Creating A Simple Wedding Gown: A Homemade Guide

Making your own wedding dress is a challenging but rewarding project. It requires a good deal of sewing expertise, as well as time, patience, and careful planning. Here are the steps to create a simple wedding gown at home:

Planning and Design

First, decide on the style, silhouette, and fabric of your dress. Consider your body shape, the season, the setting, and time of your wedding, as well as your personal taste and convenience. Create a lookbook by collecting images of dresses you like. Draw sketches of your design, combining different bodice, skirt, and sleeve styles, and experiment with colour combinations.

Choosing a Dressmaker

If you plan to hire a dressmaker, seek recommendations and review their past work. Discuss your design ideas and fabric choices with them, and ensure they can commit to your timeline and budget.

Fabric and Embellishments

Select your fabric, keeping in mind the drape, shine, and weight you desire. Common choices include silk, polyester, rayon, and cotton. Choose your lining fabric, ensuring it is comfortable and matches the outer fabric. You may also want to add underlining for extra support or a petticoat for fullness. Finally, decide on any embellishments like lace, beads, sequins, or bows.

Sewing

If you are sewing the dress yourself, ensure your machine is well-maintained and use high-quality thread and needles. Create a muslin prototype to perfect the fit, and take precise measurements while wearing the underwear and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. Hand sewing is often used for wedding dresses to create invisible stitching and delicate finishes.

Accessories

Complete your wedding look with carefully chosen accessories, including a veil, bouquet, sash belt, shoes, and jewellery.

Remember, creating your own wedding dress is a time-intensive process, so start early and don't be afraid to seek help!

Choosing the right fabric

Consider the Type of Fabric

The fabric you choose will determine the overall look and feel of your wedding dress. Some popular options include:

• Silk: Classic, timeless, and comfortable. It can be used to create a soft, drapey style or a more structured silhouette.
• Polyester: A cost-effective alternative to silk, polyester is easy to maintain and less prone to wrinkling.
• Rayon: Rayon is breathable, inexpensive, and available in various shades.
• Satin: A smooth fabric with a sheen, often used for wedding dresses. It is forgiving, flattering, and suitable for any body shape.

Think About the Setting and Season

The location and season of your wedding will play a role in choosing the right fabric. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, opt for soft, light, and flowy fabrics. Consider the temperature and whether you want a fabric that breathes easier.

Take Your Body Shape into Account

Different fabrics will flatter different body shapes. Try on various styles and silhouettes to see what works best for your figure. Consider your body type and choose a fabric that accentuates your best features.

Don't Forget About Convenience and Movement

Your wedding dress should not only look beautiful but also be comfortable and allow for ease of movement. Make sure you can move around and dance in your chosen fabric without feeling restricted.

Match the Fabric to Your Skin Tone

When selecting the colour of your fabric, consider your skin tone. Certain shades of white, ivory, or blush may complement your complexion better than others. Keep in mind that light and shiny colours attract the eye more than dark matte colours.

Plan for Embellishments

If you plan to add embellishments like lace, beads, or sequins, make sure to choose a fabric that can accommodate them. Some fabrics are more delicate and may not handle heavy embellishments well.

Sample Different Fabrics

Before making your final decision, take the time to feel and compare different fabric samples. This will help you understand how each fabric looks and feels, ensuring you make the best choice for your special day.

Selecting a silhouette

Body Type

The silhouette of a wedding gown should flatter the bride's body type. Here are some common body types and the recommended silhouettes:

• Apple body: empire waistlines and A-line silhouettes
• Pear body: Ball gown and A-line silhouettes
• Rectangle body: Mermaid and empire waist silhouettes
• Hourglass body: Natural waistline with added waistline accents

Location of the Wedding

The location of the wedding can also influence the choice of silhouette. For example, a beach wedding calls for a soft, light, and flowy silhouette, while a grand cathedral wedding may require a more structured and dramatic silhouette.

Fabric Choice

The choice of fabric can also impact the silhouette. Some fabrics are more suitable for certain silhouettes than others. For example, tulle is often used for skirts and veils, while satin and chiffon are commonly used for flowy and delicate silhouettes.

Comfort and Confidence

While the body type is an important consideration, it is also crucial to choose a silhouette that makes the bride feel comfortable and confident. Trying on different silhouettes and seeking the advice of bridal experts can help in making an informed decision.

