Franklin Dean
There are many ways to change the top of a wedding dress, and it's becoming increasingly common for brides to repurpose their wedding dresses to get more wear out of them. Some brides opt to make their wedding dress into two garments, a top and a skirt, while others choose to simplify any details that may make the dress feel too bridal for everyday wear, such as removing lace details, beading or sleeves. In terms of the top, alterations can include adding draped straps or sleeves, or changing the neckline. It's important to consult a seamstress for advice, as the possibilities are endless and each dress is different.
Explore related products
$18.99
$26.99 $29.99
What You'll Learn
Altering the sleeves
There are various sleeve styles to choose from, including off-the-shoulder, cap sleeves, illusion sleeves, and detachable sleeves. If you're looking for added coverage, you can opt for longer sleeves or a more modest sleeve style. If you prefer a more romantic look, you can choose slightly looser sleeves.
When adding sleeves, your seamstress will either use excess material from the hem of your dress or select a matching fabric to create the sleeves. If your dress already has sleeves, your seamstress can adjust the placement and length of the sleeves to better suit your vision and improve the fit.
If your wedding dress has lace sleeves, altering them requires precision and an understanding of delicate fabrics. Shortening lace sleeves involves carefully matching the existing lace pattern so that the new edge blends seamlessly with the original design. Lengthening the sleeves may require sourcing matching lace or using the existing material creatively to extend them without making the addition too noticeable.
It's important to note that wedding dress alterations can vary in cost depending on the complexity of the changes. Altering the sleeves may require multiple fittings to ensure the perfect fit and to make any necessary adjustments.
Beige at a Wedding: Appropriate or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$28.99 $34.99
$29.99
Changing the neckline
Altering the neckline of your wedding dress is a great way to make your gown reflect your unique style and personality. It is important to buy your dress early and leave plenty of time for fittings and tailoring. A good seamstress should be able to make most changes, although alterations to lace may be more expensive.
One popular option for altering the neckline is transforming it from a straight neckline to a sweetheart neckline. A sweetheart neckline forms a soft heart shape across the bust, creating a romantic and feminine look. This alteration can flatter various body types and add a touch of elegance to any dress style.
You could also consider a bateau neckline, which creates a sophisticated and timeless look by extending along each collarbone, drawing attention upwards toward your face. Another option is to add sleeves for added modesty, with long sleeves providing warmth and elegance for fall or winter weddings.
If you want to show some cleavage, you could lower the scoop of a neckline or change it to a V-neck or sweetheart style. A V-neck is a good option if you are bigger busted, as you are less likely to have pulling along the bust.
Beading is another popular option for adding sparkle and intricacy to your gown. You could consider a beaded belt to accentuate your waist or add shimmering embellishments along the neckline or bodice.
Mermaid Brides: Mastering the Potty Break
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$22.94 $26.99
$24.29 $26.99
Adding lace or beading
Choosing the Right Lace or Beading
When selecting the type of lace or beading to add to your wedding dress top, consider the existing embellishments and fabric of your dress. If your dress already has lace or beading, try to match the new embellishments with the existing ones for a cohesive look. Additionally, consider the weight of the fabric when choosing beads. Lightweight fabric can only hold a limited amount of weight, so opt for smaller beads or crystals if you plan to add them to delicate fabric.
Placement of Lace or Beading
You can add lace or beading to the neckline, sleeves, or bodice of your wedding dress top. Strategically placed embellishments can bring attention to specific parts of the top and create a unique sparkle. For example, adding a line of beads along the neckline or creating an illusion neckline with lace can enhance the overall design. If you're adding beading to the neckline, remember to leave space under the arms to prevent discomfort and chafing.
Techniques for Attaching Lace or Beading
When attaching lace or beading to your wedding dress top, you can use hand stitching or a sewing machine. A running backstitch is recommended for attaching lace, as it creates secure seams that can withstand gentle stress. If you're adding beads, thread your needle without knotting the end, and attach each bead individually for a randomized distribution that won't weigh down the fabric.
