Glamourous Ways To Elevate A Simple Wedding Dress

how to glam up a plain wedding dress

There are many reasons why brides opt for a plain wedding dress, from budget constraints to not finding their dream dress. Luckily, there are endless ways to glam up a plain wedding dress and make it your own. From adding lace and sleeves to donning statement jewellery and colourful jackets, you can easily transform a simple dress into a glamorous gown. With the right accessories and details, your plain wedding dress can become the gown of your dreams.

Characteristics Values
Veil Add lacework, beading, embroidery, feathers, polka dots, floral elements or a bold colour
Jewellery Statement pieces such as earrings, necklaces, tiaras, hair jewellery
Gloves Modern iterations featuring frills, embellishments and feathers
Sleeves Detachable sleeves, lace or sheer fabric to create sleeves or change the neckline detail
Fabric Lace, silk, satin, crepe, Mikado, airy tulles
Accessories Hats, floral crowns, belts, sashes, capes, jackets, bows
Makeup Statement red lip

shunbridal

Add lace or sheer fabric to create sleeves or a new neckline

Adding lace or sheer fabric to a plain wedding dress is a great way to create sleeves or a new neckline, transforming it into a glamorous ensemble. Here are some tips and ideas to achieve this:

Lace for a Dazzling, Luxurious, and Sophisticated Look

Lace is a versatile and stylish option that can be added almost anywhere on a plain wedding dress. It can be sewn on by hand or attached with hot glue to the bust, sleeves, hem, waist, or neckline. When adding lace sleeves, it is essential to match the lace pattern with the dress for a seamless blend. Hand-sewing ensures a natural transition, and you can tailor the sleeves to be fitted or flowy, depending on your preference. If you want a snug fit, the seams along the arm can be adjusted, and if they are too tight, additional lace or sheer fabric can be inserted for flexibility.

Creative Sleeves for a Unique Touch

Custom sleeves can be crafted from various fabrics like lace, tulle, organza, or satin, each adding a unique touch to your dress. For a bold statement, puff sleeves are a perfect choice, offering volume and drama. If you're aiming for a vintage-inspired look, consider cap sleeves, which can also be made detachable for two different styles. Detachable sleeves are also a great option if you want to switch between a conservative look for the ceremony and a more relaxed style for the reception.

Illusion Sleeves for a Delicate and Romantic Touch

Illusion sleeves, made from delicate sheer fabric, are another popular choice for adding a full set-in sleeve. These come in shades of nude, ivory, and white, and can be embellished with appliques for a custom look. They are a great option if you're looking for extra coverage while maintaining a romantic and delicate appearance.

Statement Neckline for a Dramatic Effect

When adding sleeves, it's important to consider the neckline of your dress. For a strapless dress, straps or a full set-in long sleeve can be added, but building up the neckline first may be necessary. A creative way to add drama to your plain wedding dress is to play with the neckline. Whether you opt for a plunging V-neck, an elegant bateau, or a sweet sweetheart neckline, this can instantly elevate your dress.

With these ideas in mind, you can transform a plain wedding dress into a glamorous and unique ensemble that reflects your style and personality. Whether you choose to add lace, experiment with different sleeve styles, or create a statement neckline, the possibilities are endless for a show-stopping look on your big day.

shunbridal

Wear statement jewellery, earrings, or a tiara

One way to glam up a plain wedding dress is by wearing statement jewellery, earrings, or a tiara.

Statement jewellery can be a great way to add a touch of glamour to your wedding dress. Consider adorning yourself with a dazzling necklace, like a pearl back necklace for a backless dress, or a bold choker to accentuate a plunging V-neckline. If you're feeling extra bold, you could even opt for an epic piece of body jewellery, like a dramatic back necklace or a shoulder-grazing body chain.

Earrings are another way to make a statement. You could go for delicate earrings for an outdoor ceremony, then switch to chunky gold hoops for the reception and dance floor. If you have a simple dress with clean lines, you can afford to go bigger with your earrings without feeling overwhelmed.

Tiaras are also an option for brides who want to make a statement. A tiara can add a touch of royalty to your look and is perfect for those who want a more traditional or fairy-tale-inspired wedding.

Don't be afraid to mix and match your statement pieces. You can switch out your jewellery throughout the day to give yourself a variety of looks, ensuring you feel confident and beautiful from the ceremony to the dance floor.

