Adding Pockets To Your Wedding Dress: A Simple Guide

how to add pockets to wedding dress

Wedding dresses with pockets are a popular choice for brides who want to combine style and comfort. While some bridal designers argue that pockets may become a crutch for some brides, leading to an album full of wedding photos with hidden hands, others embrace the trend. Pockets in wedding dresses can be seamlessly integrated, ensuring they don't disrupt the gown's silhouette. They can also be added to an existing dress by sewing them into the seams. This guide will explore the different options and considerations for adding pockets to your wedding dress, whether you're looking for a discreet hidden pocket or a statement pocket that adds a contemporary touch.

Characteristics Values
Ease of adding pockets Depends on the seam allowance and the circumference of the dress
Pocket shape Rectangular or any other shape that fits personal preference
Pocket size Large enough to fit a hand comfortably
Pocket depth Spacious enough to fit lightweight essentials like a small mirror, lipstick, or a note
Pocket placement Side seams or invisible pockets in the seam of the dress or skirt
Pocket fabric Fabric that matches the wedding dress
Pocket style Hidden pockets or statement pockets
Pocket function Practicality, comfort, and ease of mind

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How to sew pockets into your wedding dress

Pockets in a wedding dress can be a fun and functional addition. If you want to sew pockets into your wedding dress, follow these steps:

First, determine the placement of your pockets. If you want invisible pockets, your dress needs to have a seam allowance of at least 3/8". If your dress has a very small seam allowance, you can reduce the circumference of the dress to accommodate the pocket. Mark both side seams with tailor's tacks to ensure the pockets are symmetrical. Place the dress on a table and fold the side seams towards the centre, matching the armhole.

Next, decide on the size of your pocket opening. A good length is around 5", but you can adjust this to your preference, ensuring it's large enough to comfortably fit your hand. Using your chosen pattern, cut out four pocket patterns, trying to use fabric that matches your dress. Stitch the pocket edge to the seam allowance at a small width, and then sew the garment seam back up.

Once you've finished sewing, press the garment seam with the pocket towards the front of the dress. Try on your dress and admire your handywork!

Some things to consider when adding pockets to your wedding dress:

  • Avoid placing heavy objects like phones or wallets in your pockets to maintain the gown's natural flow and elegance.
  • Think about the size and depth of the pockets, ensuring they are spacious enough for your needs.
  • Be mindful of the fabric and placement of the pockets, ensuring they blend harmoniously with the overall design of the dress.
  • Consider adding invisible zippers to your pockets for added security when carrying essentials.

With these steps and considerations in mind, you can successfully sew pockets into your wedding dress!

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Items to carry in your wedding dress pockets

Pockets in wedding dresses are a practical solution for storing essentials and personal items. They can also be useful for styling purposes and can add a laid-back element to your wedding look.

  • Lipstick or lip gloss for touch-ups
  • Oil-blotting sheets for temperature changes
  • Perfume
  • Tissues
  • Your phone
  • A memorial item of a loved one who has passed away
  • A folded love note from your soon-to-be spouse
  • Your wedding vows
  • A good luck charm

It is important to consider the weight of the items you carry in your pockets, as they may weigh down your dress and affect the way it hangs. Additionally, if you plan to have your hands in your pockets for a majority of the time, it may be advisable to close the pockets or avoid having them altogether, as you may want your hands to be visible for photos and to show off your wedding ring.

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How to ensure your pockets are symmetrical

To ensure your pockets are symmetrical when adding them to a wedding dress, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, determine where you want your pockets to be placed on the dress. Mark the placement of the pockets on both side seams with tailor's tacks. Next, place the dress on a flat surface and fold the side seams towards the centre, matching the armhole. This will help you visualise and adjust the pocket placement for symmetry.

To create symmetrical pockets, the key is in the cutting and stitching process. When cutting out the pocket fabric, fold the fabric in half and cut along the centre line, creating two identical pocket pieces. You can then mark the pocket shape onto this fabric, ensuring that the shape is symmetrical. Add a seam allowance around the edges of the pocket, typically around 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch, depending on your preference and the weight of the fabric.

