frequently asked questions

The process of creating a wedding dress is deeply personal, and no two journeys are ever the same - and Louise believes that’s exactly as it should be.

Here you’ll find answers to some of the questions Louise is most often asked, from appointments and fittings to timings and customisation. Every gown begins with a conversation and grows into something entirely your own - considered, individual and beautifully made.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

About Louise

Louise Selby is an independent bridal designer in Kew, London, known for her timeless, elegant wedding dresses that combine modern simplicity with classic craftsmanship. She creates both made to measure and bespoke wedding dresses, designed to reflect each bride’s personal style with quiet luxury and exquisite detail.
A London bridal designer with over thirty years of experience, Louise is entirely self-taught. Her background blends technical expertise with an instinctive understanding of design, refined over decades of creating dresses that are as beautifully made as they are flattering to wear.
Before opening her bridal atelier in Kew, Louise spent three years living in Paris, walking daily past the ateliers of Chanel and Dior. Surrounded by couture craftsmanship, she developed a deep appreciation for fine fabrics, impeccable tailoring and timeless, understated design.
Louise has been designing and making made to measure wedding dresses in London for more than three decades. Many of her clients today are second-generation brides, returning after their mothers also wore a Louise Selby gown.
Her inspiration comes from beautiful fabrics, clean lines and the art of simplicity. Each design begins with the material itself, whether French lace, silk crepe or mikado, and evolves into something effortlessly elegant and timeless. Every dress is named after a flower, inspired by the flora and fauna that surround her in leafy Kew.
Yes. Every gown is handcrafted in-house by Louise and her long-standing seamstress at her bridal studio in Kew, London, ensuring exceptional fit, finish and attention to detail.
Louise’s signature style is defined by exquisite fabrics, refined silhouettes and subtle, thoughtful details. Her philosophy is to create dresses that are beautiful and comfortable to wear, allowing each bride to feel her very best. Every made to measure wedding dress is designed to stand the test of time, a gown a bride will love as much in ten years as on the day she wore it.
Louise works closely with brides who appreciate quality, simplicity and timeless design. Her clients include professionals from all walks of life, from creatives and lawyers to teachers, doctors and those working in finance. Getting to know each bride and her story is one of the greatest joys of the design process for this London bridal designer.
The Louise Selby bridal atelier is based in Kew, South West London. Appointments take place in Louise’s home studio, a calm, welcoming space where every bespoke and made to measure wedding dress is designed and created by hand.

The Experience

From the first appointment to the final fitting, every part of the Louise Selby experience takes place within her light and airy studio in Kew, London. Brides are welcomed into a calm and intimate setting where every dress is designed, fitted and made in-house. It’s a true made to measure experience, with Louise present throughout the journey to ensure every gown fits perfectly and feels personal.
Your first visit takes place in Louise’s private first-floor bridal atelier in Kew. You’ll be able to view and try on the full collection of sample gowns while discussing ideas, fabrics and details with Louise. The studio is a working space, so you’ll see dresses in progress and gain a real sense of the craft behind each handmade design.
Every appointment is one-to-one and entirely personal. Louise takes time to get to know you, your style and your vision for the day. The process is relaxed, creative and collaborative, allowing each bride to feel completely at ease.
Yes. Louise personally meets and works with every bride throughout the entire process, from the first consultation to the final fitting. Her hands-on approach ensures a truly bespoke and consistent experience.
Yes. Every gown is handmade in-house by Louise and her long-standing seamstress at her bridal studio in Kew. This ensures exceptional craftsmanship and complete control over quality and fit at every stage.
Most brides have around three to four appointments, although this varies for each individual. Flexibility is at the heart of the Louise Selby experience. After your initial consultation and measuring, you’ll have a toile fitting, where a cotton mock-up of your dress is made and adjusted to your body. This toile is then taken apart and used as the pattern for your final gown. You’ll then have a main fitting in your chosen fabric, followed by a collection appointment once your finished dress is ready.
You can view and try on Louise’s full collection of sample gowns during your appointment. Most brides choose a design from the collection, which can then be made to measure and adapted to their preferences. Once a final design is chosen, no further changes can be made.
You can view and try on Louise’s full collection of sample gowns during your appointment. Most brides choose a design from the collection, which can then be made to measure and adapted to their preferences. Once a final design is chosen, no further changes can be made.
The bespoke process begins with a personal consultation in the Kew studio, where you can explore fabrics, shapes and details with Louise. Together, you’ll finalise your design before measurements are taken. A toile (a cotton mock-up of your dress) is then created, fitted and refined. The final gown is made in your chosen fabric and finished to perfection, ready for collection around one month before your wedding.
It’s best to book your first appointment at least six months before your wedding. Each made to measure dress takes this long to create from start to finish, allowing plenty of time for fittings and adjustments.

Appointments

Appointments can be booked easily through the online booking system or by contacting the studio directly.
All appointments are held in Louise’s light and airy first-floor bridal studio in Kew, London. It’s a calm and private setting where brides can explore the full collection and experience the craftsmanship behind each design.
Appointments typically last around one hour, allowing plenty of time to view and try on dresses, discuss ideas and talk through the process with Louise.
Appointments are available throughout the week, with three Saturday morning appointments released each week. Evening appointments are not available for dress viewings, although weekday evening appointments can be arranged for fittings.
There is no charge for appointments. However, card details are taken at the time of booking, and a £50 fee will be applied in the event of a no-show.
Most brides will have between three and four appointments in total, from the initial consultation to the final collection. Every dress and every bride is different, so there is always flexibility built into the process.
To ensure the experience remains personal and comfortable, brides are welcome to bring up to two guests.
Yes, photography is allowed. Brides are welcome to take photos or short videos to help with their decision-making.
You may wish to bring a hair clip or tie if you’d like to see how certain necklines work with different hairstyles. If you already know which shoes you plan to wear, it’s always helpful to bring them along too. Otherwise, just bring an open mind and enjoy the experience.
Nude underwear is recommended, as it helps you see the dresses more clearly during your appointment. To keep our gowns in pristine condition, we kindly ask that brides arrive feeling fresh and avoid heavy makeup, perfume or fragrances.
You can try on as many dresses as you need until you find the one that feels right.
Of course. You are always welcome to book another appointment if you would like more time to decide or revisit a favourite design.

Dresses

All Louise Selby wedding dresses are made to measure. Every gown is created to fit each bride’s individual shape and proportions, ensuring a flawless fit and timeless silhouette. It’s the way Louise has always worked, and the foundation of her bridal design philosophy.
The dresses are designed to look their best just as they are, but Louise loves working with brides to add subtle personal touches that make a gown feel truly unique. Some elements can be combined, and ideas often evolve from the samples you try during your appointment. Louise will guide you through what’s possible while ensuring the design remains beautifully balanced and true to her signature style.
Each made to measure wedding dress takes around six months to create from start to finish. This includes every stage of the process, from design and fittings to the final hand-finishing in Louise’s Kew studio.
Once you’ve chosen your dress, Louise will take detailed measurements and create a toile, a cotton mock-up of your gown, to perfect the fit. This toile is then used as the pattern for your final dress, which is made in your chosen fabric and finished to the highest standard. You’ll have a main fitting before collecting your completed gown around one month before your wedding.
Louise works with exquisite fabrics sourced from specialist suppliers, including French lace, silk crepe, mikado and chiffon. Each material is chosen for its quality, beauty and movement, forming the foundation of her elegant, timeless designs.
Yes. Every gown is handmade in-house by Louise and her long-standing seamstress at her bridal atelier in Kew, London. Nothing is outsourced, ensuring complete control over every stage of the process.
Louise does not offer alterations for existing gowns or dresses made elsewhere. Her time is dedicated to creating made to measure and bespoke wedding dresses from start to finish within her studio.
While Louise doesn’t offer restyling or repurposing services, she is always happy to discuss ways to preserve or adapt your gown through trusted partners who specialise in garment care.
Yes. Matching veils are available and form an important part of the Louise Selby collection. All veils can be viewed and tried during your appointment, helping you find the perfect pairing for your dress. Louise also loves it when a family heirloom veil is available and will always work with you to ensure it complements your chosen gown beautifully. While accessories are not made in-house, she can recommend a number of small independent brands that suit her designs perfectly.
Louise focuses exclusively on her brides, ensuring every gown receives her full care and attention. While she doesn’t create bridesmaids or mother of the bride dresses, she is always happy to suggest trusted designers who share her commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Fittings

Most brides have around three fittings in total, though this can vary slightly depending on the design and fabric. Each appointment allows Louise to refine the fit and detail of your dress, ensuring it feels as beautiful to wear as it looks.
Fittings begin once your toile has been made and approved. After your toile fitting, you’ll have a main fitting in your chosen fabric, followed by a final fitting before your dress is completed. Fittings take place in Louise’s bridal studio in Kew, London.
Brides are encouraged to maintain a consistent size once measurements have been taken, as each made to measure wedding dress is carefully constructed to those exact proportions. Minor adjustments can be made during the fitting process, but once your gown is complete there is no scope for further alterations.
All fittings are carried out personally by Louise in her Kew studio, ensuring every detail is overseen with care and precision.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a guest to your fittings. Many brides choose to bring their mother, sister or bridesmaid to share in the experience.
Your final fitting is when your finished dress is tried on in full to check that every detail is perfect. Any final tweaks are made at this stage before your gown is carefully steamed, packed and prepared for collection.
Once your dress has passed its final fitting and been completed, no last-minute adjustments can be made. Louise recommends letting her know as early as possible if any changes are needed so these can be managed during your scheduled fittings.

Transport and Local Area

The studio is located in Kew, South West London, between Kew Gardens Underground station and Kew Bridge station. It’s easily accessible from central London and the surrounding areas, and offers a peaceful setting for your bridal appointment.
Parking is available on request. Please let the studio know in advance if you require a space so arrangements can be made for your visit.
The studio is conveniently positioned between Kew Gardens Underground station and Kew Bridge mainline station, both just a short walk away. Several local bus routes also serve the area, making it easy to reach from across London and Surrey.
Yes. Just opposite the studio you’ll find Sift, a much-loved local café and the go-to spot for many brides to enjoy coffee or lunch after their appointment. There are also plenty of other lovely places to eat and explore around Kew Green.
The main studio is located on the first floor and is not fully wheelchair accessible. However, fittings and viewings can be moved to the ground floor on request to ensure all brides feel welcome and comfortable during their visit.

Pricing and Payment

Prices are available on request. Each gown is individually made to measure, and costs vary depending on the design, fabric and level of detail.
The price of a bespoke Louise Selby gown includes all fabrics, fittings, alterations, storage and taxes. Every element of the process takes place within the Kew studio, ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship and care throughout.
A 50% deposit is required at the time of ordering your dress, with the remaining balance due upon completion. Please note that deposits are non-refundable.
Payment plans are not available. A deposit and final balance structure ensures the process remains simple and straightforward for every bride.
Yes. Veils are priced separately, with a range of designs available to view and try during your appointment. Each veil is handmade in-house to complement your chosen gown perfectly.

Lead Times & Logistics

Louise recommends ordering your dress at least six months before your wedding. This allows enough time for the full made to measure process, including fittings and final finishing in the Kew studio.
It depends on the time of year. Some seasons are busier than others, with greater flexibility in months like January and February compared to May and June. It’s always best to enquire as early as possible to secure your preferred timeline.
Louise does not currently offer international shipping, as each gown is fitted and finished in person at the studio to ensure a perfect fit.
Your dress will be beautifully packaged in a monogrammed Louise Selby garment bag, ready for safe transport to your wedding destination. All dresses must be collected from the studio, as we do not offer a courier service.
Louise prefers dresses to be collected around four weeks before the wedding to ensure they travel safely and remain in pristine condition for the day.