimental or otherwise
“MOST IMPORTANTLY TELL ME ABOUT YOU, THE BRIDE”
Attention loving or reluctant to enter the limelight?
A young starlet or more of a “Helen Mirren”?
Concerns or worries I need to consider or reassure on?
This helps me get to know you, your plans and your personality to ensure that I’m making the right piece for you.
If we don’t meet in person or video chat, I’ll be requesting a photograph. It helps so much to see who I’m making for.
Think of me as your personal wardrobe mistress, I use my vast experience and expertise to create perfectly considered accessories to adorn and complete your “costume” so that you feel fabulous for your close up on your special day.
Millinery Bespoke
Option 1 - In person at the studio - You can try on and play to your hearts delight
Option 2 - Via the wonders of modern technology & Royal Mail - I can send samples for you to try at home though it should be noted that the millinery samples available to post are much sparser.
The conversations will be broadly the same, however we meet, I’ll ask you to…
“TELL ME ALL ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL EVENT OR OCCASION”
Son or daughter getting married?
Attending a wedding as a guest?
Off to Buckingham Palace? Lucky you!
Royal Ascot for the races or perhaps further afield?
“TELL ME ABOUT YOU & YOUR STYLE”
The dress
The hair
Other accessories, sentimental or otherwise
Confident and flamboyant or less fond of the spotlight?
Concerns or worries I need to consider or reassure on? Wearing a hat or fascinator has become something many of us seldom do, in this day and age. Some ladies embrace the opportunity with gusto whilst others are really intimidated and overwhelmed by the prospect.
Forgive me if this seems a little nosy but it really helps me get to know you, your plans and your personality to ensure that I’m making the right piece for you.
The process is the same as in the earlier diagram.
In case you scanned past the bridal section, I’ll repeat, If we don’t meet in person or video chat, I’ll be requesting a photograph. It helps so much to see who I’m making for.
Whatever you are ordering, if there are any particular materials to match, I can send samples or you if appropriate and pictures are available at appropriate stages and before the item is sent. I tend to find that if you haven’t got a fabric swatch, reels of cotton work well.
4) What are the timescales for ordering Bespoke? How long should I allow?
Lead times vary, I prefer to schedule my workload around your dress fitting and hair trial dates but we can chat about this in more detail later. If you need something in a hurry just ask and I'll see what I can do. Payment is due prior to despatch.
Please be aware that some bespoke orders may require additional time for sourcing non stock materials, which may often be purchased from abroad so we may need to allow for this, in general as soon as you are ready to order the better.
5) What is the cost of a bespoke design?
It will be comparable with any similar pieces on the website as a rough guide. Certain specialist materials may cost more which would have to be factored in but I don’t charge a premium for the service itself.
6) I’ve seen a design I really like, could you make it?
No. This would be against the original designers' copyright and would be both unethical and illegal. If you have a specific idea in mind this can be used as a source of inspiration but no copies of other people's work will be undertaken. Wherever possible I will refer you back to the original designer.
7) What happens if I don’t like a bespoke piece?
Don’t worry, the process is collaborative and we can meet or exchange pictures whenever you want or as is required. If something needs changing I change it, simple. It’s your wedding day or special occasion and it has to be right, I understand that.
As a rule (and I can’t think of a time I’ve had to break it), there’s no additional charge for sensible changes and reasonable alterations. If though you buy a new dress and change the colour then it goes without saying it’s a new order, I can’t offer a full refund on a piece custom-made that nobody else would purchase.
“RETURNS POLICY FOR HANDMADE BY HARRIET COMMISSIONS
If you are not completely satisfied with your commission, notify By Harriet in writing to: By Harriet. 4 Davenport Avenue, Hessle, East Yorks, HU13 0RP or via email to info@byharriet.co.uk within 30 days of receipt (and must be prior to the event date) and you will receive written or email confirmation of the subsequent return instructions. Refunds may be granted on all handmade commissions up to a max of 50% based on their re saleability. Refunds will not be given however if the item has been worn or damaged. “
Well I think that covers most things for now but I’m always here to answer questions. I am flexible and work with you, which ever way you find most convenient.
Until next time
Harriet x