Skip to main content

When a woman smiles her dress should smile too.

Madeleine Vionnet

A custom wedding dress that is as unique as you

Planning your wedding can be a stressful time with lots of big and small decisions to make. Finding your dream wedding dress can seem daunting, but having it custom made can be a wonderful journey of discovery.

At my studio you can leaf through fabric swatches of beautiful silks and laces in a relaxed atmosphere. You may be inspired by a fabric there and then or you can tell me what you have in mind and I will source it for you. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member.

How it works

Following our initial consultation I will prepare a quote for your dress, take your measurements and once you are happy for me to proceed sketch out some designs so that you can visualise your ideas. Once we have agreed on the basic design I will begin work on the pattern and create a toile (a full mock-up of the design in cotton sampling fabric) for your first fitting.

Together, we can tweak and hone your design as we go along – refining your design at each fitting is what makes it so much fun. We can add detail and personal touches such as monograms of you and your fiancé or the name of a loved one. If you have some inherited fabric or lace, I can work that in too.

Row of pearl buttons on ivory georgette wedding dress

How much does it cost?

Bespoke wedding dress

From £2500

Typical Finished Dress

£3500 - £5000

Victoria and Thorsten

Bespoke lace and silk wedding dress

Victoria asked me to create an elegant yet daring wedding dress featuring a lace bodice and flowing silk skirt. She wanted a dress that she could feel comfortable in, but that would also be something truly special and unique. Together we worked on this design - combining different lace elements to create the bodice. It is backed onto illusion tulle creating a sculpted barely-there look. The bodice dips down gently at the back to create a V shape and a narrow belt defines the waist. Vicky and Thorsten's stunning Berlin wedding was featured on the Love My Dress blog. Click the link to see more pictures from this magical winter wedding.
Bride wearing a Dara Ford strapless wedding dress with sweetheart neckline, lace bodice and full skirt

Natalia

Strapless satin dress with sweetheart neckline

Natalia chose a strapless dress with sweetheart neckline, a defined waist and full pleated skirt for her wedding at the Honorary Artillery Company Headquarters in Central London. This beautiful venue steeped in history needed a stunning sweeping dress to work well alongside the grand furnishings. In order to also make it functional for Natalia and lots of dancing in the evening we opted for a removable train which was cleverly disguised to look part of the skirt. A narrow belt with bow detail finished off the look and accentuated her beautiful hourglass figure. As a personal touch I stitched her grandmother's necklace into a pocket that was concealed in the fold of a pleat.
Elegance, functionality, comfort and small personal touches - the key ingredients in any Dara Ford wedding dress.
Upper back of lace wedding dress photographed in black and white

Zoe

Full length lace dress with gathered skirt, V-Neck and 3/4 length sleeves

Zoe was looking for a romantic and elegant wedding dress that would be comfortable yet beautiful for her garden wedding in France. As the weather can be unpredictable at that time of year Zoe decided that sleeves would be best. She chose a gorgeous lace pattern with large scallop and leaf details which we used to full advantage along the edges of the neckline and hems.
The lace was underlayed with silk georgette and silk crepe satin. Luxuriously lightweight and comfortable to wear all night. You can see the result of the evening's dancing on the hem of the dress the morning after. The best way for a wedding dress to look in my opinion!
Wedding couple standing under and umbrella and pictured taking a selfie

Cat

Lace blouse with 3/4 length sleeves, silk georgette skirt and satin camisole

The main focus of this stunning bohemian wedding dress is the guipure lace blouse with 3/4 length sleeves. Cat wanted a relaxed and comfortable outfit for her September wedding in Richmond and this three piece was perfect for her. A bespoke silk camisole was worn underneath the lace and a silk georgette gathered full length skirt finished the look. We chose silk pearl buttons to fasten the skirt and blouse.
Choosing separates is a great way to get more out of your wedding dress too - worn on their own each piece can become a part of your summer wardrobe.

Ida

Full length fishtail gown

A strapless pistacchio green wedding dress in duchess satin with draped neckline and intricate seam details.
We chose a sleek and elongating silhouette for Ida as she is 5ft3" tall and anything else would have swamped her frame. The overall look was elegant and sophisticated. On the inside of the dress we added personal touches such as monograms and incorporated some antique lace that she had. The look was finished off with a soft silk tulle veil.

Louise and Christine

Tea length dresses to complement each other

Louise and Christine came to me searching for dresses that would reflect their individual unique styles, yet look beautiful alongside each other for their wedding by the seaside. We spent a lot of time pouring over lace swatches and fabric samples, discussing ideas and narrowing down their tastes.

Christine chose lace for her dress. A simple top with 3/4 length sleeves and a full skirt to which we added pockets in the sideseams.

Louise chose a floaty and romantic silk georgette for her dress. The draped sleeves were flattering and perfect for catching the seaside breeze. We felt that adding lace would have been too much, but chose to fasten her dress with pearl half round buttons.

The finishing touch were matching neckerchiefs for their dogs!

Hannah

Lace sheath dress with red belt

Hannah wanted a simple and laid back dress for her summer wedding. She was clear that it needed to be comfortable and minimal in design. This lace dress has a structured strapless dress underneath with a simple leaf pattern lace overlay. We chose the red belt to match her converse shoes which she had already chosen to wear with her dress.

Dara understood my style completely and listened to my wishes for a simple dress without any frills. I couldn't have been happier with the result. I felt comfortable and great!

HannahCommunications Manager

Dara took a lot of time to create this beautiful and personal dress for me. From the pale green colour to the vintage lace monograms on the inside of the dress everything was considered and perfect for me. I loved my dress and felt wonderful in it. Incredibly it even makes me look tall!

IdaGraphic Designer

I have to say that the dress design process with you was one of the most memorable parts of the wedding. I really enjoyed the fittings and also your patience, but more importantly you were very professional, open to ideas and when I sensed that a lot of work would have to be put into the dress to make that 'small tweak' you didn't show this and never complained. I trusted you completely and you made me feel calm. I am so pleased this was one area I didn't stress about (you did all of that for me :)) I keep talking about the dress to Jonny and others keep telling me how beautiful it was. I wore it again on Sunday so got 2 wears out of it. I didn't imagine such a response - its been a delight and its still on-going. I'll be recommending you in future.

Natalia

We've just had our pics back from the photographer and it's so great to look at these and remember what a fantastic day it was and how great I felt in your wonderful creation. I had so many comments! Everyone was admiring the dress, they were quite honestly blown away with how beautiful it was! Thank you again for all your hard work. I will of course be recommending you to everyone.

CatherineDigital animator and graphic designer