Designing Your Dream Dress with Alter Me - Together Journal

A behind-the-scenes look at the Alter Me process.

Tucked away in the heart of Auckland, Alter Me is not your typical bridal studio—it’s a haven for brides seeking a truly personalised, made-to-measure gown that reflects their unique vision. Led by Nazneen, the team at Alter Me takes each bride on a one-on-one journey from first sketch to final stitch. In this behind-the-scenes look, we walk through the thoughtful and collaborative process that turns dream dresses into reality—tailored with care, creativity, and exquisite craftsmanship.

Step one:

The initial bespoke bridal consultation is a time for you to have a one-on-one with our Creative Director and Head Designer, Nazneen. We go through your chosen design/s and walk you through the endless possibilities that will give you the look that you are envisioning.

For brides who are unsure of their design this is the perfect opportunity to have a sit down and discuss your options and try on our beautiful Rosa Clara collections, in order to figure out what silhouette, necklines and fabrics are right for you.

After you’ve chosen a design we will do a quick sketch of the end result and discuss what fabrics will be used. Having a visual sketch allows you to see the dress and its details and gives you the opportunity to discuss changes with us. We have an endless range of satins, silks and laces to choose from, and can source more if none are right for you at the time.

Step two:

First mock-up fitting. This is a toile that we make out of a similar weighted fabric that represents your chosen fabric. In this first fitting we have the opportunity to look at the design come to life, to see whether we need to make changes to the design in order to suit you better if that is what you require. This can include changes such as lowering the neckline, adding a slit, etc.

Step three:

Second mock-up fitting. This is another toile, which may have minimal changes and will look more like your end dress. If you’re planning on fluctuating with weight, we will refit the second toile and make changes to our pattern accordingly. Once your weight is stable we will continue to the next step.

Step four:

Final fitting with the actual dress. At this stage we would have constructed your dress in your chosen fabric. This is the last fitting appointment where we will pin the back to insert the zip and hem the dress at the right length of your shoes.

Step five:

Pick-up! You’ll be trying on your dress, making sure it’s absolute perfection before leaving us. You’ll receive a sketch of your bridal dress in a keepsake bridal book along with fabric swatches from your dress and care instructions. Your dress will be given to you in a custom Alter Me garment bag to keep it safe till your wedding day.