Custom Atelier
The artistry is not just in the stitching — it's in understanding your personality, your vision, and bringing both to life.
A custom bridal gown is more than a dress — it's a collaboration between designer and bride, creating something entirely yours. From the first consultation in the Paddington studio to your final fitting, you receive dedicated, unhurried attention throughout the entire creative process.
My approach is calm, patient, and visual.
The Custom Process
Creating your KAITGRACE gown is an intimate, collaborative journey typically spanning 8-10 months. Each step is designed to bring clarity to your vision while ensuring an impeccable fit.
01. Initial consulation
Your KAITGRACE bridal experience begins with an intimate conversation in the Paddington studio or via video call, where we explore your wedding vision, aesthetic inspiration, and expectations for your custom gown. The studio is an open, working atelier — you'll see my worktable, bolts of carefully curated fabric, and the tools of creation in real time. It's calm and unhurried, where the craft is visible and the process unfolds naturally.
I will guide you through silhouettes that complement your figure and fabric preferences — often drawing out ideas you didn't yet have the language to express. Ultimately, we'll refine your custom design direction, design details, fabrics, timeline, and pricing so you have a clear understanding of what your KAITGRACE gown could look like before moving forward.
02. Design & Measurements
Once your design direction is established, we take your measurements and begin sourcing fabrics specifically for your gown. Working directly with European mills and fabric agents, we will select materials that best embody your vision.
You'll receive a comprehensive client package complete with curated fabric swatches, your design sketch, formal quote and 25% deposit invoice, and a detailed timeline for your upcoming fittings. For clients working remotely, measurements are handled seamlessly through guided video consultation.
03. Your Fitting Schedule
Fittings are scheduled every 6-8 weeks, working backward from your wedding date to ensure a relaxed, unhurried timeline.
First Fitting - Foundation & Structure
We begin with a toile of your gown constructed in calico, perfecting and confirming the overall silhouette and fit. Depending on your design's complexity, this stage may require two or three sessions—ensuring every element is precisely right before moving to your selected fabrics.
Subsequent Fittings - Construction & Refinement
Your gown begins to take shape as we work in your chosen materials, incorporating each design element with precision. At every appointment, the dress is tailored specifically to your measurements, evolving to achieve an impeccable fit.
Final Fitting - Completion & Details
We perfect every finishing detail—hemlines, embellishments, and the final elements that distinguish your gown as truly bespoke.
04. Final Collection
This appointment serves as your complete dress rehearsal, where we review all practical aspects of your wedding day preparation, ensuring you feel thoroughly prepared and completely confident.
Beyond the Gown: Custom Bridal Veils
From the weight and fall of different tulles to the intricate detail of hand-placed lace, every veil is considered with the same devotion to texture and materiality as our gowns. All veils can be fully customized, from tier length and colour match to lace application — ensuring they complement your gown and bridal vision perfectly.
Our made-to-order veil collection is available to try on exclusively in the studio and at our partnering Brisbane stockist, Bloom Australia. Custom variations and designs are created by appointment in the Paddington studio.
Veil Timelines:
Minimal veils: 4 weeks
Custom/lace detailed veils: 6-12 weeks (depending on lace selection and availability)
Pricing:
Minimal veils start from $320
Custom/lace veils start from $1,200
Frequently Asked Questions
Custom gowns require a minimum of 8-10 months. If your timeline is shorter than recommended, please get in touch as soon as possible to see what's possible.
Custom gowns start from $6,000, all-inclusive of fittings and the full custom experience.
Initial Consultation (Currently Complimentary):
Your initial consultation includes a 1.5-hour appointment to explore your bridal vision, review existing fabric samples, and refine your custom gown direction — inclusive of a custom design sketch and detailed quote. We want to ensure you're completely comfortable with your design direction and custom process before any commitment is made.
Fabric Sourcing ($200, redeemable):
If you wish to view fabrics specifically sourced for your design direction before proceeding, there is a $200 fabric sourcing fee. This covers the time and cost of requesting curated samples from our European mills and fabric agents tailored to your vision. This fee is fully credited toward your custom gown if you proceed.
Securing Your Gown:
To secure your wedding gown, a 25% non-refundable deposit and signed contract is required. The balance is payable in 3 x 25% increments to coincide with your fittings.
Fee Structure Changes from June 1st, 2026:
Please note that from June 1st, 2026:
- Initial custom gown consultations: $100 (1.5 hours, redeemable)
- Veil/accessories appointments: $50 (40 minutes, redeemable)
- Fabric sourcing fee: $200 (redeemable)
Cancellation Policy:
The 25% deposit is non-refundable upon signing. Any cancellations made after the first fitting may incur additional fees depending on work completed. Please note that additional design pieces or major aesthetic changes to your custom direction once started will incur fees, discussed transparently beforehand. 48-hour cancellation notice is required for all appointments. Late cancellations may forfeit future complimentary consultations.
We recommend booking your initial consultation 10-12 months out from your wedding date to allow adequate time for the design and creation process should you choose to go ahead. A minimum of 8 months is required to begin the schedule of your custom gown fittings and design process. If your wedding date is sooner than recommended, please reach out as soon as possible to see how we can accommodate.
Most clients require 4-6 fittings, scheduled every 6-8 weeks. The exact number depends on your gown's complexity and design details. All fittings are inclusive of your custom process and quote.
There are two options for interstate and international brides. We can accommodate your bridal fittings around travel dates that suit your lifestyle for in-person appointments, or we can offer a Made-to-Order alternative, where your custom gown is made to your closest size with video consultations and measurements conducted remotely. Third-party alterations may be required upon delivery with the Made-to-Order option.
Please notify us immediately of any date changes. We'll work with you to adjust the timeline where possible, though significant changes may affect scheduling and pricing.
KAITGRACE Studio is located at 30 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, Brisbane.
While there is no private parking at the studio, ample 2-hour street parking is available directly in front of the studio and surrounding streets.
Absolutely. You are most welcome to bring 1-2 guests to your consultations and fittings. Please advise guest numbers when booking to ensure adequate space. We recommend bringing guests who have a supportive understanding of your personal style, particularly during design stages, to minimise any potential confusion and overwhelm.
Of course! We offer both a curated collection of veils available to try on in our studio, as well as bespoke, custom designs. We'd love to see photos of your gown and inspiration so we can provide you with any styling guidance to achieve a cohesive bridal look.