A custom-made wedding dress ensures you shine on your special day like no one else. Let’s explore the enchanting world of creating a personalized wedding gown that truly speaks to your soul, capturing the dreams you've envisioned for your magical day.

Making your unique wedding dress

When creating your one-of-a-kind wedding dress, there are several approaches and options. From adjusting an existing dress to creating a bespoke wedding dress – let's take a look at the various possibilities.

A personalized wedding dress is a gown that is tailored to the bride's specific preferences, style, and measurements. It typically involves customizing an existing design to suit the bride's needs or adding unique details to make it special. In comparison, a custom wedding dress is created from scratch based on the bride's vision and requirements. It may involve designing a unique gown with input from the bride, a designer, or a seamstress. Similar to a custom-made wedding dress, a bespoke wedding dress is the most personalized option. It involves the creation of a unique gown tailored to the bride's specifications. Every aspect, from the design to the fabric to the fit, is customized to the bride's preferences.

A made-to-measure wedding dress is tailored to the bride's specific measurements and body shape but may not be unique in design. It typically involves selecting a design from a designer's collection and having it adjusted to fit the bride precisely. When purchasing a dress, in almost all cases, there are wedding dress alterations to be made.

A popular choice amongst brides is designer wedding dresses. A designer wedding dress is a gown created by a recognized fashion designer or fashion house. These dresses are often part of a designer's bridal collection and may be available in standard sizes. While they bear the designer's label, they may not be unique or personalized. But a couture wedding dress is the most luxurious and high-end option. It is entirely handmade, often with the highest-quality fabrics and craftsmanship. A couture gown is created by a designer or fashion house, and it is tailored to the bride's measurements and style preferences.

In summary, the main differences among these terms revolve around the level of customization, uniqueness, and craftsmanship involved. Personalized and custom dresses offer varying degrees of customization, while bespoke and couture dresses provide the highest level of personalization and craftsmanship. Made-to-measure dresses are tailored to fit but may not be unique, and designer dresses bear the name of a recognized fashion designer but may also lack complete personalization. Ultimately, the choice depends on the bride's preferences, budget, and the level of uniqueness and craftsmanship desired for her wedding gown.

Of course, these terms often overlap in meaning and can sometimes be used interchangeably. Each custom wedding dress designer will have their unique approach, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and discuss the creation process of your one-of-a-kind wedding dress.

We present wedding dress designers and creators of some of the most exquisite bridal gowns – Le Baobab Sposa, KLADEK Paris, Katya Katya London and Alon Livné. We offer an opportunity to take a look into their design process.

Skilfully created wedding dress / Le Baobab Sposa

Le Baobab bridal atelier boasts a history spanning more than 50 years handed down from generation to generation. Since 1961, the skilled hands of the atelier's seamstresses have created unique and timeless dresses that express the personality of every bride. Exquisite fabrics, classic details, antique lace, silk, and satin are used to create unique models thanks to the skill of tailoring both for brides who want more modern looks and for those who wish to have more elegant and sophisticated garments for their wedding day.

Dresses can be chosen from the collections in the atelier, or you can create a custom-made garment. The team will work to understand your tastes, your needs and your style, trying to create the perfect bridal look. They will guide you in choosing the most suitable model, fabrics and accessories that can enhance it, also advising on the perfect bouquet and hairstyle for the chosen dress.

Le Baobab offers a unique and personalized design for each client, the best fabrics for sewing the garments and high-quality service at every stage of the process. This Neapolitan brand identifies itself with the concept of Made in Italy quality and artisanal elegance with a strictly handmade approach using only pure silk or natural fibre fabrics. Even accessories such as veils, flower tiaras, jewelled tiaras and all other elements that can complete the look and make that day unique and unrepeatable, are handmade.

Le Baobab recommends planning the purchase of the wedding dress at least 4-5 months in advance of the wedding and then agreeing on subsequent fittings with the professional guidance and attention of the staff. You can also make changes to a dress and customize it according to your style. Once the design is finalised, the measurements are taken, and the various tests for the creation of the dress are established. If you choose to create your design or make grand adjustments, it is advisable to purchase it at least 8/9 months before the wedding, as every dress at Le Baobab Sposa is a handmade sartorial garment that requires the necessary time for finishing and perfecting it.

When explaining the process of wedding dress personalization, the team of Le Baobab Sposa admits that guiding the bride in choosing her dress is an exciting but not always easy adventure. Surely, by choosing to make an appointment in the atelier, the bride has already taken a look at the catalogue and selected a series of dresses that interest her. The questions brides are asked first at the atelier are the timing and the location where the ceremony will take place and if there is any specific theme. After that, they try to understand which type of dress the bride prefers and show her the dresses in the atelier that could suit her. Then Le Baobab team move on to the actual measurement of the sample garments. Being a tailor's shop, the chosen model is modified and customized according to the physicality and wishes of the future bride. In this journey, the bride will be personally guided and advised by Le Baobab's creative director and a team of expert seamstresses who make up the big family of Le Baobab.

