FAQs
Before placing your order
How far in advance should I start shopping for a wedding dress?
Karla Gil advises brides to begin the bridal process 10–12 months before their event date. Production timelines for made-to-order wedding dresses vary by garment and are listed on each product page. We recommend allotting an additional 2–3 months for alterations following production.
If your timeline is shorter, please contact us. Shorter timelines may be possible and may incur rush fees.
Appointment bookings are available up to 90 days in advance. For availability beyond 90 days, please contact us directly.
What is the Karla Gil lead time?
General production timelines are provided for each style on our website. Please note that these windows are estimates and may vary depending on multiple factors.
Standard orders typically take an average of 6 to 8 months to produce, allowing 2–3 months for alterations post-production.
Can Karla Gil accommodate rush orders?
In certain circumstances, Karla Gil can accommodate rush orders. This would be an Expedited Reservation. A rush fee will be applied for these reservations
What do I need to do before purchasing my gown?
To complete your purchase at Karla Gil, the following must be finalized: Upload personal profile photos, design references along with customization notes, a signed Terms of Sale, and full payment via website checkout, provided payment link or alternative arrangement.
We will share the Terms of Sale, payment link, and any alternative payment instructions directly. Once all steps are complete, your timeframe will be reserved and production will begin.
When is payment due for my couture garment?
Full payment is due at the time the order is placed. All sales are final and non-refundable. No modifications or cancellations are permitted once an order has been placed and the Terms of Sale has been signed.
Will sales tax apply to my order?
Sales tax will be applied to your order in accordance with local tax law.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit card and bank transfers. There is no processing fee for credit card payments. For bank transfer details, please reach out to us through email.
Do you accept payment plans or deposits?
Due to the handmade and bespoke nature of our work, payment for collection and made-to-order garments must be made upfront and in full. We do not offer payment plans.
What is the difference between made-to-order, customized, and custom garments at Karla Gil?
Karla Gil offers three types of garments: made-to-order, customized and fully custom.
Made-to-order means an existing design from the Karla Gil collection is cut and constructed with your unique measurements after you place your order. The silhouette, fabric, and design have already been created by Karla Gil, and the finished gown is made specifically for you.
Customized means starting with a gown from the collection and incorporating slight changes or variations to make it bespoke to you: for example, a different neckline, an alternate fabric, or the addition of lace or embellishment.
Customizations are quoted on a case-by-case basis and incur an additional customization charge. Please note that not all customization requests can be accommodated; possibilities and pricing are confirmed during your consultation.
Custom means the garment is designed from scratch, exclusively for you. Working directly with the Karla Gil atelier, you collaborate on sketches, fabric swatches, and every design aspect to create a gown shaped entirely around your vision.
When should I buy my veil?
Ideally, consider selecting your veil at the same time as your gown so the two can be seen together. Bridal accessories such as veils can take four to five months to complete, so ordering early ensures they are ready in time.
If ordering a custom or made-to-order veil, allow two to three months before your wedding for styling adjustments.
Does Karla Gil sell veils?
Yes. Karla Gil offers a range of veils and bridal accessories. Browse the collection here.
Placing your Order
What goes into my Client Profile?
We begin by creating your personal profile to organize your photos, references, customization notes, and measurements.
You can submit your client profile through our website at Client Profile
Information Required:
Full Name
Delivery Location
Delivery Deadline
Event Date
For exact measuring guidelines a front, side and back profile photo wearing a sport top and leggings are required. Ideally taken in a well lit area.
Once we receive your photos we overlay the measuring guidelines for your garment. We then send guide lined photos back to you for measuring.
You may also upload photos for reference with customization notes
This should be finalized before official production begins.
What size will my garment be made in?
Karla Gil garments are made to order with your personalized measurements and proportions.
For measuring guidelines; front, side and back profile photos are required. Ideally wearing a sports top and leggings taken in a well lit area. Your photos will be overlayed with design-specific guidelines where measurements are needed.
Final measurements are monitored along the same guidelines as we approach completion. Typically 2 to 3 weeks before final photos of the garment are taken and sent for approval.
How do I measure remotely?
For measuring guidelines a front, side and back profile photo is required. Ideally wearing a sports top and leggings taken in a well lit area (example below).
Each design requires specific measurements. Once we receive your photos, we overlay the measuring guidelines for your design. We then send guidelined photos back to you for measuring using a standard measuring tape. Measurements may be provided in inches or centimeters.
We monitor your measurements along these same guidelines as we approach completion (typically 2 weeks before).
Once your final measurements are confirmed, we complete your garment, perform quality control, and send final photos for your approval.
What am I signing when I place my order?
When placing an order with Karla Gil, you will sign the Terms of Sale, a legal agreement between you and Karla Gil. By signing, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms and conditions.
