How to Order Your Custom Ethiopian Traditional Wedding, Melse Dress

Your shemgelena, melse, or wedding day deserves a masterpiece that honors heritage through high-fashion couture. At Hindeke by Hiwot Takele, we specialize in designing and crafting bespoke, made-to-measure Ethiopian traditional bridal wear, luxury Habesha shemgelena, melse, or wedding dresses, and premium ceremonial attire.

Whether you are based in Addis Ababa or ordering internationally from anywhere in the world, our seamless bespoke process ensures your dream gown fits flawlessly.

Step 1: Your Initial Bridal Consultation

Every custom gown begins with your vision. Contact our Addis Ababa design studio to schedule a physical or virtual consultation. During this session, we will discuss:

  • Your preferred bridal silhouette

  • fabric choices (premium handwoven Menen or Saba), and custom Tibeb embroidery patterns.

  • Your wedding timeline and styling preferences.

  • Inspiration from our signature runaway collections, including Ye Serge Tizita.

  • Sizing and measurements (using our size guide)

  • Custom requests (color, length, sleeves, detailing)

  • Pricing and payment options

  • Production timing and shipping details

You can order directly from our official website or contact us on

  • Email: hindekedesign@gmail.com 

  • Phone number: +251 913880055 | +251 947981236

  • WhatsApp: +251 913880055 | +251 947981236

Step 2: Order Confirmation,Payment & Custom Measurements

Once all details are confirmed on WhatsApp or email, the customer completes payment using one of the available options and after payment is completed, the customer provides final custom measurements with the assistance of our team.

To ensure a perfect, tailored fit, we require detailed structural measurements.

  • In-Person Brides: Schedule an appointment at our atelier for a professional fitting session.

  • International Brides: We provide a comprehensive, step-by-step measurement guide and host a live video session to assist you or your local tailor in capturing the exact measurements needed for our pattern-makers.

Production begins only after payment confirmation and receipt of accurate measurements.

Before submitting measurements, follow our step-by-step custom gown measurement guide.

Payment options:

• Bank Transfer (Custom-Made Gowns)
Customers may choose between:

  • 50% deposit to secure the order, with the remaining 50% balance paid after final approval, or

  • Full payment upfront, if preferred.

Deposits reserve production capacity and materials and are subject to our Refund Policy.

• Pre-Made / Ready-to-Ship Dresses
For pre-made or ready-to-ship dresses, full payment is required before the order is processed and shipped.

Step 3: Production

After payment, design and measurement confirmation, the gown enters production. Our master artisans begin the authentic creation process. We source the finest fibers to weave your custom textiles by hand, ensuring a luxurious drape and texture unique to your gown. Your custom embroidery patterns are plotted explicitly to match your design proportions.Each dress is handmade specifically for the customer.

Production timelines vary by design, fabric availability, and scheduling, and are communicated prior to or during order confirmation.

If you are ordering for a fixed-date event, work backward from the event date and leave a realistic buffer.

Step 4: Tailoring, Fitting, and Worldwide Delivery

Our production timeline for a custom traditional Ethiopian wedding dress typically spans 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the handwoven embroidery.

Once the gown is completed, we will share a detailed final approval video showing the finished dress, including its structure, fit, fabric, and design details.

This final approval video is provided for every order, whether the gown was secured with a 50% deposit or paid in full upfront.
The gown is shipped only after the customer reviews and confirms the final video.

For orders placed with a 50% deposit, the remaining balance is completed after approval and before shipment.
For orders paid in full, shipment proceeds after approval confirmation.

Step 5: Shipping & Tracking

After final approval and full payment (if applicable), the gown is shipped worldwide using trusted international couriers.

A tracking number is provided as soon as the order is dispatched.

Important Notes

  • Custom-made gowns are produced individually for each client

  • Production begins only after payment and measurement confirmation

  • Final approval is required before any order is shipped