When it comes to stitching, pin the pocket pieces in place on the dress, ensuring they are straight and at the same height on both sides. Try on the dress to double-check the placement and make any necessary adjustments. Once you are happy with the positioning, stitch through all layers of the pocket and secure the facing before closing the gap in the side or bottom. Reinforce the pocket opening with backstitching at the beginning and end for extra strength, especially if you plan to frequently use your pockets.

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The best wedding dress styles for pockets

Wedding dresses with pockets are a fun and practical feature that has been trending since 2012. They add a laid-back element to your wedding look, and are perfect for storing essentials like your phone, cards, and cash. If you're looking for a wedding dress with pockets, here are some of the best styles to consider:

  • A-line Wedding Dresses: A-line dresses are a popular choice for pockets as the luxurious folds of fabric can elegantly conceal the pockets without adding bulk to the gown. An A-line dress with pockets provides a flattering silhouette, functionality, and endless posing options for your photos.
  • Ball Gown Wedding Dresses: Ball gowns with voluminous skirts offer ample fabric to seamlessly integrate pockets. The Paris by Maggie Sottero is an example of a ball gown with hidden pockets, featuring shimmery satin and ruching for a regal look.
  • Sheath Wedding Dresses: For a sleek and sophisticated look, consider a sheath wedding dress with pockets. Sheath dresses often have a slim silhouette, so pockets can be added discreetly to the side seams.
  • Bohemian Wedding Dresses: If you're aiming for a boho-chic vibe, opt for a bohemian A-line dress with pockets. The Nadia dress from Karen Willis Holmes' CURVE collection is an example of a boho-style lace wedding dress with a soft A-line shape that flows away from the body, providing subtle space for pockets.

When choosing a wedding dress with pockets, consider the size and depth of the pockets. Smaller, shallow pockets are typically preferred as they provide comfort and a seamless appearance. Additionally, ensure that the fabric and colour of the pockets match the rest of the dress to avoid pockets peeking out. And lastly, if you're adding pockets to your dress, follow a step-by-step guide to ensure proper placement and symmetry.

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The pros and cons of adding pockets to your wedding dress

Pockets have become a popular feature on wedding dresses. They can be seamlessly integrated into the design, with cleverly concealed openings that maintain the dress's aesthetic appeal. They can be added to a variety of silhouettes, catering to every bride's taste and body shape.

Pros of adding pockets to your wedding dress

Pockets in a wedding dress can be a fun and useful feature. They can be used to store essentials such as a phone, lip gloss, a handkerchief, or even a small mirror. This allows the bride to stay hands-free and fully immersed in her wedding day. Pockets can also be a source of confidence for the bride, knowing that she has a place to discreetly tuck away her belongings.

Cons of adding pockets to your wedding dress

One potential downside of adding pockets to a wedding dress is that they may become a crutch for some brides. If a bride finds herself putting her hands in her pockets too much, it may result in wedding photos where her hands are hidden, and other features of the dress, such as the slit or architectural neckline, may be overlooked. Additionally, if the bride wants to show off her wedding ring in photos, having her hands in her pockets may not be ideal.

Ultimately, the decision to add pockets to a wedding dress is a personal one. While they can provide convenience and style, they may also become a distraction in photos if overused. It is important for brides to consider their priorities and preferences when deciding whether or not to add pockets to their wedding dress.

Frequently asked questions

Adding pockets to your wedding dress is a simple process. First, determine where you want your pockets and mark both side seams with tailor's tacks. Cut out four pocket patterns, preferably using fabric that matches your dress. Sew the pockets to the seam allowance and then sew the garment seam back up.

A good length for the pocket opening is around 5 inches, but you can adjust it according to your preference. Just ensure that it is large enough for you to comfortably fit your hand in without straining the stitching.

You can keep lightweight items such as handwritten vows, a small mirror, your favourite lipstick, a sample of your wedding day perfume, oil-blotting sheets, or any other touch-up items you may need throughout the day.

Avoid keeping heavy items such as phones or wallets in your pockets, as they can weigh down your dress and disrupt its natural flow and elegance.

While pockets can be a fun and functional addition to your wedding dress, some people believe they may become a crutch for some brides. If you like pockets too much, you may find yourself with your hands in them all night, which could affect your wedding photos.

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