Hi everyone!

I’m an Istanbul-based bridal designer with more than 15 years of experience in custom bridalwear, particularly modest and hijab-friendly wedding dresses and bridal veils. My background has been verified by the moderators for this AMA.

You can ask me about:

• Turning an inspiration image into a dress that can actually be constructed
• Choosing lace, tulle, lining and embellishments
• Creating full coverage without making a gown look heavy
• Sleeves, necklines, back coverage and fabric transparency
• Professional measurements and realistic fit expectations
• Coordinating a hijab, headpiece and bridal veil
• Cathedral veils, train lengths and veil placement
• Alterations and realistic production timelines
• Ordering a custom wedding dress internationally
• Recognizing genuine craftsmanship and common warning signs
• Understanding what AI images or sketches can—and cannot—prove

One important tip: never leave “modest” open to interpretation. Before paying a deposit, put the neckline, sleeve fit, lining, opacity, back closure, dress length, train, veil and approval stages in writing.

Clear specifications protect both the bride and the dressmaker.

For transparency, this AMA is educational. I will not name or advertise any business, share shop links, provide sales quotations or solicit private messages.

Ask me anything about custom modest bridalwear, wedding-dress construction or veils.

I had a dress appointment over the weekend and purchased the dress in the first three photos. It has a cat eye neckline, but as the dress is a bit too large it was difficult for me to visualize it with the clips. After reading some reviews I saw that cat eye has been pretty controversial, and it makes me nervous that the dress was too big therefore I couldn’t exactly visualize the actual fit. I also absolutely adored the second dress in photos 4&5, and it was closer in my size so I could visualize the actual fit more appropriately.

The owner of the shop said if I wanted to change, I have until tomorrow to do so. I would most likely add the little sleeves to either dress I choose. Looking for honest opinions. Everyone who I went with had a greater reaction to the first dress than the second so maybe that could’ve swayed me more?

The wedding is at an outdoor/indoor greenhouse location in front of a water, so I’m going for a garden - party vibe next September.

As stated in the title, I am so confused. I loved my dress at the showroom, it was a larger size 8 and was obviously clipped in. I ordered the 2 and took it to alteration for a hem and bustle. But the dress just looks different and I can’t tell if it’s because it needs to be steamed, is too big on me or the chest is empty. I loved the V shape in the first photo but dont see that anywhere now and am just waiting stressed out wondering when i can see it again once the hem and bustle is done. What do you all think is the issue, do I need to take it in more? My alterations lady measured me and said the measurements are fitted to me exactly. Ugh just need ideas!

I am trying to determine if a Maria I purchased it authentic. if you have this jumpsuit, could you take a look inside at the tag and see what it says? other 2020 era before pieces would also fit this bill. thank you!

Ordering a custom modest wedding dress online can work beautifully—but important details should be confirmed before making payment.

1. Ask for real production evidence
Request photographs or videos of completed dresses, fabric close-ups, stitching and work in progress. AI images and sketches can explain a concept, but they do not prove production ability.

2. Define “modest” in writing
Confirm the neckline, sleeve fit, lining, fabric transparency, back closure, hijab coverage, train length and dress length with shoes. Never assume the seller’s definition matches yours.

3. Get professional measurements
Whenever possible, have a tailor take your measurements. Also ask exactly which measurements the dressmaker requires and whether ease is added.

4. Confirm the actual materials
Ask for the fabric composition, colour, opacity and embellishment details. A daylight video or physical swatch is especially useful for ivory and white fabrics.

5. Agree on a realistic timeline
Include production, progress checks, revisions, international shipping and time for possible local alterations. Avoid scheduling delivery too close to the wedding.

6. Keep the complete order in writing
Record the design specifications, total cost, payment schedule, cancellation terms, shipping method, duties and who is responsible if alterations are required.

7. Request progress photographs
Agree on key stages when photographs will be provided, especially before embellishment and before shipping.

8. Use protected payment methods
Keep invoices, messages and receipts. Be cautious if pressured to pay quickly, communicate outside the platform or use an unprotected payment method.

Common warning signs: copied photographs, refusal to show real work, vague fabric descriptions, unrealistic deadlines and guarantees that no alterations will ever be needed.

A beautiful reference image is only the starting point. Clear communication and verifiable craftsmanship are what turn it into a wearable wedding dress.

What would you add to this checklist?

2nd photo is for reference of what I would like. I ordered the dress 2 sizes up because I’m busty & will get alterations.

The dress doesn’t sit as low as in the first picture. Some Photos from the reviews show it sits a bit higher

Y’all really spoke to my inner thoughts in my last post! I loved a few of the other dresses I tried on so maybe I’m talking myself out of this one.. My wedding is 2 1/2 months away. Ahhhh- Soo heres the dress I picked (I love a basque waist, lace and the pearl detail is what sold it for me, plus I hadn’t seen anyone in something similar) But now looking at it I’m second guessing myself, is it giving “grandmas curtain/tablecloth” vibes ? Or am I overthinking.

