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Ordering Process

Every gown is thoughtfully designed in Australia.
With each detail and intricacy, affectionately designed and guided throughout the make process by Lydia.

Dress Ordering Options

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Made to Order

All of our dresses are cut and crafted specifically for you. Our Made to Order gowns are those that you can see on our website available for purchase, with two options available: MTO Standard and MTO Custom.

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MADE TO ORDER – STANDARD

Price AUD $500- $5.5k

MTO Standard is when you order from our ‘Made to Order’ gowns and select from our ‘Standard’ set sizing. These dresses have been carefully considered and crafted in the case that alterations may be required.

  • These dresses are made in our standard sizing (3XS – 5XL) as per our ‘Lydia James size guide’.
  • The majority of the dresses on our website are available for MTO Standard ordering.
  • Optional styling items such as attachable sleeves, shoulder trains, etc are also available within this process.
  • Most styling items are specific to the chosen dress, and you will find the option to select this on the dress order page.
  • Due to their design complexity and handcrafted nature, some of our dresses are not suitable for MTO Standard ordering.
  • Your MTO Standard dress will be shipped or available for local collection within 4 months of your order confirmation date.
  • If you would like to request an MTO Standard priority order to be shipped at an earlier date, please get in touch to discuss this prior to placing your order.

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MADE TO ORDER – CUSTOM

Price AUD $3k - $6k

MTO Custom is available for all of the Made to Order dresses on our website and for an extra fee; allows you to customise your dress in many ways.

  • With MTO Custom ordering, you can choose to have your gown made to your unique measurements along with simple adaptations such as necklines, sleeve length, train length, etc.
  • Customisation allows you to discuss dress variations with our designer, either in person (for Brisbane/ Sunshine Coast locals) or via email and video call for remote clients.
  • Due to their design complexity and handcrafted nature, some of our dresses are only suitable as a custom made to measure option. Where this is the case, we have provided a set Made-to-Measure price. And any further customisation is available for an extra fee.
  • If you have fallen in love with a dress but would like a large customisation, such as a very different shaped bodice, etc. Then please get in touch and we can advise the timeframe and pricing for this.
  • Your MTO Custom gown will be shipped or ready to collect 5 months after your confirmed order date.
  • If you would like to request an MTO Custom priority order to be shipped at an earlier date, please get in touch to discuss this prior to placing your order.

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Bespoke

BESPOKE - ONE OF A KIND

Price AUD $4k - $9k+

Let’s get creative and make magic!

Bespoke dresses are very different to our made-to-order dresses. As they are a collaboration between client and designer to create a one-of-a-kind gown. The overall process is far more personal and intricate regarding all details such as shape, fit, fabrics, embellishments, etc. The sky is the limit, and this is your opportunity to create the dress of your dreams!

  • This process will always begin with an initial consultation with Lydia, which can be either in person (for Sunshine Coast & Brisbane locals) or via video call for remote clients. During this consultation Lydia will discuss with you the variety of creative options available within the Bespoke service and also learn about your inspiration and what ideas you have in mind. This will be a detailed discussion with the aim for Lydia to be able to provide you with some sketches.
  • Initial consultation fee $250. You can book this via our web page ‘Bespoke - One of a Kind’. And Lydia will be in touch to schedule a suitable appointment date and time with you. This fee includes your 30-minute consultation and 3 x dress sketches that will be provided to you after the consultation.
  • If you have some small questions before booking your consultation, please feel free to contact us via email. If you have many questions, you will be advised to book in for an initial consultation.
  • Ordering timeframes for a Bespoke gown should ideally be a minimum of 8 months prior to your wedding date. However, this can be less or more depending on the style and detail required within your gown. This can be discussed during your initial consultation.
  • To place your order for a bespoke gown. A deposit payment of AU$1,500 is required.
  • Priority Order - If you would like to request a priority ordered bespoke gown please contact us at hello@lydiajames.com.au with details of your wedding date, inspiration images and budget along with any other helpful information. And we will let you know if your request is manageable within your timeframe.

Measurements & Sizing

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HOW TO TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS

We strongly advise that you have someone to assist you with taking your measurements, as it is difficult to stand correctly when taking measurements for yourself. You may engage a friend or family member to help with this following the below guide. Or for more peace of mind you may visit a local seamstress or tailer to have these measurements taken professionally.

You may find it helpful to tie a piece of string around your bust, waist and hip lines in advance of taking the measurements.

Stand up straight at all times, back straight, shoulders back, arms relaxed and looking directly forward. If you are looking down to watch the measurements be taken, this may result in incorrect measurements.

Using a soft tape measure, measure the full circumference of the body on the intended line. The tape should gently hold in place for taking the measurement, not be pulled tight.

When you are measuring around the body, make sure that the tape is in a straight line (not sloping down at the back), this is particularly important for the bust measurement.

