One of a Kind

Custom Dress Design

If you can’t find the perfect dress to suit your personality or your style, or a dress that feels like you, there's a good chance it hasn't been designed yet.

Design your custom, one-of-a-kind look from start to finish alongside our lead designer Nikki Atkinson.

How it works

  • 1. Initial Consultation

    We offer a 30-minute complimentary consultation (by appointment only) via virtual call. Here we will get to know your vision for your big day, and help you on your journey to achieving it. We will use our existing designs as a reference, as well as have our current and latest collections available to try-on to better understand your style, and help visualise and materialise the perfect custom dress for you.

  • 2. Dress Design

    Nikki will take your measurements during the consultation, and create a rough sketch of a first draft design during this consultation. You will then liase with Nikki to finalise the general silhouette and features of your gown.

  • 3. Fabric Selection

    After your dress design is finalised and exactly to your liking, Nikki will select and showcase the best-suited fabrication for your dress. If detailing like lace, embellishments, and beading are part of your final design, those options will also be presented to you either by mail or virtually. This is a fun step in the process, and integral to deciding the movement and feeling of your dress.

  • 4. Pattern Selection

    You get to relax and sit out this step. After perfecting the draping and design details on a dress form, Nikki will create your unique dress pattern based on your measurements. We will create a copy of your dress with an alternative fabric (either muslin or toile) that can be adjusted perfectly to your body at your first fitting, making sure we get everything just right before we start creating your final dress. 

  • 5. First Fitting

    Depending on the custom package you are choosing, we offer 2-4 sessions of complimentary fittings. You are probably going to worry about how the dress will turn out before your fittings, but we are here holding your hands and taking it step by step with you. At your first fitting, you will try on your dress-copy so we can make adjustments right away and mark necessary changes while we are with you. We will also place the lace patterns on the toile sample so that you and Nikki can finalise placement and tweak any last-minute design choices.

  • 6. Fit to Perfection!

    Throughout your next fittings up until your final one, we will make any and all adjustments needed to ensure you not only look but feel incredible in your dress no matter how small the detail. Thanks to Nikki’s vast experience in the couture bridal industry, we are sure you will love this experience. After your final fitting, you will, at last, be able to take your gown home as you await your big day- ready to be cherished for a lifetime to come!

Book an appointment

Book your free 30 minute virtual appointment with Nikki today to discuss your design requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to order my dress?

Please note, due to the nature of the custom bridal process we can only allow for a limited number of brides per year. Please inquire as soon as possible with your (potential) wedding date to determine the possible wait time.

We like our HVW Boutique brides to receive their dress at least two months before their wedding day, to allow plenty of time for alterations, styling decisions and final tweaks. We recommend ordering your dress 10-12 months before your wedding so that we have enough time to make your dream dress.

We can accommodate rush orders from time to time, however, this option may incur an additional fee.

Can I view and try on your gowns in person?

You can view the gowns at our studio 15 Horrocks Highway Wilmington, South Australia.

Nikki also offers personal appointments with clients which can be arranged via the contact form here.

What is the difference between made-to-order and a custom-made-dress?

Each year we will design a small range that are available to try on. These dresses are ready to be tried on and we will help you determine which size suits you best. Our dresses range from size 8-18. (for larger sizes we can custom make)

For custom made dresses, we recommend that you try on our samples, so you get a better idea of what material and silhouette you like. We can also create your unique design from scratch based on your inspiration photos and what suits your silhouette. We will work with you and draw up sketches to help you visualise your unique design.

Are your gowns true to size?

We recommend you order based off the size that most of your measurements fall into or is most relevant to your largest measurement. It is much easier to take a gown in, than to let a dress out. See our size guide here.

Please feel free to reach out to us with your measurements and we can assist you in determining the most appropriate size.

How do the payments work?

For purchase our gowns we ask for 50% payment up font and on confirmation of your order. Final payment is due when your gown is ready for dispatch or if custom-made we require the remaining payment on pick up.

Payment plans are available upon request, and we will do our best to suit your needs.

Do you offer sample gowns?

We do offer sample gowns for sale, By purchasing a sample item you accept the condition of the gown as it is. It may need dry cleaning and you must understand these gowns have been tried on and maybe in perfect, to a new gown.

Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing a sample gown.

Can you accommodate rush orders?

Yes! We can, up to 4 months before your wedding date but we do charge a rush fee that ranges from $500-$1000 + depending on the urgency.