One such studio opened last year in Princeton to create one-of-a-kind gowns from scratch. At Thurin Atelier (609-924-2153; thurinatelier.com), the process begins with a personal consultation between you and Parsons-educated designer Jean-Ralph Thurin. While you discuss wedding plans and fashion tastes, Thurin will sketch a gown to fulfill your wishes. Together you’ll select fabrics and embellishments from swatches. The next step is to try on a muslin pattern, adjusting both style and fit. Once the actual gown is sewn, you’ll typically have four fittings to ensure perfection.

“You end up with the unforgettable experience of watching your dream wedding dress come to life before your eyes,” promises Karyn Jeannopoulos of Thurin Atelier. “Plus a gown that’s yours alone, never to be duplicated for a magazine, a celebrity, or another bride.”

Carol Baron of Carol Baron Custom Made (973-485-2051; carolbarongowns.com) has been enamored with wedding dresses ever since attending her aunt’s wedding at age 5. This F.I.T.-educated designer has created custom gowns for 30 years, sewing each one personally. For Baron, the advantage of a custom gown is its pure individuality. “No bride-to-be wants to look like any other bride, no matter how beautiful, tasteful, or elegant another’s gown may be.”

So is a custom gown right for you? To begin with, there’s the $3,000 to $20,000 price tag to consider. Surprisingly, a custom gown can actually save you money; it’s labor-intensive but requires less overhead than a ready-made equivalent. But the process may take longer than buying off the rack—typically six months from start to finish—so plan ahead.

“We cater to the confident bride,” explains Jeannopoulos. “Someone who appreciates fashion and isn’t afraid to express herself through it.”

Baron describes her typical client as “savvy and sophisticated; someone who knows what she wants, but can’t find it on the racks.”

And if you’re ready to go completely custom, these designers can also create bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride, and flower-girl dresses to coordinate with your gown—along with matching vests and ties for your groom and his gentlemen.