How Our Wedding Dress Design Process Works

Look and feel just the way you want on your big day! With a dress designed and made just for you, you can shine and be comfortable all in one.

We've created an enjoyable, stress-free and detailed virtual design process - possible through the guidance of our design team. Book a complimentary, no-obligation call to chat about your dress ideas and learn more.

Join 2,500+ brides in designing your own one-of-a-kind gown!

This page walks through each step of how we work. To see the gowns brides have designed with us, start with our custom wedding dresses.

In their words

What brides say about designing with us

Designing from home

“They are located in San Francisco, and I am in New Mexico. They were quick to respond to all my emails and phone calls. And even though I had all my consultations and measurements done via zoom, it fit like a glove.”
— Liz A., WeddingWire
“Even though I live across the US in a completely different time zone they were flexible, professional, and prompt throughout the whole process from initial zoom call, measurements, and all the in between calls and emailing. My dress arrived in ample time for my big day, and it didn’t need any alterations, it was PERFECT!”
— Athena, WeddingWire

The sketch and process

Erin F, a Lace & Liberty bride
“My designer at Lace & Liberty listened to what I wanted and created a sketch that was exactly the dress I had in mind! There were progress pictures sent to me just to make sure everything was going as planned. The final dress was INCREDIBLE.”
— Erin F, Lace & Liberty bride
“My designer was Ali (Alison) and from her initial sketch to the final product, she knew what she was doing and I had so much confidence in her.”
— Danielle, WeddingWire

The price

Diane K, a Lace & Liberty bride
“I had a specific cut and style in mind that I simply wasn’t finding elsewhere, and I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable custom-designing my dress was.”
— Diane K, Lace & Liberty bride
“My dress was about $3,500 which is really good for a fully custom dress designed from the ground up.”
— Irelia, WeddingWire

The finished dress

Kristen T, a Lace & Liberty bride
“I LOVE my dress. It was so comfortable and I felt radiant. Ali my designer helped me with design, fabric selection, and made sure the sketches aligned with my vision. I will treasure my dress forever, even more so as it's one-of-a-kind.”
— Kristen T, Lace & Liberty bride
“If you are thinking of getting a custom dress, there is nowhere else you'll find this level of style and quality!”
— Alexa, WeddingWire

Quotes are from brides’ reviews on WeddingWire and from brides featured on our site.

Boho bride and groom standing on a tree stump next to a lake

Timeline

How long does a custom wedding dress take?

A custom wedding dress takes about 6 months from the date you order, including consultations, design finalization, production edits and shipping. If your wedding is sooner, rush options of 18, 12 or 8 weeks ($250, $450 or $600) may be available depending on our production schedule and fabric availability.

We recommend starting 10 months to a year before your wedding and planning to receive your dress 12–16 weeks before the date, to leave time for alterations with your local seamstress. See timing & rush orders.

~6 monthsStandard turnaround from order
10–12 monthsWhen to start before your wedding
12–16 weeksReceive your dress before the date
18, 12 or 8 weeksRush options ($250–$600), subject to availability
Designed just for you

Elevate your big day
Design your wedding dress

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Accessible pricing

One-on-one consultations, highly-qualified design guidance, and exceptional quality dresses. With our direct-to-consumer model, we’re able to create a personalized experience at prices that are comparable to off-the-rack options.

Price range: $1,500–$5,500
Most brides spend: $2,000–$3,500

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Your dress, your way

Petite, tall, or anything in between - we create dresses designed for your shape and size. Choose your preferred neckline, lace, color and any unique customizations - we’ll provide a sketch of your stunner before creating the masterpiece itself. Our process allows you to get exactly what you want, and have fun while you’re at it.

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Expert guidance & transparency

What happens when you combine self-expression with expert design guidance? You get a dress that’s uniquely you. It’s so much more than a pre-designed dress - it’s something that reflects YOU.

Our process is inclusive & transparent: we show you behind the scenes progress photos, have you approve of the final gown so you can be at ease throughout.

how it works

Custom Design Process in 3 Steps
01

Book a complimentary virtual design consultation

Your initial consultation with one of our expert designers is a personalized, relaxed session that will answer all of your questions about the custom design process. Use this time as an opportunity to explore your style, get input on your ideas, and discuss your inspiration - all from the comfort of your living room.

During this complimentary 20-minute call, we’ll guide you through the custom dressmaking process with zero obligations from your side.

