Whether you customize an existing dress, ring, or invitation or have someone create an original design, it will add a charming, personal touch to your wedding day.

Weddings are loveliest when they reflect the spirit and style of the couple getting married, which is why a bride and groom often spend months searching for just the right details. But sometimes, no matter how hard they look for it, the perfect item proves elusive. In these cases, some people consider having the object, such as an engagement ring or wedding gown, custom-made just as they imagined it. Others simply want to have something completely fresh -- a wedding invitation, for example, that no one has ever seen before, says Eve Weinsheimer of A Day in May Design, a custom stationer in San Francisco.

In the truest sense, a custom-made item is designed from scratch to your specifications. However, in wedding parlance, the term has expanded to include pieces that are adjusted or personalized to fit a client's request. For example, a designer might pair the sash from one of her off-the-rack dresses with the skirt of another.

Having something custom-made does not inherently increase the cost. A sleek, unadorned sheath that is made-to-order may be more affordable than an elaborately beaded ready to- wear gown. However, if what you envision demands a significant outlay of time and creativity on the part of the professional you choose, expect to spend some money. Fortunately, experienced vendors often have plenty of suggestions to satisfy both a bride's imagination and her bottom line. For instance, a vintage diamond can appear larger and more brilliant depending on the setting, and a custom jeweler will be able to show you examples. You don't need to be artistic or to actually design all the details you wish to include; you just need to have an idea of what you want, find a vendor you feel comfortable collaborating with, and understand the process. Here is some information to help you.