Signing this contract is an obligatory step required to finalize your purchase.
What does 'all sales are final' mean in practice?
Once your order has been placed and the Agreement signed, no refunds, credits, modifications, or cancellations are possible under any circumstances, including if your event is cancelled or postponed.
What are my responsibilities as a client?
The most important responsibility of the client is providing accurate measurements. Failure to provide accurate measurements may incur additional alteration fees.
Once the garment is received, you are required to try on and inspect the garment within 15 days of delivery date. Communication regarding any alterations must be made within these 15 days.
What happens if I do not fulfil the terms of the Agreement?
Cancellation by non-acceptance of the garment, or other non-performance is still subject to our no refunds policy under the agreement.
Production
When will my order be ready?
Karla Gil aims to have orders promptly ready by agreed upon timeframe, ideally at least 8 to 12 weeks prior to your event date. Once the garment is complete, final photos are taken and sent to you for approval before shipment.
Can I order a swatch of my garment fabric?
Yes, you may request swatches by contacting us.
Will my Karla Gil garment look exactly like the sample?
Each couture garment produced by Karla Gil is handmade and one-of-a-kind. Due to the nature of the handwork, including variations in dye lots, fabrics, lace, and appliques, the final gown may show slight differences from the original sample.
These variations are an inherent and expected part of handmade couture.
In Person Experience
What does an In Person consultation entail?
For a more personalized experience, one on one consultations with Karla are welcome at our Miami Studio.
Each session will be approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Karla will guide you through silhouettes, fabrics and design details. A sample of your chosen style may be available to try on.
Lastly we take your profile photos, record your measurements and finalize quotes, timelines, and every detail of the design
Do I need an appointment to visit Karla Gil?
Yes. Karla Gil requires appointments to visit her Miami Studio. We are not able to accommodate walk-ins.
Please schedule your appointment through our book an appointments page
Is there a fee for an appointment at Karla Gil?
Yes. A $150 consultation fee is collected at the time of booking an appointment at Karla Gil. Following your appointment, this fee applies as a credit toward any couture garment purchase. A maximum of two consultation fees ($300) may be applied as credit toward a purchase.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so at least 48 hours in advance to receive a refund. Late cancellations and no-show appointments result in forfeiture of the fee.
How do I book an appointment at Karla Gil?
Consultations can be booked through our book an appointment page. If you have any questions about booking, contact us.
What should I expect during my Karla Gil appointment?
Your appointment is a private, one-on-one consultation with Karla at the Karla Gil Miami Studio. Over the course of 60 minutes, you will have the opportunity to try on desired styles available, discuss silhouettes, fabrics, and design details. If time allows, additional styles may be explored.
If you have styles in mind ahead of time, you can pre-select these during the booking process so they are ready for your visit.
If you have any special requests or concerns to share in advance, please include them in the "Personal Style Notes" section during the appointment booking process.
How long is an appointment at Karla Gil?
A Karla Gil appointment is approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Karla will dedicate this time exclusively to you.
What should I wear to a Karla Gil appointment?
We advise wearing flesh-colored, seamless underwear to your Karla Gil bridal appointment so you may fully appreciate the construction and detail of each wedding dress. We also request that you wear minimal to no makeup during your appointment.
How many guests can I bring to a Karla Gil appointment?
You may bring up to two guests to your appointment.
Can I take photos during my Karla Gil appointment?
Clients are welcome to take photos of themselves during their visit to the Karla Gil Miami Studio for personal use. Karla Gil's policy prohibits posting photographs or content captured during your appointment on social media.
What sizes are your garments sampled in?
Because Karla Gil garments are handmade, samples are limited to one size, typically 0, 2 or 4. In most cases, samples can be clamped or let out to approximate your measurements to envision your garment once adjusted.
We kindly ask you to provide your estimated gown size when booking, so we may select the sample size closest to you. If you have any further questions, please contact us directly and we will be happy to assist you.
How should I prepare for my Karla Gil appointment?
We recommend browsing the Karla Gil collection, so you arrive with a sense of the styles you are drawn to.
What should I think about before my appointment?
It can help to have a loose sense of your vision before you visit: the venue, season, and overall aesthetic can inspire the silhouettes and fabrics that will work best for you.
Can I cancel my Karla Gil appointment?
Yes. We kindly request that you cancel your appointment via the "Change/Cancel Appointment" link in your confirmation email no later than 48 hours in advance.
Please be advised that the $150 fee is non-refundable if notice is not provided in advance of this timeframe.
Custom Couture
What is a custom couture garment?
A custom couture garment is designed and constructed from scratch. At Karla Gil, the custom design process is a direct collaboration between you and our atelier. Personal pattern development and a premier seamstress crafting each gown to the highest standards of dressmaking.