Woman on a virtual call on her laptop with the Lace & Liberty team
Woman on a virtual call on her laptop with the Lace & Liberty team
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Woman on a virtual call on her laptop with the Lace & Liberty team
02

Collaborate 1x1 with your designer, hone in on the details

We kick off the design process with a $150 deposit. You'll work with our design team to hone in on all the details of your dress design, choose the best fabric and lace options, and give you advice on it all coming together to ensure structural integrity, too. Then, the fun starts -  your designer will get to work on every bride’s favorite bit: the sketch.

Your dress sketch is our gift to you - the perfect keepsake for a beautiful time in your life, as well as a moment for you to visualize your gown with all of the elements woven together.

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03

Go behind the scenes, receive progress updates

Even though all of our interactions are online and through video, you're included at every step, from the first call to progress photos.

During our production phase, we take you behind the scenes to our workshop to see your actual dress being made. You'll get to see progress photos of the neckline and silhouette coming together, the lace placement, and the ruching and pleating details - all of which will be reviewed and approved by you before we finish your beautiful gown by hand.

Woman on a virtual call on her laptop with the Lace & Liberty team

featured awards

WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award 2024WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award 2023Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award 2022Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award 2021Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award 2020Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award 2019
from our workshop to your wedding

Step by step towards designing your wedding dress

sketch of a Lace & Liberty wedding dress

1. Sketch Visualization

Lace and fabric procurement for a Lace & Liberty bride's dress

2. Fabric & Lace Procurement

Creating a wedding dress pattern on a computer

3. Creating Pattern

Muslin mockup of a wedding dress on a mannequin

4. Muslin Mockup

Lace of a wedding dress applied to a mannequin

5. Lace Applique & Fabric Draping

Lace & Liberty wedding dress on a mannequin

6. Final Mannequin Showcase

How your dress is made

Handmade in our workshop, made to your measurements

Every Lace & Liberty wedding dress is individually handmade after you order. Every button, sequin, bead and lace piece is hand-sewn, and you get progress photos from our workshop so you can see your gown come together. One bride’s dress needed more than 200 lace pieces stitched by hand.

Your gown is made to your measurements. Standard production takes about 6 months, with rush options of 18, 12 or 8 weeks (+$250 to +$600) when available.

From sketch to your door

  1. Sketch
  2. Fabric & lace sourcing
  3. Pattern making
  4. Muslin mock-up
  5. Lace appliqué & draping
  6. Final mannequin showcase

Custom made wedding dresses: FAQ

What is a custom made wedding dress?

A custom made wedding dress is designed for you and made after you order, instead of being bought off the rack. At Lace & Liberty you can customize one of our collection designs or create a fully custom gown with a designer. Either way, it is made to your measurements.

Are Lace & Liberty wedding dresses handmade?

Yes. Every dress is individually handmade after you order. Every button, sequin, bead and lace piece is hand-sewn, and we send progress photos from our workshop while your gown is being made.

What is the difference between made-to-measure and custom?

Made to measure means the gown is cut to your own measurements rather than a standard size. Custom design goes further: you choose the neckline, silhouette, sleeves, lace and fabric with a designer. Every Lace & Liberty gown is made to measure, and we still recommend planning for alterations with a local seamstress.

Where are your wedding dresses designed?

Our designers create every gown at our San Francisco showroom and design studio at 1301 Castro St in Noe Valley. You can work with them in person or entirely online.

Custom wedding dress design FAQs

Common questions about designing your own wedding dress online with Lace and Liberty.

How does custom wedding dress design work online?

Book a complimentary consultation, collaborate 1:1 with a designer on silhouette and fabrics, and receive made-to-measure production in about 6 months.

How much does a custom wedding dress cost?

Most Lace and Liberty custom gowns are $1,500-$5,500; the majority of brides spend $2,000-$3,500. Get a price estimate.

Can I design a dress in San Francisco?

Yes. Visit our San Francisco bridal showroom at 1301 Castro St for in-person design and try-ons.

Lace & Liberty couple holding hands at their wedding
Lace & Liberty bride in pink dress kissing her husband in the street
Lace & Liberty bride with tattoos in a black wedding dress
Newly married Lace & Liberty couple in a grass field

Design a wedding dress that's as unique as your love

2,500+ brides have designed their dream dress with us. Now it's your turn.