Contemporary wedding dress / KLADEK

KLADEK presents contemporary sophistication in their bridal designs and specializes in minimal and refined pieces, focusing on separates, as well as on the creation of bespoke wedding dresses. Frida Hoffman-Clark, the founder of KLADEK, is a womenswear designer and product manager. In preparation for her wedding, Frida did not resonate with the majority of traditional bridal options and questioned why there was not a high-quality, customisable look that reflected her own understated and minimal aesthetic. After creating her wedding look, she realised that other women also faced the same challenges. With KLADEK, Frida designs collections based on separates and gowns for more flexibility when constructing silhouettes, prioritising the comfort of the brides, so that they can be effortlessly confident on their wedding day. The relaxed nature of the looks encourages the modern woman to explore what is right for her and to add a personal touch to truly express herself.

It is worth mentioning that contemporary and minimal bridal fashions, despite their clean silhouettes and simplicity in design, demand skilled craftsmanship. Achieving clean lines, precise tailoring and flawless finishes in high-quality fabrics requires the expertise of experienced artisans and seamstresses. Every detail, no matter how subtle, must be executed with precision to create a gown that exudes elegance and sophistication. At KLADEK, the marriage of minimalist design and impeccable craftsmanship is what makes these gowns truly exceptional, ensuring the bride looks and feels her best on her special day.

When creating a bespoke wedding dress with KLADEK, the process goes like this: there’s an initial consultation and design consultation, which is followed by taking measurements; then there’s toile (mock-up from lightweight cotton) fitting to adjust and style the design, drape the fabric, subsequent fittings; and final fitting focusing on the hem so that it complements the shoes. As you can see from the process, every garment is rooted in craftsmanship, and each stage of the creation is handled at the atelier.

Playful wedding dress / Katya Katya London

Katya Katya's designs intertwine British chic with an edgy attitude to create a lasting feeling of elegance concerning the world of today and of tomorrow. All of their gowns are made using the finest of materials – modern and vintage inspired French laces, Italian silks and adorned by handmade embellished detailing using Swarovski crystals. Each design is inspired by the movement of the materials, the pattern of the lace and how well they work together. The team at Katya Katya has always been proud of their in-house production of gowns, not only giving brides a bespoke and high-quality experience but also making garments sustainable and ethical.

The gowns are made to order in Katya Katya studio in Riga, Latvia. The bridal gowns are demi- couture, meaning that they are sewn by machines and finished by hand. Working so closely with the studio and being involved in the production of each gown, the team can offer brides one-of-a-kind pieces. They make their gowns to any size based on measurements and offer a range of samples in various sizes to include women of all shapes, sizes and ages.

For those who are looking to create their dream dress together with the designer, Katya Katya studio offers a bespoke service. In this case, the production time is ten to twelve months, and the whole process is split into at least three fittings. The concept of the gown will be worked out during your first appointment with one of the sales assistants. They will attentively record all of the details discussed and pass this information to the designer Katya, who, in turn, will put all of the bits and pieces together to create the design of your gown. The sketch of the design will be sent to you along with the estimated price, and if you are entirely satisfied with both, the studio will proceed with the production of your gown. During the first fitting, they will take your measurements and finalise all the details regarding your order. On your second fitting, the dress will be half-completed along with accessories (if any) to ensure it is a perfect fit. On your third and final fitting, your one-of-a-kind wedding dress is completed, and all left to do is make sure you are completely happy with it.

Futuristic wedding dress / Alon Livné

Alon Livné’s designs constantly manifest the contrast between the soft, feminine and pleasant and the rough, powerful and provocative. The designs challenge the viewer and cause him to wonder whether his attraction comes from a need to wear the items or keep them safe and on display as works of art or collector’s items. Taking inspiration from nature and art, his designs convey a modern-futuristic look. His works can be characterized and easily recognized due to their dramatic sculptural shapes that give the human body new proportions and angles, all while mixing modern technologies such as laser-cutting and 3D printed leather patterns with uniquely clashing fabrics alongside classic couture sewing techniques. His designs are renowned by world-class celebrities.

A bride who chooses a futuristic wedding dress is often someone with a strong sense of individuality and a passion for modern, cutting-edge fashion. She is forward-thinking and embraces innovation in all aspects of her life, including her wedding day. Her style is characterized by clean lines, unconventional silhouettes, and metallic or reflective materials. She may opt for bold and avant-garde designs, such as the ones by Alon Livné. This bride seeks to create a wedding aesthetic that is ahead of its time, making a bold statement that reflects her unique personality and vision for the future.

Endeavour in creating custom wedding gown

Creating a custom bridal gown allows you to have a wedding dress that is uniquely yours, perfectly tailored to your style, body, and vision. It ensures an impeccable fit, unmatched comfort, and the opportunity to incorporate personal touches and sentimental details, making it a symbol of your love story and a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

Making a custom bridal gown with a designer offers several advantages. Designers bring expertise and creativity to the process, helping you refine your vision and bring it to life. They have access to a wide range of fabrics, embellishments, and design techniques, ensuring your gown is of the highest quality. Collaborating with a designer also provides a structured design process, ensuring every detail is considered, and it allows for expert fitting and alterations to achieve a perfect look. It's a partnership that transforms your dream gown into a masterpiece, reflecting your style and personality flawlessly.

Author: Renāte Berga

Custom wedding dress designers: Le Baobab Sposa, KLADEK Paris, Katya Katya London, Alon Livné