VENDOR SPOTLIGHT // STARNOTCH COSTUME AND GARMENT DESIGN
Planning your wedding is a magical experience, filled with dreams of the perfect dress that captures your personality and vision. That's why Starnotch Costume and Garment Design is here to turn your bridal dreams into reality. With over 25 years of experience serving the Niagara Region, Starnotch isn't just an expert in clothing alterations but a pioneer as Niagara's first Mobile Bridal Steaming and Dressing Service. Whether it's a custom-designed gown or alterations to make your dress fit like a glove, consider them your personal stylists on the most important morning of your life.
Join us as we get to know Michelle, and explore how Starnotch can help make your special day truly unforgettable!
A short description of what you do: We are your clothing alterations experts. Specializing in bridal gown and formal wear, we have been serving the Niagara Region for over 25 years. Starnotch is proud to be Niagara's first 'Mobile Bridal Steaming and Dressing Service.' We travel to you the day before or the morning of to steam your formals and to make sure you and your bridal party are picture perfect and ready to walk the aisle. Consider us your personal dresser for getting ready on the morning of your special day. We can also stay the duration of your day to assist with photos and till it's time to bustle the train. New for 2024 we were excited to open the Occitania Boutique which offers bridal and boudoir lingerie as well as getting-ready robes, slippers and For Love & Lemons for your pre wedding events.
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? 5 years in the bridal industry and over 25 years as a seamstress in the Niagara Region.
What makes your business unique? With over 25 years at the Shaw Festival and 15 years in the competitive dance costume world we bring knowledge of the theatre and dance costume industry. We love working with our brides to offer design ideas to achieve your beautiful vision as well as bring your dream dress to life that fits like a glove.
Favourite part of your business? We love seeing the smile on our clients faces at their final fitting when their dream dress fits them like a glove. Whether it’s a wedding gown, or a bridesmaid dress or a mother of the bride or groom we love being part of your special occasion.
What inspires you? Taking care of our clients/brides to help bring their dream dress to life. In a fitting you can expect to be asked what your vision is once discussions starts about train length or what accessories to wear or hair up or down or to have a veil or not. (if that decision is still in question.) We love to bring all these details together to assist the bride in her decision making.
On your day off, where would we find you? I love a spa day or sitting on a patio with a glass of wine with the sun on my face.
If you weren’t a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? I'd be touring with a music band taking care of their wardrobe and seeing the world.
What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? Wings and detachable sleeves are creeping in right now. Also detachable trains have been popping up. It's such a nice alternate look to have wings in lieu of a veil. It's nice that there's an alternative option for brides to choose,
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? When I talk to a bride who's still shopping for her dress and undecided with what she wants I suggest for her to picture what she envisions for her day. What fits in with her venue as far as look and size. Big silhouette dress versus smaller silhouette dress. Big train or smaller train? And what does she envision for their photos as far as how she sees herself on her big day. My advice to couples planning their wedding; I tell my brides that it always all comes together. And no matter what it's going to be special. People will have a great time. Also to make sure to delegate. It's a lot of work planning a wedding and you need help. And mostly make sure you enjoy the process.
