Frequently Asked Questions

Build-a-Dress is an AI-powered custom dress design platform. Simply describe your dream dress, and our AI generates high-resolution designs in seconds. Once you're happy with the design, we connect you with professional dressmakers who craft your dress to your exact measurements. The entire process takes 1-2 months from design to delivery.

Custom dresses on our marketplace start at just $349, significantly less than traditional boutiques which typically charge $1,400-$5,300+. The final price depends on the complexity of your design, fabric choices, and any special embellishments. You'll get a detailed quote from your dressmaker before confirming your order.

The entire process typically takes 5-7 weeks from order confirmation to delivery. This includes 1-2 weeks for design finalization and measurements, 3-4 weeks for your dressmaker to craft your dress, and 1 week for shipping. This is much faster than traditional dressmakers who often take 9-12 months.

Unlike traditional dressmakers, we use AI to instantly generate your design, offer transparent pricing starting at $349, and provide a streamlined online experience. Traditional dressmakers often have limited design options, long wait times (9-12 months), and high markup costs. We connect you directly with skilled dressmakers while handling the entire process digitally.

Absolutely! Our AI-powered platform lets you design your dream wedding dress from the comfort of your home. Simply describe your vision - whether it's a classic ballgown, modern minimalist, or bohemian style - and our AI will generate multiple design options for you to choose from.

Custom wedding dresses through Build-a-Dress start at $349, while off-the-rack wedding dresses typically cost $1,400-$5,300+. You get a completely personalized dress designed specifically for you at a fraction of the traditional cost. Plus, you avoid the stress of shopping and can ensure the perfect fit.

You can create any style of wedding dress you can imagine! Our AI can generate designs for ballgowns, A-line dresses, mermaid silhouettes, sheath dresses, tea-length gowns, and more. You can specify details like neckline, sleeve style, train length, fabric type, and embellishments.

We provide detailed measurement guides and work with you to ensure perfect measurements. Our dressmakers create made-to-measure gowns based on your exact specifications. If any adjustments are needed after delivery, dressmakers on our platform offer low-cost alterations to ensure your dress fits flawlessly for your special day.

Custom prom dresses ensure you'll be the only one wearing your design. Off-the-rack dresses often mean seeing other people in the same dress at your event. With custom design, you get a unique dress that perfectly matches your style, fits your body perfectly, and makes you feel confident and special.

Custom prom dresses through Build-a-Dress start at $349, which is often comparable to or less than high-end off-the-rack prom dresses that can cost $300-$800+. You get a completely unique, made-to-measure dress at an affordable price point.

We recommend ordering your custom prom dress at least 6-8 weeks before your event. This gives us time to perfect your design, take measurements, and allows your dressmaker time to craft your dress and handle any necessary alterations. Rush orders may be available for an additional fee.

Yes! Our AI generates high-resolution images of your dress design before any crafting begins. You can request modifications to the design until you're completely satisfied. Only after you approve the final design do we connect you with a dressmaker to begin the manufacturing process.

A custom quinceañera dress is designed specifically for you and your celebration. It reflects your personality, cultural heritage, and the significance of this milestone. Unlike off-the-rack dresses, your custom gown will be unique and perfectly fitted to your body, making you feel like a true princess on your special day.

Absolutely! Our AI can incorporate traditional elements like ballgown silhouettes, elaborate beading, tulle skirts, and classic colors like white, pink, or your chosen theme color. You can also request specific cultural details or modern twists on traditional designs.

Custom quinceañera dresses through Build-a-Dress start at $349, significantly less than traditional quinceañera dress shops that often charge $500-$2,000+. You get a completely custom, made-to-measure dress at an affordable price, allowing you to allocate more budget to other celebration elements.

We recommend ordering your custom quinceañera dress 8-10 weeks before your celebration. This timeline allows for design development, measurements, time for your dressmaker to craft your dress, and any necessary fittings or adjustments. Rush orders may be available for an additional fee if needed.

Yes. Our dressmakers design and make modest dresses specifically for hijab-wearing women. You set your coverage preferences (high neckline, long sleeves, floor-length hem, opacity), and we build the design and pattern around them. Before production, you approve the design mockups and key details.

