George Boyle
High-low wedding dresses are a unique style choice for brides-to-be. The process of making one involves determining the desired length of the skirt, with the front hemline typically higher than the back. This can be achieved by starting with a basic rectangle of the desired width and length, and then adjusting the front and back measurements accordingly. Some brides opt to purchase a pre-made high-low dress and make alterations, such as adding volume with tulle or crinoline, or changing the fabric and colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Satin, lace, tulle, crinoline, silk, mesh, pastel blue, pearl pink, ivory, white, grey, champagne |
| Design | Square neckline, babydoll fit, pleated skirt, full gathered skirt, color-blocked hem, off-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, illusion lace neckline, keyhole back, jewel sash |
| Budget | $20,000 or less |
| Time | 8-10 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the fabric
When making a high-low wedding dress, choosing the right fabric is essential. The fabric can significantly impact the overall style, silhouette, and formality of the dress. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the fabric for your dream high-low wedding dress:
Season and Weather
Consider the season and weather conditions for your wedding day when choosing the fabric. If you're having a summer wedding, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as lace, chiffon, or organza. These fabrics will keep you cool and comfortable. For colder months, choose heavier fabrics like satin or silk, which will provide more warmth. Satin is a delicate fabric with a slight sheen, giving your dress a classy and modern look.
Formality and Style
The formality of your wedding should also guide your fabric choice. For a formal indoor event, heavier and more structured fabrics like satin or organza can create a sophisticated and elegant look. If you prefer a more informal or outdoor wedding, lightweight and flowing fabrics like chiffon or tulle might be a better choice. Tulle is a stiff fabric that creates volume and is often used for skirts and veils, giving your dress a whimsical touch.
Personal Style and Comfort
Ultimately, your wedding dress should reflect your personal style and taste. If you're drawn to intricate and delicate details, lace might be the perfect fabric for you. Lace is a versatile fabric that can be used to create elaborate designs or subtle accents. On the other hand, if you prefer a simple and sleek look, fabrics like charmeuse or crepe might be more suitable. Charmeuse is a shimmering fabric that works beautifully with draped dresses, while crepe, a mid-weight silk-blend fabric, clings to the body and drapes gracefully.
Silhouette and Volume
The silhouette you desire for your high-low wedding dress will also determine the fabric choice. If you're aiming for a dramatic ball gown or a structured fit-and-flare style, silk or Mikado silk might be ideal. Mikado silk is thicker than other silk blends, making it perfect for structured gowns that hold their shape. Additionally, consider adding layers of tulle or crinoline underneath your skirt to add volume and achieve a show-stopping silhouette.
Fabric Combinations
Remember, you can combine different fabrics to create a unique and personalised look for your high-low wedding dress. As a rule of thumb, it's best to use two or three fabrics, with one being the primary material. This allows you to play with textures, accents, and overlays to bring your dream dress to life.
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Deciding on the length
Desired Length and Width
Firstly, determine the desired length of the skirt. Consider whether you want it to fall at the knee, below the knee, or somewhere in between. This decision will influence the overall silhouette and style of the dress. It's important to also measure the width of the bodice to ensure the skirt is proportional. For a very full gather, you can multiply the width of the bodice by three.
Hem Allowance
Remember to account for hem allowance when deciding on the length. Add at least 1 inch of hem allowance to your desired length. This extra fabric is necessary for creating a clean and polished finish on the skirt's hem.
Front and Back Hemlines
The unique feature of a high-low dress is the varying lengths of the front and back hemlines. Typically, the front hemline is higher than the back. To achieve this effect, add 2 inches to the front hemline measurement, making it shorter than the back. You can play around with the length difference to create your desired look.
Personal Preference and Proportion
Ultimately, deciding on the length of the high-low wedding dress comes down to personal preference and what flatters your body type. Some people prefer a subtle difference in length between the front and back hemlines, while others opt for a more dramatic contrast. Consider your own style and comfort to make the right decision.
Creating a high-low wedding dress is a fun and creative process. By deciding on the length and following the above guidelines, you can achieve a beautiful and unique silhouette for your special day.
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Adding volume
To add volume to a high-low wedding dress, you can start by determining the desired length and width of the skirt. If you want a very full skirt, you can measure the width of the bodice and multiply it by three. This will give you a generous amount of fabric to work with and create a full, gathered look.
