What’s the difference between a bespoke and customised wedding dress? The Bridal Story’s Rebecca Kennedy explains both options and how personalisation can make a gown your own
Like the cool dress worn by content creator Emma for her Barcelona reception? She got it from The Bridal Story – founder Rebecca is the ur bts bestie’s bestie!
A bespoke wedding dress is designed and made specifically for you from scratch, while a customised wedding dress starts with an existing design that is then changed to suit your style.
But which is right for you – and do you really need to go bespoke to find a wedding dress that feels completely unique?
Rebecca Kennedy, owner of Wishaw bridal boutique The Bridal Story, explains the difference between bespoke vs customised wedding dresses, what can actually be changed and how to create a bridal look that feels entirely your own.
What is a bespoke wedding dress?
A bespoke wedding dress is designed specifically for an individual bride rather than beginning with an existing gown. It gives you the opportunity to create your dress from scratch, making decisions about everything from its silhouette and fabric to its neckline, sleeves and finishing details.
But Rebecca says it’s a misconception that bespoke is the only route to something unique.
“One of the biggest misconceptions in bridal fashion is that a unique wedding dress has to be designed from scratch,” she says. “While fully bespoke services can be a great option for some brides, they’re not the only way to achieve a look that feels completely personal.”
In fact, she believes every bridal look is already unique because no two brides are the same. “A wedding dress doesn’t create individuality, it just helps to express it.”
What is a customised wedding dress?
Unlike a bespoke gown, a customised wedding dress begins with an existing design. Elements of that design are then changed or added to create a more personal look.
Thoughtful changes such as adding or removing sleeves, adjusting a neckline or extending a train can completely transform a gown.
“Often, the perfect dress is not found by continuing to shop,” says Rebecca. “It is discovered by recognising the potential within a gown you’ve already fallen in love with.”
That philosophy shapes the way The Bridal Story operates, too. The boutique intentionally partners with designers who embrace flexibility, while its in-house Heritage collection is created with customisation in mind, allowing different possibilities to be explored during appointments.
Everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations and fittings
One from The Bridal Story collection: "Designed in house and created with intention, this dress is a reflection of everything we believe bridal should feel like – modern, effortless and completely personal," Rebecca says
Bespoke vs customised wedding dress: which should you choose?
The key difference is the starting point: bespoke starts from scratch; customisation starts with an existing dress.
Interestingly, Rebecca finds that many brides don’t actually want a dress designed entirely from scratch. While the idea sounds exciting, it can also feel daunting when you can’t visualise the finished result.
If you’ve instead fallen in love with an existing gown but there are elements you’d like to change, customisation can offer the individuality you’re looking for without starting again.
What’s the difference between wedding dress customisation and alterations?
People often use the terms ‘alterations’ and ‘customisation’ interchangeably, but they actually mean two different things.
Alterations are about achieving the perfect fit, while customisation changes the design itself.
“This could be something like redoing the neckline, for example, or incorporating new fabrics, adjusting the embellishment or introducing detachable features,” explains Rebecca. “Both processes, however, play an important role in creating a finished bridal look.”
What parts of a wedding dress can be customised?
Technically, every dress can be personalised in some way, but some styles naturally offer more flexibility than others.
Rebecca says clean, contemporary gowns often provide the best foundation for customisation, while heavily embellished designs can be trickier. That said, an experienced stylist can often spot possibilities you may never have considered.
She’s also a big advocate for detachable details. Overskirts, sleeves, bows, capes and removable trains allow you to enjoy multiple looks while wearing a single gown.
“A dramatic ceremony look can transform into something lighter and more relaxed for the evening,” says Rebecca.
Is customising a wedding dress cheaper than going bespoke?
It depends on the extent of the changes, but customisation doesn’t necessarily mean dramatically increasing your dress budget.
At The Bridal Story, some design changes can start from as little as £150, while more extensive modifications or a fully bespoke gown naturally require a greater investment.
Discussing your ideas during your bridal appointment should also give you a clearer understanding of what is achievable with a particular gown and what any changes are likely to cost.
Do you need a bespoke dress to have a unique wedding look?
Not at all. Thoughtful customisation, detachable elements and carefully chosen accessories can provide all the individuality you need.
“Ultimately, a unique bridal look isn’t defined by whether a dress is bespoke, designer or off-the-peg,” Rebecca says. “It’s created by considered choices, personal details and styling decisions that reflect the person wearing it.”
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