Creating A Mother's Wedding Dress: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a wedding dress for your mother is a thoughtful way to honour her on your special day. It can be a challenging process, but with the right tools and guidance, you can create a beautiful and unique gown that will make your mother feel special. Here are the steps you can follow to make a wedding dress for your mother:

1. Determine the Basic Shape: Consider your mother's body type and choose a silhouette that will flatter her figure. Common options include empire waistlines, A-line silhouettes, ball gowns, and mermaid styles.

2. Select the Fabric: Choose a fabric that your mother loves and that is suitable for the wedding setting. Popular options include chiffon, satin, silk, tulle, and lace.

3. Consider the Colour: While white is traditional, you can explore shades like ivory, crème, off-white, or even add a hint of colour like blush or light blue.

4. Take Measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial. Measure your mother's bust, hips, waist, and hollow to hem, ensuring she wears the undergarments she plans to wear on the wedding day.

5. Choose a Pattern: Select a sewing pattern that matches your vision for the dress. You can make your own pattern if experienced or purchase one that suits your skill level.

6. Buy the Fabric: With your pattern in hand, purchase the required amount of fabric, considering any special orders or lead times.

7. Cut the Fabric: Carefully lay out the pattern pieces on the fabric and pin them down before cutting out the individual pieces.

8. Assemble the Dress: Pin the fabric pieces together, following the seam allowance specified in the pattern. Use a sewing model form to visualise the fit.

9. Add Texture and Embellishments: Gather, pleat, or add other textures to the fabric to complement your mother's figure. Embellishments like beads, sequins, or lace can also be added for a unique touch.

10. Sew the Dress: Follow the pattern instructions to sew the seams, remembering to use vertical princess seams for a one-piece dress. Try the dress on your mother for adjustments.

11. Finalise the Details: Make any necessary adjustments, add the finishing touches, and ensure the dress is ready for the big day, including any care instructions for the fabric.

Remember to involve your mother in the process, especially when choosing the style and colour. This will ensure she feels comfortable and happy with her wedding dress. Good luck with your project!

Choosing the right fabric

Type of Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of the dress. Some popular fabric options for wedding dresses include:

• Chiffon: A delicate, sheer, and lightweight fabric often used in layers.
• Satin: A heavy fabric with a smooth, shiny finish.
• Silk: A classic, luxurious, and versatile fabric that comes in multiple textures.
• Organza: A crisp, sheer fabric with a stiffer texture.
• Moire: A heavy silk taffeta with a wavy design.
• Tulle: A netting fabric made of silk, nylon, or rayon, often used for skirts and veils.
• Crepe: A soft, gauzy fabric that works well with soft silhouettes and minimalist designs.

Colour

When choosing the colour of the fabric, consider the complexion of the mother. While traditional wedding dresses are often labelled as "white," there are multiple shades of white to choose from, such as ivory, crème, off-white, pure white, and silk white. You can also opt for coloured fabrics if you want to add a unique touch to the dress.

Fabric Weight and Texture

The weight and texture of the fabric will impact the overall look and feel of the dress. For a soft, light, and flowy dress, choose a fabric with a lightweight and airy texture, such as chiffon or organza. For a more structured and formal look, consider fabrics like brocade or damask, which have a stiffer texture.

Location and Season of the Wedding

Consider the location and season of the wedding when choosing the fabric. For a beach wedding, select a fabric that is soft, light, and flowy. For a winter wedding, opt for heavier fabrics like velvet or wool. If the wedding is during the summer, choose breathable fabrics like voile or cotton.

Durability and Ease of Sewing

Consider the durability and ease of sewing when selecting the fabric. Some fabrics, like chiffon, can be delicate and prone to snagging or fraying. If you are new to sewing, choose a fabric that allows for mistakes and is easy to work with.

Cost

Fabric costs can vary depending on the type and quality. Natural fabrics like silk are usually more expensive, while synthetic fabrics like polyester can be more budget-friendly. Consider your budget when selecting the fabric.

Remember to order fabric samples before making your final decision to ensure you are happy with the quality, feel, and colour of the fabric.

Taking measurements

Taking accurate measurements is crucial when making a wedding dress to ensure a perfect fit. Here is a detailed guide on how to take measurements for a wedding dress:

Step 1: Measure the Bust

The first step is to measure the bust at its fullest part. It is recommended to wear the bra that will be worn on the wedding day to ensure accurate measurements. The measuring tape should be snug but not too tight, allowing for a slight wiggle.

Step 2: Measure the Waist

Next, measure the natural waist, which is typically about 1" above the belly button. The measuring tape should be levelled in a straight line, and a finger should be able to fit between the tape and the body. It is important to breathe normally and not hold your breath during this process.

Step 3: Measure the Hips

For the hip measurement, stand with your feet together in a relaxed position. Measure the fullest part of the hips and bottom, ensuring the tape is snug but not too tight, allowing for comfortable movement.

Step 4: Measure Hollow to Hem

This measurement is taken from the centre of the collarbone (hollow) down to the desired hem length. It is important to wear the bridal shoes or shoes with similar heel height to get the correct measurement. This step is crucial when ordering a custom dress.

Tips:

• It is best to have someone else take your measurements for better accuracy.
• When measuring, stand straight with your usual posture, arms down along the body, and breathe normally.
• Always double-check your measurements for accuracy.
• Different brands have different size charts, so knowing your proper measurements is more important than relying on your usual size.

Selecting a colour

Choosing the right colour for the mother of the bride's dress is a tricky task. There are a few things to consider to ensure the colour is just right for the occasion.

