About Samantha and appointments
Who is Samantha Covey?
Hi! I'm Samantha, a wife, mother, Christian, and fashion designer. I specifically focus on "modest fashion," a term used to describe those who value both style and coverage, whether for religious reasons or personal preference. I'm currently designing custom wedding dresses and eveningwear out of my home studio near Philadelphia. As a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, I earned degrees in both fashion design and bridal and eveningwear design. I've been featured in several publications including Vogue Runway, and have had the privelege to work with top industry professionals including Peter Copping, the current head designer of Lanvin. I'm excited to work with you next!
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Being able to try on different looks, feel the fabrics, and discuss all the details in person is crucial to the process. It will also help you feel more connected to the final dress.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Typically, no. If you have a specific project or unusual circumstances, please email me at xoxo@samanthacovey.com.
Where do in-person appointments take place?
Appointments take place at our home studio on the Philadelphia Main Line, in Devon, Pennsylvania. The exact address is coordinated privately after your request is reviewed. Clients often travel from nearby cities such as New York City, Baltimore, Wilmington, and Harrisburg.
What happens after I submit the appointment request?
You should expect a phone call from Samantha within one business day to discuss the most appropriate next step. You can save Samantha's contact card after submitting your request so you know who is calling.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring any inspiration photos, notes about what you like or do not like, your wedding date, venue details, and any modesty or comfort needs you already know. If you have shoes, undergarments, shapewear, or support pieces you expect to wear, those can be helpful too, but they are not required for the first conversation.
Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?
Of course! You may bring a few family members or friends whose opinions will help you feel supported. Because appointments take place in a private home studio, keeping the group small helps the conversation stay personal and focused on you.
Custom design process
What happens during the first appointment?
We will take your measurements, discuss your vision (or help you discover your vision), try on various looks and samples, review fabrics, and get to know you better. This will typically take 1-2 hours. After this appointment, I will send several design options for your consideration. Once you've decided on a design, a specific timeline and proposal will be shared.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before reaching out?
No. I typically see two types of brides: those who know what they want and those who need help discovering their style. Don't worry if you don't have everything figured out! The first appointment will be extremely helpful for you, as it allows us to discover your vision together and determine the best path forward.
Can I choose fabrics or see swatches?
Yes. Fabric, color, texture, opacity, and structure are all part of the custom design conversation. During the process, I will help you compare materials and choose fabrics that fit the design, the season, your comfort needs, and your budget.
Can Samantha copy a dress I found online?
References are great for inspiration, but I won't copy another designer's work exactly. The goal is to create an original garment that honors your story and belongs to you.
Can you redesign an heirloom or vintage wedding dress?
Yes, if the project is a good fit. Vintage and heirloom redesigns depend on the condition of the original dress, the fabric available, and what you hope to preserve or change. Send photos and the story behind the garment when you inquire so I can review the possibilities.
Do you make veils, capes, sleeves, or detachable pieces?
Yes. Veils, capes, boleros, sleeves, overlays, and detachable pieces can be discussed as part of the full bridal look. These pieces are especially helpful when a bride wants more coverage, a ceremony-to-reception change, or a design detail that feels unique without changing the whole dress.
What is the difference between custom, made-to-measure, and alterations?
Custom design begins with your needs and develops the garment around your event, coverage standards, and proportions. Made-to-measure usually adapts an existing style to your measurements. Alterations adjust a garment that already exists. Samantha Covey is primarily focused on custom bridal and eveningwear.
What is a mockup or toile, and will I need one?
A mockup, sometimes called a toile, is a test version of the garment shape used to refine proportion and fit before final fabric is cut. We typically do not do this. We will just take your measurements and create the garment directly in the final fabric. However, if you have a complex design or want to see a test version first, we can discuss that option.
Where is the dress made, and who makes it?
Designed in Philly. Made in Italy. I will first work with you and sketch several unique designs from scratch. Once you've chosen a design, I'll work with our atelier in Italy to oversee the final construction of the dress. Dresses are made by professional Italian seamstresses, ensuring the upmost quality and attention to detail.
Modesty, style, and garment types
Do you only design for one faith community?
No. We're knowledgable about modest fashion broadly and serve women whose standards come from many backgrounds, including religious practice, ceremony requirements, family context, and personal preference.
Can you design around specific modesty requirements?
Yes. Neckline, sleeve length, opacity, back coverage, lining, skirt fullness, movement, and undergarment needs can all be discussed from the beginning so modesty is built into the design rather than added as an afterthought.
Can you help with Catholic, LDS, Jewish, Orthodox, Muslim, or other ceremony expectations?
Yes. If your ceremony, venue, or community has specific coverage expectations, include those details in your request. I approach each standard with the upmost respect and design for beauty and coverage.
More for LDS bridesDo you make eveningwear, mothers' gowns, or formal event looks?
Yes. In addition to bridal, I can create refined eveningwear for mothers of the bride or groom, engagement events, galas, black-tie celebrations, and other formal occasions.
Do you make bridesmaid dresses or large group orders?
Yes! I can create a cohesive look for a wedding party or other group event, with custom design and fabric choices that suit the occasion. Please reach out with details about your group size, event date, and desired style so we can discuss the best approach.
Timeline and investment
How far in advance should I reach out?
Reach out as soon as you know you are interested. Our typical turnaround time is 2-3 months, but the more time, the better.
How long does a custom wedding dress take?
Most custom wedding dress projects need a 2-3 month turnaround. If your event is sooner, include the date in your request so I can advise whether rush delivery is possible.
Can you help if my wedding is coming up soon?
Possibly. Rush timelines depend on the date, design complexity, and fabric availability. Include your wedding date and any important travel or portrait dates in the request form so I can tell you honestly whether the project is possible.
How much does a custom wedding dress cost?
It depends on each circumstance based on a variety of factors, but the average Samantha Covey dress is typically in the $3,000 to $5,000 range.
How is pricing determined?
Each custom garment is quoted individually based on design complexity, fabric, structure, embellishment, handwork, number of fittings, and timeline. The first conversation helps determine whether the project scope and investment are aligned.
Is a deposit required?
A 50% deposit is expected before production work begins. The exact payment structure is confirmed with your proposal so you understand the commitment before moving forward.
Are custom orders refundable?
Because custom work reserves atelier time and may involve client-specific materials, payments may become non-refundable once work begins or materials are ordered. Final payment and cancellation terms are confirmed in writing before production.
Fittings, delivery, and care
How many fittings will I need?
The number of fittings depends on the garment and timeline. Custom bridal work often involves multiple checkpoints, while simpler eveningwear may require fewer. If you are traveling, the fitting plan can be discussed around your schedule.
What should I bring to fittings?
Bring the shoes, undergarments, shapewear, or support pieces you expect to wear with the final garment. Those choices affect hem length, neckline behavior, bodice fit, and how the garment moves on the body.
What if my measurements change before the event?
Bodies change, especially around weddings, postpartum seasons, health shifts, and major life events. Share any expected changes early so fittings can be timed thoughtfully and the garment can be built with the right amount of flexibility where possible.
Do you offer alterations on gowns you did not make?
We are primarily a custom bridal and eveningwear atelier rather than a general alterations studio. If you need meaningful redesign, added coverage, or a custom formal look, submit the request and we can tell you whether it fits our scope.
Can my finished garment be shipped or picked up?
Shipping, pickup, or handoff plans are discussed case by case.
How should I store or care for my dress before the wedding?
I will give care guidance at handoff based on the fabric and structure of your dress. In general, keep the garment protected in its bag, away from direct sunlight, moisture, pets, food, and heavy handling, and plan for professional steaming or pressing close to the wedding if needed.