Dyeing To Be Different: Wedding Gown Edition

There are many reasons why someone might want to dye their wedding gown. Perhaps they want a unique colour, to update their gown post-wedding, or to save money. It is possible to dye a wedding dress at home, but it is a tricky process and it may be ruined if not done correctly, so it is recommended that it is done by a professional. The cost of dyeing a wedding dress varies depending on the fabric and the type of dye used, but it can be done affordably.

Dyeing a wedding gown at home

Step 1: Establish Your Creative Vision

Firstly, you need to determine the colour you want your dress to be. This is important because different dyes are needed for different colours. For example, if you want a deep, dark colour like black or royal blue, the process will be different from adding a wash of colour to a white dress or doing a dip-dye. The more saturated you want the colour to be, the more dye you will need. If your dress isn't white, you may need to use a colour remover first.

Step 2: Check Your Fabric Type

Check the care label on your dress to identify the fabric type. This is crucial because different fabrics require different types of dye. For instance, if your fabric has cellulose fibres (such as cotton, linen, or rayon), a fibre-reactive dye is best. On the other hand, materials like silk, wool, angora, and cashmere respond better to an acid dye. Synthetic fibres and blends may require a dispersed dye, but this can vary, so be sure to research beforehand. Weigh your dress as this information will be needed later.

Step 3: Set Up Your Workspace

Assemble the materials you will need, including a plastic cover to protect your surfaces, a stainless steel sink or plastic container large enough for your dress, salt or white vinegar (depending on fabric type), measuring cups and spoons, rubber gloves, and protective eyewear. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area.

Step 4: Prepare Your Dress

Using warm, soapy water, wash your dress to remove any stains or finishes. Once it is clean, rinse and refill your sink or container with enough hot water for your dress to move around freely. Put on your rubber gloves and prepare the dye according to the instructions on the label, using the dry weight of the garment to determine the proportions. If you want a very saturated colour, consider doubling the measurements.

Step 5: Test Your Dye

Before committing to dyeing the entire dress, it is a good idea to test the dye on a small piece of fabric. You can use any scrap fabric leftover from alterations or check near the seams on the inside of the dress for an out-of-sight area that can be snipped out and used as a swatch.

Step 6: Dye Your Dress

Add your wet dress to the dye bath and stir slowly and continuously for about 10 minutes to avoid splotching. The dress should remain in the dye bath for a maximum of one hour. Once it reaches the desired colour, remove it from the bath and drain the container.

Step 7: Use a Fixative (Optional)

To extend the life of your dress's colour and prevent bleeding, you can use a fixative. Refill your sink or bucket with hot water and add the fixative according to the instructions on the label.

Step 8: Rinse and Dry Your Dress

Rinse your dress in cool water until the water runs clear. Then, wash it with mild detergent and warm water, rinse again, and hang it to dry.

Additional Tips:

• Do not use a ceramic sink or bathtub as they are porous and will absorb the dye.
• Stirring the dress constantly while it is in the dye bath is important to avoid splotchy areas.
• If you are dip-dyeing your dress for an ombre effect, you will need to follow a different process.
• If your dress has embellishments, be aware that plastic and acrylic elements may tint, metal may take a slight tint, and glued rhinestones may loosen in the heated bath.

