Deborah Chan
A plain wedding dress can be a versatile choice, offering a blank canvas for creative expression. With some simple tips, it can be transformed into a show-stopping ensemble. From adding lace, ribbons, or buttons to choosing the right accessories, there are many ways to elevate a simple dress. The right jewellery, shoes, hairstyle, and makeup can also enhance a plain dress, adding character and style. Additionally, alterations can ensure the dress fits perfectly and feels custom-made. This guide will explore how to change a plain wedding dress to make it feel unique and special.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accessories | Bold jewelry, decorative belts, personalized veils, shoes, hair and makeup |
| Alterations | Hemming, adding sleeves, changing silhouette, adding lace, beading, reshaping, changing fabric, adding off-the-shoulder straps, train length, buttons, changing cups, accommodating pregnancy |
| Timing | Buy dress 10 months before wedding, first fitting 8-12 weeks before, final fitting no later than 2 weeks before |
| Number of fittings | 2-4 |
| Cost | $50 to cut a new neckline, $150 to resew seams, $225 to shorten gown, flat fee of $500-$900 to cover all changes |
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What You'll Learn
Add lace, beading, or embellishments
Adding lace, beading, or embellishments is a great way to transform a plain wedding dress and make it look more expensive.
Lace, in particular, is a versatile and stylish option. It can be added almost anywhere on the dress—from the bust and sleeves to the hem and waist, or used to create a new neckline or shape out the bodice. Lace can be attached with hot glue or sewn on by hand. When accessorising a lace wedding dress, it's best to keep it simple and classic. For example, crystal or pearl earrings with a matching bracelet can complement the lace without detracting from it. Smooth, nude-coloured shoes in a natural shade will also bring out the beautiful designs of the lace.
Beading can add a touch of sparkle and elegance to a simple dress. Beads can be used strategically to draw attention to specific parts of the dress. When beading a wedding dress, it's important to consider the layout. You may want to avoid a pattern and instead go for an evenly distributed coverage that picks up parts of the design in the lace. Beads can be sewn on with ivory silk thread, for example.
Embellishments can add an elaborate touch to a simple wedding gown. Popular options include beads, appliqués, crystals, embroidery, ribbon, and sequins. Ribbons, for example, can be used in place of waistbands and can be especially striking when in bold, daring colours like gold, purple, or blush. Embellishments should be chosen carefully, however, as adding too many different types can detract from the design of the dress. It's best to choose one or two types of decorations that will enhance the overall look.
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Change the silhouette
Changing the silhouette of a plain wedding dress can be done by adding layers of fabric such as tulle, organza, or lace over the skirt to create more volume and movement. You can also add a detachable overskirt for a dramatic transformation. If you want to add sleeves to your sleeveless wedding dress, you have several options. You can have sleeves custom-made and attached by a tailor, choose an overlay that has existing sleeves, or opt for a bolero jacket or shrug to wear over your dress.
Another way to change the silhouette of your dress is to add a train. This can be done by extending the fabric at the back of the dress and creating a longer hem. You can also add beading, lace, or other embellishments to the train to give it more weight and movement. If you're looking to accentuate your waist, consider adding a belt or ribbon. You can choose a bold colour or a metallic accent to enhance the dress's silhouette and draw the eye.
To ensure that your dress alterations are done correctly, it's important to start the process early and allow for multiple fittings and adjustments. It's also crucial to find a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience working with wedding gowns and the specific fabrics, styles, and embellishments of your dress. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that your dress fits perfectly and reflects your personal style.
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Choose statement accessories
Accessories are a great way to elevate a plain wedding dress. Here are some statement accessories to consider:
Jewellery
Statement jewellery can add a touch of glamour to your wedding dress. Consider choosing bold and chunky pieces, such as a chunky necklace or oversized earrings, to create a focal point and draw attention. Large earrings, like chandelier earrings or oversized hoops, can add a touch of sparkle to your minimalist wedding dress. If you want to add some colour, opt for a multi-strand pearl necklace or a sparkling pendant. You can also match your jewellery to your dress colour; gold, silver, and rose gold all provide different vibes.
