Franklin Dean
Believe it or not, toilet paper wedding dresses are a thing! It started as a unique way to bring attention to a wedding website, and now there are nearly 1,500 contestants participating each year in the annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress competition. The contest challenges participants to create a dream gown out of toilet tissue, and the winner takes home a $10,000 prize. It's not just a competition, though; toilet paper wedding dresses have also made their way into bridal showers and hen dos as a fun game for guests. So, how does one make a toilet paper wedding dress? It starts with a mood board and sketches, followed by the meticulous process of fashioning the toilet paper into a dress using techniques like folding, ruffling, and sewing. It's all about creativity and thinking outside the box to turn toilet paper into something that resembles a traditional wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of toilet paper rolls | 4 or 17 |
| Type of toilet paper | Ultra Soft 2-ply |
| Techniques | Folding, sewing, pinning, layering |
| Accessories | Flowers, necklaces, crowns |
| Sustainability | Reuse, recycle |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right toilet paper
- Ply: The winner of the 10th annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress competition used Charmin Ultra Soft 2-ply toilet paper for her creation. Using 2-ply toilet paper provides more thickness and structure to your dress, making it easier to work with and giving it a more luxurious feel.
- Quantity: Determine how much toilet paper you will need. The amount required will depend on the style and size of your dress. As a reference, the winner of the 10th annual competition used approximately 17 rolls of toilet paper for her gown, while Tabitha Perry O'Sullivan's hen party game restricted each group to a maximum of four rolls per dress.
- Quality: Look for a brand that is known for its softness and strength. You want a toilet paper that is durable and can hold up during the construction and wearing of the dress. Quilted Northern toilet paper, for example, has been used in the Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest and is known for its quality.
- Sustainability: If you and your guests are environmentally conscious, opt for a sustainable toilet paper option. This was the choice of Tabitha Perry O'Sullivan for her hen party game, where all the toilet paper was neatly folded and put in a basket for guests to reuse afterward. By choosing a sustainable product, you can reduce waste and contribute to preserving the planet.
- Colour and Pattern: Most toilet papers are white, but you can also find coloured or patterned options. Consider if you want a simple white dress or something with a bit more flair and choose your toilet paper accordingly. Keep in mind that coloured or patterned toilet paper may be harder to find and might limit your design options.
Remember, the key to choosing the right toilet paper is to select one that is durable, easy to work with, and aligns with your values and the overall style of your dress.
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Creating a mood board
Collect Images and Textures
Gather images that represent your desired style, silhouette, and overall aesthetic for the dress. Look for pictures of wedding dresses that inspire you, whether they are made from traditional fabrics or toilet paper. Pay attention to the details such as the neckline, sleeves, skirt style, and any unique features you want to incorporate. Collect close-up images of different toilet paper textures, patterns, and designs that you can use in your creation. Remember to keep sustainability in mind, just like Tabitha Perry O'Sullivan, who used sustainable loo roll for her hen do activity.
Color Schemes and Accents
While the base colour of your dress will likely be white, considering colour schemes can help enhance your design. Look for colour combinations that complement each other and add visual interest. You can also explore adding pops of colour through accents such as a heart-shaped necklace, as shared by Hughes's group, or flowers, as used by Tabitha's group, to give your dress a unique touch.
Sketch and Draw
Include your own sketches and drawings on the mood board. Draw different dress designs, cake sketches, decorations, and even groomsmen's outfits, as suggested by the North Penn clothing design students. This will help you visualise how the different elements of the wedding could come together and inspire your toilet paper dress creation.
Fabric Samples and Techniques
If possible, attach samples of the toilet paper you plan to use to your mood board. This will give you a tangible sense of the material and how it can be manipulated. Experiment with different techniques like ruffles, folding, layering, and sewing, as done by Keesler's group, and reflect these techniques on your mood board.
Overall Theme and Feel
Consider the overall theme and atmosphere you want to create with your wedding dress. Is it romantic and ethereal, modern and sleek, or perhaps playful and whimsical? Collect images and words that capture the essence of your desired theme. Think about the venue and setting as well, as this can influence the style and design of your dress.
Remember, your mood board is a creative tool to help you explore ideas and make decisions about your toilet paper wedding dress design. Have fun with the process and let your creativity flow!
