From Sketch to Aisle: The Timeline for Your Custom Designer Wedding Dress - Schiaparelli, Galia Lahav & More
You’re not just shopping for a dress—you’re commissioning a work of art. Whether you’ve dreamt of walking down the aisle in a custom Schiaparelli sculptural gown or a hand-beaded Galia Lahav masterpiece, here’s what luxury brides need to know about the actual timeline of creating a couture wedding dress. Spoiler: this isn’t a three-month kind of thing.
18+ Months Before the Wedding: Start Your Designer Search
Think of this as matchmaking.
Are you drawn to bold, architectural silhouettes à la Schiaparelli, Valentino, or more sensual, romantic gowns by Galia Lahav or Elie Saab? Start by saving inspiration, following designers on Instagram, and identifying what speaks to you emotionally and photographically.
18-12 Months Before: Secure Your Designer or Atelier
Reach out to the designer directly (or their authorized ateliers/boutiques). Expect consultations, portfolio reviews, and sometimes even an application process. For custom gowns, the earlier, the better.
If you’re not flying to Paris or Milan, consider trusted luxury bridal salons that offer custom collaborations with designers.
Here are some selected luxury bridal salons to start with:
12-6 Months Before: Design Sketches + Fabric Selection
This is when things get real.
You’ll work directly with the designer or their team on sketches, embroidery, fabric swatches, and silhouette adjustments. This phase includes bespoke fittings (often in person), so budget for international travel if needed.
6–3 Months Before: Fittings + Adjustments
Expect at least 2–4 fittings. This is when the dress comes to life. Be prepared for luxury-level detail: tiny corrections, handcrafted embellishments, and time-intensive handiwork.
Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments to every fitting. And yes, fly in your stylist and bridesmaid —it’s part of the experience. It’s also an opportunity to start the photographic journey with your chosen photographer!
2 Months Out: Final Adjustments + Transport Logistics
Now’s the time for minor tweaks. Plan for the dress to be carefully packaged (sometimes hand-delivered) and stored professionally until the wedding.
1 Month Before: Final Try-On + Walk Practice
Try it on again. Practice walking, sitting, and dancing if necessary. Take photos in different lighting to prepare your glam team for the day.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND DURING THE PROCESS OF HAVING YOUR WEDDING DRESS DESIGNED
If you’re investing €15,000 to €40,000 in your wedding dress and reception outfit, then the entire process should feel like a luxury experience from start to finish. This isn’t just a dress—it’s part of your story. And yes, we’ll photograph it like it belongs on the cover of Vogue.
Planning a destination wedding in Italy, France, or Morocco?
Let’s talk about how we’ll document every couture detail—with editorial edge and zero stress.
[Inquire now] or browse my page.
TL;DR
A couture wedding dress isn’t something you “find”—it’s something you create. Think 12–18 months, international fittings, designer consultations, and a process that’s more fashion house than bridal shop. Whether it’s Schiaparelli-level drama or hand-beaded Galia Lahav romance, this is the beginning of your legacy. Start early, travel often, and yes—your dress deserves its own itinerary.
Ready to document the full couture moment? [Inquire here]