How long does a custom modest wedding dress take?
A fully custom AMALYA gown typically takes 3 to 6 months from first consultation to final fitting.
The timeline depends on the complexity of the design, fabric sourcing, and the level of hand-beading involved. We recommend booking your consultation at least 6 months before your wedding date to allow ample time for design development, multiple fittings, and any revisions. Rush orders may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis with an additional fee.
What's the difference between modest and traditional gowns?
Modest gowns feature full-length sleeves, higher necklines, and non-sheer fabrics while maintaining the same level of couture elegance.
At AMALYA, modesty is built into the design from the first sketch rather than added as an afterthought. Our gowns use opaque European fabrics, exclusive lace overlays, and meticulous construction to ensure complete coverage without compromising on silhouette, movement, or luxury. Every design is created for Orthodox and religious brides who expect couture-level artistry.
Can I order from outside Israel?
Yes. AMALYA serves brides internationally, with a partner location in Brooklyn, New York for US-based clients.
International brides can schedule an initial virtual consultation, after which they visit our Jerusalem studio or our Brooklyn partner for fittings. We coordinate shipping for the finished gown and can arrange travel fitting schedules to minimize trips. Many of our brides travel to Jerusalem for their final fitting as part of their wedding journey.
What's the price range?
AMALYA gowns are couture-level pieces, and pricing reflects the quality of materials and handwork involved.
Each dress is priced individually based on the design, fabric selection, and the extent of hand-beading and embellishment. Because every gown is made to measure with premium European fabrics, exclusive lace, and hand-applied beads, sequins, and fine pearls, we provide a detailed quote after the initial consultation once the design scope is established. We are happy to discuss budgets openly during your appointment.
How many fittings are required?
Most brides have 3 to 4 fittings throughout the creation process.
The first fitting involves taking precise measurements and reviewing the muslin or toile. Subsequent fittings refine the silhouette, confirm beading placement, and ensure a flawless final fit. For international clients, we work to consolidate fittings into fewer visits. The final fitting takes place close to the wedding date to account for any last-minute adjustments.
What materials does AMALYA use?
We work exclusively with European-quality base fabrics, imported lace, and hand-selected beads, sequins, and fine pearls.
Designer Amalya Cohen personally sources fabrics from European mills and selects exclusive lace patterns that are not available to other designers in Israel. All beading is done by hand in our Jerusalem studio, using quality beads, Swarovski-style crystals, sequins, and genuine freshwater pearls. The result is a gown with a tactile richness and luminosity that cannot be replicated with machine work.
Can existing designs be made more modest?
Absolutely. We regularly adapt silhouettes to meet specific modesty requirements while preserving the original design intent.
Whether you have seen a design in our collection or in a bridal magazine, we can modify necklines, add long sleeves, introduce lining layers, or adjust hemlines. Because we construct each gown from scratch, these modifications are integrated seamlessly rather than tacked on. Many brides bring reference images as a starting point for a fully custom modest design.
What's the ordering process?
It begins with a private consultation at our Jerusalem studio, followed by design, creation, and fittings.
Step one is booking a consultation where we discuss your vision, timeline, and modesty preferences. Next, Amalya sketches an original design tailored to you. Once the design is approved and fabrics are selected, creation begins in our atelier. Throughout the process you will have multiple fittings to ensure every detail is perfect. A deposit is required to begin, with the balance due before the final fitting.
Do you offer evening gowns?
Yes. AMALYA designs modest evening gowns and special occasion dresses using the same couture techniques.
Our evening wear line follows the same principles as our bridal collection: full modesty, hand-beading, exclusive fabrics, and bespoke tailoring. Whether it is a mother-of-the-bride dress, a gala gown, or a sheva brachot outfit, we create pieces that are elegant and fully modest. Evening gown timelines are typically shorter than bridal, starting at around 8 weeks.
How to book an appointment?
You can book a private consultation through WhatsApp, phone, email, or our contact page — see the Contact page for all options.
Appointments are available Sunday through Thursday at our Jerusalem studio on 68 Kanfey Nesharim Street. We recommend booking at least a week in advance, as appointment slots fill quickly. During the consultation, you will meet with Amalya personally to discuss your style, timeline, and any specific modesty requirements. There is no obligation to proceed after the initial meeting.
What's the difference between couture and ready-to-wear?
Couture gowns are made entirely from scratch to your exact measurements, while ready-to-wear is produced in standard sizes and altered to fit.
Every AMALYA gown is couture: hand-cut, hand-sewn, and hand-beaded in our Jerusalem studio for one specific bride. Nothing is pulled from a rack. This means the silhouette, fabric weight, lace placement, and embellishment are all built around your body and your vision, rather than compromised to fit a pre-made shape.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship finished gowns worldwide with full insurance and tracked, climate-appropriate packaging.