NOTE: MADE TO ORDER - CUSTOM. If you have requested MTO - Custom for the made-to-measure option. More specific measurements will be required. One of our team will be in touch after you have placed your order to provide you with the full list of measurements required for your chosen dress. 

............

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

After taking your measurements, refer to the 'Lydia James size guide' below for selecting the correct size. Please be sure to note your exact measurements on your order so that we can assist in checking that you have chosen the correct size garment.

1. BUST - Measure the circumference around your bust and back at the fullest point of your bust.

  • The fullest part of your bust, usually inline with your bust points (nipples).
  • Take this measurement without wearing a bra, or if you are a larger cup size, take this measurement wearing a thin fabric bra or crop top, making sure that the bra is not fastened too tightly in any way that may distort the natural measurement.
  • Keep your back straight with your arms relaxed by your side.
  • Take a natural breath in when this measurement is taken.


2. UNDERBUST - Measure the circumference under your bust and around your back. (where your bra strap sits).


3. WAIST - Measure the circumference of your waist. Take a natural breath out when taking this measurement, the tape measure should just be touching the skin, not pulled tightly.

(If you bend to the side, the crease that forms is your natural waistline - below your ribcage.)


4. HIP - Measure the circumference of your hip at the widest part.

(This measurement is to be around the fullest part of your bottom.)


5. WAIST TO FLOOR - Standing up straight (not looking down), measure from your waistline to the floor.

(If you already have the shoes that you will be wearing with your dress, take this measurement wearing these. Alternatively, wear shoes of the same heel height for this measurement.)

6. NAPE TO FLOOR - Standing up straight (not looking down), measure from the nape of your neck (the hollow between your collarbones) to the floor.

(If you already have the shoes that you will be wearing with your dress, take this measurement wearing these. Alternatively, wear shoes of the same heel height for this measurement.)


 

SELECTING THE CORRECT SIZE DRESS

When ordering online, choose the size from our standard size guide that is closest to your largest measurements. For example, if your measurements are not exact to our standard size guide...

You should choose the size that is the same or larger than your largest measurement. For example, if your measurements represent Bust size 14, Waist size 16, Hip size 14.

Then you should order the size 16 as this is showing as your largest measurement based on our standard size guide. Ordering the larger size, allows for the dress to be altered to fit.

However, do not worry if this sounds a little confusing… be sure to insert your personal measurements into the box provided on the order page as we will always check your measurements against the selected size, to ensure that you have ordered correctly.

Should there be anything that we need to discuss with you about changing the size of your selection or any other queries, we will get in touch with you to discuss this.

Placing Your Order

We understand that you are unique! We aim to provide a service and experience that allows you to shine in your own magical way on your special day!

We want your true self to shine bright, and that is why we offer as many customisable options as possible to give you the opportunity to make each dress a little more you. We help you do this by offering attachable sleeves, shoulder trains, over skirts, colourful fabrics and where possible, even create two spectacular individual dresses out of one. 

ATTACHABLE ACCESSORIES AND REMOVABLE GARMENTS

Many of our dresses offer attachable sleeves or shoulder trains to maximise your styling options, check out the dresses you love to see what additional styling options are available on the order page.

TWO DRESSES IN ONE

Because why have one incredible wedding dress, when you can have two!

Rather than making a traditional wedding dress with the top layer and lining layer combined, we offer beautifully crafted slender or corseted dresses in an array of colours to wear underneath your embellished ceremony gown. So you can choose your ceremony bridal look, and from the options on our order page, select the colour of your second dress that will be worn underneath.

After everybody has witnessed the ceremony in your beautifully embellished romantic gown, is when you reappear to reveal the more slender and perhaps colourful, party gown for a whole new fun look, perfect for dancing the night away. And even more exciting... is that these are always offered in at least one of our signature colourful prints.

Payment

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Full payment is required at the time of placing your order. We also offer Afterpay to support interest free payment plan purchasing.

CURRENCY

All pricing is in Australian dollars and are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

DUTIES & TAXES

Whilst we offer free worldwide shipping on all of our Made to Order gowns. For orders outside of Australia, import duties and taxes may be applicable.

You are responsible for the payment of any duties and taxes associated with the shipping of your item/s. These charges are levied by your local customs authority and are due on delivery or collection of your package.

Timeframes and Delivery

MADE TO ORDER - STANDARD

Your dress will be made to order, to your standard dress size, based on our 'Lydia James size guide' (4XS - 5XL).

RECOMMENDED ORDER DATE

Place your order 6 months prior to your wedding date, to allow additional time for shipping, alterations and peace of mind.

DISPATCH DATE

Your gown will be dispatched from Brisbane, Australia. 4 months after your order confirmation date.

