Customizing Your Dream Wedding Dress: A Guide

how to customise a wedding dress

Customising a wedding dress is an appealing option for brides-to-be who want to feel confident and unique on their big day. Many companies offer custom wedding dresses, allowing brides to choose from a range of designs, fabrics, silhouettes, necklines, colours and accessories to create their dream dress. The process typically involves consultations, measurements, design finalisation, production and fittings, with the average timeframe being around six months. Custom wedding dresses can vary in price depending on the design and customisations, but they offer a way for brides to bring their vision to life and ensure they feel their best on their wedding day.

Characteristics Values
Time Custom wedding dresses typically take 6 months to make, including consultations, design finalization, production edits and shipment times. However, some companies offer rush options of 8-12 weeks.
Cost Custom wedding dresses can range from $1500 to $5500, with brides spending on average between $2000 and $3500. The cost varies depending on the design and customization options.
Style Custom wedding dresses can be made in a variety of styles, including A-line, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath. They can also be made with different necklines, silhouettes, and fabrics.
Sizing Custom wedding dresses can be made to the bride's specific measurements, with some companies offering free custom sizing.
Accessories Custom wedding dresses can be designed with accessories such as a cape or jacket, and detachable sleeves.
Fabric Custom wedding dresses can be made with luxurious fabrics, lace, and stretch fabrics.
Color Custom wedding dresses can be made in traditional white or ivory, or with colored fabric and lace options.

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Custom sizing and silhouette

Custom sizing can involve taking measurements of the bride's bust, waist, and hips, and comparing them to the designer's size chart. The largest measurement is typically used to determine the size of the gown. However, it is important to consider the bride's preference for a tighter or more relaxed fit. Additionally, the height of the bride can be accommodated by adjusting the hem of the dress.

Custom silhouette alterations can include modifying the neckline, coverage, or sleeves of a dress. For example, a bride can opt for a strapless silhouette by slightly raising the back of the gown and adding structural boning. Adding or removing lace, beading, or other embellishments can also alter the silhouette and overall look of the dress.

Mixing and matching different design elements is another way to customise the silhouette and overall look of the dress. For instance, a bride could choose to combine the bodice of one dress with the skirt of another to create a unique combination. Additionally, custom fabric choices and embroidery can be used to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Overall, custom sizing and silhouette alterations play a crucial role in ensuring the wedding dress fits the bride's body and style preferences perfectly, creating a truly unique and personalised gown.

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Fabric and colour

Customising a wedding dress allows you to create a unique gown that fits your style and body type. Fabric selection is a crucial aspect of customising your wedding dress. Your chosen fabric will influence the dress's look, feel, and movement.

When selecting a fabric, consider the location of your wedding. For a beach wedding, choose a soft, light, and flowy fabric. If you're having your wedding in a grand cathedral, consider the season and how much you want to stand out. Determine your skillset if you plan to make the dress yourself. Some fabrics are more difficult to sew. If you're new to sewing, choose a fabric that allows for mistakes.

There are popular fabrics for wedding dresses, such as tulle, a netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon, used mostly for skirts and veils. Illusion tulle is another option that blends seamlessly into various skin tones. You can also incorporate "something borrowed" into your dress by using fabric from your mother's dress.

Custom fabrics can extend the timeline for creating your dress, so communicate with your designer to ensure all materials can be sourced within your desired timeframe. Work closely with your designer to select the perfect fabric for your dream dress.

In addition to fabric, you can customise your wedding dress with colour. While standard wedding dresses are often labelled as "white," there are multiple shades of white commonly used, such as ivory, crème, off-white, pure white, stark white, and silk white. Choose a shade that complements your complexion. You can also add colour with embroidery or beading for some extra shine.

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Accessories

Veil

A veil is a traditional accessory that can add elegance and romance to your bridal look. When considering a veil, think about how it will complement the style of your dress and whether it matches your wedding theme. For instance, a cathedral-length veil pairs well with a formal, full-length dress, while a birdcage veil may be perfect for a vintage-style dress. If your dress is heavily embellished, opt for a simple veil to avoid overwhelming your look, and if you're petite, consider a mid-length veil to showcase your height.

