How Long Does a Made to Order Wedding Dress Take? | Romsey Bridal Boutique Near Southampton & Winchester
Wondering how long a made to order wedding dress takes? Discover the full process from order to alterations at Romsey Bridal, a bridal boutique near Southampton, Winchester and across Hampshire.
How Long Does a Made to Order Wedding Dress Take?
Choosing a made to order wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. For many brides, it is the moment everything starts to feel real. But one of the most common questions we hear from brides visiting our Romsey bridal boutique near Southampton and Winchester in Hampshire is, how long does a made to order wedding dress actually take, and what is involved in the process?
How long does it take?
On average, a made to order wedding dress takes between 4 to 6 months from the point of ordering to delivery. This timeframe can vary depending on the designer, the complexity of the gown and the time of year. Peak engagement season, typically January through March, can sometimes mean slightly longer lead times.
It is always recommended to start shopping for your wedding dress at least 9 to 12 months before your wedding date, although some brides shop up to 2 years in advance, and this is also fine. This allows time for production and professional bridal alterations, which usually take an additional 6 to 8 weeks.
Brides visiting our wedding dress shop in Romsey, close to Southampton, Winchester and across Hampshire, often find that planning early gives them the best choice of designers and plenty of time for fittings.
What does “made to order” actually mean?
A made to order wedding dress is created specifically for you once your order is placed. It is not taken off the rail. Instead, your gown is cut and produced by the designer in the closest standard size to your measurements.
Here is what is typically involved:
1. Bridal appointment and selection
You will try on sample gowns in your chosen bridal boutique. Once you find the one, your stylist will take detailed measurements to determine the correct size to order.
Brides from Southampton, Romsey, Winchester and across Hampshire often travel to visit our boutique to experience this exciting moment.
2. Placing the order
A deposit is paid and the boutique submits your order directly to the designer. The dress is then scheduled into production.
3. Production
Your gown is carefully constructed, often by skilled seamstresses, using the fabrics and finishes chosen. This can include intricate lacework, hand beading, corsetry and structured tailoring.
4. Delivery and quality checks
Once completed, the gown is delivered to the boutique where it is checked thoroughly before you are invited in to try on your own dress.
5. Alterations
Almost every bride will need alterations to achieve a perfect fit. These are usually carried out by an experienced bridal seamstress and may include adjusting the length, straps or taking in the bodice.
Why choose made to order?
Here at our Romsey bridal shop, we believe a made to order wedding dress offers a more personalised experience. It ensures your gown is freshly created for you and has not been tried on by other brides. It also allows for certain customisations depending on the designer, such as changing necklines, adding sleeves or altering train length.
Brides visiting our wedding dress boutique in Romsey, near Southampton and Winchester in Hampshire, often love the experience of choosing a gown that is created especially for them.
Planning ahead is key. Giving yourself plenty of time removes stress and allows you to fully enjoy the journey of finding your dream wedding dress.
Our made to order designers
At Romsey Bridal, we are proud stockists of:
- Maggie Sottero
- Sottero and Midgley
- Rebecca Ingram
- April Banbury Bridal
- Love by Enzoani
These designers all offer made to order wedding gowns, and we cannot wait to show you our collection at our Romsey bridal boutique, serving brides from Southampton, Winchester and across Hampshire.
Ready to start your wedding dress journey?
Book your bridal appointment at Romsey Bridal today and discover our collection of made to order wedding dresses.