What to Wear to an Afternoon Wedding

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Wear gloves to make a statement

Gloves are a great way to make a statement and elevate a simple wedding dress. They can add a touch of drama and elegance to your bridal look. When choosing gloves, consider the following:

Length

The length of your gloves can create different effects. Long gloves that extend above the elbow or to the shoulder can be a stunning choice for a classic and dramatic look. Full-length gloves pair well with princess-style gowns. On the other hand, shorter gloves that sit at the wrist or just below it can be more understated and stylish. A shorter number in mesh or sheer fabric with satin cuffs can add a modern touch to your ensemble.

Material

The material of your gloves can vary widely, from delicate lace to satin, silk, sheer fabrics, or even leather. Consider the fabric of your wedding dress and choose a material that complements it and the overall vibe of your special day. For a winter wedding, cosy materials like cashmere or velvet can be a great choice. If you want a cohesive look, match your gloves to your dress material or colour. However, you can also choose a contrasting shade or fabric to make a statement.

Accessories

When styling your gloves, consider how they will coordinate with your other accessories, such as your veil, jewellery, and bouquet. For example, if your dress has intricate lace details, opt for gloves with lace accents. If you plan to wear statement jewellery, choose simpler gloves to avoid overwhelming your look. Keep a balance between accessories to ensure a polished and put-together appearance.

Personal Style

Ultimately, the style of your gloves comes down to your personal preference and what you feel comfortable with. You can personalise your gloves with written messages or embellishments to make them unique to you. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your bridal look!

shunbridal

Add a veil with lacework, beading, embroidery, or bold colours

A veil can instantly add glamour to a wedding dress. Brides can opt for a statement veil with lacework, beading, embroidery, bold colours, or other embellishments.

Lace is a versatile and stylish option for a veil, and it can be added almost anywhere. Chantilly lace is the most delicate and sheer style, while French Alençon lace has a more three-dimensional, textured look, and Venice lace is made from the heaviest material with a bold and distinctive pattern. When choosing lace for a veil, it should tie in one or two similar design elements from the wedding dress for a consistent look.

Beads can be added to a veil one at a time, using a needle and thread. Brides can purchase beads from a local bead shop or thrift store, or they can be recovered from old or broken jewellery.

Embroidered veils can also add glamour to a plain wedding dress. Embroidered words, such as "Til Death Do Us Part", are one option, as seen on Hailey Bieber's veil.

Bold colours can also be incorporated into a veil. For example, a veil could incorporate the couple's wedding colours or match the bride's engagement ring.

shunbridal

Add a belt or sash for a pop of colour or texture

Adding a belt or sash to your wedding dress is a great way to add a pop of colour, texture or glamour to a simple dress. It can be an inexpensive way to transform your dress and make it unique to your taste.

There are many options to choose from, depending on your personal style and the style of your dress. If you are looking for a sleek, modern look, a thin belt with delicate accents such as seed beads, opals or crystals can softly define your waist without cutting the line of your dress. A satin ribbon sash with beaded embellishments such as pearls or crystal flowers can also add a pretty, modern touch. If you want to lengthen your silhouette, a sleek, thin belt is a good option, while a thick belt will cinch and accentuate your waist.

If you are looking to add a touch of glamour to your dress, a sparkly belt or a crystal-studded waistband can be a great option. You could also add rhinestones to the neck area of your dress for extra sparkle. If you are wearing a lace dress, a well-crafted belt or sash in the same tone as your gown with delicate embellishments such as pearls or opal stones can complement your dress without catching on the lace.

You can either tie your belt or sash with a bow or get it sewn directly onto your dress. If you are tying your belt, you can choose to have the bow at the front or back of your dress, depending on your preference. If you are getting your belt sewn on, a seamstress can cut the ribbon and sew it onto your dress.

Frequently asked questions

Accessories can add a touch of glamour to a plain wedding dress. You can opt for statement jewellery, a hat, a floral crown, or a tiara. If you want to keep your hands free during the wedding, you can also consider wearing gloves.

You can wear a bridal jacket, a cape, or a veil to glam up a plain wedding dress. You can also add a belt or sash to your dress to add a pop of colour or texture.

You can style your hair and makeup to complement a plain wedding dress. Loose curls or a soft updo can add a romantic touch to your look. You can also add hair accessories such as hair jewellery or a floral crown.

You can add embellishments to a plain wedding dress to give it a luxurious and sophisticated look. You can use lace, beads, or beading to embellish your dress. You can also add a detachable sleeve or change the neckline detail.

You can find inspiration by looking at embellished gowns online or exploring wedding dress decoration ideas. You can also consider your own personality and style to add touches that reflect who you are.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment