1. A brief description about yourself?
My name is Wasana Abayasundara. First of all, my career didn’t start in the fashion industry. I completed my higher studies at Colombo University and later studied project management in IT at Moratuwa University, which led me to a different career path. It was only after my wedding that I ventured into the fashion industry, with a particular focus on the wedding dress sector.
2. A brief explanation of how you entered this field.
To explain how it all began, it was a joint effort between my husband and me, a true combination of our strengths. Before this, we both worked in different private sectors. He was in the construction field, having studied management at Colombo University, while I worked in IT at Watawala Plantations, managing projects and handling various other responsibilities.
After our wedding, we came up with the idea to start a business in the wedding industry. About 13 years ago, when we were searching for the perfect wedding dress for ourselves, we couldn’t find one that matched our vision. So, we decided to create our design. We finalized the concept, imported the materials, developed the designs locally, and began stitching the dresses ourselves.
3. What challenges and experiences did you encounter in this dress design field?
We’ve been in this business for about 10 years now. One of the biggest challenges we faced was within ourselves, as we always wanted to create something different every day. Each time a bride came to us for a dress, our goal was to design something unique just for her. We had to consider many factors, such as her budget, body shape, skin tone, and more. Our focus was always on delivering the best design possible by paying attention to these details.
With that mindset, we kept experimenting and trying new things. Then came the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit the wedding industry hard. Despite the difficulties, we did our best to continue serving our clients. Even during curfews, we obtained permission to deliver dresses and made the necessary arrangements to meet their needs. The pandemic was a tough time for the entire world, and for us, it was the greatest challenge we’ve faced.
4. How many clothing designs have you created from the beginning until now? And among them, which is your most special design?
We have created approximately 6,000 to 7,000 dress designs so far, with an additional 650 to 750 stock designs available. Among our special creations, we have designed outfits for renowned actresses such as Nethmi Roshel, Vinuri, Emasha, and Kanchana Anuradhi, as well as for singers.
Every creation is incredibly special to us because each one is unique. We always strive to craft something distinctive for every individual. Whether for a bride or a well-known personality, our goal is to design dresses that enhance their features and highlight their beauty even more.
5. How much do the groom’s and bride’s wedding attire designs contribute to making their special day even more magnificent? What are your thoughts?
Absolutely! A couple’s wedding attire plays a huge role in making their special day even more magical. Their outfit reflects their personality and should highlight their best features, complement their look, match their skin tone, and suit their body shape with the perfect design. Every detail matters when crafting their attire to ensure the day is perfect. In my opinion, just like hair and makeup, the wedding outfit contributes 100% to making their celebration unforgettable.
6. What kind of support do you provide to customers who come to you to get a dress designed?
When it comes to the support I provide, the first thing I do when a client comes to me for a dress design is listen to their ideas. After all, they’re the ones who will be wearing the dress, we can’t just design something we like if they won’t love it too. We consider their preferences while also evaluating whether their choices suit their body shape and skin tone.
At UR Bridal Dresses, clients have the opportunity to explore our extensive collection of pre-designed dresses. We carry styles for every body type-whether petite, curvy, or somewhere in between. For example, if someone has broader shoulders and a smaller lower body, we recommend designs like A-line, mermaid, trumpet, or mixed-style dresses to flatter their silhouette.
Our process allows clients to try on different styles first, helping them visualize what works best for them. From there, they have options:
Rent a dress (based on their budget)
Custom-make a dress (if their budget allows) – They can keep this as their own or use it as a first-time outfit.
Custom designs do require a larger investment, so we offer flexible solutions:
Direct imports: We can source stitched dresses tailored to the bride’s measurements, handling all adjustments (even post-import changes to the design).
Material advantages: For rare laces or fabrics unavailable locally, we incorporate them into imported designs.
The final choice depends on budget, timeline, specific requirements, and logistics. Our goal is to make every step from selection fitting to seamless and personalized.
7. What advice do you provide for couples planning to get married?
From a girl’s perspective, marriage is often a lifelong dream. Becoming a bride is something many girls envision and cherish, and I was fortunate enough to experience the very dream I had since childhood.
From a boy’s perspective, he may not dream about it in the same way, but a wedding is still a significant milestone in his life. While we celebrate that special day beautifully, what truly matters is how we move forward together, sharing everything and building a strong, lasting bond. I believe that by doing so, we can create a beautiful relationship and a loving family.
8. What is your opinion about the online wedding proposal service Poruwa.lk?
Honestly, many people are now embracing digitalization. The new generation, in particular, is more accustomed to accessing information through their mobile phones and electronic devices rather than traditional magazines.
From this perspective, having a digital platform like yours is incredibly valuable because it offers a much faster and more efficient way to connect. In the past, people relied on newspapers and magazines to find life partners, but now, platforms like yours have made the process much easier.
I believe it would be wonderful to see this service continue to grow and improve in every way. Wishing you all the best!
9. How to contact you for clothing design?
You can contact us via WhatsApp or direct calls through these phone numbers: 077 371 7782 | 077 374 4114.
Additionally, we’ve set up dedicated pages on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads, so you can reach us through those social media platforms as well.
For overseas brides, we typically connect via WhatsApp. After discussing your requirements, we take online measurements and proceed with our design process. Even if the bride isn’t in Sri Lanka, we design the dress based on her measurements. Then, we have someone with similar measurements try on the dress to ensure the perfect fit before shipping it out.
Why? Because even if we take measurements and test the dress on a mannequin, it’s never as accurate as fitting it on an actual person. That’s why we use a fit model (someone with the bride’s three key measurements) to confirm the dress fits flawlessly before shipping it to you.
Additionally, we’ve set up dedicated pages on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads, so you can reach us through those social media platforms as well.
For overseas brides, we typically connect via WhatsApp. After discussing your requirements, we take online measurements and proceed with our design process. Even if the bride isn’t in Sri Lanka, we design the dress based on her measurements. Then, we have someone with similar measurements try on the dress to ensure the perfect fit before shipping it out.
Why? Because even if we take measurements and test the dress on a mannequin, it’s never as accurate as fitting it on an actual person. That’s why we use a fit model (someone with the bride’s three key measurements) to confirm the dress fits flawlessly before shipping it to you.
10. If you would like to offer a discount to customers who come through Poruwa.lk, would you like to mention something about it?
Yes, if any customer comes to us through Poruwa.lk, I can offer them a 25% discount. Those customers must also bring the Poruwa.lk magazine with them. This discount is valid until December of this year. Who are the people you are grateful to for this successful journey of yours?
First, I have to thank my husband-we began this together. He manages the business side, while I handle design and operations.
I’m also deeply grateful to both of our families for their incredible support. Beyond them, so many in the industry, photographers, florists, and others have helped by referring clients to us for dress designs.
This is my moment to thank them all. Their support has been our strength, making this journey beautiful. To every one of them, thank you.
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