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Techniques for shaping the dress
To shape a wedding dress made out of toilet paper, it is important to first create a mood board and sketch out the desired design. This will help you put everything together and have a base to work from. Start by pinning the toilet paper to a mannequin using different techniques. You can fold the toilet paper to create ruffles and sew some parts to achieve a ruffled effect. Layering is also key to making the dress look realistic. Take advantage of the different textures and designs already on the toilet paper to add interest and detail to your dress. For example, you can use the fringed edges of the toilet paper to create a unique effect.
If you want to add more structure to the dress, try using a combination of pinning, sewing, and folding techniques to shape the toilet paper. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for the specific style you are trying to achieve. For example, if you want to create a detachable skirt, you might want to try sewing and pinning the toilet paper to create a more structured look. On the other hand, if you want a flowing skirt, you can focus on layering and ruffling the toilet paper to create movement and fluidity.
Don't be afraid to think outside the box and add accessories to your toilet paper wedding dress. A statement necklace or a pop of color can really make your design stand out. You can also add flowers or other small details to elevate your design. Remember to have fun with it and get creative! The beauty of designing a wedding dress out of toilet paper is that you can experiment and play around with different techniques until you find what works best for your unique creation.
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Adding accessories
- Necklace: Consider adding a statement necklace, like a red heart necklace, to give your dress a pop of color and added detail. A well-chosen necklace can draw attention to the neckline and frame the face beautifully.
- Ruffles: Create ruffles by folding and layering the toilet paper. This technique adds texture, volume, and visual interest to the dress. Ruffles can be used on the skirt, sleeves, or even as a collar for a unique and elegant touch.
- Flowers: Fresh flowers can be a gorgeous accessory to your toilet paper wedding dress. Opt for flowers that are in season and complement the dress's color and style. Attach them to the dress carefully, ensuring they stay fresh throughout the event.
- Crown: A tiny crown can be a whimsical and unexpected accessory. It adds a touch of royalty and fantasy to your ensemble. Consider making the crown from toilet paper as well, using intricate folding and layering techniques.
- Detachable Skirt: For a versatile look, you can create a detachable skirt using toilet paper. This allows the bride to transform her look from a formal ceremony to a comfortable outfit for dancing at the reception. It showcases creativity and adds functionality to the design.
Remember, when adding accessories, consider the overall theme, color scheme, and style of your toilet paper wedding dress. The accessories should complement and enhance the dress, not overwhelm it. Have fun experimenting with different ideas and don't be afraid to think outside the box!
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Making it sustainable
If you're looking to make a toilet paper wedding dress that's sustainable, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, try to use sustainable loo roll. You can also be mindful of the amount of toilet paper you use and try to make it last longer. For example, you could set a limit on the number of rolls that can be used, as seen in Tabitha Perry O'Sullivan's hen do, where only four rolls of toilet paper were allowed per bride. This not only encourages creativity but also reduces waste.
After the event, instead of throwing away the toilet paper, you can neatly fold it and put it in a basket for guests to take home and reuse. This ensures that the toilet paper doesn't go to waste. You could also encourage guests to bring their own toilet paper, which they can then take back home with them.
If you're looking for a more durable and sustainable option, you could consider using alternative materials to toilet paper. For example, you could use fabric scraps, old bed sheets, or even recycled paper. Get creative and see what unique and sustainable materials you can find!
Additionally, you can add a few flowers from the garden as finishing touches, like Tabitha Perry O'Sullivan's hens did, or use other natural materials like leaves and twigs. This not only adds a unique touch to your dress but also incorporates natural, biodegradable elements.
Finally, if you're looking for a sustainable alternative to a traditional wedding dress, there are many options available. You can rent a dress, buy second-hand, or choose a dress made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp silk, or upcycled fabric. You can also support brands that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices, such as Whimsy + Row, Reformation, Borrowing Magnolia, Vestiaire Collective, and Sister Organics.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the style of the dress and the number of people working on it. Susan Brennan used 17 rolls of Charmin toilet paper to make her winning dress, while Tabitha Perry O'Sullivan's hens used a maximum of four rolls per bride.
Start by creating a mood board with sketches of cakes, decorations, and outfits to use as a base. Then, begin pinning the toilet paper to a mannequin, folding it to create ruffles and sewing some parts to create a layered effect. Take advantage of the different textures and designs already on the toilet paper.
Use a sustainable type of toilet paper, and ensure that there is no waste at the end of the game. For example, you could neatly fold the toilet paper and put it in a basket for guests to take home and reuse.
