Custom Headpiece Design: What the Atelier Session Includes

How the custom headpiece design process works

What actually happens during the 90-minute session?

You meet one-on-one with Fashion Director Gisele Del Busto and the design team at the Miami, FL, atelier. The session is built around exploring materials, shape, silhouette and refined detailing for a completely custom Maria Elena heirloom. You also preview existing designs for inspiration and refinement.

Can I do the consultation virtually?

Yes. The Styling & Design Experience offers two options: Virtual or In person. Optional virtual accommodations are available upon request if you cannot travel to the Miami Design Studio.

What will I leave with?

The session is a collaborative design consultation, not a finished piece. You work through material options (crystals, pearls, metals and signature Maria Elena finishes), plus guidance on shape, scale and silhouette. The custom headpiece itself is handmade in the studio after the appointment.

How does the $300 appointment fee work?

The $300 appointment fee is credited toward your piece only if you place the order on the same day as your appointment. If you do not order during the appointment, you forfeit the $300 fee. Plan your decision timeline with that same-day rule in mind.

Design consultation questions worth asking

The session covers a lot of ground in 90 minutes. Bring focused questions so the design team can use the time on decisions rather than basics.

• Which materials suit my vision?: Ask to compare crystals, pearls, metals and the signature Maria Elena finishes side by side. The session includes a review of these materials.
• How will shape and scale work with my look?: Personalized guidance on shape, scale and silhouette is part of the appointment. Bring reference images of your dress, hair plan or venue if you have them.
• What existing designs can inform my piece?: The appointment includes a preview of existing designs for inspiration and refinement, so ask which current silhouettes are closest to your idea.
• What happens after the appointment?: The custom heirloom is handmade in the studio. Ask the team to walk you through the next steps for your specific design before you leave.

Who the bespoke session is designed for

This experience is for brides seeking a truly one-of-a-kind creation that will be handmade in the studio and passed down for generations. If you already know you want a standard piece from the existing collection, a custom appointment may be more process than you need. If you have a specific story, silhouette or material mix in mind, the one-on-one format gives you room to explore it.

Styling & Design Experience at a glance

• Styling & Design Experience: 90-minute private consultation with Fashion Director Gisele Del Busto and the design team at the Miami, FL, atelier, with Virtual or In person options. The format and length tell you how much design ground you can cover and whether you need to travel.

  

• Styling & Design Experience: Includes review of crystals, pearls, metals and signature Maria Elena finishes, plus personalized guidance on shape, scale and silhouette. These are the core decisions that shape a custom headpiece, so knowing they are covered helps you prepare.
• Styling & Design Experience: The $300 appointment fee is credited toward your piece only if the order is placed on the same day as your appointment; otherwise the fee is forfeited. This same-day rule is the main financial constraint to plan around before you book.