Designing your own wedding dress can be an exciting and creative journey. With open communication and a talented designer, you will end up with a gown that truly reflects your personality and style.
However, this process can also be overwhelming and lead to over-analyzing every detail and second guessing your decisions. It is important to step back and relax, so that you can look at your dress concept with fresh eyes. Discover the benefits of making your own wedding dress with ideas from https://www.winsomebrides.com.
1. Think about what you want
A wedding dress is a special item that can have so many personal touches, making it unique to each bride. These details can range from detailed lace to unique embroidery, and many brides choose to add elements that have a special meaning to them.
Before starting the process, it is important to think about what you want your final dress to look like. This will help guide you when creating a pattern. It is also helpful to take a trip to the fabric store and observe different shapes, colors and textures. Try on as many dresses as possible to see what styles will work for you. Remember, that a dress can look very different on the hanger than on a model.
2. Gather inspiration
Your wedding dress should complement your silhouette, not make you feel like a misfit. If your body calls for a flattering shape that shows off your waist and shoulders, you might want to go with a dress silhouette such as a ballgown or mermaid cut.
It’s also important to think about color. Do you want to wear a classic ivory or creme shade, a romantic blush, or a bold print?
During this stage, it’s a good idea to take some pictures of your inspiration. You can use these pictures to show your designer what you want and what might work with your silhouette. You should also keep in mind that your concept might change during the designing process. It’s always better to have an open mind and be open to your designer’s suggestions.
3. Make a pattern
Whether you’re a sewing veteran or new to the craft, drafting your own pattern will be essential for creating your dream dress. Don’t be afraid to try out different silhouettes, necklines and details; just like when you were trying on dresses in the store, this will help you discover what looks best with your body type.
Remember to wear full-coverage nude underwear and a well-fitted bra, as you’ll be taking a lot of measurements. It also helps to bring a friend along with you to make the process less stressful!
Next, go shopping for your fabric. You’ll need a base layer that will be the lining for your dress, as well as a satin and lace overlay. Be sure to pre-wash the fabric to prevent stains, then calculate how much yardage you will need.
4. Buy your fabric
When you start shopping for fabric for your wedding dress, be sure to take a few measurements. If you’re a seasoned sewist, this is an easy step. However, it’s also a good idea to have someone else measure you so that it is as accurate as possible. This is important because it will make your dress fit you better than off the rack options.
Ultimately, your choice will come down to what works best for you and your budget. Perhaps you love the style of Serena Williams’ trendy cape, or maybe you are drawn to Pippa Middleton’s classic lace silhouette.
Once you have a concept in mind, be open to the suggestions of your designer. They will help you find the perfect dress that will flatter your body, and that is uniquely yours.
5. Sew it up
While flattering your figure is a great starting point, there are many minor details that can make any dress uniquely yours. A few examples include embroidery (for example, a bride’s wedding hashtag under a pleat or her couple’s initials inside the heart of a beaded lace applique), beading and other embellishments, or adding a tulle skirt for an extra dose of romance.
If you’re a seasoned seamstress, it might be tempting to create your own pattern from scratch, but if you’re not comfortable with that, there are many different patterns available online. Just be sure to check that they’re sized correctly and have plenty of seam allowance. Otherwise, your dress might be too small or too big and you’ll have a hard time getting it to fit.