SHIPPING FEE

All of our Made to Order gowns are shipped free of charge to anywhere in the world.

SHIPPING TIME

Please refer to our 'shipping' tab for information regarding shipping times to your Country.

Note - If we need to contact you regarding discrepancies with your measurements and selected sizing. You may be advise of a new 'Order Confirmation' date via email once these details have been resolved. 

 ............

MADE TO ORDER - CUSTOM

Your dress will be made to order, with the option for custom measurements to fit and/ or custom style adaptations.

RECOMMENDED ORDER DATE

Place your order 7 months prior to your wedding date, to allow additional time for shipping, alterations and peace of mind.

DISPATCH DATE

Your gown will be dispatched from Brisbane, Australia. 5 months after your order confirmation date.

SHIPPING FEE

All of our Made to Order gowns are shipped free of charge to anywhere in the world.

SHIPPING TIME

Please refer to our 'shipping' tab for information regarding shipping times to your Country.

 ............

BESPOKE - ONE OF A KIND

Your dress will be one-of-a-kind. Designed and made uniquely for you. With new patterns created and made to your measurements, using a bespoke design and fabrics.

RECOMMENDED ORDER DATE

Get in touch ASAP and place your deposit order 8 months prior to your wedding date. Bespoke order and ready dates can be extremely variable depending on the detail and intricacy required within your custom designed gown.

DISPATCH DATE

Your gown will be dispatched from Brisbane, Australia. 6 weeks prior to your wedding date. Unless otherwise agreed within our consultation and design process.

SHIPPING FEE

While we aim to provide complimentary shipping for all of our gowns. Bespoke gowns may incur an additional fee in cases where they are extremely voluptuous in size or extremely weighted with heavy fabrics and embellishments. 

SHIPPING TIME

Please refer to our 'shipping' tab for information regarding shipping times to your Country.

    Shipping

    SHIPPING FEES

    MADE TO ORDER

    All of our Made to Order gowns are shipped free of charge to anywhere in the world.

    BESPOKE

    While we aim to provide complimentary shipping for all of our gowns. Bespoke gowns may incur an additional fee in cases where they are extremely voluptuous in size or extremely weighted with heavy fabrics and embellishments. 

     

    SHIPPING TIMEFRAMES

    AUSTRALIA

    Deliveries within Australia will be sent tracked via Australia Post or DHL. With delivery periods of up to 4 business days and up to 10 business days for Western Australia. Once dispatched, we will provide you with your tracking information via email.

    INTERNATIONAL

    All international orders are shipped tracked via DHL, FedEx or UPS. With delivery periods of up to 14 business days, depending on location. Once dispatched, we will provide you with your tracking information via email.

     

    DUTIES & TAXES, CUSTOM CHARGES

    AUSTRALIA

    Not applicable within Australia.

    INTERNATIONAL

    Orders shipped internationally, outside of Australia may be subject to import duties and taxes. We recommend checking with your local import/ customs department for an estimate cost, so that you can be aware of any charges that may be due upon receiving your package.

    We are unable to estimate these charges for you as they are determined by a variety of factors such as size, weight, value of the items/ package and destination, varying by Country and State.

    You are responsible for payment of any duties and taxes associated with the delivery of your item/s. These charges are levied by your local customs authority and are due upon delivery or collection of your package.

    Returns

    CHANGE OF MIND

    We do not offer a refund or return due to change of mind. If the cut and sew of your dress has not yet begun, we would be happy to discuss changing some details of your order, please get in touch asap to discuss this option.

    REFUNDS, RETURNS AND EXCHANGE

    As all of our dresses and accessories are Made-to-order, we do not offer refunds due to change of mind, and we do not accept returns for exchange. These garments are made individually and specifically for you.

    You must contact us within 24 hours of receiving your delivery if you have any concerns about the item that you have received.

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    ............

    HOW TO TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS

    We strongly advise that you have someone to assist you with taking your measurements, as it is difficult to stand correctly when taking measurements for yourself. You may engage a friend or family member to help with this following the below guide. Or for more peace of mind you may visit a local seamstress or tailer to have these measurements taken professionally.

    You may find it helpful to tie a piece of string around your bust, waist and hip lines in advance of taking the measurements.

    Stand up straight at all times, back straight, shoulders back, arms relaxed and looking directly forward. If you are looking down to watch the measurements be taken, this may result in incorrect measurements.

    Using a soft tape measure, measure the full circumference of the body on the intended line. The tape should gently hold in place for taking the measurement, not be pulled tight.

    When you are measuring around the body, make sure that the tape is in a straight line (not sloping down at the back), this is particularly important for the bust measurement.

    NOTE: MADE TO ORDER - CUSTOM. If you have requested MTO - Custom for the made-to-measure option. More specific measurements will be required. One of our team will be in touch after you have placed your order to provide you with the full list of measurements required for your chosen dress. 

