THE PROCESS
The bespoke journey unfolds through a series of carefully crafted stages.
From initial studio consultation, to sketchbook designs, measurement-taking, fabric decisions and fit-sessions….Laura finds joy in the fact that her brides have such excitement, and then in retrospect, fondness for the process. It’s a huge part of the wedding preparation and it’s hugely important to Laura that it’s enjoyable and inclusive and ultimately fun for her clients.
Laura is experienced in dressing every body shape. Often the standarised sizing offered by some retailers can be disappointing…but the experience of finding your dream dress needn’t be defined by mass-produced pattern grades. We are all unique.
MY BRIDES KNOW AND ARE PROUD OF THEIR OWN SENSE OF STYLE… AND I DESIGN FOR THEM AS SUCH. LISTENING TO MY BRIDES & REALLY GETTING A SENSE OF THEM AS INDIVIDUALS ALLOWS ME TO CREATE SPECIAL & BEAUTIFUL PIECES THAT NOT ONLY LOOK AMAZING, BUT ‘FEEL’ PERFECT TO THEM. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A DRESS OR VEIL THAT YOU THINK MIGHT ONLY EXIST IN YOUR DREAMS… YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
THE BESPOKE PROCESS / A JOURNEY TO YOUR DREAM DRESS
THE BESPOKE PROCESS / A JOURNEY TO YOUR DREAM DRESS
01/ PRE-APPOINTMENT
Enquiries begin via the website form, creating an initial point of contact, after which we will be in touch to start the conversation. Visual Inspiration — ahead of the first studio appointment, brides are invited to share any early ideas, moodboards, or visual references, offering an initial sense of the concept and styling direction.
02/ INITIAL CONSULTATION / DEFINING THE VISION
Creative Studio Meeting — the first stage of the bespoke journey is an opportunity to get to know one another and begin shaping a shared creative vision. This initial consultation is a space to discuss the occasion, personal style, and aesthetic direction, while exploring fabric swatches, sketches, and both historical and contemporary references.
It is often an inspiring exchange of ideas, questions, and creativity — often a playful dress-up session in the studio ensues - all this helps to define & refine the vision for the dress.
The bespoke process is not suited to everyone. It calls for an open mind and a willingness to embrace a highly creative journey, one that is far less straightforward than selecting a gown off the peg. There are choices to consider, decisions to make, and details to explore along the way. It is an exciting and deeply personal process, but one that asks, above all, for trust.
03/ SKETCHES & DESIGN APPROVAL
Following the studio meeting, Laura takes the ideas gathered and translates them into a series of hand-drawn sketches, each one thoughtfully shaped by the brief, the inspirations shared, the preferred silhouettes, and the details discussed. Every design is created with careful consideration for the individual, with Laura drawing only those shapes she believes will work beautifully for each unique figure.
At this stage, a quotation is also provided, reflecting the level of detail and craftsmanship involved in the personalised designs. Brides are then given time to sit with the sketches, consider each option carefully, and decide which feels most instinctively like the one.
04/ MEASUREMENTS
Once the design has been finalised, precise measurements are taken, along with careful observations of body-specific details, to ensure an exceptional fit. For many brides, this is their first experience of a made-to-measure garment; after all, no two women are the same, and standard sizing can rarely account for true individuality.
Bespoke offers a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of a garment created entirely for your body — designed not only to flatter, but to fit with precision, ease, and intention.
05/ THE PATTERN
Each gown begins with a unique hand-drafted pattern, created to the bride’s exact measurements and designed to realise the precise silhouette and detailing of the piece. Drawing on her studies in innovative pattern cutting at Central Saint Martins, London, Laura brings a deep understanding of construction, fit, and form — with a particular sensitivity to how a garment is engineered to flatter beautifully.
06/ THE TOILE // FITTING SESSIONS
Before the gown is cut in its final fabric, a bespoke toile is created using the bride’s hand-drafted pattern. This prototype allows the fit, silhouette, and proportion of the design to be carefully refined through a series of fittings, ensuring each detail is resolved with precision before the final pieces are cut.
Fabric selection is an integral part of this stage, allowing Laura to assess how each luxurious option will support the design — shaping the silhouette, influencing the drape, and bringing the gown beautifully to life.
07/ FINAL MAKING
Once the toile has been perfected, Laura begins cutting and crafting the final gown in her Manchester atelier. As the dress takes shape in its chosen fabric, further studio fittings allow for the careful refinement of fastenings, hem length, and the placement of any detailing. Each piece is entirely individual, with some gowns featuring bespoke hand-beading or delicately applied appliqué. Laura’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship ensure every gown is finished with exceptional care and precision. Alongside the gown itself, Laura also creates statement veils, hairpieces, and bags designed to complement the overall look. Handcrafted to the same exacting standard, these pieces may be envisioned from the very beginning or introduced later in the process as a considered finishing touch.
08/ FINAL FITTING AND COLLECTION
One of the most special moments in the process is returning to the atelier to collect your finished gown. Family and friends are welcome to join for the reveal, with celebratory drinks offered and space to accommodate up to three guests.
Given the bespoke nature of the process and the level of craftsmanship involved, pricing and production requirements are highly individual. Custom gowns begin from approximately £2,000 for shorter styles and £4000 for full-length designs.
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