Wedding Dress Customization: 8 Things You Can Change at Lace & Love

Boho wedding dress with long chiffon sleeves, lace bodice and flowing veil, worn by a bride during an outdoor wedding photoshoot.

One of the most common misconceptions about ordering a custom wedding dress online is that you simply pick a dress, pick a size, and you are done. At Lace & Love by Shany Sasson, it works very differently. As a third-generation designer, Shany makes almost every gown to your exact measurements, and nearly every element can be adjusted, modified, or completely changed to reflect your vision.

True wedding dress customization means you can even combine the bodice from one gown with the skirt from another. Here are eight of the most common changes our brides request.

The Most Popular Wedding Dress Customization Options

1. Back Coverage

The depth of the back opening is fully adjustable. Brides who want an open back can have it cut deeper, while those who prefer more coverage can have the back raised. A closed back with buttons is also possible on most silhouettes. See the range in our open back wedding dresses.

2. Neckline

V-neck, sweetheart, square, high neck, and off-shoulder are all adjustable. A gown shown with a V-neck can be made more modest or deepened for a bolder look. This matters especially for brides with modesty requirements or a clear idea of how they want the neckline to photograph.

3. Sleeve Style

This is the most requested customization. A sleeveless gown can be made with long lace sleeves, flutter sleeves, or off-shoulder details, and a long-sleeve gown can be made sleeveless. We work from the same lace as the original gown, so the fabric always matches perfectly. Explore our long sleeve wedding dresses for inspiration.

4. Lining Color

Our gowns are lined in soft, breathable fabric, with ivory and nude as the standard options. Nude lining creates a skin-tone effect under sheer lace, while ivory gives a more modest, opaque appearance. This choice makes a significant difference in how the gown photographs and how it looks on different skin tones.

5. Skirt Slit

A slit can be added to almost any gown, from a subtle ankle slit to a thigh-high statement. It is popular for brides who want ease of movement, a touch of drama, or a cooler option for warm-weather weddings.

6. Hem Length

Standard gowns are made to a floor-length measurement, but we adjust the hem to your hollow-to-hem measurement with and without shoes. Your gown falls exactly where you want it, whether you wear heels, flats, or go barefoot.

7. Train Length

A train can be added to most silhouettes, from a subtle sweep train to a longer court train. We discuss the right length with you during your order consultation.

8. Strap Style

Thin spaghetti straps can be widened, off-shoulder styles can be given straps, and strapless designs can be converted to include straps for added security. Every strap adjustment uses the same lace as the gown.

How Custom Ordering Works

Customizing your gown is a guided, reassuring process, not a guessing game.

  • Choose a gown you love from any of our collections.
  • Share your measurements using our detailed guide.
  • Tell us the changes you want, and Shany confirms the details with you.
  • Your gown is made to order, then shipped worldwide.

Start by browsing our made-to-measure wedding dresses or the full wedding dress collection, then tell us how you would like to make it yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does shipping and customs work?

We ship worldwide via DHL or UPS Express on a DDP basis. All duties and taxes are prepaid, so there are no surprise customs charges at your door.

How do you make sure a customized gown fits?

Every gown is made to your exact measurements. We provide a clear measuring guide and Shany reviews your details before production to ensure a precise fit.

Can I really combine elements from two different gowns?

Yes. You can pair the bodice of one gown with the skirt of another, and combine these eight customizations to design a gown that is truly your own.

How long does production and delivery take?

Production takes 5 to 7 weeks, followed by express shipping. We recommend ordering with comfortable lead time before your wedding date.

Design Your Dream Gown

With 500+ five-star reviews and made-to-measure tailoring, your gown can reflect exactly who you are. Message Shany to talk through your customization, or browse all wedding dresses to find your starting point.