Rhiannon Hendricks
Many brides want to incorporate their mother's wedding dress into their big day as a way to honour their mother and add a touch of family history to the proceedings. While some brides choose to wear their mother's dress, others may choose to repurpose the dress as it may be too vintage or not the right size. There are many ways to repurpose a wedding dress, including using the fabric to create accessories, such as a veil, garter, handkerchief, ring bearer pillow, or a bridal clutch. The fabric can also be used to create decorations, such as a cake skirt, a lace table runner, or textile rosettes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wear the dress as a robe | The I Do Wedding Day Robe can be made from your mom's dress and trimmed with her lace |
| Wear the dress as a party dress | A skilled seamstress can transform the gown into a party dress for your rehearsal dinner and/or reception |
| Use the dress as a veil | You can modify an existing veil or create a new veil style and trim the edge with your mom's lace |
| Use the dress as a handkerchief | A handkerchief can be made from your mom's dress, and can be customised with both your and your mom's wedding dates |
| Use the dress as a bouquet wrap | A bouquet wrap can be made from your mom's dress, and can catch some of the best details from the dress like a lace cuff and buttons |
| Use the dress as a ring bearer pillow | A ring bearer pillow can be made from your mom's dress, and can be passed down to your kids |
| Use the dress as a bridal clutch | A bridal clutch can be made from your mom's dress, and can be used to carry essentials like lipstick, oil blotting wipes, band-aids, and a perfume roller |
| Use the dress as a hair accessory | If the fabric is simple and still in good condition, it can be used to construct textile rosettes, which can be used as a hair accessory |
| Use the dress as a bow or belt | A bow or belt can be made from your mom's dress, and can be dyed to match your dress colour |
| Use the dress as a garter | A garter can be made from your mom's dress, and can be dyed to match your dress colour |
| Use the dress as a flower girl dress | A flower girl dress can be made from your mom's dress, and can be passed down to new babies and children in the family |
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What You'll Learn
Create a veil
Creating a veil from your mother's wedding dress is a beautiful way to honour her on your special day. The process can be therapeutic and healing, especially if your mother has passed away. It is also a way to modernise your mother's dress and make it more suitable for your wedding.
The first step is to assess the condition of the dress. Slight discolouration and yellowing are common in older wedding dresses, but if there is extensive damage, a professional may recommend dry cleaning before any transformation. If the dress is in good condition, you can begin by cutting out the fabric you want to use. If there is lace, this can be incorporated into the veil for a special touch. You can also use beading, satin, or other embellishments from the dress.
If you are crafty, you may want to attempt to make the veil yourself. You will need supplies like hair combs, fabric, glue, and any embellishments you want to add. Cut the fabric into the desired shape and size, and attach any decorations. If the veil has multiple layers, you can cut and attach them in a way that creates a nice layered effect. Polyester fabric can be carefully melted with a lighter to create a wavy effect on the edges without adding bulk.
If you are not confident in your crafting abilities, you can seek the help of a professional designer or seamstress. They will be able to work with you to create a unique and beautiful veil that you can cherish for generations. You can find designers online or in bridal shops who specialise in transforming vintage wedding dresses into modern veils. They may offer design consultations to clarify your vision and make suggestions based on the condition and features of your mother's dress.
Whether you decide to make the veil yourself or seek professional help, creating a veil from your mother's wedding dress is a meaningful way to include her in your wedding and carry on a family heirloom.
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Make a bridal robe
Making a bridal robe out of your mother's wedding dress is a great way to cherish memories and be sustainable. It is also a way to make the wedding morning even more personal and special. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a bridal robe:
Evaluate the Wedding Dress
First, carefully analyse the dress. Put it on a dress form or a hanger and decide which parts you want to use. Figure out where each piece will be cut and determine if seam ripping is required. The dress you are working with will also determine the length of the robe. Consider whether you will need to add supplemental fabric to achieve your desired length.
Design and Cut
Choose a style that appeals to you, from a basic, elegant robe to something more ostentatious. You can draft your own pattern based on the bride's specific measurements, including bust, waist, hips, neck to waist, waist to knee, and arm measurements. Carefully cut the cloth according to the pattern, preserving any intricate embellishments like lace or embroidery.
Sewing and Assembly
Sew the cut pieces of fabric together. If you are not confident in your sewing skills, consider enlisting the help of a professional seamstress or a design service that specializes in transforming wedding dresses into new pieces. Incorporate unique elements from the original dress, such as sleeves or lace insets.
Add a Personal Touch
Personalize your bridal robe by incorporating details from your mother's wedding dress. You can also add embellishments like ribbon, lace, or other decorations to make it more special.
Supplemental Fabric and Embellishments
If you are working with a very plain dress, consider adding embellishments or using supplemental fabric to create a unique and modern heirloom. Satin, lace, applique, and buttons can be used to embellish the robe, or softer satin can be added for a more subtle touch.
