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 a bridal designer based in Kew, London, creating timeless, elegant made to measure wedding dresses from her home studio. She has spent more than three decades designing wedding dresses for some of the most style-discerning brides.

  • Louise is entirely self-taught and has worked in bridal design for over thirty years. Her years living in Paris, passing the ateliers of Chanel and Dior each day, shaped her appreciation for fine fabrics and understated, refined design.

  • Her inspiration comes from beautiful materials, clean lines and simple, elegant silhouettes, along with the natural beauty of the flowers and foliage around her Kew studio. Each dress is named after a flower.

  • Yes. Every dress is handmade in-house by Louise and her long-standing seamstress at her bridal atelier in Kew, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and complete control over every detail.

  • Louise works with brides who appreciate quality, simplicity and timeless design. Many are professionals from a wide range of fields and often form genuine friendships with Louise throughout the process.

The Experience

  • Your fittings and appointments take place in Louise’s beautiful home studio in Kew, a light-filled and peaceful space where only one appointment is held at a time. Brides are welcomed into a calm, private environment and work directly with Louise throughout the entire made to measure process.

  • You’ll explore the full collection of sample gowns, try on different designs and discuss ideas and fabrics with Louise. The space is a working atelier, so you’ll see dresses in progress and gain a true sense of the craftsmanship behind each gown.

  • The experience is completely one-to-one. Louise takes great pride in getting to know her brides, understanding their style and their story, and many brides remain close friends long after their wedding day.

  • A made to measure wedding dress takes around six months from the first appointment to completion, allowing time for design development, fittings, toile creation and final finishing.

  • Yes. Every gown is designed, cut, fitted and finished in the Kew studio by Louise and her long-standing seamstress, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and complete attention to detail at every stage.

Appointments

  • You can book online or contact the studio directly. All appointments take place in Louise’s private home studio in Kew, London.

  • Appointments last around one hour. Weekday appointments are available, with three Saturday morning slots released each week. Weekday evening appointments are available for fittings only. If you need more time to decide, you’re always welcome to rebook.

  • Brides may bring up to two guests to keep the setting comfortable and intimate. Photography is welcome if it helps with choosing your dress.

  • Nude underwear helps you see the dresses more clearly. A hair clip can be useful, and if you know the shoes you plan to wear, please bring them. To protect the gowns, we ask brides to arrive feeling fresh and avoid heavy makeup or fragrance.

  • A £60 consultation fee is payable when booking your first appointment. This is fully redeemable against the cost of your dress if you choose to proceed.

    There is no charge for any follow-on consultations once your initial consultation has taken place.

Dresses

  • Yes. All gowns are made to measure. Once you’ve chosen your dress, Louise takes detailed measurements and creates a toile, a cotton mock-up of your gown, to perfect the fit. This toile becomes the pattern for your final dress, which is then made in your chosen fabric and finished to the highest standard.

  • Dresses are designed to look their best as created, but Louise is happy to add subtle personal touches or evolve ideas from the samples to make your gown feel uniquely yours.

  • Louise works with exquisite fabrics including French lace, silk crepe, mikado and chiffon, chosen for their quality, beauty and movement.

  • Yes. Veils form an important part of the collection and can be tried during your appointment. Louise is also delighted to incorporate a treasured family veil. Accessories are not made in-house, but trusted independent designers can be recommended.

  • Louise focuses entirely on her brides to ensure each gown receives her full care and attention, and does not create bridesmaids or mother of the bride dresses.

Fittings

  • Most brides have around three fittings. The first is your toile fitting, where the cotton mock-up is adjusted for fit. The second is your main fitting in the chosen fabric, and the final fitting ensures every detail is perfect before collection.

  • All fittings are carried out personally by Louise in her Kew studio.

  • Minor adjustments can be made during the fitting process, but brides are encouraged to maintain a consistent size once measurements are taken. After the final fitting, no further changes can be made.

  • Yes. Many brides bring their mother, sister or bridesmaid to share the experience.

  • Your completed dress is tried on in full to ensure everything is just right. Any final refinements are made before the gown is steamed, packed and prepared for collection.

VISITING THE STUDIO

  • The studio is in Kew, South West London, a short walk from Kew Gardens Underground station and Kew Bridge station.

  • Parking is available on request.

  • The main studio is on the first floor, but fittings can be moved to the ground floor on request.

  • Yes. Sift, just opposite the studio, is a favourite spot for brides to enjoy coffee or lunch after appointments.

  • Yes. Both Kew Gardens and Kew Bridge stations are close by, and the area is well-served by local buses.

Pricing

  • Most brides choose a design from my collection, which is then made to measure and can be personalised. As each gown is individually made, the final cost depends on the design, fabric and level of detail. As a guide, bespoke dresses typically range from £3,400 to £5,000.

  • Prices include all fabrics, fittings, alterations, storage and taxes.

  • A 50 percent non-refundable deposit is required when ordering your dress, with the remaining balance due upon completion.

  • Payment plans are not available.

  • Yes, veils are priced separately and can be viewed and tried during your appointment.

Timelines & Collection

  • Louise recommends placing your order at least six months before your wedding.

  • Availability varies by season. There is more flexibility in quieter months such as January and February compared to May or June, so it’s best to enquire early.

  • Louise does not ship dresses, as each gown is fitted and collected in person to ensure a perfect fit.

  • Your dress will be beautifully presented in a monogrammed garment bag. All gowns must be collected from the studio, as courier services are not offered.

  • Dresses are usually collected around four weeks before the wedding to ensure they travel safely and remain pristine.