Popular Silhouettes

• A-line: Fitted bodice that cinches at the waist and flares out to form an "A" shape. Universally flattering and complements all body types.
• Ball gown: Fitted bodice with a full and voluminous skirt. Ideal for most body types but can be overwhelming for petites.
• Trumpet/Fit-and-Flare: Fitted through the body and flares out mid-thigh. Ideal for brides who want to accentuate their waist.
• Mermaid: Fitted on the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out. Ideal for brides who want to show off their curves.
• Sheath/Column: Narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. Ideal for lean and athletic body types.
• Empire waist: Raised waistline that sits just under the bust, with the skirt flowing down. Flattering for most body types, especially those with a small chest or a pear-shaped figure.

Adding sleeves

Choosing the Right Sleeves

First, decide on the style of sleeves you want. Consider the overall look you are going for, the level of comfort you desire, and the amount of mobility you need. Some popular options include cap sleeves, off-the-shoulder sleeves, long sleeves, and detachable sleeves. It is important to choose a style that complements the silhouette of your dress. For example, off-the-shoulder sleeves pair beautifully with ball gowns, while puff sleeves can add a whimsical touch to a boho or vintage-inspired dress.

Finding a Seamstress

Once you have decided on the sleeve style, it is highly recommended to work with a professional seamstress to achieve your desired look. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that the sleeves are properly fitted and seamlessly integrated into your dress. Schedule a consultation and bring photos or a mood board of the sleeve styles you love. The seamstress will also need to source matching fabric for the sleeves. If you have any excess fabric from your dress, they can use that, or they may have suitable fabric in-house, such as tulle, chiffon, lace, or satin.

The Fitting Process

During your consultation, the seamstress will take intricate measurements and discuss the details of your desired sleeves. Be sure to communicate your vision clearly and be open to their expert advice. You will likely need to attend multiple fittings to ensure that the sleeves are perfect. For this reason, it is recommended to begin the process at least seven to twelve weeks before your wedding day.

Cost Considerations

Embellishments

Lace appliques and bows can be added to the wedding dress to enhance its overall look. You can also add beautiful bows, pearls, sequins, beads, and satin ribbons to the dress. The edges of the gown can be decorated with satin ribbons, pearls, or lace trims.

If you want to add some sparkle to your dress, consider using sequinned or beaded fabric. These fabrics can be challenging to work with, but they will give your dress a stunning, glamorous look.

You can also add a sash belt to your dress. This is a great way to add a pop of colour or a bit of extra sparkle to your look.

If you want to keep things simple, you can opt for a dress with minimal embellishments. A clean and simple square neck wedding dress can be a great choice for a timeless and classy look.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose embellishments that you love and that make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Choosing a dressmaker

• Experience and Specialisation: Opt for a dressmaker who has extensive experience in creating wedding gowns. They should understand the intricacies of designing bridal wear and have a portfolio showcasing their previous work. Additionally, look for specialists who have worked with various brides, as this indicates their ability to cater to diverse styles, body shapes, and budgets.
• Customisation and Collaboration: A good dressmaker will collaborate closely with you to bring your unique vision to life. They should offer a custom design service, allowing you to mix and match silhouettes, necklines, fabrics, and other details. This collaborative process ensures that your dress is tailored to your specific preferences and requirements.
• Timeline and Budget: When choosing a dressmaker, consider your timeline and budget. Ask about the average time they take to create a custom wedding dress, from initial consultations to final fittings and alterations. Also, discuss costs, including design fees, fabric choices, and any additional charges for alterations.
• Reviews and Recommendations: Research is essential when selecting a dressmaker. Check online reviews on their website, Yelp, or wedding-focused forums to gauge the experiences of other brides. Additionally, seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently been through the process and can vouch for a particular dressmaker's skills and reliability.
• Professionalism and Communication: Choose a dressmaker who is responsive, clear in their communication, and willing to answer your questions. Ask about their years of experience, the number of wedding gowns they have created, pricing, turnaround time, deposit requirements, and the number of fittings needed. A professional dressmaker will be transparent and provide detailed responses to your queries.
• Avoid Unprofessional Suggestions: While well-meaning relatives or friends may offer their services, politely decline and opt for a professional dressmaker. Altering a wedding gown requires specific skills and knowledge, ensuring your gown fits perfectly and complements your body shape.

Remember, creating a wedding gown is a highly skilled craft, and choosing the right dressmaker will ensure a stress-free experience and a gorgeous gown that reflects your style and personality.

Frequently asked questions