Rasha Answers your most Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for my consultation?
For your consultation, you need to be comfortable! That is the most important aspect as I understand how daunting wedding dress shopping can be for some.
So, ensure you invite guests who's opinion matters the most to you.
At your appointment, I would encourage you to be as open about your likes/ dislikes with us as you can (we will not be upset if you really don't like a style) - speaking honestly about how you feel helps us fine tune all those details you like most and allow us to recommend styles we think you would truly love.
In terms of what you wear, comfortable and skin colour underwear is always best to show off bridal wear at it's best. It can help you better envisage your look at your wedding day. If you have shoes, that can help, but not essential (we have loan shoes to use should you need it). Feel free to style your hair too if you like keeping in mind that you may want to try on a veil or a hair piece, but again, this is not essential.
To sum up; your happy comfortable self is simply perfect for the best wedding wear shopping experience.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely. In fact, I strongly encourage it.
Having someone - who knows you well - be with you during those wedding planning aspects can help you navigate through, what can sometimes be, an overwhelming process. Their opinion is usually a valuable one in helping you stay true to your own style. Also, it is always so much more fun to share these exciting experiences together.
I am always happy to welcome your family and friends at my studio, during trials, consultations and fittings. When creating a bespoke design, I usually find that they play a role in shaping the design that I create for you and it makes the creative process that little bit more interesting.
How Many guests can I bring with me to the consultation?
I don't like to limit who you invite to your bridal consultation as that decision is totally yours to make.
From experience, I can make recommendations that inviting two to three guests with you tends to be the magic number that supports your choice making without overwhelming you with too many or too little opinions.
What is your order timeline?
When ordering from one of our gorgeous ready-to-order designer brands, I recommend that you book your bridal consultation 10 to 12 months ahead of your wedding date.
It can take up to 6months for an order to arrive, then when you add alterations on top, you should factor around the 2-4 month for it.
When considering a Rasha Kashou bespoke option I would recommend around 8 months from initial consultation to collecting your completed piece - no alterations necessary since it is made to measure.
However, if you are looking to have a design with plenty of detail/ embellishment, then please get in touch at least 12 months before your wedding date.
are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
I am a strong believer in inclusivity and ensuring my studio is a welcoming space for all.
So yes, absolutely everyone from LGBTQ+ community is welcome. I design and make bespoke looks for my clients no matter their shape and that applies to all as standard.
Our facilities are non-gender specific.
Please feel free to share your pronouns with me when you book. Mine are she/her
#YouDontNeedToAskHere
Is your place accessible?
There is one step at the outside entrance to the studio, to which we have a portable ramp should you need it. All other space inside the studio is flat and on one level. We have an accessible toilet at the studio.
Please do get in touch if you have any accessibility needs/ questions.
Do you do alterations?
Unfortunately, I do not currently offer an alterations service. However, I can definitely make recommendations to some fantastic seamstresses who can support you after your order has arrived.
In the future we may adapt our offerings to include this service.
Do you do Accessories/ Jewellery?
I do.
Veils, Tiaras, Hair Pieces, Vines, Earrings, Necklace, Bridal Belts, Gloves, Sashes, Capes, Cover-ups, Jackets, Garters etc. (click here for more info)
There are no limits to the design options which can be created, the process is always fun and allows you to experiment with different looks. I have a system which helps guide you through the process, samples and mock-ups will be created for you to choose from as well as your own personalised embellishment designs where needed.
Having your accessories/ Jewellery designed in-house is a great way of creating a full and cohesive wedding look, eliminating the need of shopping around for suitable accessories to your attire. I can also create your bridesmaid/ bridesmate's accessories/ jewellery which can co-ordinate with your own pieces.
Do you offer Bridesmaid dresses?
Unfortunately, I do not currently stock bridesmaid designs in store.
However, if you are looking for something unique for your bridal party and wish to have bespoke bridesmaid looks designed, then do get in touch with your ideas and we can start creating your vision.
I found a dress I like that you don't stock, can you get it in for me to try on?
If the dress you found is by a designer brand that we are already partnered with, then yes, we may very well be able to get it in for you to try on (as long as it is still in production and the brand offers loan samples to us).
Loan fees apply.
Unfortunately, we cannot order in from brands that we are not in partnership with.
Is a bespoke option expensive?