    ............

    TAKE MEASUREMENTS

    After taking your measurements, refer to the 'Lydia James size guide' below for selecting the correct size. Please be sure to note your exact measurements on your order so that we can assist in checking that you have chosen the correct size garment.

    1. BUST - Measure the circumference around your bust and back at the fullest point of your bust.

    • The fullest part of your bust, usually inline with your bust points (nipples).
    • Take this measurement without wearing a bra, or if you are a larger cup size, take this measurement wearing a thin fabric bra or crop top, making sure that the bra is not fastened too tightly in any way that may distort the natural measurement.
    • Keep your back straight with your arms relaxed by your side.
    • Take a natural breath in when this measurement is taken.


    2. UNDERBUST - Measure the circumference under your bust and around your back. (where your bra strap sits).


    3. WAIST - Measure the circumference of your waist. Take a natural breath out when taking this measurement, the tape measure should just be touching the skin, not pulled tightly.

    (If you bend to the side, the crease that forms is your natural waistline - below your ribcage.)


    4. HIP - Measure the circumference of your hip at the widest part.

    (This measurement is to be around the fullest part of your bottom.)


    5. WAIST TO FLOOR - Standing up straight (not looking down), measure from your waistline to the floor.

    (If you already have the shoes that you will be wearing with your dress, take this measurement wearing these. Alternatively, wear shoes of the same heel height for this measurement.)

    6. NAPE TO FLOOR - Standing up straight (not looking down), measure from the nape of your neck (the hollow between your collarbones) to the floor.

    (If you already have the shoes that you will be wearing with your dress, take this measurement wearing these. Alternatively, wear shoes of the same heel height for this measurement.)


     

    SELECTING THE CORRECT SIZE DRESS

    When ordering online, choose the size from our standard size guide that is closest to your largest measurements. For example, if your measurements are not exact to our standard size guide...

    You should choose the size that is the same or larger than your largest measurement. For example, if your measurements represent Bust size 14, Waist size 16, Hip size 14.

    Then you should order the size 16 as this is showing as your largest measurement based on our standard size guide. Ordering the larger size, allows for the dress to be altered to fit.

    However, do not worry if this sounds a little confusing… be sure to insert your personal measurements into the box provided on the order page as we will always check your measurements against the selected size, to ensure that you have ordered correctly.

    Should there be anything that we need to discuss with you about changing the size of your selection or any other queries, we will get in touch with you to discuss this.

    MADE TO ORDER - STANDARD

    Your dress will be made to order, to your standard dress size, based on our 'Lydia James size guide' (4XS - 5XL).

    RECOMMENDED ORDER DATE

    Place your order 6 months prior to your wedding date, to allow additional time for shipping, alterations and peace of mind.

    DISPATCH DATE

    Your gown will be dispatched from Brisbane, Australia. 4 months after your order confirmation date.

    SHIPPING FEE

    All of our Made to Order gowns are shipped free of charge to anywhere in the world.

    SHIPPING TIME

    Please refer to our 'shipping' tab for information regarding shipping times to your Country.

    Note - If we need to contact you regarding discrepancies with your measurements and selected sizing. You may be advise of a new 'Order Confirmation' date via email once these details have been resolved. 

     ............

    MADE TO ORDER - CUSTOM

    Your dress will be made to order, with the option for custom measurements to fit and/ or custom style adaptations.

    RECOMMENDED ORDER DATE

    Place your order 7 months prior to your wedding date, to allow additional time for shipping, alterations and peace of mind.

    DISPATCH DATE

    Your gown will be dispatched from Brisbane, Australia. 5 months after your order confirmation date.

    SHIPPING FEE

    All of our Made to Order gowns are shipped free of charge to anywhere in the world.

    SHIPPING TIME

    Please refer to our 'shipping' tab for information regarding shipping times to your Country.

     ............

    BESPOKE - ONE OF A KIND

    Your dress will be one-of-a-kind. Designed and made uniquely for you. With new patterns created and made to your measurements, using a bespoke design and fabrics.

    RECOMMENDED ORDER DATE

    Get in touch ASAP and place your deposit order 8 months prior to your wedding date. Bespoke order and ready dates can be extremely variable depending on the detail and intricacy required within your custom designed gown.

    DISPATCH DATE

    Your gown will be dispatched from Brisbane, Australia. 6 weeks prior to your wedding date. Unless otherwise agreed within our consultation and design process.

    SHIPPING FEE

    While we aim to provide complimentary shipping for all of our gowns. Bespoke gowns may incur an additional fee in cases where they are extremely voluptuous in size or extremely weighted with heavy fabrics and embellishments. 

    SHIPPING TIME

    Please refer to our 'shipping' tab for information regarding shipping times to your Country.

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