about
ELLA MAY
I love to work closely with brides, fusing my style with theirs and bringing a vision to life. That creative process, built together, is, for me, the most fulfilling experience - and I can assure anyone that they will love it too.
Ella May London was created to design bespoke wedding dresses that feel like a true extension of the bride herself. Every dress is built around the individual, bringing together her favourite elements of style and detail to create something entirely personal and unique.
I studied Fashion and Textiles before completing a Diploma at the Vogue College of Fashion & Design, and went on to spend six years at CHANEL. Immersed in couture, luxury, and exceptional craftsmanship, that experience continues to shape how I design today, with a strong focus on precision, quality, and timeless construction.
The brand came about organically during Covid, when I designed a bespoke wedding dress for my cousin after her original plans fell through. From there, commissions grew naturally through word of mouth, driven by my love of designing one-to-one and creating wedding dresses that reflect the personality and style of each bride.
Today, I design from my Notting Hill Gate studio, where all appointments take place. Each dress is sketched live with the bride and evolves through a series of fittings, allowing the design to be draped, refined, and crafted directly on her. The process is relaxed, collaborative, and supportive, with every bespoke dress named after the bride herself.
At the heart of everything I do is the experience. I want every bride to feel guided, reassured and confident throughout the journey. The bespoke process is designed to be relaxed and enjoyable - built on trust allowing the dress to evolve instinctively while always staying true to the bride’s vision.
I believe a wedding dress should have longevity beyond the day. Many designs are created with versatility in mind, featuring interchangeable elements. We also offer the option for dresses to be adapted after the wedding - they can be dyed, shortened, or reworked, so they can be worn and loved again.
From sketch to aisle
The Process
01
The
CONSULTATION
Once you have scheduled a consultation with Ella May, a relaxed complimentary discussion will follow. This first meeting comes with no obligation to work with Ella May London. The purpose is simply to get to know each other, share dress ideas, and delve into the design process. At this stage, the aim is to gain deeper insights into your vision, wedding day, and timelines. If you are interested in proceeding with EML, we will provide you with a bespoke proposal outlining your design schedule and pricing.
02
The
DESIGN
The next step is the design stage. Following the initial consultation, Ella May London will send an invoice for a 'design fee'; this goes towards the final price of your dress and must be settled before we put pencil to paper.
The design process is a collaborative exchange between the bride-to-be and Ella May. When it comes to styles, we are highly adaptable. We will work through sketches, design concepts, and fabrics to create the vision of your ideal dress.
Once we have finalised the draft of your bespoke design and selected fabrics, we will take your measurements and our dressmakers will commence in creating your toile.
03
The
FITTINGS
In the proposal, we will outline a fitting timeline for you. This will be based on your specific dates and the complexity of your design. To proceed to the fitting stage, a 50% deposit is required.
This is when the enjoyment really starts. Bring a family member, or friend; the fittings are when we will gradually adapt and develop the dress until you feel completely comfortable and confident.
The first step will be an initial fitting, where you try on a toile version of your dress so that the design can be tested and perfected before cutting into your chosen fabrics.
04
The
AISLE
By your wedding day, we will have meticulously hand-crafted a bespoke dress with you that perfectly fits.
Detailed instructions will be provided on how to travel with the dress and care for it. The final cost of your dress must be settled before collection.
The Ella May London team will be on call before and during your wedding day should you need their guidance.
05
The
EVERLASTING DRESS
We don't believe a wedding dress should be worn once and then left to gather dust in a cupboard.
A timeless piece should be worn many times. So, after your wedding, if you wish, please get in touch, and we can discuss adjusting your design...Whether it is shortening, refitting, or even dyeing it, allowing you to wear your bespoke dress again and again.
BEGIN YOUR BESPOKE JOURNEY