Founder guide - Pricing
Custom wedding dress pricing guide: what affects Vi's quote.
Custom wedding dresses at VI Dressmakers start from $600 USD. This guide explains what changes a quote, what the written quote includes, and what to send first if you want a realistic number.
Vi's note
Custom wedding dresses at VI Dressmakers start from $600 USD. The final quote depends on silhouette, fabric, structure, lace or beading, timeline, and shipping requirements.
I do not publish a full price list. That is not because pricing is secret - it is because a fixed menu is not honest for custom work.
The quote for your dress depends on what is actually being made: the silhouette, fabric direction, bodice structure, lace or embellishment, train, timeline, and where the dress needs to be shipped. Two brides with the same inspiration photo can have very different quotes based on what they actually need.
What I can explain here is what drives a quote up, what keeps it manageable, and what I need from your brief to give you a realistic number. If you send a clear brief, I can review it and confirm a quote range before asking for anything further.
A useful quote starts with scope: silhouette, fabric, structure, timeline, and delivery plan.
What drives the quote
The biggest variable is what the dress needs to be built correctly.
The single biggest variable is what the dress actually needs to be built correctly. I review seven areas before confirming a number.
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Silhouette
A-line and column gowns use less fabric and have lower material waste. Ballgowns use significantly more fabric and may require internal structure. Mermaid gowns are pattern-intensive because the fit is close.
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Fabric
Fabric is usually the largest single cost item in a custom gown. Lace, beaded fabric, and specialty silks cost more than plain satin or crepe.
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Bodice structure
A structured strapless corset bodice with boning, cups, and internal support takes significantly more time than a simple slip bodice.
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Lace and embellishment
Lace applique, hand-placed crystal embroidery, beaded trim, and fitted bodice lace placement all change the production time.
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Train and hem
A cathedral train or heavily structured train adds fabric, weight, and packing complexity. A simple sweep train is less so.
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Timeline
Atelier production usually takes 8-12 weeks after deposit and confirmed measurements. A tight timeline needs feasibility review before deposit.
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Shipping
Shipping cost depends on destination country, courier availability, and dress volume and weight. A ballgown ships differently from a column.
The silhouette is not just an aesthetic choice. It determines how much fabric is needed, how complex the pattern is, and how many fitting checkpoints are built into production.
I confirm fabric availability and send a fabric proof option before production. If your reference uses a fabric I cannot source exactly, I confirm an alternative and its impact on the quote before proceeding.
Sofia’s case, a fully crystal-embroidered column gown, took 7 months and 5 atelier checkpoints for embellishment review. I share that case not to show an extreme, but to show what documented embellishment work looks like. Read Sofia’s case.
I do not accept orders I cannot complete properly. If your timeline is tight, I prefer to say so before taking a deposit rather than after.
What the quote includes
A written quote should cover more than a number.
When I send a written quote, it covers more than a number. The quote should make the scope, exclusions, payment milestones, and pending decisions clear before any production deposit is requested.
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Design scope
What is being made: silhouette, main fabric direction, bodice structure, surface detail included, and any items pending final confirmation.
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What is not included
If a detail from your reference is not in the quote, such as a detachable veil, belt, or second outfit, I note it clearly.
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Payment milestones
Most confirmed custom wedding dress orders use a production deposit after quote, then final balance before dispatch after final QC photos or video.
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Official instructions
Payment instructions are included in the written quote and confirmed on the invoice. I do not accept payment before consultation and written confirmation.
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What is still pending
If fabric, measurements, or a detail requires clarification, I note what is pending and when it will be confirmed.
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Shipping fees
Any agreed shipping fee is confirmed in writing before dispatch and covers courier transit to the destination shown in the quote.
Most confirmed custom wedding dress orders use two milestones: production deposit after consultation and written quote, then final balance before dispatch after you have reviewed final QC photos or video.
If a payment request does not match your written quote, contact me before paying. See payment safety policy.
For the full order sequence, read how to order a custom wedding dress from Vietnam, or compare the service flow on how the VI Dressmakers process works.
How to get an accurate number
The clearest briefs get the most useful quotes.
If your brief is vague, my quote will be a wide range. If your brief is specific, I can give you a tighter number and a clearer scope.
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References
Send images that show the silhouette, bodice structure, fabric texture, neckline, back design, and train. Multiple angles help.
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Wedding date and delivery country
Your wedding date or target delivery month tells me whether the timeline is realistic. Your delivery country helps me confirm shipping timing and courier planning.
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Fit concerns
Tell me which areas of fit you are most nervous about: strapless support, sheer coverage, hip ease, or sleeve comfort.
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Budget direction
You do not need to give a fixed number. A direction helps me review what is realistic and what may need to be simplified.
If you have a Pinterest board or a salon try-on photo, send those. Read how Vi reads saved dress photos before quoting.
If shipping is part of the order, read the shipping guide before final dispatch so the courier fee and delivery buffer are clear.
I do not pressure brides on budget. If the quote does not work, I prefer to say so early.
No payment is required to get a quote. I review your brief and confirm a range before asking for a deposit. If I cannot make what you need within your timeline or budget, I will say so.
Next reading
Related VI Dressmakers guides and cases.
Order process guide
How to order a custom wedding dress from Vietnam: inquiry, consultation, quote, measurements, production, QC, shipping, and alterations.
Timeline guide
When to order a custom wedding dress, including consultation, production, QC, shipping, and local alteration buffer.
Inspiration guide
How Vi reads saved dress photos before quoting: scope, fabric direction, and structure before a number is discussed.
Made in Vietnam guide
How to compare Vietnam bridal ateliers on process, proof, fit limits, and trust before payment.
Sofia's Embellished Vow
Crystal-embroidered column gown in Vietnam, with 7 months lead time and 5 atelier checkpoints.
Mina's Taffeta Ballgown
Premium wrinkle taffeta ballgown with fabric, structure, sketch review, production proof, and final QC.
Krystal's Draped Mikado
Mikado silk and tulle gown with fabric proof, WhatsApp production notes, QC video, and FedEx delivery.
Start with proof
Send your brief and get a quote range.
Share your references, wedding date, delivery country, silhouette direction, and any budget notes. Vi reviews the scope and confirms a quote before asking for payment. No payment is required to start the conversation.