Customise a Gown
Fall in love with a gown on our rail.
Then make it yours.
Not every bride wants to begin with a blank page. Some walk into the atelier, see a gown on our rail and simply know. Customising is for that bride.
You choose a gown or a studio sample from our own collection, purchase it, and we then redesign and reconstruct it in house until it reflects exactly what you want. It is faster than a fully bespoke gown and it is still entirely couture.
One gown. Reimagined for one bride.
Please note
Customising applies to gowns bought from Saarahjasmin Couture.
We do not redesign gowns purchased elsewhere. If you already own a gown and need it taken in, hemmed or reconstructed, that is handled through our alterations service instead.
Go to alterationsHow it works
Six steps from rail to aisle.
Step 01
Try the rail
Visit the atelier and try on gowns and studio samples in person. You will see how each silhouette sits on your body before any decision is made.
Step 02
Choose your base gown
Once a gown speaks to you, it becomes the starting point. You purchase that gown and it is then reserved for you alone.
Step 03
Design the changes
We talk through everything you would change. Sleeves, neckline, back, train length, lining, coverage, beading and colour tone are all open.
Step 04
In house reconstruction
All work happens in our Goodwood atelier. We unpick, re cut, rebuild and re bead by hand so the changes look original to the gown, never added on.
Step 05
Fittings
Two to three fittings refine the shape, length and comfort until the gown sits as though it was drafted for you from the beginning.
Step 06
Final press and collection
Your gown is steamed, pressed and packed with care, ready for the day it was made for.
What can change
Almost everything, if the base gown allows it.
- ✦ Add long sleeves, cap sleeves or detachable sleeves
- ✦ Raise or reshape the neckline for full coverage
- ✦ Close an open back or add a modest lining
- ✦ Add or remove beading, lace and pearl work
- ✦ Lengthen, shorten or remove a train
- ✦ Add an overskirt, cape or detachable skirt
- ✦ Change the fastening to buttons or a corset back
- ✦ Adjust the fit through the bodice, waist and hips
During your appointment we will tell you honestly what is possible on the gown you have chosen and what would be better achieved through a fully bespoke commission.
Investment and timing
Clear from the first appointment.
Your total is made up of two parts: the price of the gown you select from the rail, and a customisation quote based on the work involved.
Light customisation such as adding sleeves or raising a neckline typically begins at R3,500. Extensive reconstruction with new beading, a rebuilt back or a new skirt is quoted individually after your appointment.
Most customisations are completed within six to ten weeks. Shorter timelines may be possible with a rush fee, depending on studio availability.
Payment is 50 percent to secure the gown and studio time, with the balance due at the final fitting.
Come and see what is on the rail.
Appointments are private and unhurried, so you can try, imagine and ask everything you need to.