Franklin Dean
Adding applique to a wedding dress is a great way to add a personal touch to your gown. There are many types of appliques to choose from, such as lace, crystal, pearl, beading, or rhinestones. When selecting an applique, it is important to consider the colour of your gown and choose an applique that complements it. For example, a white gown would typically be embellished with white appliques, while an off-white dress would be adorned with champaign or off-white appliques. Appliques can be sewn or glued onto the dress, and they can be used to embellish the bodice, back, or front of the gown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Applique | Lace, Crystal, Pearl, Beading, Rhinestones, Embroidery, Ribbon, Sequins |
| Colour | White, Off-white, Gold, Silver |
| Size | Small, Large |
| Shape | Heart-shaped, Wing-shaped, Flower-shaped |
| Position | Bodice, Back, Front |
| Method of Attachment | Sewn, Glued |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right applique for your dress
Choosing the right applique for your wedding dress can be a daunting task, but with a few considerations, you can make an informed decision to enhance your gown. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting the perfect applique:
Fabric and Style
Lace is a popular choice for wedding dress appliques due to its intricate and romantic appeal. It pairs well with various fabrics such as tulle, netting, or satin, adding extra detail and dimension to the gown. Chantilly lace, for example, is lightweight and delicate, perfect for a romantic or ethereal look. On the other hand, Guipure lace, also known as Venetian lace, is bold and sturdy, ideal for making a regal statement.
Colour
Consider the colour of your gown and choose an applique that complements it. If your dress is white, opt for white appliques, and if it's an off-white shade, select embellishments in a matching hue. This ensures that the applique enhances the dress without standing out too much or looking out of place.
Beading and Embellishments
Appliques can be further embellished with beads, crystals, rhinestones, or sequins, adding sparkle and glamour to your wedding dress. Beaded lace is a popular choice, offering the best of both worlds—the intricate pattern of lace and the shimmering detail of beads.
Dimension and Placement
Appliques can be used to create a dimensional look by layering them on top of each other or combining different styles of lace. Consider the placement of the appliques as well—they can be added to the hem, back, veil, or bodice of the dress to create a unique and elegant finish.
Personal Touch
Adding appliques to your wedding dress is a great way to make it more personalised and special. You can draw inspiration from embellished dresses or choose details that reflect your personality and style.
Remember, the right applique will depend on your unique vision for your wedding dress. By considering the fabric, colour, embellishments, and placement, you can choose an applique that transforms your gown into a dazzling creation that reflects your style and dreams for your special day.
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Sewing on the applique
When sewing on appliques, it is important to consider the type of applique and the fabric of the wedding dress. Lace appliques, for example, are typically sewn onto existing fabric such as tulle or netting, often with matching lace or lace trim. Crystal appliques, on the other hand, can add drama or flair to a wedding dress and are available in various colours.
Before sewing on the applique, it is recommended to look through embellished dresses for inspiration and to consider the colour of the gown. Try to add embellishments that match the hue of the gown. For instance, white appliques on a white gown or off-white appliques on a champagne-coloured dress.
When sewing on lace appliques, select a small section of the lace pattern that you would like to use as an embellishment and cut around it. You can add sequins or beads to the piece of lace before sewing it onto the dress. Use a matching silk thread when sewing on appliques or lace, as it will blend in better with the dress than an all-purpose thread.
If you are adding appliques to the bottom of the dress, be aware that it may affect the hemming process. In some cases, the appliques may need to be unstitched, the dress hemmed, and then the appliques sewn back on. Alternatively, the dress can be shortened from the waist, especially if a sash is added to cover the seam.
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Using appliques to cover up alterations
Wedding dress alterations can be a tricky business, especially when it comes to embellishments. Appliques, in particular, can be challenging to work with as they often need to be removed before the dress can be altered and then reattached. This process can be costly and time-consuming, and there is always a risk that the appliques could become damaged or detached during the process.
