George Boyle
Pick-up wedding dresses are designed to flatter your torso and waistline. While they were all the rage at one time, some people find them unappealing. However, if you love something and feel beautiful, you should go with it! If you're thinking of making a pick-up wedding dress, there are a few things you should consider. First, you'll need to find a style that you like and that flatters your figure. You can browse through different styles online or in bridal magazines. Once you've found a few styles you like, you can start thinking about the fabric and any accessories you might want to add. It's also important to keep in mind that you may need to make alterations to the dress for a perfect fit. This may include adjusting the length, taking in the waist, or adding bustles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pick-up wedding dress style | Used to be all the rage, designed to flatter your torso and waistline |
| Examples | IVANA Brocade, RENITA, O'HARA |
| Pick-up appointment | Try on the dress, get questions answered, discuss next steps, and pay the final balance |
| Pick-up tips | Store the dress in a temperature-controlled space, out of direct sunlight, and away from moisture |
| Alterations | Typically start at least 8 weeks before the wedding, may involve adjusting the bustle to avoid "nun wings" |
| Accessories | Veil, sash, shoes, undergarments |
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What You'll Learn
Pick-up wedding dresses used to be popular
Pick-up wedding dresses used to be extremely popular, with many brides opting for this style to flatter their torso and waistline. The design typically involves parts of the skirt being gathered and stitched in place to create a voluminous and dramatic effect. This style of dress was particularly trendy from 2005 to 2010, with many women considering it for their big day.
The pick-up style is often associated with ball gowns, adding a touch of elegance and glamour to the overall bridal look. Some popular variations of this style include the IVANA, which features a brocade bodice and a voluminous tulle skirt, and the RENITA, a modern organza ball gown with a pearl and Swarovski crystal-encrusted neckline and delicate pick-ups on the skirt. These dresses offer a sophisticated and refined take on the pick-up style, showcasing its versatility.
Despite its past popularity, the pick-up wedding dress style has received mixed reviews in recent years. Some people associate it with outdated fashion trends, comparing it to a little girl's Disney princess costume. Others find it unflattering, with comments suggesting it might make one look like a "marshmallow." However, it's important to remember that fashion is subjective, and what some may consider outdated or unappealing might be another person's dream dress.
While the pick-up wedding dress may not be as trendy as it once was, it still has its admirers. Some brides are willing to overlook negative comments and choose this style because they genuinely like it. Ultimately, it's about personal preference and what makes the bride feel beautiful and confident on her wedding day.
Although the popularity of the pick-up wedding dress has waned, it remains a timeless option for brides who want a dramatic and flattering silhouette. With its elegant skirt details and ability to accentuate the torso and waistline, it's no wonder this style still captures the hearts of many brides-to-be, regardless of prevailing fashion trends.
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How to bustle a pick-up wedding dress
Wedding dresses usually do not come with a pre-made bustle. However, bustling a wedding dress is important to ensure that the bride can move around with ease and alleviate the fear of tripping over a long train. There are several ways to add a bustle to a wedding dress, and the process can be done by a seamstress or by oneself.
American Bustle
The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of a dress that enables the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pickup points for an ultra-dramatic look. This style tends to transform a dress silhouette from the back, essentially making the train disappear.
French Bustle
The French bustle, also known as an under bustle, is the reverse of the American bustle, as hooks pick up the train of the gown as they tuck it under the silhouette itself. Often, ribbons are attached to connect and secure the fabric and can have numerous pick-up points for extra flair. Brides with a natural waistline gown may favour this style.
Pick-Up Bustle
A pick-up bustle can be created by sewing a loop to the back of the dress and a button above it. Sew the loop halfway up the length of the dress using a secure knot. Then, sew the button 1 foot above the bride’s knees. Stitch it four times and make two knots to ensure it’s secure. Now you’ll be able to hook the loop over the button to lift the dress’s train off of the floor. This is the simplest and cheapest way to bustle your dress, but it isn’t recommended for heavier dresses.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle gives the illusion that the gown was floor-length all along. Multiple bustle points are sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately.
Royal Bustle
The royal bustle, also known as the Victorian bustle, adds drama as the folds add more dimension to the silhouette. This style is perfect for gowns that have a statement bow or sash at the back. With a bow bustle, the fabric is folded above the gown and secured with ties hidden under the bow. This allows the fabric to pick up and flow symmetrically from the elegant visual point of the bow.
Tips
- Brides should decide when they would like to bustle their dress and let their designated "bustler" know so they can pull them aside at the right moment.
- It is recommended to take most of the family and newlywed photos before bustling the dress to show off the train.
- Prepare an emergency bag with a sewing needle, clear fishing line, and large safety pins in case the bustle breaks.
- The maid of honour or a trusted bridesmaid should attend the final fitting to practice bustling the dress.
