Custom Design FAQ

Are you considering a custom wedding garter from The Garter Girl? I am so excited! I love hand making wedding garters and I would love to make one for you! Here are a few of the most common questions that I receive regarding my custom garter designs and the process for ordering.  As always, please let me know if you have any more questions.  (The best and fastest way to reach me is via email at info@thegartergirl.com.) I look forward to hearing from you and designing your wedding garter!

What are the steps?

Step 1 – Select a style or base garter design that you love. Perhaps you like Style #352, but want a different color for the stripe. No problem! Be sure to browse through my collection and custom album to see the wide variety of styles available.

Step 2 - Pick colors. You can change around the colors on just about any garter in my collection to get the look that you want. It is generally $5-7 for color changes. For example, to switch the stripe color on Style #352 from blue to hot pink would make your custom garter $70.

Step 3 - Mix and match. You can switch different design elements from one garter to another to create the perfect garter for you. For example, if you’d like a bow to be bigger or smaller or not at all. Most design changes can be accommodated.

Step 4 – Do you want it embroidered? It is $35 to add hand embroidery to your garter. For example, if you wanted to add your initials and wedding date, just like this garter or this one, to Style #352 with the hot pink (see example in Step 2) it would make your garter $105. The embroidery is done by hand by me, making it a beautiful addition and an heirloom wedding piece. The embroidery is limited to initials, very short phrases (like Mrs. A, or “i do”), dates, basic designs. Hand embroidery is unfortunately not suitable for detailed designs and long phrases.

Step 5 - Do you want a tossing garter? A tossing garter is not necessary, you don’t have to order one. If you are going to tossing your garter at your wedding, some brides like to wear two garters so they don’t loose their main garter. Once you have a main garter design, a matching tossing garter to go along with it is a simple step.

Step 6 - When is your wedding? Be sure to let Julianne know your wedding date to ensure proper timing.

Step 7 - Email Julianne. Now that you have the details together, send Julianne an email to begin work on your beautiful, custom garter.

How long do custom wedding garter designs take?
Custom designs generally take about a month to produce. Shipping time is additional (usually 2 to 3 days for U.S., and 6 to 10 days for international shipments). Rush orders can be accommodated.

How much does a custom garter design cost?
Custom wedding garter design prices vary depending on how detailed the design is, the amount of time that it takes to hand-make the garter, and the availability of material. I work with each customer directly and each custom design is priced individually. In general, color changes are $5 to $7 additional, and hand embroidery is $30 to 40 additional. If you see a style from my collection that you like, you can switch around the colors or the different details to get the wedding garter look that you want.

How do I pay for my custom garter?
Once a wedding garter design is approved, the customer is billed via Paypal for the total wedding garter cost including shipping. Through Paypal, customers can use any major credit card. The Garter Girl also accepts personal checks via mail.

How does the garter design process work?
If you know what you like or you don’t know where to begin, email info@thegartergirl.com to get started on your wedding garter design. We will go back and forth via email until you are comfortable with your design. Once the design is set, I will then provide a breakdown, including pricing and materials for approval. If necessary, I will provide a sketch of your garter design. Once the breakdown is approved, you will be billed via Paypal for the total amount. After payment is received, I will get to work hand making your wedding garter. Once the garter is completed, I will send you a picture (or two!) to approve prior to shipping. Once the pictures are approved, your garter will be shipped to you!

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, The Garter Girl ships all over the world. Domestic U.S. shipping is $7 and international shipping is $15.

Why can’t I purchase a custom design on your site?
Custom designs are not available for outright purchase on The Garter Girl website. If you see a picture of a garter that you like, or you know the design that you want, please email info@thegartergirl.com to discuss your order.

So, that’s it! What other custom design questions do you have? For more information, please email info@thegartergirl.com or check out The Garter Girl’s customer service page.  Can’t wait to hear from you to design your wedding garter!