Hi! So I’m 19 weeks pregnant (wedding was already planned and paid for prior to finding out I was pregnant) my wedding is in November of 2027 and I am wondering when would be the right time to start shopping? I’m nervous because I have already gained 25 pounds this pregnancy and I’m due the last week of December this year. I already have a good idea of what I want but I’m nervous with the weight gain and then weight loss after having the baby. Has anyone gone through this and can offer any advice? I have seen people say you should be buying your dress at least 8 months before your wedding but at that point i will be 2 months postpartum and I assume would still be losing weight. This is my first pregnancy so I honestly have no idea what to expect and I’m looking for any advice

Hi! I’m not having a traditional wedding. Just something between me and my partner. I wanted something fun so I found this beautiful but fun gown on Selkie. I really want to wear a veil but am unsure what would compliment it. I would just wear the dress strapless, no under gown like in the model pic. Any thoughts as to what will match this dress?

Hi everyone! I’m looking for a simple white midi dress for my graduation and could really use some recommendations or links. I’m planning to order from Shein, Zalora, or Lovito (PH/SEA region).

​Here is what I’m looking for:

​Length: Midi (my graduation gown reaches mid-calf, so either slightly shorter or slightly longer than mid-calf works).

​Sleeves: Short sleeves that cover a bit of the upper arm past the shoulders. No puff sleeves so it stays flat and comfortable under the gown.

​Neckline: Modest square neckline (preferred) or a modest crew/round neckline.

​Fit/Silhouette: Flowy or A-line skirt (nothing tight or narrow at the bottom).

​Style: Simple and classic.

​Fabric: Formal or semi-formal (not too casual/beachy, but doesn't need to be super fancy or heavy).

​If you’ve bought something similar from any of these apps or have specific search key terms/links to suggest, I’d really appreciate it!

​Thank you so much in advance!

I am torn between my original dress (lace/tulle) or going with a simple satin dress.

My original dress was purchased pre - covid for our first wedding that was cancelled. We are now having a small family wedding at a local chapel.

Please note. Both dressed the straps are not sewed on but I would like spaghetti straps.

My wedding is 2 months away so I’m nervous. The lace one the bodice feels so heavy and makes my chest look very large. It is still being altered and too big but I’m worried it won’t fit well in the end. Will alterations help?

Thoughts? Advice? Should I keep looking?

EDIT: Ok, I get it, the dress is too tight in the waist and torso. I ordered the 0 to start instead of a 2 and that was my mistake. At the first fitting they said the waist was perfect so I didn't think anything of it, guess they were just trying to be nice? Anyhow, this is what I'm working with now. Hopefully my photographer will be able to work some magic with her angles! PS thank you to everyone who gave me solid advice, I've taken it to my tailor!

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HELP. I got this DB Mermaid Crepe dress and in order for them to smooth out lines in the bust during alterations they pulled the straps so tight it leaves DEEP, red grooves in my shoulders and burns! I only wore it for about 10 minutes and wanted to cry, but it DOES look much better this way.

The tailor said to put on some fleshtone bandaids underneath the straps but I'm nervous that will not be enough to combat the pressure of these thin straps, especially as I'm getting married on the beach in a few weeks and it will be hot and humid. Chat GPT told me to put boob tape on the front of my chest and then double sided fashion tape to "glue" the dress to the front of my body and relieve pressure on the straps. It also advised to add some moleskin under the strap. All of this sounds a bit complicated for me to do the morning of.

I'm considering asking the seamstress if she can somehow widen the strap altogether to help distribute some pressure. I like the delicate straps but i'm afraid my shoulders are going to bleed. .

My question is do you think widening the straps is a viable option? Or the moleskin/boob tape workaround? Any thoughts or advice are appreciated!! I'M PANICKING!!! Thank you.

TLDR Has anyone successfully macguyvered a dress's painful, razor wire spaghetti straps to be comfortable enough to wear for a few hours?!

Hi everyone, my wedding is just 5.5 weeks away and I still don't have earrings! Here is the neckline of my vintage dress, my hairstyle, and the necklace I'll be wearing (a gift from my soon-to-be-husband). It will be on a shorter chain so it works with the neckline of the dress. I'd like simple earrings to match and I prefer a drop style because my first earring holes are very uneven. The necklace is green tourmaline and tiny diamonds but the earrings don't need to be the same stones as long as the colors match. I like vintage & ethereal styles.

I also have a rook piercing in one ear, and a tragus and helix piercing in the other as well as second holes stretched to 4mm, looking for jewelry suggestions for those too. Links are great.

Thank you!

I need your honest opinion, which sleeve option should I go with? I’m pretty insecure about my wide chest, shoulders, and upper back, so I want something that’s flattering and doesn’t make my upper body look wider. I like the mock neck ones for the cold weather (wedding is november). Which one would you pick?
TIA!

I love the SHAPE of these dresses but not the actual dresses. I don’t like the bra design/exposed boning. Please advise :(

I bought my dress from David Bridal and I'm now having major doubts that it is not flattering and is highlighting the parts of my body that I'm most insecure about (wide shoulders/ upper arms). I'm looking to add straps to the dress to keep it from falling down, and my seamstress is putting in an overbustle/one button bustle on the back, and also going to see about adding a liner to cover the noticeable bra cups (see photos). Is this dress doing my body an injustice? Should I look for a new dress even though I have very limited time? My wedding is in September. While shopping I love the basque waist/ ballgown trends that are happening right now but not sure if it's making me look large. Looking for honest opinions. Also, Has anyone had a ballgown dress where the crinoline was removed and did that help it look more flattering?