The bespoke dressmaking process
Making your bespoke wedding dress is a labour of love in four stages; consultation, design, creation and collection. Let me guide you through the bespoke dressmaking process in detail.
Initial enquiry
Your first enquiry could be through my web-form, by e-mail or telephone. I will ask about your wedding date and a what sort of dress or ensemble you would like. I am happy to answer any questions specific to your design. Then, if I have availability and think I might be able to fulfil your needs, we will make a date for a design consultation.
To find out more about my reputation visit my google review page.
I'll be happy to start the bespoke dressmaking process for your dress.
Design Consultation
The design consultation usually takes place at my shop-studio though some people opt for a video chat. In person meetings are ideal for looking at all the fabric sample books. If meeting online I can screen-share from my supplier's websites and send you samples after the meeting. You should allow a minimum of an hour for your first consultation; sometimes it may take a little longer
During the consultation we will discuss what you require and I will make notes and create quick sketches of ideas. I will be able to provide a reasonable idea of the cost of any ideas we discuss but a firm quote will be posted or emailed to you afterwards.
To book a consultation click here
Fabrics and Materials
I will advise on fabrics and materials at your consultation. I have sample books with hundreds of colours and types of fabrics to which we can refer. You can order fabrics through me or I can recommend suppliers and shops for you to visit. If you decide to purchase all or part of your materials elsewhere I can provide guidance on fabrics, weights and quantities required. I can also accompany you on a fabric shopping expedition, see the end of this page for more details.
I normally send you fabric samples and options alongside the quote letter. And once you are booked-in samples of anything missing will be provided so you can match shoes and accessories etc.
I can order extra fabric for you if you need it, perhaps for the florist, the invitations or venue decoration. I am happy to sell you fabric from my sample books even if you decide to have your order made up elsewhere!
Designing your bespoke wedding dress
If we are designing from scratch, any pictures or reference material you can bring with you to give me the flavour of what you want is immensely helpful. Sending me a pinterest board, links or attaching images to your enquiry email are all encouraged! References might be from history, bridal magazines, films, a picture of your venue, the colours of a landscape or anything that has some element of what you require. Before creating a new design for a photoshoot or for a costume I often put together a "mood board". A mood board is a collection of images that pulls together all the elements desired and conjures up an atmosphere to inspire the final design.
Pictures are especially helpful if you (like most people) are not sure of the technical or design terms for the style or details you require. Designing for someone who has no real idea or cannot explain what they want is very difficult but not impossible. It will just take me a little longer to narrow down the specifics.
Design consultations and quotes are free for the bespoke dressmaking process. Very occasionally I will ask a small fee if the design process requested goes above and beyond my usual offering.
Finalising your design and the Quotation:
After your appointment I will provide a line drawing of your design with a quotation for you to approve. There will be with notes on any styling or fabrics discussed. My quote for your bespoke wedding dress will list the materials and the making costs separately so you can easily understand which elements are costing how much. Some people get to the stage of finalising a design and putting down a deposit at the first consultation. For others it takes longer to define exactly what is required.
I will include options for any details not finalised during the consultation, for example, different sleeves, necklines or fabric choices for you to consider. I may mark some parts of the quote as only an estimate if the exact details of a design have not been finalised. Sometimes the amount of work involved (for example lots of embroidery) is not clear and a place-holder budget is allowed for that part of the work.
Below: example design and quote letter (for Lisa's 2024 wedding), bespoke dressmaking process
Making your bespoke wedding dress
All consultations and fittings take place in my shop-studio so you will be completely private and you will have my full attention during your appointment. Mum's, children, bridesmaids and friends are welcome at your fittings, but please do check beforehand as space is not infinite!
I normally carry out work with reference to the line drawing that we have agreed is the final design. But we will often confirm some elements during the fittings where it's much easier to visualise the real thing! For example, neckline depth, the placement of beading detail or the length of a hanging sleeve. Small changes rarely require a revised price of quote but I will charge for any extra time or materials needed if you change your mind on major aspects during the bespoke making process.
measuring for the bespoke dressmaking process
Every bespoke commission will have a pattern drafted especially to fit your figure. The first step is to take your measurements. I may also take a few digital photographs of you (clothed) for my own reference.
I always prefer to take the measurements myself; this means that I can make allowances for the type of figure you have, such as a short waist, low bust or rounded shoulders. If I am making items for anyone who lives too far away to attend a measuring appointment I will supply a guide to the measurements I require. I will always suggest that an experienced dressmaker takes the measurements. And I will ask you to sign a disclaimer absolving me from any problems arising from inaccurate measurements.
