If you’ve been considering having a custom made wedding gown created but are feeling a little bit lost about the whole process, you are at exactly the right place, today! We’ve been chatting to Darla Haute Couture and Aideen Cross Designs, and they have kindly shared their expertise and knowledge on the entire process. From what actually is a custom made gown to how long the process takes, we’ve covered it all…
Darla Haute Couture
1. How would you describe a custom made wedding gown in comparison to a made-to-order gown?
A custom-made wedding gown is a creative collaboration between the bride and the designer. The bride is involved from the very beginning, sharing her ideas, inspirations, and vision, while the designer guides the process by suggesting silhouettes, fabrics, and details that suit her personality and body shape. It’s a very personal and exciting journey that results in a truly unique dress.
A made-to-order gown is usually based on an existing design that is produced in the bride’s size. While this can be a good option, brides often still need alterations afterwards, and there can be limitations when it comes to changing the design. With a custom-made gown, the dress is created specifically for the bride from the start, ensuring it reflects her vision and fits beautifully.
2. How long do you suggest is needed from the beginning of the process to delivery of the final dress?
Ideally, brides should come for a consultation up to a year in advance so we have enough time to discuss the design and plan the process. The actual creation of the dress usually begins around 10 months before the wedding. This allows time to source fabrics, as some materials are produced specially and can take up to three months to arrive, as well as time for fittings to ensure a perfect result.
3. I have no idea of what I want, can you help me get started?
Of course. Many brides start their journey by exploring inspiration on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, where they can see different styles and get a sense of what they like.
The next important step is trying on several different silhouettes. This helps a bride understand which shapes and styles suit her body best. Very often, once she tries on a dress that feels right, she simply knows it’s the one.
When creating a custom gown, it’s helpful to try a few styles first so we can see which cut and design works best. From there we design the dress together, choosing fabrics and adding details. During the fitting process we can still adjust or refine elements, ensuring the final dress truly reflects the bride and makes her feel confident and beautiful.
4. Do you work with all fabrics / can you source alternatives?
Yes, I work with a wide range of fabrics including silk, lace, crepe, organza, satin, and different types of tulle. I collaborate with trusted suppliers and can source specific fabrics if a bride has something particular in mind. If a certain fabric is not available, I can always suggest beautiful alternatives that achieve a similar look and feel while still supporting the design.
5. What do I need to bring with me to my initial planning consultation?
It’s helpful if you bring any inspiration you have, such as photos, mood boards, or images of dresses you like. However, it’s not essential – even if you don’t have anything prepared, we can explore ideas together during the consultation. The goal is to understand your style, personality, and vision for your wedding dress, so we can start designing something truly unique for you.
6. How many fittings will I have? What should I bring with me?
Usually, there are 3–4 fittings throughout the process, depending on the complexity of the dress. I recommend bringing the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day and the type of underwear you’ll use, so we can check the length, fit, and overall look. Each fitting is an opportunity to refine the dress and make sure it fits perfectly and feels comfortable.
7. Do you make a test dress?
For more complex designs, I sometimes create a test dress (toile). This allows us to check the shape, fit, and proportions before cutting the final fabric. It’s a useful step to ensure the final gown is exactly as envisioned and fits the bride perfectly.
8. What if I want to make some changes to the final dress?
Small adjustments can usually be made during the fitting process. My goal is for the bride to feel completely confident and comfortable on her wedding day, so we work together to refine details, modify elements, or adjust the fit until the dress is perfect.
View more Darla Haute Couture designs here
How would you describe a custom made wedding gown in comparison to a made to order gown?
Aideen Cross Designs is renowned for designing and creating bespoke wedding dresses for the individual bride. The made to order service is a unique experience for anyone but especially for the bride and her big day. You have the luxury of getting each aspect of the dress prefect for you, marrying design,fit and style. Aideen can work with your budget too, the cost can depend on fabric used and detail of the design.
Can you give us a brief timeline – how long do you suggest is needed from the beginning of the process to delivery of final dress?
We recommend that brides contact us up to 6-9 months before the wedding date. First consultation will involve viewing styles and sketching out possible designs while checkout fabric swatches and getting quotes depending on fabrics used. The dress will be created with up to three fittings and with the final fitting always 8-10 wks before the big day giving plenty of time for the bride to enjoy those last few weeks and build up to their big day.
I have no idea of what I want, can you help me get started?
On the brides first appointment with the myself Aideen the designer, i would always have the discussion about fabrics and how you will feel in the dress on the day, comfort is key. The time of year, any personal preferences such as high/low neckline or sleeves length can all be starting points to consider too when putting ideas on paper. Shades of ivory/white/blush is another important factor that can be helped by trying on sample dresses that we have here at our studio. Finding out what features dont work for you can be very helpful and a great starting point when building up ideas when designing and creating that special dress.
Do you work with all fabric/ can you source alternatives?
Here at Aideen Cross Designs you can be assured with our 35 years of experience in the bridal business that we have worked with every type fabric and design over the years.
We prefer to source the fabrics for you, to assure the quality and professional finish of the garment. Ur certainly if you have you own fabric or an opportunity to get it,we can advise you before you purchase.
What do I need to bring with me to my initial planning consultation?
On the initial first consultation with Aideen Cross Designs, we would be only happy to look at mood boards and images that had caught your eye but we also have a full collection of bridal wear here at our studio,that we use as starting points to open up conversations about fabrics and designs. The more ideas to chat over and brainstorm is a wonderful way to build up ideas and plan for that final design.
How many fittings will I have? What should I bring with me – shoes, underwear etc?
We recommend here at Aideen cross Designs that we book in three fittings after the final consultation of design. With final fitting 8weeks before your big day. You will need your shoes and underwear by the first fitting and by the second fitting we can discuss accessories such as headpieces and veils.
Do you make a test dress?
At Aideen Cross Designs we don’t always do a calico dress in full but we would certainly do a mock up of the bodice and neckline to assure good pattern draft in the workshop area. We do work very closely with the bride, changing and adjusting where needed to accommodate comfort and over all style.
What if I want to make some changes to the final dress?
We hope that we have discussed the design in such great detail with the bride and have left options for slight adjustments and alterations within the design and pattern, but certainly if we need to twig and modify slightly it’s never a problem. Our aim at Aideen Cross Designs is to create a dress that has the luxury of combining comfort with style.
