The sample is the most important step in bridal production. It is where your design becomes a real gown, and where you decide whether to move forward. This guide walks through how a sample moves from brief to production at our atelier.
1. Design brief and technical review
- OEM: send 2D pattern files and design specifications, or a physical sample that we can turn into a pattern.
- ODM: send an idea or mood references.
We review the silhouette, the construction complexity, and the materials, and we flag risks early. For both models, it helps to share your fabric and lace direction, your size range, the quantity you expect per style, and your target delivery date.
2. Design development and approval
For ODM, our design team prepares sketches or AI concept visuals for your review. Once the direction is confirmed, we prepare a work order list. Fabric selection and layering are confirmed with you, a toile can be made on request, and the work order list is finalized and signed before sampling starts.
3. Couture sample production
The sample is produced in our atelier: pattern, cutting, sewing, hand beading, and boning. Sampling takes about four weeks, and up to eight weeks depending on the fabric, lace, and handwork involved.
The sample fee is calculated at two to three times the production unit price. It depends on the fabric and manufacturing resources and is confirmed in your quote. Samples are paid in full before work starts, and part of the fee is credited when you place a production order.
4. QC report and remote review
Before the sample is dispatched, we inspect it against the approved work order list and issue a detailed QC report with close-up, unretouched photographs. You review it remotely and sign off, so you can check the construction and the details before the sample arrives. Approve the sample only when you are happy with it, because production follows the approved sample.
5. Shipping and technical documentation
After the QC report, the sample is shipped, and the technical documentation is handed over.
6. Production and quality monitoring
After sample approval, production typically takes about 30 days. For production, we ask for a 50% deposit to start, and the balance is due before shipment. Quality is monitored stage by stage, Japan QC is applied to every order, and our QC benchmark is set by our Japanese bridal group partners.
7. Final QC and delivery
A final QC check comes before delivery: every completed gown is inspected against the approved sample and passed through pin X-ray metal detection screening. We provide woven labels, care labels, hang tags, and garment bags under your own brand name, and a standard NDA protects your designs. Freight is quoted through our logistics partners. Our standard terms are FOB, and CIF or DDP are available depending on the order. If you have a designated forwarder, we work with them.
Next steps
Read about our sample making service, see how private label production with small minimums works, or find quick answers in our manufacturing FAQ. To start a sample, contact us. We reply within one business day.