Richmond Wedding Vendor Spotlight: Inspired by the Dress

Meet Teri Lynn, owner of Inspired by the Dress!

Tell us a little about your company!

Inspired by the Dress is where inspiration meets creation! Each wedding gown by Inspired by the Dress is exclusive and original, individually designed for the bride’s unique beauty, style, and personality. Expertly crafted in-house using the highest quality fabrics and trims, the bride will walk down the aisle wearing her inspiration — a one-of-a-kind couture gown, handcrafted beautifully inside and out, that fits her perfectly.

How did you get started in this business?

Rewind 25 years ago, my oldest daughter announced at five years of age that I would be making her wedding dress when she got married. Fast forward to 2013 when she became engaged and reminded me that I was indeed designing and making her dream wedding gown. The rest is history!

Why do you like working with weddings?

I love meeting with brides and bridesmaids and listening to their inspiration for a dream dress, offering them my professional input and suggestions on how best to create exactly what they want. From showing them fabric samples and design ideas to fitting them in the muslin dress, I love it all!  But the look on their faces when they try on their inspiration truly is the motivation for doing what I do.

What is the most difficult situation you have faced with a bride and how did you resolve it?

When brides have purchased a dress two or more sizes too small with the intent to lose weight by the wedding date and that does not happen, they usually do not like their limited options available to make the dress fit.  It usually involves adding a lace up corset in the back. I’ve been able to use excess fabric from hemming the dress to make the corset back less severe and more like it was a planned design element to the dress. It’s much easier to make a dress smaller than it is to make it larger!

From a vendor’s perspective, what is the one best piece of advice you can offer to engaged couples?

Enjoy the journey of planning your wedding. Have a plan and goals in mind, but also have a Plan B in case what you want is not available. Be flexible and just enjoy the moment!

How far in advance should couples book your services?

For custom dresses, at least 4 – 6 months.

What inspired you the most / where do you find inspiration?

Sunrises, the mountains, gazing through my grandmother’s early 1900 sewing patterns.

What do you like to do when you are away from work?

I volunteer with horses and children with special needs. I love bike riding, kayaking, spending time at my family farm outside of Charlottesville.

What would we be surprised to learn about you?

I own a purple motorcycle that I need to start riding again when the weather warms up!

Thank you, Teri, for sharing your heart and business with us!! If you would like to learn about how Teri can design your dream dress, please visit www.inspiredbythedress.com.

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