FAQs
About Aeternum
What does Aeternum Bridal do?
We design and make luxury wedding dresses, handmade to your exact measurements. You choose your gown from our collections - Aurelia, Amore and Dancing Queen - and we make it for you from scratch in our specialist bridal workshops in Europe.
Because there is no boutique, no showroom and no middleman, you get a couture-quality, made-to-measure gown for a fraction of the boutique price. Aeternum is family-run, we have been featured in Tatler and Harper's Bazaar, and we are rated 5.0 on Google and Hitched.
Where are the dresses made?
Every Aeternum gown is handmade in our specialist bridal workshops in Europe, where our dressmakers work on everything from hand-placed lace and beading to fine tailoring and finishing.
Our founder, Kate, oversees every dress personally and checks it before it is sent to you.
Where are you based?
We are based in Battersea, London, and our dresses have been sold all over the world - from England and America to Hawaii, the Middle East, Japan and Australia.
Wherever you are, the experience is the same: a personal consultation with our founder, Kate, a dress made to your measurements, and free tracked delivery to your door.
Do you have a shop or showroom?
No - and that is exactly how we keep our prices fair. A traditional boutique has to cover rent, samples and stock, and that cost is built into every dress it sells.
Instead, every Aeternum dress is made to order, and you talk to us directly. Book a video call with Kate at any time - to ask every question, talk through the details and feel completely sure before you order. None of the boutique mark-up, and none of the pressure.
The dress-making process
How does the process work?
Choose the gown you love from our collections. Talk to us by video call to go through fit, fabrics and any details you would like changed. Measure - send us your measurements using our step-by-step guide, ideally taken with a local seamstress or tailor for accuracy, and we check them with you. Made for you - we make your dress to your measurements and deliver it to your door, typically within 12-16 weeks.
Can I talk to you before and after I order?
Yes, at any time. Book a video call with Kate, email us at kate@aeternumbridal.com or request a call back - whichever suits you.
Before you order, we will talk through the dress you love, the fit, fabrics, timings and anything else on your mind. While your dress is being made, you can call or email us whenever you like. There is no pressure and no obligation, and many of our brides tell us it was talking to Kate that gave them the confidence to order.
Do I need to travel to see you?
No. Everything can be done by video call, email and phone, so you can choose your dress from anywhere in the world, in your own time.
It is the same personal service you would expect from a luxury boutique, without the travel or the pressure.
Can I change details on a dress?
Very often, yes. Many of our designs can be adapted - for example a detail on the sleeves, the neckline or the length of the train - so your dress feels truly yours.
Tell us what you have in mind when we talk and we will advise what is possible for your chosen dress. We make dresses from our own collections only, and do not copy other designers' dresses.
How will I get progress updates?
We keep you updated as your dress is made, and let you know as soon as it is on its way. You can email us or book a video call at any point - you will never be left wondering where your dress is.
Fit and measurements
How can I be sure I will love my dress without trying it on?
It is the question every bride asks - and our reviews speak for themselves. Brides from all over the world have ordered without trying on first, and many tell us their dress was even more beautiful in person.
Every dress is shown with a full set of photos, and many have a video showing every detail. Book a video call with Kate and we will talk you through fabrics, detail and fit, so you know exactly what to expect before you order.
How do I take my measurements?
We send you a simple step-by-step guide for your chosen dress. Please take your measurements ideally with a local seamstress or tailor for accuracy. We then check every measurement with you before we start making your dress - so nothing is left to chance.
Will my dress need altering?
Usually not. Because we make your dress to your own measurements rather than a standard size, most of our brides need no alterations at all - one of the biggest differences from buying through a boutique, where several fittings are normal.
If a small final touch is ever needed, any experienced seamstress near you can help. We suggest leaving a few weeks between delivery and your wedding, just in case.
Payment and returns
Do you offer finance or partial payments?
Yes. Choose Shop Pay Instalments at checkout to spread the cost of your dress over 3, 6 or 12 months, subject to eligibility and approval.
What is your returns policy?
Because we make every gown to order, to your own measurements, we are unable to accept returns if you change your mind. That is also why we take such care before we start - talking through every detail with you and checking your measurements.
If your dress ever arrives faulty or not as described, we will put it right. Please see our refund policy for full terms.
Timings and delivery
How long will my dress take?
We typically deliver your dress within 12-16 weeks, depending on the season and the design. We will confirm your timeline once you have chosen your dress.
We recommend ordering at least five to six months before your wedding, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the process.
My wedding is sooner - can you help?
Very often, yes. Our express service can bring your dress forward, depending on our workshop schedule when you order. Tell us your wedding date before you order and we will confirm exactly what is possible for your chosen dress.
Do you deliver internationally?
Yes - we deliver worldwide, and our dresses have been sold everywhere from England and America to Hawaii, the Middle East, Japan and Australia.
Who pays for delivery?
We do. Delivery is free, wherever you are in the world.
Do I pay import duties or taxes?
Deliveries within the UK have no extra charges.
If your dress is delivered outside the UK, your country may charge import duties, taxes and customs fees when it arrives. These are set by your country, are not included in the price of your dress or delivery, and are payable by you - usually to the courier before your dress is handed over. Your local customs office or the courier can tell you what to expect. Please see our shipping policy for full details.
How long does delivery take?
Once your dress is ready, UK delivery typically takes around 3 days. International delivery may take slightly longer - we will confirm timings for your location.
Is delivery tracked?
Yes. Every dress is sent with tracked delivery, and we send you the tracking number as soon as it is on its way.
General
What label will be in my dress?
Every dress carries the Aeternum label.
Can you make a dress from my own design?
We make dresses from our own collections, which is how we keep quality consistent and prices fair. With more than a hundred designs to choose from, and many details that can be adapted, most brides find a dress that feels made for them - because it is.
Talk to us about what you have in mind and we will help you find it.
Do you make veils?
Yes. All the veils shown on our website can be ordered with your dress, so everything arrives together, made to complement your gown.
Do you make bridesmaid, flower girl or other event dresses?
Not at the moment - we focus entirely on wedding dresses, so that every bride gets our full attention.
Still have questions?
Talk to us at any time. Email kate@aeternumbridal.com, book a video call with Kate, or request a call back at a time that suits you.
