22/09/2024
Hi!!
I'm sure anyone who follows me on social media, in bridal I am ABSOLUTELY PASSIONATE about the importance of bridal alterations specialist seamstresses and tailors and the vital role they play, ESPECIALLY in the current world dominated by online sales, as 95% of brides ( and maids, and mothers and grooms and grooms men, even guests) will need their bridal attire altered for a perfect fit, plus possibly additional design changes like sleeves adding, bust line changing etc.
Then we have those couples who opt for a fully bespoke outfit and have one made to realise their dream dress or suit.
I for many years, 7 to be precise entered what I feel are the most rigerous and well mananged wedding Industry awards, they combine real couples actual feedback with expert judges from each catergory to ensure that it is a true reflection on each suppliers capabilities, it does not matter if you service 4 bespoke brides on your own in a year, or 400 with a, team, its about the service and experience you provide. If your clients think you are epic, you probably are!!
I was a regional finalist 7 times and went on to be regional winner and national finalist 4 times.
The awards are about many things, and bring many benefits.
For me it was the following.
Belief in myself and fighting that imposter syndrome.
Getting the amazing feedback from my clients in a printable/ sharable format.
Networking and partying with other awesome peeps at regional events.
Partying at the national event on the years i was a national finalist!
When i entered, for 7 years from 2013 to 2019 the category was Dressmaker/ Designer. I felt strongly that it needed to include bridal alterations specialist seamstresses as its an equally skilful supplier type and needed by nearly every couple.
However the pandemic came, so the the next 3 years we as seamstresses were struggling to stay afloat with either no work or 10 times our capacity! I let my determination to campaign for the catergory to be widened/ renamed slide as I had other priorities.
Entries dwindled, as dress designers and dressmakers had a challenge and awards were not on their radar, just survival. So the category was removed, as they only have categories that will have a lot of entries to make it valid and authentic. Roll on to 2024! And I decided that I was going to campaign to have a specific catergory instated, Damian, the founder was great, he said prove there is a demand, and we will open one!
Well you know me and challenges...
So within no time at all( less than 2 weeks I think?) I had with the help of the amazing UK Bridal Seamstress group I am part of the admin team for, had asked, the seamstresses, they said absolutely! Bring it on, So TWIA did. Damian asked me to be a Judge, I said yes , of course! And we agreed 2 others who I am honoured to work with. Abigail Westrup and Mikayla Leanne of SewnbyM.E.
THERE IS ONE DAY LEFT TIL 5PM TOMORROW!
IF YOU ARE A BRIDAL SEAMSTRESS OR TAILOR OR DRESSMAKER PLEASE HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF AND ENTER!
the application closes tomorrow, but your couples have right up to the 30th sept to vote. It takes them only a few minutes, and I found they were very happy to do it.
this is the link to share: https://www.the-wedding-industry-awards.co.uk/enter
