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Couture, Crafted for You

 

Step Into the World of Ritual Unions

Book a private appointment at our Berlin showroom and try on our curated selection of bridal and evening gowns.


Designer Karin will personally guide you through the process — helping you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that reflects your individuality.


Whether you fall in love with a design from our collection or dream of something entirely custom, your journey toward your perfect dress starts here.


 
 

WHAT WE OFFER

 
 

I. Custom Designs

Create a fully bespoke gown in close collaboration with our designer.

  • Lead Time: 6–12 months

  • Process:

    1. Explore silhouettes and fabrics during your appointment.

    2. Co-develop your personal design.

    3. Receive a sketch and a custom quote after your consultation.

    4. 5–7 fittings, starting with a cotton toile before crafting the final gown.

  • Result: A couture dress made entirely to your vision, with unparalleled craftsmanship.

II. Made-to-Order Collection

Choose from our existing collection, handmade to your measurements.

  • Lead Time: 3–6 months

  • Process:

    1. Select your favorite styles from our collection.

    2. Try on samples during your appointment.

    3. Measurements are taken to ensure a tailored fit.

    4. 3–5 fittings to perfect your gown.

  • Result: A personalized version of one of our signature designs, crafted just for you.

 
 
 
 

Your Journey with Us

Every piece at Ritual Unions is handmade in our Berlin atelier — created slowly, sustainably, and with great intention.


Experience couture craftsmanship, personal storytelling, and a dress that feels like an extension of you.

 
 
 

FAQ

MY WEDDING IS IN LESS THAN 3 MONTHS, WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE?

rush orders are possible within up to 4 weeks, but this only applies to specific models and comes with an additional fee. For extremely spontaneous customers, there's also the option to purchase a ready-made sample directly off the rack, for example, in our sample sale. However, even in this case, you should allow some time for adjustments.

WHERE DO THE APPOINTMENTS TAKE PLACE?

The appointments take place in our atelier, where the dresses are also made. Next to the workshop we also have a showroom set up with sample dresses. The dresses can be tried on, so you can get a wonderful idea of what styles/shapes suit you.








ARE ALL PIECES FROM YOUR COLLECTION AVAILABLE TO TRY ON?

We are a slow-fashion brand and focus on a sustainable production. Unfortunately not all designs are always available to try on. Our samples sometimes travel to trunk shows or photo shoots. To make sure, your favorite style is available, let us know beforehand and we’ll schedule the fitting accordingly.








WHAT IS POSSIBLE FOR CUSTOM DESIGNS?

In principle, almost everything is possible. As far as the laws of nature and physics allow it, of course. What we do not do, however, are two things: 1. copy from others and 2. designs that do not fit our aesthetics.








CAN I ALSO ORDER A DRESS FROM THE MADE-TO-ORDER COLLECTION WITH SMALL CHANGES?

Yes! All dresses are individually handmade-to-order, therefore we can offer customizations when we feel like the design change is within our aesthetic.








WHAT COSTS SHOULD I EXPECT?

Made-to-Order Collection:

Simple dresses / jumpsuits / civil wedding / party: €1,500 - €4,000
Ceremony gowns: €4,000 - €10,000


Custom Designs:

Custom designs: €8,000 - €16,000

Custom made-to-measure designs require a high development effort and the final costs depend on the design and everything involved in the process like labor, materials, fittings, alterations and so on. After your first appointment you will receive a sketch and a price quote.

It is best to tell us your budget from the beginning, so we can take it into account when choosing the fabric and designing the gown.








WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT CONDITIONS?

At the time of order confirmation, 50 % of the total amount is due, payable by bank transfer or credit/debit card.
The second 50 % is due just before the pickup, when your dress is ready.

Online Shop orders require a payment upfront of the total amount.








HOW LONG DOES THE PRODUCTION TAKE?

The production time for the made-to-order collection is about 3 months. For custom designs the lead time is 4 - 6 months.

 






CAN I ORDER DRESSES ONLINE?

We will take your measurements into account when you order online, however, in this case we work with a regular size chart. Please expect to look for a local tailor to adjust the dress for you. In addition, everything we do is made-to-order, which means that there is no right of return. If you consider ordering a dress online, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Custom designs are only available in our Showroom in Berlin.






CAN I BRING FRIENDS TO THE FITTING?

We totally understand that you want to share this moment with your closest people. We have different appointment types available with or without guests. Once you have your dress ordered, you can bring guest to every following fitting without extra costs.




If you have more questions, don't hesitate to write us!

 

PHILOSOPHY

"At Ritual Unions, every thread, every choice, and every collaboration is guided by purpose, passion, and authenticity."

 

Quality

At Ritual Unions, craftsmanship is everything.
Each piece is made-to-measure, handcrafted in our Berlin atelier using elevated couture techniques and premium materials — from luxurious natural fibers to hand-embroidered European lace.
Designed to last, created to be uniquely yours.

Sustainability

Sustainability is not a trend — it’s our foundation.
We repurpose deadstock fabrics, upcycle materials, and minimize waste at every step.
From carbon-neutral shipping to zero-waste processes and renewable energy, every Ritual Unions piece is a conscious choice — beautiful with a lighter footprint.

Equality

Ritual Unions is proudly female-owned and radically inclusive.
We celebrate all genders, ethnicities, body types, and identities.
Our made-to-measure approach is about honoring individuality — so you feel seen, empowered, and unapologetically yourself.

