Whether you have an existing ‘inherited’ dress remade, or have one made from scratch, we cover your options in this video.
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Having a wedding dress made to order is not as outrageous as it seems. If you have fallen in love with a $5,000 wedding dress, a good seamstress or tailor can replicate it for about half the price—or maybe less, depending upon the fabric and embellishments you choose.
Maybe you just want a wedding dress made for you. There are many seamstresses and tailors who are willing to make a dress for you based on a picture of something you like. Depending upon the fabric you choose, the amount of embellishments, and how many changes you make to the design throughout the process, a custom made wedding dress can be much less expensive than purchasing one off-the-rack. Make sure you find someone who has made wedding dresses before, and ask to speak to the brides who had a dress made by them to see how they liked the process and finished product.
If you are a sewer, there are many great wedding dress patterns that you can use to make your own dress. One of the most beautiful wedding dresses I have ever seen was a dress that was hand crocheted by the bride. It was stunningly beautiful, and she made a classic sheath dress for the lining. With the headpiece, veil, and jewellery, the combination was stunning.
The traditional spring fabrics are lace and tissue taffeta. The traditional summer fabrics are organdy, marquisette, cotton, piqué, and linen. The traditional fall and winter fabrics are satin, brocade, velvet, taffeta, crepe, moiré, peau de soie, and wool. The fabrics that suit all seasons are silk, jersey, and the various blends.
Many brides have taken their mother’s wedding dress, had it altered or embellished, and created a great wedding gown for them. If you don’t have your mother’s wedding gown, maybe a favourite aunt or some other relative has their wedding dress gathering dust, and would be happy to see it used again. In this case, your only cost would be the alterations, embellishments, and accessories.
If you have a fashion school near you, you might consider hiring a student in their final year to design and create a custom wedding dress for you. Most students are looking for an opportunity to strut their stuff, and are willing to do so for a reasonable price.
The custom made wedding dress is a viable option for many brides, and one that you may consider.