When it comes to the length, it can be a bit tricky with a high-low hem, but it's manageable. First, decide how long you want the skirt to be, from the bodice edge to the desired length, such as the knee or below. Add a hem allowance of at least one inch to this length. Don't forget to add a couple of extra inches to the front to create the high-low effect, with the front hemline being higher than the back.
To create the high-low shape, start with a basic rectangle using the width and length measurements you've determined. For the front, measure up two inches from the fold edge and then square off, curving down towards the bottom right corner of the rectangle. For the back, lower the fold edge by two or more inches, depending on your preference. You can then square off from the fold edge and curve up to the corner of the rectangle.
Additionally, consider adding extra tulle or crinoline to the skirt to increase volume. You can either sew this extra fabric into the skirt or wear a crinoline underskirt, which can be rented or purchased. This will give your high-low wedding dress a poofy and voluminous look.
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Customising the lining
Firstly, decide on the style and shape of your skirt. A basic gathered skirt is often a good starting point, as it begins with a simple rectangle shape. Measure the width of the bodice you will be sewing the skirt to and multiply it by 3 to allow for a full gather. Next, determine the desired length of the skirt, keeping in mind that a high-low hem typically has a higher front and lower back. Add a hem allowance of at least 1 inch, plus an additional 2 inches for the front hemline.
When it comes to the fabric for the lining, the options are endless. You can choose a solid colour like ivory, white, or pastel blue, or go for something more unique like patterned fabric or a colour-blocked hem. If you want to add a touch of luxury, consider using silk for the lining. You can also add details such as a jewel sash or lace overlay to make your dress even more special.
If you're looking to add volume to your skirt, consider sewing in extra tulle or crinoline. This will give your dress a "poofy" effect, creating a soft and flowy look. Alternatively, you can wear a crinoline under your dress, which can be sewn in or rented from some shops.
Don't be afraid to mix and match different fabrics and colours to create a truly unique high-low wedding dress that reflects your personal style. With some creativity and careful planning, you can transform a simple dress into something incredible.
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Finding a seamstress
- Bridal Boutique Recommendations: Many bridal boutiques have in-house seamstresses or can recommend trusted tailors experienced in altering wedding dresses. While in-house alterations may be more expensive, these specialists work exclusively with wedding dresses and are highly skilled in making the necessary adjustments.
- Independent Seamstresses: Consider seeking out independent seamstresses in your area who specialise in wedding attire. They may offer their services at a lower price compared to boutiques. Facebook groups for wedding planning or resale in your local area can be a great resource for finding recommendations and reviews for independent seamstresses.
- Online Directories: Utilise online platforms such as Thumbtack, which provides a directory of top-rated seamstresses in your vicinity. Websites like WED2B also offer a directory of seamstresses across the UK.
- Timing: It is advisable to begin the process early. Schedule your first fitting consultation around 2-3 months before the wedding to allow ample time for alterations, with a final fitting no later than two weeks before the wedding.
- Cost: The cost of seamstress services can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations and the fabric type. Simple alterations have flat rates, while larger projects, such as altering wedding dresses, are priced based on specifics. On average, alterations for a wedding dress range from $150 to $800, but they can exceed $1,000 for intricate work.
- References and Portfolio: When considering a seamstress, don't hesitate to ask for references or a portfolio of their previous work. This will help you assess their skills, experience, and the quality of their craftsmanship.
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Frequently asked questions
A high-low wedding dress is a dress that is shorter in the front and longer in the back, creating a high-low hem effect.
First, determine the desired length of the skirt, including the length from the bodice edge to the knee or below the knee. Add a hem allowance of at least 1 inch, then add another 2 inches for the front hemline. Start with a basic rectangle with the desired width and length, then measure up 2 inches from the front along the fold edge. Square off from the front edge and curve down towards the bottom right corner. For the back, lower the edge by 2 or more inches, then square off again and curve up to the corner.
You can add volume to the bottom of your high-low wedding dress by sewing in extra tulle, crinoline, or petticoats to the skirt. You can also purchase a crinoline to wear under your dress, which can be rented or bought from shops like David's Bridal.
You can customize your high-low wedding dress by changing the lining with new fabric, adding a coloured sash, or choosing a different colour for the dress itself. You can also add details such as an illusion lace neckline or a keyhole back.