One way to avoid this issue is to use appliques to cover up alterations. For example, if you need to shorten the length of your dress, you could add a sash or waistband with applique details to hide the seam where the dress has been altered. Similarly, if you are taking in the sides of the dress, you could use appliques to create a new design feature that draws attention away from any visible seams.
Another option is to add appliques to the neckline or sleeves of your dress. This can be a great way to provide more coverage if you feel the original design is too revealing. For example, you could add a lace applique to create an off-the-shoulder look or add beaded applique straps to a strapless dress. Appliques can also be used to create the illusion of sleeves, such as by adding a beaded applique sleeve detail to a sleeveless dress.
When using appliques to cover up alterations, it's important to consider the colour and style of your dress. Try to choose an applique that complements the gown. For example, if your dress is white, opt for white or off-white appliques rather than a contrasting colour. You should also consider the type of applique that will work best with the fabric and style of your dress. Popular options include lace, pearls, beading, crystals, and rhinestones.
Finally, keep in mind that less is more when it comes to appliques. It's easy to go overboard and end up with a cluttered look. Choose your placement carefully and consider using a combination of different embellishments, such as beads, sequins, or embroidery, to create a unique and elegant design.
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Adding other embellishments, like beads or crystals
Beads, crystals, and pearls are popular embellishments for wedding dresses. They can add a touch of elegance and sparkle, transforming a simple dress into something more glamorous.
When choosing beads, consider the weight of the fabric. Lightweight fabric can only hold so much weight. If adding beading to the neckline, leave space under the arms to prevent chafing and discomfort. Covering a large area with beads may also cause some shrinkage, affecting the fit of the dress.
Preciosa crystal beads are available in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes, allowing for endless customisation. They can be used to create a tiara, choker, or garter, in addition to embellishing the dress itself.
When working with crystals, it is important to consider the material of the dress. Delicate materials may not be suitable for crystals. A professional tailor can advise on the best method for applying crystals, whether that is gluing or sewing. Flat back, clear, or coloured crystals are also options to consider.
If you are adding beads or crystals to lace, select a small section of the pattern to use as an embellishment and cut around it. You can add beads, sequins, or crystals to the lace before attaching it to the dress. Use a matching silk thread when sewing on embellishments, as this will help them blend in seamlessly.
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Selecting the right colour for your applique
If you are opting for a white or off-white gown, consider choosing an applique in a similar hue. For example, a white applique on a white gown or champagne/off-white applique on an off-white dress. This will help the applique blend seamlessly into the dress, creating a cohesive look.
However, if you want to add a creative twist and a pop of colour to your wedding outfit, you can choose an applique in a contrasting colour. Consider selecting a colour that matches your wedding palette or reflects your bright personality. This will add a unique and personalised touch to your dress.
When selecting the colour of your applique, also consider the fabric and lace pattern of your dress. If your dress has a larger lace pattern, the colour of the applique will show through more prominently. On the other hand, with smaller lace patterns, such as Chantilly lace, the colour will be more subtle and understated.
Additionally, keep in mind the overall style and embellishments of your dress. If your dress already has a lot of sparkle and detail, a simple, elegant applique in a complementary colour may be more suitable.
Remember, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the colour of your applique. Let your creativity flow and have fun exploring different colour options to find the perfect choice for your dream wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dress appliqués typically fall into four categories: lace/embroidered, pearls, beading, and crystal/rhinestones.
It's important to consider the colour of the gown. Try to add an embellishment that matches the hue of the gown. For example, white appliqués on a white gown or off-white appliqués on a champagne/off-white dress.
When sewing on appliqués or lace, use a matching silk thread rather than an all-purpose thread. If using lace, select a small section of the lace pattern that you would like to use and cut around it. You can add sequins or beads to the piece of lace before sewing it onto the dress.
You can find wedding dress appliqués at local fabric stores or online at retailers like Amazon and Bridalfabrics.com.
