thinking about custom-made for your wedding?
the difference of custom
Starting to envision what you want to wear at your wedding can be a daunting task. Browsing Pinterest is a good place to start for ideas, but it can be difficult or impossible to track down something similar or navigate the bridal boutique shopping experience — you’ve got enough to do already!
If you can’t find the style that you’ve imagined in your head, or are feeling pushed to buy into a bridal archetype that just doesn’t feel like “you”, the custom bridal route may be the better option. Not only is participating in the design process of a custom garment a truly unparalleled experience, but getting to wear a one-of-a-kind piece that was thoughtfully cut and tailored to flatter YOUR body (not a runway model or “standard” body type) can be incredibly empowering. Check out this gallery of my past clients to see what I mean!
“My experience working with Hannah was really low stress, and she helped translate my ideas into beautiful custom designs. I was so happy with my wedding gown design, that I even had her create a rehearsal dinner look as well. Ultimately, I couldn’t recommend Hannah more. It’s definitely different than going into a bridal store, but in my opinion it’s much better.”
a little bit about me
I think of myself as a modéliste - a person who turns ideas and emotions into 3-dimensional forms. This process involves designing, pattern cutting, material sourcing, fittings, and (finally!) results in a custom piece that will fit you perfectly. It is an intimate and intentional process, and I have the utmost respect for it, ensuring my clients feel confident and validated from start to finish, and never pushed to make decisions that don’t feel right.
I’ve worked in design and product development at bridal companies since 2015, and although these experiences taught me a lot about construction, fit, and couture techniques, the magic that drew me to bridal got lost somewhere in the big atelier setting, where the dresses were churned out rapid-fire, and the concepts were dulled down to appeal to a wide audience.
At a recent fitting with one of my brides, she noted how every little detail was a carefully made choice, (we were debating if we should reduce the volume of a cape by 5 or 10 or even 20 inches) and could drastically effect the silhouette and function of the piece. Every decision has to be considered to ensure the silhouette is in symbiosis with the body wearing it, something that can only happen in this intimate, 1-on-1 setting. It is a privilege to create garments where every inch of them has been designed with care, to affirm and highlight the person inside the piece, in a way that only custom design can.
Below, you will find specifics about the custom-made process you can experience if you work with me.
INTRODUCTORY CALL
The first step in the process is to have a call with me so I can learn about your vision, timeline, and budget for your wedding look. Whether you are dead-set on a custom dress or are still considering all the options, this call can really help to clarify why custom is different from off-the-rack, and help you decide which would be the best route for you. To be most productive, I prefer to schedule this call after you have done a little bit of your own research, but I am also happy to suggest places you should look for more inspiration.
First things first: don’t worry about your location - my studio is based in Los Angeles, but I have worked with brides across the country. Introductory calls are free, and scheduling is flexible! It is best to book this call for 8-12 months before your wedding date.
PHASE 1: concept AND DESIGN (1-3 months)
We have now had our introductory call and decided that you are a great candidate for a custom bridal - yay!
In this first phase of the process, we will work together to find inspiring silhouettes and fabrics, review photos of things you have already tried on or things in your closet that you really like, layer in the details of the venue and setting in which you’ll wear the piece, and start to nail down the look. Once the vision has been established, I will sketch a few options to review together (I sketch in a photo-realistic style, on a photo of your actual body, not a fashion stick-figure!), and we will start to hone in on the specifics of the style. I will also present fabric selections at this time, and explain how the different fabric choices can create a range of visual and textural effects, to help further clarify the direction you’d like to go in.
“If you are looking for someone to create high art (in the form of fashion) - you’ve found a partner in Hannah! She was so attuned to my vision and helped to craft the perfect dress based on my specifications - paying homage to the inspiration I provided while still working tirelessly to create something new and inimitable for me. Each detail was hand crafted and so deeply considered that it truly came through in the final result, which felt like wearable art and a timeless dress that I will cherish forever. She is joyful, creative, and steered the process seamlessly. Making my dress with her was one of the most joyful and carefree parts of planning the wedding! And the people agreed - I received so many compliments on the dress, all her work really culminated in a dress that had a real wow factor.”
PHASE 2: silhouette & fabric development (2-4 months)
Once we have an idea of where we are going, it’s time to take that vision to the form.
Sketches can change so much in three dimensions, so I prefer to enter this phase with a general idea, and refine it throughout the draping and muslin construction process. After taking your measurements, I will build a dress form to fit your body proportions, and begin draping. Once I have finished the prototype (a garment that represents the fit and proportions of your dress, but in a more cost-effective “muslin” fabric), we will schedule a fitting to see it on your body. I will cut and pin it on you to get the perfect fit, and adjust and refine the silhouette. I will then either alter this prototype or make a second prototype, and we will have a second prototype fitting to approve the style before moving into final fabrication.
If we’ve decided to work on custom fabric development, we will begin that process during this phase as well.
PHASE 3: FINAL construction (1-2 months)
Once the prototype has been approved, we will proceed to making your final look in the real fabrics. I work with a team of highly skilled craftspeople, with decades of experience in machine and hand-sewing at the highest quality. Whatever the process may be for your gown, I will ensure that the finished piece adheres to luxury bridal standards, and meets the goals we have outlined. We will have another fitting to see the final piece all together, and time to do any small alterations or adjustments as needed, since this will be our first time seeing it in the final fabric. Along with the finished garment, I can offer any additional personalization that you’d like, such as embroidering a brief message or creating a hidden pocket to hold a small memento.
“Working with Hannah to design my custom bridal suite was an absolute dream come true. I came to her with ideas about what I wanted, but no idea how to achieve them. She took in my ideas and inspo, and used them as a jumping-off point to create new designs that felt entirely unique. Every step of the process was super fun - from narrowing down the design details, to selecting fabrics, to perfecting the fit and finally putting on the final pieces. In the end I got a one-of-a-kind look that I will cherish forever. Hannah was super communicative, open to collaborative feedback, and very mindful of my budget and timeline along the way. If you are considering custom bridal, I can’t recommend Hannah enough!”
FAQ’s:
How long does it take? The whole process should ideally take 6-9 months but can be rushed in some cases, based on complexity of the design and your location. Booking is on a first-come basis, and I take a limited number of clients per season to preserve the integrity of my work. It’s best to contact me as soon as you know you are interested, in order to reserve your spot. A deposit is required to begin the process.
How much does it cost? I can give a cost range for your style idea before we get started, as costs can range greatly based on the complexity of the design and desired fabrics. Typically, base cost starts at $3500, and actualized costs most often range from $4000-$8000 depending on design and material choices. I can’t give a set price, but I work hard to develop a style that fits the target budget, and give an estimate once the design is finalized and updates throughout the process. (And keep in mind, there are zero additional alterations costs, unlike shopping at a bridal boutique, since your custom dress will be made to fit your body perfectly!)
Who is custom bridal good for? Custom bridal is best for brides who have an idea of what they want but don’t know where to find it. It is also good for brides who want to play a part in designing their look - someone who is interested in the nuts and bolts of seeing how a dress comes together, what it’s like to get something tailor-made to their body, and making design decisions (with an expert guiding you along the way, so there’s no pressure, just fun)! All bodies, shapes, sizes, and colors are welcome here, and will be highlighted and validated throughout this process.
Who is custom bridal not good for? Custom bridal can be difficult for brides who don’t have a general idea of what they want yet (if this is you, I recommend going to a few bridal shops first!), or who have a hard time envisioning what something will look like throughout various stages of completion. You have to use a lot of imagination when you’re making a dress from scratch, and this can be unpleasant added stress for some people, which is totally understandable! If you’re feeling overwhelmed as you’re starting your bridal search, reach out and I can send you my Pinterest boards to help you learn about different styles and what you might be interested in.
Let’s get started!
Please email hanvanstudio@gmail.com to get in touch, or go ahead and book your intro call by clicking here.
I’m looking forward to working with you!
And in the meantime…
Feel free to check out this gallery of my previous bridal clients, or find me on instagram @hanvanstudio