Dame Couture

I searched high and low for a dress that reflected my style, but every time I walked into a traditional bridal shop I was disappointed - not because the dresses were bad, but because I couldn't see myself in any of the gowns. I am not a big, poofy wedding gown girl. A friend mentioned that I should look into Dame Couture. I was not terribly impressed by the website (it doesn't do an ounce of justice to the shop's cozy, adorable atmosphere), but decided to give it a shot anyway. I was blown away. Not only do you get the saleswoman's complete attention (there is only one dressing room, so this is by appointment-only), but the dresses were perfect. The designs are unique, many are vintage-inspired and completely customize-able. There are samples to try on, and once you pick your gown they work with you to pick the fabrics and assemble your own couture dress. The prices range from $600-$2500 depending on what you want. The best part is that you can bring in your mother's old wedding gown and they can re-cut or incorporate it into your dress. Sometimes you can even snag a "one of a kind" dress (like mine!) - a vintage gown Dame found and re-designed to sell in the store. I can't recommend this store enough - every bride should go if only to see a shop that understands how to do it right.

Going to Dame Couture was one of the best decisions I made for my wedding. I had a specific silhouette in mind, and the Dames helped me find a gorgeous lace that was really one-of-a-kind. The gown helped make my day magical - the guests called it "divine" and "perfect". And I loved that I was putting my money towards a local business, and that my dress was being made by wonderful people. I also bought my veil and headpiece there; the Dames have great taste and helped me with the entire ensemble. The entire process was personal and fun.

Holly and the "Dames" at Dame Couture designed a look for my wedding that was so unique and made me feel so special on my wedding day. From the first consultation with Gretchen, I knew I wanted to work with them to create my dream dress.

I was blown away that it was possible to have a couture dress made just for me right here in Chicagoland at a price comparable to the typical route of going through a bridal salon and ordering from a designer.

I had several appointments to leading up to the final fitting and each time they gave me their undivided attention and care. I couldn't have been happier with the outcome and I got SO many compliments on my beautiful dress.

Having my dress made by the wonderful ladies at Dame Couture was one of the best decisions I made for my wedding and I would recommend it to anyone.

I am so lucky that Dame Couture was right in my neighborhood, but I would drive for hundreds of miles for the quality of the dress and service I received. I was not a typical bride...I honestly dreaded finding a dress. This was my second wedding, and I was having a hard time finding the right balance of elegance and simplicity that I wanted. I was also struggling with some health issues that made the whole idea of finding "the dress" daunting. I am SO glad I found Holly, Gretchen, and Megan. They were so much fun to work with - from narrowing down my ideas into a dress concept - all the way through the final fitting. I often brought a friend to be part of the process, but felt equally comfortable stopping in on my own for a fitting. The dress was exquisite, and working with Dame Couture turned something I dreaded into one of the highlights of our wedding planning. (I also worked with Megan to design a hair piece, which was a fun process. She designed something that worked perfectly with my dress, while also matching with my style and personality.)

There really aren't any words to describe how helpful the ladies at Dame Couture were. They truly gave me the dress of my dreams in the budget I had. Not only were they flexible and met all of the visions I had in my head but they talked me through the entire process. My wedding would not have been the same without the ladies from Dame Couture

The girls at Dame Couture were amazing and made me a beautiful wedding dress based on a single picture of one that I liked. The dress was spectacular and fit perfectly. I had so many compliments and so many people asking who the designer was of the dress. I'm so happy I decided to use them.

Just absolutely the best! I could have not been happier with the service and end results of my wedding dress. Thank you!

Dame Couture was by far the best decision I made for our entire wedding! The women at Dame are absolutely incredible in so many ways - creativity, skill, personality, adaptability, and so much more. I had much anxiety over finding the right dress for my body, and the Dames made every moment of the process beautiful and fun!

The ladies at Dame Couture were a pleasure to work with. They listened to me and understood what I wanted. This is definitely the place to go if you want something different than the standard set of wedding dresses you see at bridal stores. I have not a single criticism. My experience there was great all around.

I had a superb experience at Dame Couture. I brought a few design ideas to our first meeting, and Holly made the dress I had pictured all along! The Dames do high quality work with lots of attention to detail, and it was clear throughout the whole process that they were genuinely excited about my dress. They're all very sweet ladies! I'm still getting compliments on my dress, months after my wedding. Very much recommended!

The ladies at Dame Couture were a dream to work with. As a size 14/16 woman, I was having a difficult time finding a high quality dress that fit and flattered my figure without sacrificing style and fabric choice (and without spending an arm and a leg). After one meeting with DC, the search was over. They talked me through the process of deciding on all the details of the dress and delivered exactly what I wanted for my wedding day. They listened to my feedback and were able to make spur of the moment changes to my dress to make sure it was perfect. Also, I live in Virginia full time but have family in Chicago and they were able to accommodate my travel schedule for the consultation and fittings - even over holidays. I would absolutely not hesitate to recommend Dame Couture to anyone. For the cost of many of the designer gowns out there (or less, depending on the complexity of your desired design) you can end the stressful search for a wedding dress and get a custom made gown from a group of very talented and cool women. Side note: they also carry a great selection of veils, headpieces and fascinators - handmade by their in house milliner. I got mine from them and received no end of compliments on it.

I loved working with Holly to shape the perfect dress for my ceremony. I had a fantastic experience and would reccommend Dame Couture to anyone who's looking for a special dress.

I cannot say enough good things about Holly from Dame Couture! After going to what feels like a million dress shops I finally gave up. I went to Holly with a sketch of what I wanted and hoped she could make it. I was in tears the night I saw the final product. It was better than the idea I had in my head. She worked with my body type and also took into account my wedding style (i.e. I wanted to dance and needed a dress that would allow movement). That may sound like a small thing, but trust me, I've had friends that had their dream dress but were unable to dance or let alone breathe while sitting down. Every step of the way she was beyond helpful and was really good at listening to what I want. I have never been so happy with a dress in my life! If you know what you want or know that the other stores don't have it see Holly. She can really transform your wedding day into a fairytale!

holly was the best person i worked with while planning my wedding. she was professional, but not distant. she was very honest, which i value above all else. she really helped me evolve the ideas i had, and was able to make the dress i had envisioned. i would recommend dame couture to anyone getting married- and i have.

These gals are awesome! Absolutely easy to work with, professional, and do fabulous work! I cannot say enough good things about them!

I had such a great experience with Dame Couture. I was looking for someone who could make me a bolero that would match with my existing wedding dress and they did a fantatstic job. Everyone there was great to work with and the bolero turned out perfectly. I received so many compliments at the wedding and afterwards. A quick side note-Dame Couture's main focus is making custom wedding dresses and although I did not have them make my dress I was able to see some of their work and the dresses were gorgeous!

Beautiful custom dresses, most with a vintage twist. And finally, a shop that offers dresses with sleeves (I was so SICK of strapless). Although, if sleeveless is your thing, the Dames have plenty of options. Willing to work with your style, timeline and budget. And fun girls to boot!

Stunning! One of my brides wore a dress by Dame Couture, and it was absolutely gorgeous, and clearly was made for her, complimenting her figure, fitting just perfectly. The bride was thrilled - and I could see why!