Crafted Uniquely for you
Custom Gown Designs
Sometimes you can’t find a gowns off the rack, in that case you need something created just for you. Whether you're dreaming up a design from scratch, reimagining a family heirloom into something new, or adding custom details to an existing gown. Custom gowns are not only for brides, but for anyone looking for something special, we can create a custom gown for any occasion. Dear Stranger Designs brings your vision to life by hand. Every custom piece is built around you, we take out lead from you, making sure we understand what is important to you in a gown.
Custom Design
The Custom gown is a journey. It's the perfect path for anyone looking for something slightly unique, because it is made only for you. We meet for several times over a few month to create something together. Whether you are looking for a bridal gown, something to wear as the mother of the bride, or something for a special occasion we can meet to discuss your ideas together.
Heirloom Redesign
An heirloom redesign takes a cherished family piece, whether it's your mother's, grandmother's, or another loved one's gown, and reworks it into something new. While still honoring the history of such a special piece. It's a beautiful way to carry someone close to you down the aisle, even if they can't be there in person.
Custom Additions
Not every gown needs a full transformation, sometimes it just needs one perfect detail. Custom additions let you personalise an existing gown with elements like adding sleeves, changing the neckline, or adding custom embellishments. It's a simple way to make a ready-made gown feel truly yours.
The Bespoke Process
As every custom piece is unique, the number of fittings and exact process can vary depending on what we're creating, a full gown from scratch may need more fittings than a heirloom redesign or a custom addition. We'll always be upfront with you about what your specific project involves. Generally the process is as follows:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every custom piece is different, so pricing depends on the design, fabric, and amount of work involved. We'll talk through your budget at your consultation and give you a clear idea of cost before any work begins. However a custom bridal gown tends to start around $2500
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The custom design process can take several months, and take more fittings than the alterations process. We recommend you start about 6 months in advance. However if it is closer to your event please reach out, as we can often accommodate shorter time frames
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Absolutely. Many people come to us with just a feeling or a few inspiration photos rather than a finished idea. Part of the consultation is talking through what you love, what you don't, and shaping that into a design together.
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This varies by project. Most custom gowns go through a toile fitting (prototype), several fittings in final fabric, and a final fitting but the exact number depends on what we're creating together.
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Inspiration images are always welcome and help guide the design. If you have fabric or materials in mind (or an heirloom gown for redesign), bring them along to your consultation. We would love to incorporate a piece of fabric for you if it has special meaning to you, otherwise we will source the fabric for the project.
If you have any more questions about the custom design process before you book please feel free to contact us.