Couture tends to be synonymous with celebrities and Haute Couture design houses that are very expensive, which is why I hear this question often.
However, I personally believe Couture should be made available to anyone who wants it and my pricing structure reflects that. In fact once you meet with me, the designer and maker of your pieces, you end up cutting away any 'middle-man' costs, making a made-to-measure option so much more attractive.
How much a design costs will depend on a number of factors, the largest of which are the type of materials you choose and the time needed to create your design (the more embellishments, the longer it will take).
A lot of expertise and loving workmanship goes into every bespoke piece which makes it higher in value than a factory produced ready-to-wear dress. Note that with made-to-measure creations you do not need to budget for alteration costs either.
Prices start at £2,200
Always feel free to contact me with queries you may have and I will give you honest and open advice on what I can create for you.
Bespoke option - "What if I can't picture my dream wedding look, is it still for me?"
Your wedding day look is a big aspect of wedding planning, so I can understand what a tough decision it must be to opt for a bespoke design that you may not have tried on before.
As a Couturier, I actually believe bespoke wear is the way forward (I may be a little biased but hear me out).. For such an important event I simply want all my clients to look the best version of themselves for their big day, which is exactly what bespoke designing does.
As a designer I have honed my skills in understanding each individual's style through the design process which I always stay true to when designing for that individual. After the first consultation I normally would have a clear idea of what you like/ don't like, what your inspirations are, a little of your personality and style and quite a lot about your wedding theme/ plans (my favourite topic of conversation). I use all this information to create a selection of designs that we work through together to perfection, taking into account the made-to-measure fit and making it as flattering and comfortable for you as possible.
Your bespoke design will never be replicated and it will be unique only to you. (click here to find out more about the design process).
Not only that, I will actually get you to try on from the many samples in store to establish your favourite features from these designs and use them as inspiration to create your bespoke look.
To provide you with that added security and peace of mind, I will not require you to financially commit until after the first fitting when you are 100% happy and confident to proceed.
If that process still does not appeal to you, then we also have ready-to-order designer brands to try on and order from.
Bespoke option - Can I make changes after the design has been finalised?
The lovely thing about a bespoke design is that it allows for a fluid working environment. I account for changes during fittings as often we add/ remove or adapt certain design elements to fit your style more, perhaps a change in neckline or sleeve, these changes can be pretty standard and very possible to do during fittings.
My focus is always to create a design that you are totally in love with and represents you in the best way possible.
Bespoke option - Do you only design dresses?
The wonderful thing about a bespoke design is that you can be adventurous and creative when you want to be.
Within my previous collections you will find separates, trouser suits, mini dresses and even a pair of shorts.
Whether you are looking for non-traditional look, a different colour or something alternative.. It is all possible in the world of couture.
Talk to me about your ideas and we can work together to combine them into a perfect design that reflects your personality and style for your wedding day.
Bespoke option - I found a design I like, can you replicate it?
Replicating another designer's work is an infringement on their design copyright which is illegal.
What I can offer you instead is to use the style you like as inspiration to create your own made-to-measure design that will have all the details you love and it will enhance your shape in the best way possible.
Or I can offer you similar styles, to try on, from the designers we currently have in stock.
Do you offer Payment Plans?
We can offer payment plans on bespoke orders, be it wedding wear or accessories.
I appreciate that everybody's situation is different so I try to be as accommodating as I can be. Some clients may prefer to pay a small set amount per month, others may want to save a little and pay as and when they can.
Once you have had your first fitting, you know the design you would be getting and you are happy to proceed, a 50% payment would be required, we will then work together to find a suitable financial plan that works for you. When the balance is paid in full you can then collect or have the product posted to you.
For ready-to-order brands, a 50% upfront payment is required upon order, then remaining balance is due on a pre-agreed collection date.
What is your environmental impact?
We all know how the fast fashion world is a massive contributor to polluting the environment.
Generally speaking the actual format of couture design lends itself to being a - so much more - environmentally friendly process by default as there is less waste when creating for individuals than to mass produce. However, being environmentally conscious, we did not stop at that and we have established a process that creates even less waste and carbon footprint that will hopefully align with our client's environmental ethics and core values.
It's the little extras such as buying from national suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint and using responsibly sourced materials and eco-fabrics as much as possible.