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Sew a heart-shaped piece to your wedding dress
Sewing a heart-shaped piece from your mother's wedding dress to your own wedding dress is a wonderful way to incorporate your mother's dress into your wedding day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Pick a Pattern
Firstly, choose a pattern that is fitted to the bodice and has a separate panel for the skirt part. This will make it easier to work on the heart-shaped cut-out.
Trace and Cut the Heart Shape
Trace the back bodice and draw in the seam lines. Cut out a half-heart shape from a folded piece of paper to ensure symmetry. Now, place the heart shape on the back bodice pieces and cut out the desired section of the fabric, making sure to cut through all four layers.
Sew the Heart Piece
With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, sew the neckline, armhole, and half-heart shape. Leave a 1/2" seam allowance for the areas that will be connected to the other back bodice pieces later. Repeat this process for the outer back pieces.
Connect the Heart Pieces
Pin the right sides of the seam allowances together and sew the outer back pieces together. Now, connect the heart pieces by sewing them with a sewing machine or by hand-stitching the center seam.
Finishing Touches
Add any desired finishing touches, such as buttons or hook-and-eye closures at the top of the heart. You can also add thread chain loops to secure the buttons. Now you have successfully added a heart-shaped piece from your mother's wedding dress to your own!
This method allows you to creatively include a piece of your mother's dress in your wedding attire, creating a unique and meaningful detail.
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Make a ring bearer pillow
Making a ring bearer pillow from your mother's wedding dress is a great way to incorporate a family heirloom into your wedding. You can make the pillow yourself or get it made by a professional. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a ring bearer pillow:
Selecting the Fabric and Cutting:
Firstly, select the fabric from your mother's wedding dress that you want to use for the pillow. Cut two 9" x 9" squares from the chosen fabric. If you want a different size pillow, adjust the measurements accordingly, keeping in mind that most ring bearers are small children, so a smaller pillow will be more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing.
Assembling the Fabric:
Place the two squares of fabric with their right sides together. Secure the edges with pins to keep them in place. If you want to add a layer of lace or any other decorative fabric, cut a piece of lace about 1" larger than the square and place it on top of one of the ivory squares. Pin the lace in place and then stitch it to the underlying square using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Sewing the Pillow:
Using a needle and thread, sew along three sides of the square, leaving the fourth side open. You can use a sewing machine or hand-stitch the fabric together. Remember to use a thread that matches the colour of your fabric to make the stitches less noticeable.
Stuffing the Pillow:
Turn the pillow right side out through the open side. Stuff the pillow with fiberfill, cotton, or any other suitable filling material to your desired fullness. Be careful not to overstuff the pillow, as it may distort its shape. Hand-stitch the opening closed to secure the filling inside.
Adding Embellishments:
You can add ribbons, beads, or buttons that match your wedding colours to embellish the pillow. Sew or glue these embellishments onto the pillow. You can also add a satin ribbon to the centre of the pillow to tie the wedding rings in place. However, remember to use fake rings for the ceremony, as you don't want to lose the real ones!
Creating a ring bearer pillow from your mother's wedding dress adds a unique and sentimental touch to your special day. It will undoubtedly become a cherished family heirloom for generations to come.
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Create a handkerchief
Creating a handkerchief from your mother's wedding dress is a beautiful way to incorporate her dress into your wedding. It can be a meaningful gift and a way to feel your mother's presence on your wedding day.
Firstly, you will need to decide which part of the dress you want to use. You could use the lace, or another piece of fabric from the dress. If you are able to, you could even create the entire handkerchief from the fabric of the dress. You could also add an extra special touch by embroidering something meaningful onto the handkerchief. For example, you could include a shared memory, a phrase, or even a tattoo design that is special to you and your mother.
If you are creating the handkerchief yourself, it is good to keep in mind that this project may be more suitable for those with some sewing experience. However, if you are a beginner, there are craft shops that sell handkerchief frames, which you could use to create your own custom handkerchief.
If you are not able to create the handkerchief yourself, you could ask a skilled seamstress or dressmaker to create it for you. You could also ask artisans or craftspeople to create a handkerchief from the fabric, or to decorate a handkerchief with pieces of lace from your mother's dress.
Finally, on your wedding day, you could carry the handkerchief with your bouquet, or keep it in your purse. You could also give it to your father as a gift, or display it in photographs with your wedding accessories.
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Frequently asked questions
You can repurpose your mother's wedding dress into a bridal veil, a bridal robe, a ring bearer pillow, a bridal bouquet wrap, a wedding handkerchief, or a patch for the inside of your wedding dress.
You can use your mom's wedding dress as a lace table runner, a cake skirt, a flower girl dress, or a lace table runner.
You can use your mom's wedding dress as a wedding planning robe, a custom handkerchief, or a bridal clutch.
You can use the lace from your mom's wedding dress as a garter, a bow for your dress, a hairpiece, or a belt.