Firstly, it is important to avoid bold or flashy colours. You don't want to detract attention from the bride on her special day. Colours to avoid include vivid yellow, blood red, and vibrant orange. It is also important to avoid matching the bride. Stay away from shades of white, ivory, or champagne. If you want to stick with a neutral colour, try greys, taupe, beige, or other off-white hues. If the bride has chosen a non-conventional colour, you may be able to explore white dress styles, but it is always good to get her approval first.

Secondly, the colour should complement the bridal party. You will be in a lot of photos with the wedding party, so your dress colour mustn't clash with those around you. Neutrals are usually a safe bet and can be embellished with metallics or contrasting neutrals for a more interesting design.

Thirdly, the colour should flatter your skin tone. Generally speaking, those with warm skin tones will look beautiful in warmer colours, while those with cool skin tones will radiate in cooler colours. If you have a warm skin tone, colours like red, peach, coral, orange, amber, gold, and yellow will suit you. You will also suit warmer shades of cooler colours, such as olive, moss, orchid, and violet-red. If you have a cool skin tone, colours like bright blues, emeralds, and deep purples, along with frosty shades of lavender, ice blue, or pink, will look great.

Finally, consider the season and the theme of the wedding. If it is a winter wedding, darker colours and longer lengths are perfect. For a summer wedding, you will want a dress that allows plenty of airflow, so soft, light, and airy colours are best. For a spring wedding, pastel tones are a good choice.

Adding texture and embellishments

Innovative Techniques for Adding Embellishments

• 3D Floral Appliqués: Adding three-dimensional floral appliqués can bring a romantic and lifelike feel to the dress. These can be strategically placed for a dramatic effect or scattered for a whimsical touch.
• Textured Beadwork: Incorporate beads and sequins of various sizes and colours to create depth and movement. This technique can add a luxurious sparkle or a subtle shimmer, depending on your preference.
• Laser-Cut Details: For a modern twist, consider adding laser-cut fabric details. This method allows for intricate and precise designs, from geometric patterns to delicate lace-like motifs.
• Mixed Media: Combine different materials like pearls, crystals, and feathers to add an unexpected and personalised touch. Ensure you balance the textures for a cohesive look.

Types of Embellishments

• Fancy Buttons: Ornate vintage buttons, elegant pearl designs, or modern crystal embellishments can significantly enhance the overall look of your gown. Consider replacing standard buttons down the back of the dress or adding them to the sleeves.
• Lace Trim: Adding lace trim, especially along the hem, sleeves, or neckline, is a classic way to elevate your bridal look.
• Embroidered Patches: Embroidered patches can be added to the bodice, sleeves, or other areas of the dress for a unique and personalised touch.
• Beaded Belts: A beaded belt can add a touch of sparkle and glamour to your wedding dress.

Tips for Adding Embellishments

• Start with a Vision: Gather inspiration from bridal magazines, Pinterest, and real weddings to clarify your vision for the final dress.
• Select Quality Embellishments: Choose high-quality materials that complement the style and fabric of your dress. Consider how the embellishments will look under different lighting conditions and from various angles.
• Placement is Key: Decide where you want to add embellishments for the most impact. Popular areas include the bodice, hem, and train, but don't be afraid to think outside the box.
• Trial and Error: Experiment with placement and attachment methods using temporary adhesives or pinning before making any permanent changes.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult a skilled seamstress or designer for valuable insights and guidance in executing your vision.

Steps to Transform Your Gown

• Understand Your Dress: Analyse the structure and fabric of your gown to determine the best types of embellishments. Some fabrics may not support heavy beading, while others may be perfect for intricate lace appliqués.
• Balance Your Embellishments: Aim for a harmonious balance between the dress and the embellishments. Too many can overpower the gown, while too few might not make the desired impact.
• Incorporate Personal Elements: Consider adding family heirlooms or symbols that represent your relationship for a truly unique and meaningful touch.
• Final Fitting: After adding embellishments, ensure you have a final fitting to guarantee the dress fits perfectly and allows you to move comfortably. This is also an opportunity to make any necessary last-minute adjustments.

Final adjustments

Once you have the basic shape of the dress, it's time to make the final adjustments. This is where you can really make the dress your own and add some unique touches. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Change the colour – If you're not a fan of the original colour, you could dye the fabric. This could be a fun way to modernise the dress and make it feel more like your own.
• Get rid of outdated details – If the dress has frills, shoulder pads or a full skirt that's not to your taste, don't be afraid to make some cuts. A skilled seamstress will be able to work with you to create a more modern silhouette.
• Alter the neckline – If the neckline is outdated or unflattering, this is something that can be changed. Consider a jewel, asymmetric or one-shouldered style.
• Add embellishments – Beads, sequins, pearls, feathers, crystals, appliqué and more can all be added to give the dress a new lease of life. This is a great way to put your own stamp on the dress, especially if the original is plain.
• Add a petticoat – A petticoat is an inexpensive way to add a pop of colour and make the dress unique. Your bridesmaids could even wear colour-coordinated petticoats to match.
• Add accessories – Bridal accessories include jewellery, veils, belts, shawls, capes, boleros, gloves, shoes, handbags, parasols, tiaras and hair accessories. The possibilities are endless!
• Completely alter the dress – With the bride's permission, you could use the original dress as a starting point and then completely redesign it. Go shorter, longer, add accents, strip away parts you don't like, or use the material to make something completely new.

Remember to enjoy the process and don't be afraid to get creative. With some careful adjustments, you can transform your mother's wedding dress into something truly special that you'll be proud to wear on your big day.

Frequently asked questions