Small size alterations are normal during the making process for your bespoke wedding dress. I usually leave at least 2 inches of seam allowance inside the garment to allow for changes. And I always cut the hem long to allow for shoe heels. I can take no responsibility for a garment fitting if you lose or gain a lot of weight. If you plan to diet please inform me early on and we will plan the making process accordingly.
The First fitting with your bespoke wedding dress
You will need your shoes and the underwear you plan to wear on the day as early as possible in the fitting process. This is important as the shape of what goes underneath will obviously affect the clothes above! I may also ask you to attend early fittings for any corsets or petticoats for historical (and sometimes contemporary or spectacular) dresses. These foundations need to be correct before further work can be carried out.
For most wedding dresses I will make a "toile" (pronounced 'twahl'), which is a mock up of the basic elements of your design. It is made in cheaper but comparable fabric in order to check certain aspects of style and fit before using the final materials. A toile can be helpful to prevent costly mistakes. For example, if I am working with particularly expensive fabrics, to confirm ideas on sleeve length or if you have more unusual body shape.
Picture: Amy's bespoke wedding dress
The second/third/final fittings
Most bespoke commissions will need at least two fittings, and up to four or five is normal. Your final fitting will usually be about 10-14 days before your wedding to allow for any last minute weight loss/gain. I can usually accommodate earlier or later final fittings if you let me know at the design consultation.
If you are travelling a long way for fittings we can sometimes arrange to have more than one fitting inside a day or a few days.
Pictures: showing Lisa's four progressive fittings as we made her bespoke wedding dress. A toile first and then three fittings as the dress came together.
preparation
I will prepare and steam your dress so it is in perfect condition and ready to wear. I usually advocate for separate final fitting and collection dates. It is best for your bespoke wedding dress to be taken home unworn to be ready for the big day. Your commission will be ready to transport inside a suitable length gown bag on a padded hanger.
Collecting your wedding dress
We will make a 'pencilled in' picking up date at the time you first commission your order. A final date and time can be confirmed at a later fitting. When I have finished your dress you can choose to collect right away or leave it with me for storage if there are still some weeks or months until the wedding day.
Most people collect their order in person but I can also send it by secure courier. Postal prices with insurance depend on the value and weight of your order and on your location. When posted your order may need steaming upon arrival. If you are travelling overseas I can advise on packing your dress and organising for the dress to be steamed on arrival.
Photo: Kate Bellinger Photography for the bespoke dressmaking process
This sheer tulle overdress is embroidered from neckline to hem with wildflowers in red and lilac, trailing leaves that climb up and down from the waist like something grown, not made. Beaded droplets catch the light along every seam of the train - dew picked straight from the meadow. 🍃
A high neckline, delicate button-and-loop back, and cold-shoulder sleeves finished with beaded drops make this one for the bride who wants whimsy with a wild edge.
This is a photoshoot sample - one of a kind, in excellent condition, and listed at more than half the retail price. Worn here over an ivory slip, but this overdress can also be styled alone or with one of my dip-dye underskirts, for a pop of colour beneath the tulle.
Link in bio to shop the sample or enquire about bespoke. 👇
#alternativebride #alternativewedding #unconventionalbride #floralweddingdress #nontraditionalwedding
A work of art amongst works of art 🖼️
I absolutely love the idea of a wedding in an art gallery - so much beauty to be seen, and it would be an endless source of conversation for the guests!
I supplied one of my bespoke bridal designs for this styled photoshoot. This wedding dress fits right in amongst the ornate gilded frames but also stands out with the bright fuchsia providing an injection of playful colour.
If you could get married in an art gallery or a museum, which one would you choose?
Showcase Planner & Stylist @_thecreative.edit @weddings_akilahandco
Venue @dpgevents
Model @sanjanakarkera
Photographer @mintbysajeda / @joelvis_photo
Hair @kst_studios
Makeup @melindabridal
Stationery @scribedbysophie
Florist @rosie_violet_flowers
Tableware @thebaileystablewarecompany
Chairs & Linen @blacksaucerstableware
Pink Wedding Dress @felicitywestmacott
#pinkweddingdress #bespokeweddingdress #unconventionalbride #indianweddingdress #weddinginspo #2026bride
I originally made this wedding dress for a cultural fusion styled shoot.
