How to Order Your Bridal & Custom Dress

Your special 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 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 event timeline.

  • Your preferred silhouette.

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

  • 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.

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Step 2: Order Confirmation,Payment & Custom Measurements

Once all details are confirmed and completes payment using one of the available options we expect the final custom measurements.

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

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

  • Virtual: 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.

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

It takes around 2 to 4 weeks for our simple pieces to be made. However we advice a 3-months order period for a wedding dress; nevertheless we can always accommodate to rushed orders.

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