For brides in the New York area, we work with our partner Haas Bridal in Brooklyn, which allows for in-person fittings without flying to Israel. For brides elsewhere, we coordinate a combination of virtual consultations, measurement sessions, and a final shipment timed to arrive several weeks before the wedding. All international shipments are fully insured.
What sizes does AMALYA accommodate?
Every AMALYA gown is made to measure, so there are no standard size limitations.
Because we construct each dress from the measurements of the individual bride, we do not work from a size chart. We regularly dress brides across the full range of body types and proportions, including petite, tall, plus-size, pregnant, and post-partum brides. The pattern is drafted specifically for you, so the fit is designed in rather than altered afterwards.
Is the lace hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin?
Our European laces and base fabrics are selected for skin comfort, and we can use fully lined constructions for brides with sensitive skin.
The imported laces we use are woven from fine cotton and viscose blends rather than harsh synthetics, which reduces irritation. For brides with known sensitivities, we can add a soft silk or cotton lining between the skin and any beaded or textured areas. Please mention any allergies at your consultation so we can plan fabric choices accordingly.
Can I see the collection online before visiting?
Yes. Our website features a curated selection of recent AMALYA gowns, and we can share additional images during a virtual consultation.
The collection page on amalya.co shows representative designs across silhouettes and beading styles. Because every gown is custom, what you see is meant to communicate our aesthetic rather than a fixed catalog. During a virtual or in-person consultation, we can show additional pieces and discuss which elements you would like to draw from for your own design.
Do you offer alterations for previously purchased gowns?
We focus on custom creation rather than third-party alterations, but we do offer modesty modifications to gowns we have made.
If you purchased your gown from another designer, we generally recommend returning to them or working with a dedicated alterations specialist. For AMALYA brides, we continue to support the gown through the final fitting and can handle modesty adjustments, beading repairs, or fit refinements as needed. For inherited or heirloom gowns, please contact us to discuss whether a restoration project is feasible.
How should I care for my AMALYA gown after the wedding?
Have your gown professionally cleaned by a specialist in couture and beaded garments within a few weeks of the wedding, then store it in acid-free tissue in a breathable box.
Hand-beaded couture gowns should never be placed in a standard dry-cleaning machine. We can recommend trusted preservation specialists in Israel and abroad. For long-term storage, keep the gown flat or on a padded hanger, away from direct light and humidity, and check on it once a year to refold along different lines and prevent creasing.
Can you match a color or fabric I have in mind?
In most cases, yes. We source fabrics and laces directly from European mills and can match a specific shade or texture you envision.
Brides often bring a photograph, a swatch, or a description of a color they love, whether it is a warm ivory, a soft champagne, or a specific shade of white. Amalya personally reviews fabric options with you and can commission custom dyeing or special orders from our suppliers when needed. Some rare fabrics may require additional lead time, which we factor into the overall timeline.
What's included in the consultation fee?
The consultation is a private one-on-one meeting with Amalya at our Jerusalem studio to discuss your vision, review fabrics, and outline a timeline.
During the consultation you will see examples of our work up close, handle lace and fabric samples, and discuss your modesty preferences, wedding date, and budget in detail. There is no obligation to commission a gown afterwards. If you decide to proceed, the consultation fee is typically applied toward your gown deposit.
Do you design gowns for the mother of the bride or bridesmaids?
Yes. We create modest gowns for mothers of the bride, sisters, and wedding party members using the same couture techniques.
Many brides choose to dress key family members in coordinated AMALYA pieces so the overall look of the chuppah feels considered and harmonious. Mother-of-the-bride and sister gowns are typically designed in complementary fabrics and tones rather than identical to the bridal gown. Timelines for these pieces are shorter than bridal, generally 8 to 12 weeks.
What happens if my weight changes between fittings?
Minor changes are expected and built into the fitting schedule. Larger changes are handled at the next scheduled fitting.
Our construction method leaves seam allowances that allow the gown to be let out or taken in by a meaningful amount without recutting the pattern. The final fitting takes place close to the wedding specifically so the gown reflects your body at that moment. If you anticipate a significant change, please tell us early so we can plan the fabric order and beading layout accordingly.
Is it possible to have a rush order for a shorter timeline?
Rush orders are considered on a case-by-case basis. The recommended timeline remains 3 to 6 months.
If your wedding is less than three months away, please contact us directly so we can honestly assess whether a bespoke gown is feasible in the time available. Rush timelines reduce the number of possible fittings and may limit fabric and beading options, and they typically carry an additional fee. In some cases we may suggest adapting a recent design rather than starting from scratch.