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$14.59
Pick-up appointments: what to expect
Pick-up appointments can be a little nerve-wracking, but also exciting! You'll likely receive an email to let you know your dress has arrived and to book your appointment. Here's what to expect:
Before the appointment
It's a good idea to come prepared for your pick-up appointment. Bring any undergarments you plan to wear on the day, as well as any accessories, such as a veil or sash, so you can see the complete look. If you haven't already, now is the time to buy any accessories to have them ready for your first fitting.
During the appointment
Your pick-up appointment will usually last around 30 minutes. During this time, you'll try on your dress again and can ask any questions you may have. It's normal to need alterations to ensure the dress fits your unique shape perfectly, so be prepared for this. You can also discuss next steps and pay any remaining balance.
After the appointment
After your pick-up appointment, you'll want to book your alteration appointments, ideally starting at least eight weeks before the wedding. Your dress will come in a breathable fabric garment bag, which is the best way to store it until alterations begin. Keep it in a temperature-controlled space, like a bedroom or hall closet, and out of direct sunlight. If you're flying with your dress, call your airline ahead of time to see if they can store it safely for you.
On the day
On your wedding day, carefully step into your dress and zip and/or button it up. Have a steamer, double-stick body tape, safety pins, a sewing kit, and a button hook on hand, just in case!
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Pick-up wedding dresses: personal taste
Pick-up wedding dresses are designed to flatter your torso and waistline. While they used to be all the rage, some people now find them unappealing, comparing them to meringue. However, it's important to remember that personal taste varies, and if you love something and feel beautiful in it, you should go for it! It's your day, and you should feel happy, confident, and comfortable in your choice of attire.
For instance, if you're on a small budget, a pick-up ball gown might be a good option. You can also opt for a modern and refined look with a Shavon organza ball gown, featuring a pearl and Swarovski crystal-encrusted sweetheart neckline and a billowing skirt with delicate pick-ups.
Another option is the IVANA Brocade, which drapes the bodice of a ball gown before cascading into a voluminous cut-away skirt revealing tulle, accented with Swarovski crystal appliqué and a sweetheart neckline. If you're looking for something lightweight, the Ohara ball gown features a breathtaking skirt made of tulle and chic organza, with a sparkling beaded bodice and a romantic sweetheart neckline.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel happy and brings you joy. Don't be too concerned with following fashion trends, as they come and go, and instead, focus on finding a dress that flatters your unique shape and makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
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Picking up your dress: timing
Picking up your wedding dress is an important step in your bridal journey, and the timing of this pick-up is crucial to ensure a stress-free experience. Here are some detailed tips and instructions to guide you through the process:
Timing your Pick-up Appointment
Your wedding dress should ideally arrive at the salon or boutique around three to four months before the wedding. This timing allows for any necessary alterations and fittings. Once your dress arrives, the boutique will typically notify you via email, and it's essential to book your pick-up appointment promptly. This appointment is your opportunity to try on the dress again, address any final questions or concerns, and pay any outstanding balances.
Planning for Alterations
After your pick-up appointment, one of the first steps is to book your alteration appointments. It is recommended to begin alterations at least eight weeks before the wedding. During this period, you may need multiple fittings to ensure the dress fits perfectly. The specific timeline for alterations may vary depending on the complexity of the adjustments and the availability of your tailor or seamstress.
Final Fitting and Pick-up
Your final fitting is a crucial milestone, usually occurring two weeks before your wedding day. During this fitting, you'll get to see your entire wedding ensemble come together, including the dress, veil, and shoes. It's normal to feel emotional during this final fitting, as you'll be witnessing the complete look for the first time. After this final fitting, you'll pick up your finished gown, paying any remaining balances and alteration fees.
Storage and Transportation
Once you have your dress in hand, proper storage is essential. Keep your gown stored in a temperature-controlled space, avoiding excessive moisture and direct sunlight. The breathable fabric garment bag provided by the salon is ideal for storing your dress safely. If you need to travel with your dress, contact your airline in advance. Most airlines will accommodate your dress, allowing you to carry it on board and stow it safely in an overhead bin.
Last-Minute Considerations
In the lead-up to your wedding, it's normal to have concerns about last-minute changes or adjustments. Picking up your dress a few days before the wedding gives you some flexibility to address any unexpected issues. However, it's essential to balance this with the potential for wrinkles, especially if the dress is left hanging for an extended period. A day or two before the wedding is generally a safe timeframe to pick up your dress, ensuring it looks pristine for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
A pick-up wedding dress is designed to flatter your torso and waistline. They were very popular in the past.
It is recommended to pick up your wedding dress at least 2 weeks before the wedding in case you need alterations.
After picking up your wedding dress, you should book your alteration appointment. You should also store your dress in a temperature-controlled space, out of direct sunlight.
You should bring any undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to your pick-up appointment. You should also bring any accessories you plan to wear, such as a veil or sash.
If you are flying with your wedding dress, call your airline ahead of time. They may be able to store it safely for you.
