When ordering from one of our gorgeous ready-to-order designer brands, I recommend that you book your bridal consultation 10 to 12 months ahead of your wedding date. It can take up to 6months for an order to arrive, then when you add alterations on top, you should factor around the 2-4 month for it. When considering a Rasha Kashou bespoke option I would recommend around 8 months from initial consultation to collecting your completed piece - no alterations necessary since it is made to measure. However, if you are looking to have a design with plenty of detail/ embellishment, then please get in touch at least 12 months before your wedding date.

Absolutely. In fact, I strongly encourage it. Having someone - who knows you well - be with you during those wedding planning aspects can help you navigate through, what can sometimes be, an overwhelming process. Their opinion is usually a valuable one in helping you stay true to your own style. Also, it is always so much more fun to share these exciting experiences together. I am always happy to welcome your family and friends at my studio, during trials, consultations and fittings. When creating a bespoke design, I usually find that they play a role in shaping the design that I create for you and it makes the creative process that little bit more interesting.

I don't like to limit who you invite to your bridal consultation as that decision is totally yours to make. From experience, I can make recommendations that inviting two to three guests with you tends to be the magic number that supports your choice making without overwhelming you with too many or too little opinions.

I am a strong believer in inclusivity and ensuring my studio is a safe space for all. So yes, absolutely everyone from LGBTQ+ community is welcome. I design and make bespoke looks for my clients no matter their shape and that applies to all as standard. Please feel free to share your pronouns with me when you book. Mine are she/her #YouDontNeedToAskHere

There is one step at the outside entrance to the studio, to which we have a portable ramp should you need it. All other space inside the studio is flat and on one level. We have an accessible toilet at the studio. Upon request a mobile hoist can be provided where transfers may be difficult (if required please request this at the time of booking and it will be in the studio ready for your appointment) Please do get in touch if you have any other accessibility needs/ questions.

Unfortunately, I do not currently offer an alterations service. However, I can definitely make recommendations to some fantastic seamstresses who can support you after your order has arrived. In the future we may adapt our offerings to include this service.

I do. Veils, Tiaras, Hair Pieces, Vines, Bridal Belts, Gloves, Sashes, Capes, Cover-ups, Jackets, Garters etc. (click here for more info) There are no limits to the design options which can be created, the process is always fun and allows you to experiment with different looks. I have a system which helps guide you through the process, samples and mock-ups will be created for you to choose from as well as your own personalised embellishment designs where needed. Having your accessories created in-house is a great way of creating a full and cohesive wedding look, eliminating the need of shopping around for suitable accessories to your attire. I can also create your bridesmaid/ bridesmate's accessories which can co-ordinate with your own pieces.

Unfortunately, I do not currently stock bridesmaid designs instore. But I do hope to change that in the future. However, if you are looking for something unique for your bridal party and wish to have bespoke bridesmaid looks designed, then do get in touch with your ideas and we can start creating your vision.

If the dress you found is by a designer brand that we are already partnered with, then yes, we may very well be able to get it in for you to try on (as long as it is still in production and the brand offers loan samples to us). Unfortunately, we cannot order in from brands that we are not in partnership with.

Couture tends to be synonymous with celebrities and Haute Couture design houses that are very expensive, which is why I hear this question often. However, I personally believe Couture should be made available to anyone who wants it and my pricing structure reflects that. In fact once you meet with me, the designer and maker of your pieces, you end up cutting away any 'middle-man' costs, making a made-to-measure option so much more attractive. How much a design costs will depend on a number of factors, the largest of which are the type of materials you choose and the time needed to create your design (the more embellishments, the longer it will take). A lot of expertise and loving workmanship goes into every bespoke piece which makes it higher in value than a factory mass produced ready-to-wear dress. Saying that, my average client spend for a bespoke design has so far been between £1,800 to £2,500. Note that with made-to-measure creations you do not need to budget for alteration costs either. Always feel free to contact me with queries you may have and I will give you honest and open advice on what I can create for you.

Your wedding day look is one of the biggest areas of wedding planning, so I can understand what a tough decision it must be to opt for a bespoke design which you may not have tried on before. As a Couturier, I actually believe bespoke wear is the way forward (I may be a little biased but hear me out).. For such an important event I simply want all my clients to look the best version of themselves for their big day, which is exactly what bespoke designing does. As a designer I have honed my skills in understanding each individual's style through the design process which I always stay true to when designing for that individual. After the first consultation I normally would have a clear idea of what you like/ don't like, what your inspirations are, a little of your personality and style and quite a lot about your wedding theme/ plans (my favourite topic of conversation). I use all this information to create a selection of designs that we work through together to perfection, taking into account the made-to-measure fit and making it as flattering and comfortable for you as possible. Your bespoke design will never be replicated and it will be unique only to you. (click here to find out more about the design process). Not only that, I will actually get you to try on from the many samples in store to establish your favourite features from these designs and use them as inspiration to create your bespoke look. To ensure you that added security and peace of mind, I will not require you to financially commit until after the first fitting when you are 100% happy and confident to proceed. If that process still does not appeal to you, then we also have ready-to-order designer brands to try on and order from.

The lovely thing about a bespoke design is that it allows for a fluid working environment. I account for changes during fittings as often we add or remove certain details, perhaps a change in neckline or sleeve, these can be pretty standard. My focus is always to create a design that you are totally in love with and represents you in the best way possible.

The wonderful thing about a bespoke design is that you can be adventurous and creative when you want to be. My Dana collection (see here) is a Bridal Separates collection which can be used to mix and match or build different design pieces onto each other. If you were looking for a Trouser Suit for your wedding look (as seen in one of my Mai Collection pieces here), then I can design something similar for you. A short dress, a catsuit, a different colour or something alternative.. It is all possible in the world of couture. Talk to me about your ideas and we can work together to combine them into a perfect design that reflects your personality and style for your wedding day.

Replicating another designer's work is an infringement on their design copyright which is illegal. What I can offer you instead is to use the style you like as inspiration to create your own made-to-measure design that will have all the details you love and it will enhance your shape in the best way possible. Or I can offer you similar styles, to try on, from the designers we currently have in stock.

We can offer payment plans on high value bespoke orders only. I appreciate that everybody's situation is different so I try to be as accommodating as I can be. Some clients may prefer to pay a small set amount per month, others may want to save a little and pay as and when they can. Once you have had your first fitting, you know the design you would be getting and you are happy to proceed, a 50% payment would be required, we will then work together to find a suitable financial plan that works for you. When the balance is paid in full you can then collect or have the product posted to you. For ready-to-order brands, a 50% upfront payment is required upon order, then remaining balance is due on a pre-agreed collection date.

We all know how the fast fashion world is a massive contributor to polluting the environment. Generally speaking the actual format of couture design lends itself to being a - so much more - environmentally friendly process by default as there is less waste when creating for individuals than to mass produce. However, being environmentally conscious, we did not stop at that and we have established a process that creates even less waste and carbon footprint that will hopefully align with our client's environmental ethics and core values. It's the little extras such as buying from national suppliers, eradicating the carbon footprint to almost zero and using responsibly sourced materials and eco-fabrics as much as possible. You can find some of these eco-fabric designs in my Mai Collection. When it comes to partnering with designer brands to stock at my studio, we chose British brands that hold similar values to us and our working ethics.