Unlike made-to-order or customized garments, which both begin with an existing design from the collection, a custom gown is conceived and designed uniquely for you. Silhouette, fabric, embellishment, and construction are all created in collaboration with Karla and the atelier.
How does the custom process work at Karla Gil?
The Karla Gil custom process begins with an initial consultation, held in person at our Miami Studio or over video for clients outside of Miami. A sketch fee of $1,500 is required prior to beginning any custom design work and is applied as a credit toward your final gown purchase.
During the first meeting, you discuss your vision, timeline, and design direction with Karla. Once a clear concept is established, Karla Gil works directly with you to provide sketches and fabric swatches, considering all elements discussed in the initial consultation.
Measurements are taken at our Miami Studio or remotely, depending on location, and a timeline is set for the first fitting. From there, the gown is patterned and hand constructed by our atelier team. The number of fittings varies based on the gown's design and complexity.
How long does a custom garment take at Karla Gil?
The timeline for a Karla Gil custom garment varies based on the complexity of the design, fabric sourcing, and the number of fittings required.
Clients should book their custom consultation as early as possible to allow time for the full design and construction process. Once a concept is established and measurements are taken, a timeline is set for the first fitting. From that point, fittings and timelines vary based on the gown's design.
For made-to-order garments from the existing Karla Gil collection, the standard lead time is approximately 6 to 8 months from order date.
How much does a custom garment cost at Karla Gil?
Custom garment pricing at Karla Gil varies based on design complexity, fabric selection, and embellishment. Because each custom gown is a unique creation – designed, patterned, and constructed by hand in our Miami atelier – pricing is discussed during the initial consultation.
Once a quote is provided, order must be placed in full to officially reserve the timeframe for planning, sourcing, development and production.
Contact us to discuss your vision and schedule a custom consultation.
How do I book a custom garment consultation at Karla Gil?
To book a Karla Gil custom garment consultation, fill out the inquiry form on the Custom page or contact us directly.
The initial consultation can take place in person at our Miami Studio or over video. During the consultation, you discuss your vision, timeline, and design preferences with Karla.
For made-to-order collection appointments, or to customize an existing style, book through the Karla Gil appointments page.
Can I work with Karla Gil on a custom garment if I don't live in Miami?
Yes. To shop the collection or discuss customizations of an existing style, you can book an appointment at the Karla Gil Miami Studio
For full custom garments, in-person consultations are held at our Miami Studio. If you are not based in Miami, we begin the process virtually: initial consultations, design discussions, sketches, and fabric swatch reviews all take place over video.
Measurements for a custom gown can be taken remotely or in person at our Miami Studio, depending on your location. All fittings are held at our Miami Studio.
Most clients travel to Miami for fittings, and our team works with your schedule to consolidate visits. Karla Gil has worked with clients across the US as well as internationally.
I'm having a religious ceremony and need to be more modest. Will your garments work for me?
Yes. Karla Gil is pleased to offer customizations on a case-by-case basis, provided they maintain the integrity of our designs. Please note that modifications for modesty often require changes to the pattern during production, which may result in additional charges and an extended production time frame.
Can I customize veils at Karla Gil?
Yes. Karla Gil offers customization of veils on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to customize a veil, please note your request in the "Personal Style Notes" section when booking your appointment, or let us know during your consultation.
Final Approval and Delivery
How does final approval work?
Once final measurements are confirmed (approximately 2 weeks before completion) we are able to make adjustments if needed, complete the garment and take final photos for your approval.
What are my responsibilities as a client after delivery?
Once the garment is received, you are required to try on and inspect the garment within 15 days of delivery date. Communication regarding any alterations must be made within these 15 days.
How long does shipping take?
Once photos of your couture garment have been approved by you, we perform quality control and carefully package for shipping.
We will always ship through UPS unless otherwise requested. Depending on your timeline, packages will be shipped with a 2 to 3 day priority option at no additional cost.
Overnight One Day Air shipping is available at the client’s expense.
International shipping options are available at the client’s expense.
After Delivery
Will my Karla Gil garment need alterations?
In the case your garment needs some form of alteration, Karla Gil offers in-house alterations for garments purchased directly through Karla Gil.
Do you offer alterations at Karla Gil?
Yes. Karla Gil offers in-house alterations for garments purchased directly through Karla Gil.
Alterations must be requested immediately upon receiving and fitting of the garment. The client is responsible for all shipping costs for alterations.
Can I return or cancel my Karla Gil order?
Due to the handmade and bespoke nature of our work, Karla Gil does not offer returns or exchanges on our garments. For a smooth experience, please ensure that all modifications have been requested before your order has been officially placed and the Terms of Sale has been signed.