It`s made from the fabric of two fuchsia pink lehengas, carefully disassembled and rebuilt to fit my design. It mattered to me to source genuine fabric from an Indian seller — nothing compares to the quality and detail of the real thing.
Designing this dress meant finding the perfect balance between traditional Indian textiles, British bridal silhouettes, and a few modern touches of my own. A fusion across geography and time. ✨
If there are parts of your culture and heritage you want present in your wedding dress, then drop me a message. I love cultural fusion, so getting to work with brides with varied and beautiful backgrounds is always such a pleasure.
Showcase Planner & Stylist @_thecreative.edit @weddings_akilahandco
Venue @dpgevents
Photographer @mintbysajeda / @joelvis_photo
Hair @kst_studios
Makeup @melindabridal
Stationery @scribedbysophie
Florist @rosie_violet_flowers
Tableware @thebaileystablewarecompany
Chairs & Linen @blacksaucerstableware
Pink Dress @felicitywestmacott
#culturalfusionwedding #indianfusionbride #lehengadress #alternativebride #bespokeweddingdress
Another happy Mother of the Bride: "I loved my dress and had many compliments- it was just me, so I was comfortable all day! The colour was perfect for end of August, in rain and sun. Thank you for all your help and creativity. I loved the experience and hope to be back for the next one in due course!"
You can find more of my bespoke mother of the bride/groom outfits, spanning from the traditional and elegant to the modern and quirky -🔗 in bio.
Photography - @charlottemackephotography
🌹Ivory tulle, gold lace, and a hem that blooms like a hundred roses 🌹
Layers of soft ivory and blush tulle, with the bodice hand-finished with metallic gold and silver floral lace, featuring dramatic off-the-shoulder balloon sleeves and a sweetheart necklace.
With a boned, supportive bodice with built-in cups. Lace-up back for an adjustable fit. Full ballgown skirt with petticoat under, with the hem dip dyed by hand in deep burgundy, crimson and red.
This dress is unapologetically romantic and moves like something from a story.
Swipe through to see it worn by both our golden-haired and dark-haired princesses. Same dress, same magic, two completely different fairytales. ✨
This sample is on my Etsy shop, at a fraction of the cost of a full bespoke commission. No waiting - she`s already made and ready to find her bride. Once she`s gone, she`s gone.
Link in bio for my Etsy shop 👇 Or DM me if you`d love your own bespoke version, made to your measurements and colour choices.
Blonde Princess Shoot:
Hair and makeup @lindsaycloughartistry
Photography @charlymaephotography
Content creation @captured_bygem
Cake @clairelawrencecakedesign
Florist @blossomandgrowflorist
Model @ckm2.6
Dresses @felicitywestmacott
Venue @crondonpark
Brunette Princess Shoot:
Concept, Organiser, styling & Floristry @sobloomingbeautiful
Photographer @andrew_wilkinson_photography/
Props @dollysvintageteaparty/
Planner @yourweddingfrienduk
Models @asweetrohmance
Hair accessories @vintageadornments
Hair & make-up @jemmashairandmakeup
Dress @felicitywestmacott
Ribbons @silkandpurl
#alternativebride #dipdyeweddingdress #ombreweddingdress #fairytalebride #sleepingbeauty #etsybridal #sampledress #romanticbride #tulleballgown #uniqueweddingdress
The Petal Dress 🌸 a modern classic, born from a simple idea: elegance that doesn`t try too hard.
Strapless and sculpted in Duchess satin, this ivory gown is all about clean lines and quiet drama. The neckline unfolds into soft, sculpted petals, and the wrap-over skirt reveals a hint of leg, if the bride dares. And of course, finished with a long, sweeping train, for that unmistakable bridal moment.
Timeless, but never boring.
The Petal Dress is now live on my Etsy page. Tag the bride who`d wear this beautifully. 👇
Hair and makeup @lindsaycloughartistry
Photography @charlymaephotography
Content creation @captured_bygem
Cake @clairelawrencecakedesign
Florist @blossomandgrowflorist
Model @ckm2.6
Dresses @felicitywestmacott
Venue @crondonpark
#modernbride #satinweddingdress #strapleswedding #etsybridal #bridalgown #weddingdressdesigner
Photography Credits on this Page
grecian dress: Iris visuals
fabrics: Rachel mills photography
fastening the back: Nathan horner
workroom pictures: altwedding.co.uk
hanging dress: kate bellinger photogrpahy