Cost Considerations
The cost of adding lace or beading to your wedding dress top can vary. Design changes typically range from $50 for minor alterations like cutting a new neckline to a few hundred dollars for more extensive changes like adding lace or beading. If you plan to attach both lace and beading, the cost will likely be higher, depending on the complexity and amount of work involved.
Remember to plan and allow enough time for fittings and alterations. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your wedding dress top into a unique and personalized creation that reflects your style and vision for your special day.
Formal Wedding Attire: Long Dresses Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$34.99
Removing the train
If you want to remove the train of your wedding dress, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to think about the statement you want to make with your outfit. A long train adds drama and formality to your look, so if you're after something more low-key, removing the train could be a good option. This is especially true if you have a petite frame, as a long train can sometimes look disproportionate.
Another thing to keep in mind is the location of your wedding. If you're getting married somewhere very formal, a long train might be more suitable. However, if your wedding is outdoors, a shorter train or no train at all might be more practical to prevent it from dragging on the ground and getting dirty.
If you're unsure about removing the train completely, you could consider having a bustle added to your dress. This is a series of hooks, buttons, or ribbons that lift the train, allowing you to have a long train for the ceremony and photos, and then a shorter or no train later in the day for dancing and moving around more easily. There are a few different types of bustles to choose from, including the American bustle, where the train is gathered and fastened over the skirt, the ballroom bustle, where the train is folded and hidden beneath the skirt, and the French bustle, where the train tucks neatly beneath the skirt.
If you do decide to remove the train, it's important to find a good seamstress or alterations shop to help you with this process. It's worth noting that some bridal salons will not allow you to remove the train, so you may need to find an independent seamstress. The cost of this alteration can vary, but it's generally more affordable to pay per service rather than a flat fee that includes all alterations.
Remember, there are no rules when it comes to your wedding dress train – it's your day and your dress, so choose what makes you feel most comfortable and happy!
The Ultimate Guide to Altering Your Lace Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.49 $14.99
Shortening the length
There are various hem lengths to choose from when shortening your dress. The shortest type of train is the sweep or brush, which just skims the floor. A slightly longer option is the court train, usually around 30 cm or 1 foot in length. For a mid-length option, there is the chapel train, which is generally around 100 cm or 3 feet long. If you're looking for a longer train, the cathedral length is a good choice, measuring about 180-200 cm or 6 feet in length. The longest possible train is the monarch or royal, which is typically around 300 cm or 10 feet long.
When deciding on the length of your dress, it's important to consider your preferences and the level of formality you want to achieve. Shortening the dress can also be a great way to repurpose your wedding dress after the big day, making it more suitable for everyday wear or special occasions. You can style a shortened dress in many ways, such as layering a roll-neck underneath or pairing it with a jacket or blazer.
To ensure a perfect fit, it's recommended to buy your wedding dress early and schedule fittings accordingly. The number of fittings will depend on the extent of the alterations and can range from two to three or more if necessary. During the fittings, the fitter will pin and tuck the fabric to sculpt it to your body, allowing you to see and feel what your dress will look like on the day. This process ensures that your dress will be comfortable and complement your body shape.
Bathtub Wedding Dress Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to change the top of your wedding dress. You can add draped straps or sleeves, or off-the-shoulder straps. You can also modify the armholes, top straps, or waist area. Additionally, you can change the fabric, add lace or beading, or reshape the silhouette.
The cost of changing the top of your wedding dress will depend on the complexity and extent of the changes. Simple changes, such as cutting a new neckline, can cost as little as $50, while more complex changes, such as adding lace or beading, can cost a few hundred dollars.
The time it takes to change the top of your wedding dress will depend on the number of alterations required. Most brides will need two to three fittings, but if major changes are being made, it is recommended to budget a few extra weeks.
Some simple changes can be made to the top of your wedding dress yourself, even with little to no experience in sewing. For example, you can add buttons over the zipper flap and down the back of the dress or add a corset back instead of a zipper. However, for more complex changes, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional seamstress or alterations shop.