A hijabi-friendly dress provides full coverage with opaque materials: high or mock necklines, long sleeves, and a floor-length hem. Our dressmakers ensure proper lining, avoid sheer panels over the chest/arms, and can add matching overlays, capes, or jackets when you want extra coverage.

Absolutely. Choose any silhouette (A-line, ballgown, mermaid, sheath) and details (lace, beading, trains, capes) while dressmakers on our platform maintain full coverage. Our team flags any areas that could become sheer and specifies lining or layering; you review and approve the final design before your dressmaker starts crafting.

Yes. We document your modesty and cultural requirements up front and use an internal checklist to enforce coverage (high neck, long sleeves, floor length, opacity). Makers experienced in Islamic bridalwear can add coordinated pieces (matching hijab, cape, bolero) and share progress photos on request.

Prices start at $349. The final quote depends on fabric choices, embellishments (like hand beading), and complexity (e.g., extended trains or custom embroidery). You'll receive a clear, itemized quote before you pay—no surprises.

Simply visit our design page and describe your dream dress in detail. Include style preferences, colors, fabric types, and any special features you want. Our AI will generate multiple design options for you to choose from and modify until perfect.

We'll guide you through taking accurate measurements including bust, waist, hips, length, and any other relevant measurements for your specific dress style. We provide detailed measurement guides and can assist you through video calls if needed.

Yes! Dressmakers on our platform offer low-cost alterations if adjustments are needed after delivery. Minor alterations like hem length or fit adjustments are included in this service. For major design changes, your dressmaker may need to create a new dress, which would be a separate order.

We're committed to ensuring your dress fits perfectly. If there are any fit issues, dressmakers on our platform offer low-cost alterations to make necessary adjustments. Our goal is your complete satisfaction, and we'll work with you and your dressmaker until your dress is exactly right.

We partner exclusively with vetted dressmakers that we've interacted with - no mystery makers. These are the same professional dressmakers that local boutiques use. Plus, you'll know exactly who is working on your dress once they approve it, and before you pay! Our dressmakers are carefully selected for their expertise in bridal and formal wear craftsmanship.

We require all dressmakers to ship DDP (duties paid), so you won't get hit with surprise customs fees. What you pay on our marketplace covers the complete cost from dressmaker to you. No hidden fees or unexpected charges at delivery.

Absolutely! Our dressmakers stock true bridal-grade fabrics including silks, taffetas, Italian satins, chiffons, organza, and more. If you want that luxe bridal drape and quality feel, our dressmakers have you covered. You're not limited to basic fabrics - these are the same premium materials used in high-end bridal boutiques.

Yes! Every dressmaker on our platform lists their specialties when applying. Our flagship bridal dressmaker can handle hand-beading, lace appliqué, corsetry, embroidery, and all forms of bridal embellishment. They currently supply over 700 dresses per month to various boutiques in the US. If you need hand-stitched crystals or intricate lace overlay, our dressmakers can make it happen.

We require each dressmaker to share detailed photos of previous hand-worked gowns before approval. Once they've approved your dress submission, you can chat directly with them and request progress photos as it's being made. Our measurement tool sends your exact specifications straight to your dressmaker - no guesswork. You choose your design, send your measurements, and your dressmaker makes it happen.

If something really misses the mark, we've built in an easy revision process. For fixable issues, dressmakers will handle adjustments. If it's not fixable, our team will get involved to mediate any refunds. We're committed to your satisfaction and will work with your dressmaker to make it right.

Currently, we only ship within the United States. We're working on expanding our shipping options to include international destinations in the future. Domestic US shipping typically takes 3-5 business days.

Since each dress is custom-made to your specifications by dressmakers on our platform, we don't offer traditional returns. However, dressmakers provide low-cost alterations for fit adjustments and minor alterations. For major issues, we work with you and your dressmaker to find a solution that ensures your satisfaction.

Your custom dress is carefully packaged by your dressmaker in a protective garment bag and sturdy shipping box to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Our dressmakers use professional packaging materials designed specifically for delicate garments.

Yes! You'll receive tracking information once your dress ships. You can monitor your order's progress through our platform and receive email updates at key milestones throughout the process.