Bespoke vs Made-to-Order Wedding Dresses: What's the Difference?

You've probably seen the words bespoke, made-to-order, and custom thrown around while searching for your wedding dress. And if you've always thought, “Aren't they all just custom?” fair question.

The terms can be confusing, especially because “custom” is often used as a broad term for anything that's made or adjusted specifically for you. So, what's the actual difference? Made-to-order starts with an existing design. Bespoke starts with you.

Made-to-Order: Starts With an Existing Dress Design

Made-to-order means the gown design already exists.

You might fall in love with a particular dress that studios have but need it adjusted to your measurements. Rather than simply picking a standard size, the gown is made to fit your individual proportions.

This can be especially useful if you fall between sizes or your proportions don't quite match a designer's standard size chart.

Think: “I love this dress. Can you make it fit me?” The design already exists. The fit is personalised to you.

At Bone & Grey, you can check out our Made-to-Order collection where the gowns can be made in both standard and custom size. 

Bespoke: Starts With Your Ideas

Bespoke takes things a step further.

Instead of starting with an existing gown, the design, pattern and fit are developed specifically for you. Maybe you love the neckline from one dress, the silhouette of another and have a completely different idea for the back. Or perhaps you've looked everywhere and still haven't found a gown that feels quite right.

That's where bespoke comes in.

Your designer creates a new pattern for your gown and works through the design with you, from the overall silhouette down to the finer details. Think: “I know what I want. Let's create it.” 

Because the gown is being developed specifically for you, the process typically involves multiple fittings and more hands-on craftsmanship along the way.

And bespoke doesn't always mean an eye-watering price tag. At Bone & Grey, our bespoke gowns and creations start at $1,500. Find out more about our bespoke process here.

So if the idea of having a gown designed specifically around your vision sounds like something reserved for a much bigger budget, it may be more accessible than you expect.

And this is where a real bride tells you much more than a definition ever could.

From Idea to Gown: A #BGBride Showcase

Sometimes, you don't know exactly what you want until you try it on.

For #BGBride Kimberly, it came down to two different gowns after multiple try-ons at different studios. She loved them both and, in her own words, is “indecisive and particular" at the same time.

And that's where bespoke gets interesting.

Rather than having to settle on one existing design, the bespoke process gave Kimberly the freedom to explore what she loved, refine the details and ultimately create a gown that felt right for her.

Together, we developed the KIMBERLY, incorporating a soft scoop neckline and structured lace corset with a fluid satin skirt to create a look that felt completely hers. The set also included a mini skirt, which Kimberly originally envisioned wearing for her first dance, but ended up wearing for her tea ceremony instead.

The gown isn't just made for a bride. It begins with her.

Still not sure which is right for you? 

If you've already found a gown you love and mainly want it adapted to you, made-to-order could be the way to go. Our gowns can be made in standard or custom sizing, depending on what you need.

If you have a specific vision, want to combine different elements or simply can't find the one anywhere, bespoke gives you more freedom to create.

 

Create Yours With Bone & Grey

At Bone & Grey, bespoke creations start from $1,500, with each gown developed around the bride and her vision. We’ll discuss your ideas, preferences and wedding vision, and invite you to share any inspiration images or references you love.

For our overseas brides, the entire bespoke process can be done virtually. We’ll guide you through taking your measurements at home, or you can visit a local tailor for added ease and accuracy. Once your gown arrives, we recommend bringing it to a trusted local tailor for any final adjustments to achieve the perfect fit.

Bespoke production takes ~3 months, so to get started, please reach out at least 6 months in advance. Find out more here.