Custom Gowns

Custom Formal Gowns at Anagrassia
Each Anagrassia custom gown is made-to-measure, thoughtfully designed, and handcrafted with couture techniques by Mary Grace in her Indiana atelier. This service is for women seeking a refined, one-of-a-kind gown for a meaningful event, including mother of the bride or groom dresses, anniversary gowns, wedding guest gowns, maid of honor gowns, bridesmaid gowns, gala dresses, and other formal occasions.
Brides who wish to inquire about custom wedding gowns may do so here:
https://www.anagrassia.com/pages/custom-wedding-gowns
Whether you envision a simple silk gown, a modest long-sleeve design, a lace bolero, a dramatic cape, or a beautifully tailored dress that fits your body with confidence, your garment will be created with care, precision, and timeless craftsmanship.
The Process
1. Inquiry & Consultation
To begin, fill out the custom order form or email Mary Grace directly with your event date, budget, measurements, and a brief description of your vision.
Please include a Pinterest board or inspiration images when possible. This helps Mary Grace understand your preferred silhouette, neckline, sleeve style, colors, fabrics, and overall aesthetic.
If your timeline and design align with availability, Mary Grace will schedule a virtual or in-person consultation to discuss fit, fabric, construction, and design details.
A consultation fee is required. Book consultation here: Couture Consultation with Anagrassia
Custom formal gowns are best started at least 3–6 months before the event. More elaborate gowns, heavily beaded designs, custom embroidery, or specialty fabric sourcing may require additional time.

2. Design & Materials
Once the design direction is confirmed, Mary Grace will help source fine materials such as silk crepe, silk charmeuse, silk organza, French lace, Italian textiles, wool blends, specialty linings, beaded fabrics, or other beautiful natural fibers.
A sketch or written design direction will be shared for review. Once the materials and construction details are finalized, a detailed quote will be provided. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your place in the production calendar and begin the project.
Clients should have a clear general vision before beginning. Small tweaks are expected, but major design changes after the contract is signed may require additional labor and material fees.

3. Moulage & Mockups
Mary Grace will draft a custom pattern based on your measurements. Depending on the design, a mockup may be created first to test the fit before cutting into the final fabric.
Local clients may be fit in person at the Anagrassia Atelier. Long-distance clients may receive a mockup by mail and provide fitting photos or schedule a video fitting.
This step is especially important for fitted bodices, sleeves, full-length gowns, structured waistlines, and designs that require precise tailoring. (Please read the note at the bottom for long distance clients.)

4. Construction
Your gown is handcrafted from start to finish using couture sewing and tailoring techniques. Depending on the design, Mary Grace may include internal structure, boning, hand-sewn finishes, silk linings, custom closures, or carefully shaped sleeves and skirts.
Each gown is created slowly and intentionally, with attention to proportion, comfort, movement, and how the garment photographs at your event.

5. Final Fitting & Delivery
Final fittings typically take place 2–3 weeks before the event. For long-distance clients, extra time will be built in for shipping and any final adjustments.
Once the gown is complete, it will be steamed and prepared for pickup or shipment. The final balance is due before pickup or shipping.
Preferred payment is cash, Venmo, Zelle, or check. Credit card payments may incur a processing fee.
Long-Distance Clients & Travel Fittings
Anagrassia regularly works with long-distance clients across the United States. Many gowns are successfully completed through a combination of detailed measurements, mockups, video fittings, and ongoing communication.
For clients who prefer a higher level of precision and support, Mary Grace is available to travel for fittings or day-of dressing services.
Travel fees cover transportation, hotel accommodations, and time, and are quoted individually based on location and schedule. While this is a significant investment, it allows for a highly refined fit and ensures the gown is executed exactly as intended in both structure and style.
For important occasions or more complex gowns, some clients choose to have Mary Grace present for key fittings or the final fitting. When possible, this level of involvement can provide an exceptional result and added peace of mind.

Estimated Cost Guide
Final pricing depends on fabric, construction, design complexity, embellishment, and number of fittings. Below are general starting points:
| Garment | Starting Price | Materials | Labor Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Custom Formal Dress | $900-2500 | Silk, cotton, wool blend, or specialty fabric | 15–45 hrs |
| Simple Silk Gown | $2,500+ | Silk crepe, silk charmeuse, or silk satin | 40–60 hrs |
| Mother of the Bride or Groom Gown (Hardest to estimate time and cost) | $1200-3,500 | Silk, lace, wool silk, or specialty fabric | 15–75 hrs |
| Lace Overlay Gown | $3,500+ | Lace, silk lining, specialty underlayers | 60–90 hrs |
| Gown with Cape, Bolero, or Overskirt | $4,000+ | Silk organza, silk gazar, lace, wool, or tulle | 70–100 hrs |
| Heavily Beaded or Embroidered Gown | $5,500+ | Custom beading, embroidery, silk, specialty panels | Varies |
| Custom Bolero, Cape, or Jacket | $650+ | Silk, lace, wool, leather buttons, lining | 10–25 hrs |
All prices reflect design, labor, and basic fittings. Fabric upgrades, custom beading, rush orders, extensive sourcing, shipping, or major design changes may add to the total.
Timeline & Availability
Custom formal gowns are best started 3–6 months before the event. More complex designs should begin earlier.
Shorter timelines may be possible depending on the season, fabric availability, and current atelier schedule. Rush fees may apply.
The Anagrassia Standard
What sets Mary Grace’s custom gown work apart:
- Made-to-measure fit
- Couture patternmaking and mockup fittings
- Natural luxury fabrics sourced thoughtfully
- One-on-one collaboration with the designer
- Handcrafted construction in the Anagrassia Atelier
- Elegant garments made for meaningful occasions
For custom gown inquiries, press, rush orders, or special collaborations, please contact Mary Grace at marygrace@anagrassia.com