Choosing a professional service

• Fabric expertise: Look for a service with experience in dyeing the specific fabric of your wedding gown. Different fabrics require different dyes and techniques, so ensure they have expertise in handling your gown's fabric.
• Color complexity: If you're aiming for a complex color change or a unique shade, choose a service with expertise in colour mixing and matching. Look for services that offer custom colour options or have experience in achieving specific shades.
• Experience and reputation: Opt for a service with a proven track record of success in dyeing wedding gowns. Read online reviews, check their portfolio, and don't hesitate to ask for references.
• Quality assurance: Ensure the service prioritises quality and uses high-quality dyes and equipment. Ask about their processes for achieving consistent and even colour results.
• Special requirements: If your gown has stains, tears, or other condition issues, make sure the service has experience in addressing these challenges. Communicate your specific requirements clearly and ask about their success rate in handling similar situations.
• Cost: The cost of dyeing services can vary depending on factors such as the type and amount of fabric, colour complexity, and the service's expertise and location. Request quotes from multiple services and compare their pricing structures. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not always be the best option, as quality and expertise are crucial.
• Turnaround time: If you have a specific deadline, consider the turnaround time offered by the service. Discuss your timeline with them and ensure they can deliver the dyed gown within your required timeframe.
• Location: Consider the proximity of the service to your location or whether they offer shipping services. While a nearby service may be more convenient, don't let location be the sole deciding factor. Prioritise finding a reputable and experienced service, even if it means shipping your gown.
• Customer service: Choose a service that values customer satisfaction and is responsive to your inquiries. They should be willing to address your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through the process.
• Guarantees: Some professional dyeing services offer guarantees on their work, providing peace of mind and assurance of quality results. While this is not a deal-breaker, it can be an added benefit when making your decision.

When selecting a professional dyeing service, be sure to get multiple quotes, compare services, and read reviews. Prioritise quality, expertise, and experience to ensure the best results for your precious wedding gown.

The cost of dyeing a wedding gown

Dying a wedding gown can be a great way to save money, express your creativity, or give a new lease of life to your dress. But how much will it cost you?

The cost of dyeing a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors, but it typically falls within the range of $75 to $500. If you're handy and feeling brave, you can opt for a DIY approach, which will cost around $25 to $60 for materials. However, this method comes with the risk of damaging your dress. On the other hand, hiring a professional to dye your wedding dress can cost you anywhere from $75 to over $500.

• Size and style of the dress: Larger and more intricate dresses generally require more dye and labour, increasing the price.
• Number of colours used: Opting for a multi-coloured or ombre effect will likely increase the cost due to the need for more dye and a more complex process.
• Expertise of the dyer: Experienced and reputable professionals will likely charge more for their services.
• Location: The price can vary depending on the geographic location of the dyer.
• Pre-cleaning: Many professionals will require your dress to be cleaned before dyeing, which can add an additional $60 to $120 to the overall cost.
• Post-dyeing finishing: Some dyers offer additional services like pressing or steaming after dyeing, which usually costs around $25 to $60 extra.

When deciding whether to dye your wedding gown, it's important to consider the potential risks, especially if you choose the DIY route. Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics, and using the wrong technique or dye can easily damage the fabric beyond repair. Additionally, achieving an even colour across the entire dress can be challenging, and mistakes during the dyeing process may be irreversible.

Therefore, it's recommended to consult a professional dyer who has the expertise and equipment to handle the process effectively and safely. While it may cost more, you'll have greater peace of mind that your dress will be handled with care and that the final result will meet your expectations.

The best fabric dyes

Dyeing a wedding gown is a great way to save money, express your creativity, or give a new lease of life to your dress. It is important to note that dyeing a wedding dress yourself can be risky, and it is recommended to seek professional help. However, if you are determined to do it yourself, here is a list of the best fabric dyes to use:

Rit Liquid Dye

Rit Liquid Dye is a universal fabric dye that works well with a variety of materials, including synthetic fabrics, paper, cork, and wood. It is easy to mix and blend with other fabrics for more customization, and Rit provides over 1,000 dye recipes to help you achieve your desired shade. It is the best overall fabric dye and costs only $5. However, it is not suitable for fabrics with more than 35% polyester, as the dye doesn't saturate well on synthetic fabrics.

Jacquard iDye Poly

If you are dyeing polyester, Jacquard iDye Poly is an excellent choice. It provides even coverage, is easy to use, and is mess-free. It is perfect for synthetic garments, including swimsuits, and costs $8.

Dylon All-in-1 Fabric Dye

Dylon All-in-1 Fabric Dye is perfect for dyeing cotton and linen. It comes in easy-to-use pods that you toss into the washing machine, delivering professional-quality results. The pods are also eco-friendly, made from 50% recycled plastic, and cost $17.

