Bespoke Wedding Dresses
What is the process of making a bespoke wedding dress?
We start with a relaxed consultation, where we’ll chat over a cup of tea about your ideas and inspiration. Bring your Pinterest boards, photos, or any ideas you have. You can explore my fabric swatches and sample gowns to spark inspiration. After getting to know your vision, I’ll create several sketches and provide fabric samples, along with a firm quote.
Next, I take your detailed measurements and create a custom pattern for your body. We’ll start with a toile – a mock-up of your gown in a cheaper fabric – to refine the fit and make any design adjustments over one or two fittings. Once the toile is perfected, I’ll cut and assemble your gown in the final fabrics, followed by additional fittings to tweak and adjust until the fit and design are flawless. Four to five fittings in total are typical for a couture gown.
What should I bring to my bridal fittings?
It is vital that you choose your wedding shoes and lingerie as early in the design process as possible and bring them to every fitting from the toile fitting onwards. Without these I cannot guarantee a perfect fit. Feel free to bring your veil and accessories to try out too.
Can you make veils and accessories?
Definitely. I would be very happy to work with you to design and make a veil or other accessories to complement your gown perfectly. Bespoke veils start from £100.
Can I source my own fabrics for my wedding dress?
Yes! I have an extensive selection of sample fabrics for you to explore at your consultation, however if you have something specific in mind, I would be more than happy to advise on the suitability of that fabric for your chosen design and detail required quantities for you.
How much does a bespoke wedding dress cost?
Bridal gown prices depend on the complexity of the design and the materials chosen. For example, a simple sheath dress in manmade fabrics will be more economical, while a heavily corseted gown in silk and beaded lace will require a larger investment. The advantage of going bespoke is that your gown is made to fit your exact shape, so you won’t need to budget for alterations, which are often required for boutique dresses.
Bridal gowns start from £1500 plus fabrics, which for a simple dress typically cost around £300-£400.
I also offer custom-made adult bridesmaid and prom dresses starting from £400 plus fabrics, and flower girl and christening gowns from £250 plus fabrics. Children’s outfits can often be made remotely, with a toile sent to you for fitting.
How long does it take to make a bespoke wedding dress?
Typically a wedding dress takes between 40 and 80 hours to make from scratch, usually spaced out over 6 months to a year. If you are getting married with short notice, please do still drop me a line and depending on my existing commitments I may have space to fit you in.
Can you copy another design?
I would never copy another designer’s dress. However, please do collect inspiration pictures and we can draw elements from a range of gowns to design your unique one.
Wedding dress Alterations
How long does it take to alter a wedding dress?
I complete alterations over 3 fittings scheduled at 12, 8 and 4 weeks before your wedding to get the best fit. For complex customisation I can start a little earlier.
When should I book for my wedding dress alterations?
As soon as possible! Summer months get especially busy so I recommend you contact me to book a space in my diary as soon as you have ordered your dress. I ask for a £50 booking fee* to reserve your dates in my diary, which is deductible from your final costs, and then you can relax knowing your alterations are organised well in advance.
*Non refundable in the event of cancellation.
What should I bring to my bridal fittings?
It is vital that you bring your wedding shoes and chosen lingerie (if any) to every fitting. Without these I cannot guarantee a perfect fit. Feel free to bring your veil and accessories to try out too.
Can you do repairs on my wedding dress?
Absolutely! If you have a preloved or sample dress, or perhaps a local reception after a destination wedding and the dress needs some fixes then I can help! Broken corset loops, snags in the train, ripped seams, snapped straps and much more can all be repaired.
Can you alter prom or bridesmaids dresses?
Absolutely. I have undertaken countless alterations on prom and bridesmaids dresses for both adults and children and would be delighted to help. I do require a parent or responsible adult to accompany all fittings with under 18s.
Can I bring someone with me to my fittings?
Please do! Whether you want to bring a relative, one of your bridal party or come alone, please do what makes you feel most comfortable. Due to limited space I ask that you bring no more than two guests. My studio is not designed as a child safe environment due to lots of sharp tools, so wherever possible I ask that children do not accompany fittings, however as a mum I do understand what it is like if you cannot find anyone to babysit. Please contact me before booking and we will try to find a solution.
Is your studio accessible?
Sadly not, my studio is down a flight of steps in an old Victorian building so accessibility may be tricky. I am however able to offer home fittings (subject to distance) for anyone for whom access is a challenge. Please drop me a line and I would be delighted to help you.
How much does it cost to alter a wedding dress?
The cost of alterations depends entirely on your gown and the specific adjustments you need, so I can provide an accurate quote only after I’ve seen you in your dress and assessed the fit. Bridal construction varies significantly, with some fabrics, like delicate beaded laces, requiring extra time and meticulous attention. While each gown is unique, as a general guide, most of my brides spend between £250-£500 on alterations.
I have detailed some example costs on my Alterations page to give you an idea.
Let’s create something beautiful together – your dream dress is just a conversation away.