What does “made to order” mean for a wedding dress?
By Cloe Pan, Stylist ·
A made-to-order wedding dress is produced by the designer after you order it, in your size, rather than taken off a rack. Made to measure goes a step further and is cut to your individual measurements, and a custom (bespoke) dress is designed for you from scratch. At Lichée Bridal, a special order is made to order: we take your measurements, order the gown in your size — roughly 14–20 weeks — and our tailor fits it to you when it arrives.
The four ways to get a wedding dress
- Off the rack — you buy or rent a dress that already exists, often the sample you tried on. Fastest; it's altered to fit.
- Made to order — the designer makes a new dress in your size after you order. The most common way designer gowns are sold.
- Made to measure — the designer's existing design, cut to your own measurements.
- Custom or bespoke — the design itself is created for you, usually over several fittings.
How long each one takes
Off-the-rack and rental dresses are the quickest — the time you need is mostly for alterations. Made-to-order gowns take months because they're produced after you order; at Lichée Bridal, allow roughly 14–20 weeks for a special order to arrive. Made-to-measure and custom gowns generally take longer still.
Does a made-to-order dress still need alterations?
Usually, yes. A dress made in your size still needs a hem for your shoes, often a bustle, and small adjustments so it sits exactly right. Plan time for alteration fittings after the dress arrives — at Lichée Bridal, those alterations are free for gowns ordered through us.
Which is right for you
If your date is close, rent or buy a gown that's already in the studio. If you have time and your heart is set on a particular designer piece — including one from a designer's coming season — a special order gives you a new gown made in your size.
Questions, answered
- Is made to order the same as custom?
- No. Made to order means an existing design is produced in your size after you order it. Custom means the design itself is created for you.
- How long does a made-to-order wedding dress take?
- It depends on the designer. At Lichée Bridal, special orders take roughly 14–20 weeks to arrive, then alteration fittings follow.
- Can I order a dress from a designer's upcoming season?
- Yes. If your date allows, Lichée Bridal can import a specific piece from a designer's coming season and have it made in your size.