Jewellery

The jewellery you choose should reflect your personal taste while complementing your wedding theme and bridal ensemble. Consider the neckline of your dress when selecting a necklace or earrings. A plunging V-neck pairs well with a statement necklace, while a simple pendant necklace or chandelier earrings complement a sweetheart or strapless dress. If your hair is worn down, stick to simple earrings, and if you're wearing it up, showcase a pair of statement earrings. Also, consider the colour of your dress when choosing jewellery. For a stark white dress, silver jewellery is ideal, while ivory, cream, and warm-toned off-white dresses pair well with gold.

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories like combs, tiaras, and headbands can add a touch of elegance to your hairstyle. If you're wearing your hair up or down, a beautifully crafted comb can be the perfect finishing touch. Look for a comb that coordinates with the details of your dress, such as one adorned with pearls or crystals that match its embellishments. Tiaras offer royal elegance and can be worn with traditional or contemporary styles. When choosing a tiara, consider its size and design in relation to your hairstyle and dress. Headbands can add a modern or whimsical touch, and they come in various designs, from minimalistic to elaborate styles adorned with beads or flowers.

Gloves

Evening gloves, also known as opera gloves, are a modern yet timeless accessory that adds arm coverage while keeping your shoulders exposed. They offer freedom of movement and comfort and come in various materials and lengths, from sleek satin to delicate lace.

Shoes

When choosing your wedding shoes, consider the venue and your comfort. For outdoor weddings, opt for wedges or flats to avoid sinking into the ground, while indoor or formal settings call for high heels or embellished pumps. Choose shoes you can walk and dance in comfortably, and don't forget to break them in before the big day! If coordination is essential, match your shoe embellishments to your dress details. For example, if your dress features pearls, look for shoes with pearl accents.

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Skirt layers

If you're considering adding more layers to your skirt, it's important to think about the fabric and style of your dress. For instance, tulle is a common fabric choice for wedding skirts, and it can be layered to create a voluminous, romantic look. However, tulle skirts with many layers can be challenging to bustle, as each layer needs to be picked up and draped correctly to create the desired effect.

On the other hand, you may want to remove some layers from your skirt to achieve a simpler, more streamlined silhouette. This could also make it easier to add other customisations, such as a leg slit. However, altering the number of layers in a skirt is not always a simple task, and it may be more challenging or expensive than expected, especially if your dress has a unique fabric or intricate design.

If you're set on customising your skirt layers, it's highly recommended to consult a skilled seamstress or tailor, especially one with experience in bridal wear. They will be able to advise you on what alterations are possible and help you achieve your dream wedding look without compromising the integrity of your dress.

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Lined or unlined bodice

The decision between a lined and unlined bodice for your wedding dress depends on the style, fabric, and level of structure you desire.

A lined bodice typically has an additional fabric layer that sits between the main fabric and the lining fabric. This extra layer provides a smooth finish, adds structure and support to the bodice, and can help to create a more defined shape. The lining fabric is usually lightweight and breathable, ensuring comfort for the wearer. It also helps to conceal any inner construction, such as boning or interfacing, creating a neat and polished appearance.

On the other hand, an unlined bodice features the main fabric as the outermost layer, without any additional lining layers. This option is often chosen when the bride wants to showcase the beauty of the fabric itself, especially if it is a delicate or intricate material such as lace or sheer silk. An unlined bodice can offer a softer, more fluid silhouette, and is often preferred for lightweight and flowy dresses.

When deciding between a lined and unlined bodice, consider the overall style of your wedding dress. A structured and formal gown often benefits from the added support and definition of a lined bodice, while a more relaxed and boho-style dress may be enhanced by the fluidity and lightness of an unlined bodice. Additionally, the climate and season of your wedding can play a factor in your decision; a lined bodice can provide extra warmth, while an unlined bodice offers breathability and comfort for warmer weather.

Ultimately, the choice between a lined and unlined bodice comes down to personal preference, the aesthetic of your wedding dress, and the level of structure and support you desire. Both options offer unique advantages, and with careful consideration, you can create a customised wedding dress that truly reflects your style and vision.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that you start the process 10 months to 1 year before the wedding. However, some companies offer rush options for up to 8-12 weeks before the wedding. It is also recommended that you order your custom wedding dress online at least 9-15 weeks before your wedding to allow time for customisations and fittings.

Customisations can include the fabric, silhouette, neckline, sleeves, colour, and accessories. You can also add bra cups to match your skin tone, and design your dress with a cape or jacket in mind.

The cost of a custom wedding dress varies depending on the company and the design. Custom wedding dresses can range from $1500 to $5500, with brides spending on average between $2000-$3500.

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