Belts and Sashes
A belt or sash can add a pop of colour or texture to your simple dress. Opt for metallic accents or colourful materials to enhance the dress's silhouette and draw the eye.
Veils
Veils come in various lengths and styles, from dramatic cathedral veils to vintage-inspired birdcage veils. You can also choose a unique veil with embroidered or floral lace details to elevate your look. If you're looking for something less traditional, consider a floral crown or a jewelled hairpin.
Hair Accessories
Hair accessories such as tiaras, headbands, or flower clips can add elegance to your hairstyle. For a bolder statement, consider a hat or a bridal cape, which can add a touch of modernity or a boho vibe to your look.
Capes and Jackets
Capes and jackets are a unique way to customise your wedding dress and create a two-in-one look. They can add a romantic or dramatic touch to your ensemble, with options like 3D flowers, covered buttons, and illusion trains.
Remember, when choosing statement accessories, it's important to maintain balance. Select pieces that complement each other and your dress to ensure a cohesive and elegant final look.
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Add ribbons or buttons
Adding ribbons or buttons to your wedding dress is a great way to elevate a simple dress. Ribbons can be used to replace waistbands or as a decorative feature on the sleeves. You can opt for a bold, daring colour like gold, purple, red, or blue, or stick to more traditional bridal colours like blush.
Buttons are a great way to add elegance to a plain dress, especially if you have a plain zipper back. You can add buttons all the way down the back of your dress, or even add loops to make them functional. You can buy buttons from sites like eBay, or in fabric stores. Pearl buttons, satin buttons, or even sparkling Swarovski crystals can add a touch of glamour.
If you are adding ribbons or buttons to your dress, you may need to visit a seamstress to get them attached. This is a common alteration and should not be too expensive. You can also add them yourself with hot glue, or by sewing them on.
Remember, simplicity is often underrated, and a plain dress can be timelessly elegant and sophisticated. With some creative additions, you can transform your dress into something truly special.
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Hem the length
Hemming the length of a wedding dress is a common alteration. This process ensures the gown doesn't drag on the floor when walking down the aisle or posing for photos. The ideal hemline should gently graze the ground.
To start the process of hemming, it is important to first decide on the shoes that will be worn with the dress. The bride should bring the shoes to the fitting appointment so that the seamstress can mark the hem accordingly. If the bride does not have the shoes chosen, it is important to insist that they do so before any work is done on the dress. This is because the length of the dress will depend on the height of the bride when wearing the shoes.
There are several methods for marking the hem. One way is to use an adjustable skirt hem maker, which can be placed on a step so that the bride can stand on it and the fabric can be marked where it touches the floor. Another method is to use pins to mark the hem, using the floor as a guide. It is important to cut the fabric a bit long when pinning, so that any mistakes can be corrected. The hem can be marked from side seam to side seam in the front. If the dress has a train, it can be pinned up all the way around to ensure the bride is happy with the length and the train before cutting.
Once the hem has been marked, the fabric can be cut. However, it is important to note that a small mistake can ruin the look of the dress. Therefore, it is recommended to use a professional seamstress for this process, especially if the dress has multiple layers or decorative lace at the bottom, as this will require a more intensive alteration.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to make a plain wedding dress more interesting. You can add lace, ribbons, buttons, or crystals to the dress. You can also add a belt, sash, or decorative veil. Changing the silhouette of the dress by adding layers of tulle, organza, or lace can also make it more interesting.
You can add bold accessories to your plain wedding dress, such as statement jewellery, a decorative belt, or a unique veil. You can also add a hairpiece, such as a floral crown or a jewelled hairpin.
The cost of altering a wedding dress varies. Some salons charge per service, for example, $225 to shorten a gown, while others charge a flat fee of around $500 to $900. Design changes can cost anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars. It is recommended to start the alterations process at least two to three months before the wedding to allow for multiple fittings and adjustments.