 
 
 
 
 

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

"A Life of Craft, Love, and Radical Creativity."

 
 
 

Karin Brettmeister – Founder and Creative Director of Ritual Unions

Karin Brettmeister takes the radical route — in design, business, and philosophy.
After graduating top of her class at ESMOD Munich, she honed her couture skills at renowned fashion houses such as Marchesa (New York) and J. Mendel (Paris), before founding Ritual Unions in 2017.

Built entirely through organic growth, Ritual Unions is a true passion project: every piece is handmade in-house in our Berlin atelier, with no external production — a radical commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.

Karin’s forever inspiration comes from her grandparents, who lived a life of love and craft in their own small tailoring studio.
Today, she honors that legacy through every custom fitting, every emotional final adjustment, and every bride’s moment of transformation.

"The greatest reward isn’t the awards or milestones — it’s the emotional connection. Seeing brides' tears of joy, their confidence, their gratitude. That’s what makes this my dream job."

— Karin Brettmeister

 
 
 
 
 

CUSTOMER’S REVIEWS


“Getting my wedding dress from Ritual Unions was the best decision. The entire experience, from trying on dresses to the final fitting, was perfect. Karin and her team are extremely professional and kind. My dress was too beautiful for words. I got so. many. compliments! Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤️”

Caoilainn Scouler




“Thanks to Karin and the entire team at Ritual Unions, I got to wear not only my dream dress, but also my dream jumpsuit. The whole process of making it was incredibly great- so great that I was almost a little sad when I picked up the outfits at the end. I felt so so taken care of from the very beginning. Thanks a million for that.”

Eva Marie




“When I started looking for my wedding dress, I quickly realized that based on my ideas but also what is currently trendy, I would have more difficulty finding something "off the rack" that suits me. With RU, I found exactly what I needed - someone who would take a close look at my ideas and wishes and then create the perfect dress for me with a lot of taste and expertise. I felt wonderfully comfortable - without all the fuss - and it was insanely fun to see my custom-made, super cool wedding dress come to life at RU.”

Lana Kleimann






“[…] Noble materials meets real craftsmanship mixed with a lot of cordiality and good taste. Karin has a good eye and you immediately feel in good hands. The backyard studio has so much charm, I understand less and less why brides-to-be do the impersonal bridal stores with the many expensive dresses off the rack. At RU you get so much more for your money as a bride. Karin and her team are one of a kind and I am sooo happy with both of my dresses. You guys are the best and the best thing that can happen to brides ❤️”

Carolin







“I can wholeheartedly recommend Karin from Ritual Unions to any bride. Through my profession as a wedding planner, I know many bridal fashion stores and stores that also offer custom-made products. Ritual Unions stands out not only because of its incredibly great designs and fabrics (also far from the one-size-fits-all), but also because of Karin's personable manner. You can just tell that she loves and understands her craft…”

Sharon Werbelow







“[…] my complete experience and search for that one unique wedding dress was perfect at Ritual Unions. Karin was both consultant/designer and good friend throughout the process, which I absolutely appreciate. I was looking for a two piece and the search as well as fittings and collaboration was a dream :) Her studio shows how much experience and love is behind her work and the "Berlin Feeling" is included. On sympathy points definitely a 10/10! Actually, it's a shame that you only get married once. Thank you Karin <3”

Julie W.









“Coming from a design background myself, I was immediately enraptured by Karin's extraordinary designs and enchanting creations. A uniqueness I had never seen before. Refreshingly unconventional, yet elegant and beautiful, delicate and excitingly sensual. Beyond anything I had ever known of "bridal fashion" before. Super individual and with a lot of sophistication […] I trusted Karin completely and just let her do it. And that was the best! […]

[She created] a dress that felt so very "me". And that's how I felt on my big day. 100% myself and quite simply authentic. A priceless feeling. The luxury beyond that: the dress fit so incredibly well that I didn't give a second thought to having to adjust […] RITUAL UNIONS is my real heart tip. Karin creates you a dress with so much love and skill that is so very you, you almost can not believe it [...]

THANKS KARIN ❤”

Inga Lieckfeldt










“Through friends I met Karin, a very great personality! Sympathetic, competent and so creative! And in her studio is a very special flair :) She had created a whole new dress for my wedding. I had received so many compliments :) Lace and tulle were just a dream. Actually, it's a shame that ideally you only get married once ;D I can really only recommend her designs! It was really worth the trip from Munich to Berlin.”

K.W.










“Karin, the owner and designer of Ritual Unions, is not only an insanely great person who puts so much love into each and every creation, she is also a true artist who designs and manufactures beautiful dresses with dedication, creativity and perfectionism in her studio in Berlin. Her attention is also focused on sustainability: from the selection of fabrics, to the cut and production.”

Pia Saum










“I got married in July 2019 and chose a Ritual Unions bodysuit and tulle skirt […]

In June just before the wedding I went to Karin's studio in Berlin for small adjustments. It is located in a typical Berlin backyard my sister and I immediately felt in great hands. On the spot I decided to have a matching veil made from the lace of the bodysuit.

At the wedding I danced into the night and nothing slipped. Again, a big thank you for your great work Karin.”

Patrizia Palme




 

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xxx