All dresses produced by Claire Dunkley are individual, bespoke garments. Being made-to-measure, no dress is the same. This means that if you have always had a design in mind, or need some inspiration, Claire Dunkley can design and make it for you.

Being made to measure, the price will always be more than something mass-produced that you can pick off a rail, but you are getting a one-off garment that will be designed for you and fitted to you, giving the perfect fit and look.

Typically, an enquiry for a wedding dress will come in about 12 months prior to the wedding, but we can work to shorter timescales if need be. Fitting for a wedding dress will typically start 4-6 months before the wedding day.

Having a dress made with Claire is a very personal experience. From the first meeting, you will talk through any initial thoughts of a dress, discussing your potential design.

After the first meeting, basic draft designs can be drawn to confirm the outcome of the initial meeting.

It is recommended to have a second meeting to review the design drawings, make any modifications and discuss colours and fabric choices.

Once the design has been agreed, a formal quotation will be produced along with a final design.

Measurements should be taken and from this a pattern can be created.

From this pattern, a toile (a mock up of the design made in calico) will be created.

At the first fitting, the toile can be pinned to reflect any changes required to the pattern. The design can be altered and re-cut in the final fabric. Side seams should be pinned and tacked together, whilst remaining seams should be machined together.

A further fitting will be arranged with the client to meet and fit the initial makings of the dress, and to confirm a perfect fit. Any amendments should be noted and made with your clients agreement.

At the final fitting, any minor amendments can be made.

The dress will be provided to you in a high quality dress bag, steamed and ready to wear for your big day.