Rit All-Purpose Powder Dye

This powdered dye from Rit is ideal for rayon fabrics, giving them bold and richly pigmented hues. It can be used for tie-dye projects and is a good option for those sensitive to the smell of fabric dye, as it has a mild scent. It costs $7.

Jacquard Acid Dye

Dyeing silk can be stressful, but Jacquard Acid Dye makes it easy. This high-quality fabric dye is specifically designed for silk and other natural fiber yarns, and it can also be used for specific dying techniques like painting or printing patterns on fabric. It produces vibrant and beautiful colours with even application and costs $8.

Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fabric Dye

If you are dyeing synthetic fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, acetate, or nylon, Rit DyeMore is a great option. It is formulated specifically for these fabric types and provides the same benefits as the Rit Liquid Dye. However, it cannot be used in a washing machine. It costs $10.

Tulip Tie-Dye Party Kit

For fun and easy tie-dye projects, the Tulip Tie-Dye Party Kit is a fantastic choice. It comes with all the necessary supplies, including squeeze bottles for accurate designs, and is conveniently packaged in a portable tub. It costs $20.

Fiber Culture Natural Dye Kit

This kit contains six stunning all-natural and eco-friendly pigments for beautifully saturated dye jobs. It includes a detailed instruction manual that teaches traditional dying techniques and is compatible with plant-based fabrics and yarns. It costs $65.

The best colours to dye a wedding gown

Dying a wedding gown is a great way to save money, express your creativity, or give a new lease of life to your dress. The best colours to dye a wedding gown are entirely dependent on the type of fabric and the vision you have for your dress.

If you're going for a deep, dark colour like black or royal blue, the process will be different from adding a pastel wash to a white dress or dip-dyeing. The more saturated you want the colour, the more dye you will need to use.

If your dress is made from cellulose fibres, such as cotton, linen, or rayon, a fibre-reactive dye will work best. Materials like silk, wool, angora, and cashmere (protein fibres) typically respond best to an acid dye. Synthetic fibres and blends like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and acetate will react best with a dispersed dye.

Some specific fabrics and their dyeing capabilities include:

• Nylon Tulle and Nylon Lace: Optimal for every colour, including jewel tones and black.
• Poly/Lycra Blends: Usually successful in reaching vibrant tones, but it will depend on the percentage of poly in the blend.
• Polyester Organza and Polyester Tulle: Better suited for pastels or midtones, not jewel tones or black.
• Polyester Chiffon and Polyester Satin: Success depends on the colour goal; some colours are more muted.
• Silk Organza and Silk Tulle: Silk takes colour well, but it's important to verify that it can withstand water without damage.
• Polyester Crepe: Thick, hydrophobic varieties do not hold water evenly, so they cannot be dyed evenly. Lightweight varieties are more suitable for dyeing.
• Polyester Lace: Will achieve pastel or midtones but is not likely to reach jewel tones or black.
• Polyester or Acetate Taffeta: With aggressive dye saturation and time, it can reach rich tones. Ombre projects are challenging to get to dark colours.
• Poly Mikado: Takes on a gorgeous metallic effect but is very resistant. Dyeing it black yields a silver result. Great for pastels to midtones, not darker tones.
• Glitter Tulle: Plastic-based glitters will tint well, and the base tulle result depends on the fibre content.
• Sequins and Sequin Tulle: The transparency remains the same; clear sequins dyed blue become transparent blue. Opaque sequins have sometimes been resistant to dye entirely, and the result depends on the fibre content of the tulle backing.

Additionally, embellishments like plastic and acrylic elements will tint, while glass and crystal will not colour at all. Metal takes a slight tint, and glued rhinestones may loosen in a heated bath. Horsehair does not take colour, and white horsehair may need to be replaced by a tailor.

It's important to note that dyeing a wedding gown can be a risky process, and it's recommended to consult a professional or get a swatch test done before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions