Strategies To Make Your Wedding Gown More Voluminous

There are several ways to make a wedding gown fuller, and most of them involve adding layers of stiff fabric to the underskirt of the dress. This can be done by wearing a petticoat, crinoline, or hoop skirt underneath the gown, or by sewing additional fabric such as tulle or horsehair netting into the underskirt of the dress. The weight and type of fabric used will also impact the fullness of the gown, with lightweight fabrics like tulle and nylon netting providing volume without weighing down the dress.

Choose a bridal slip or petticoat that fits your gown

Choosing the right bridal slip or petticoat is essential to achieving the perfect look for your wedding gown. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

First, consider the style and material of your gown. Bridal slips come in various shapes and sizes, and the right one will depend on the design of your dress. If your gown is made of light or medium fabric, a tulle or crinoline petticoat can add the desired volume. For heavier materials, a hoop skirt might be necessary to achieve a fuller look.

Next, evaluate the fullness you want. Petticoats come in different levels of fullness, from little to very full. If you're wearing an A-line dress, an A-line petticoat can be a good choice. For ball gowns, you might opt for a hoop slip to create a wide, full shape.

Additionally, consider the width of the slip. Measure the front hem of your dress from side seam to side seam and double that measurement to get the approximate circumference of the slip you need. This is especially important if you're ordering online or need a custom-made slip.

When trying on petticoats, it's best to visit a bridal shop and try on different styles until you find the one that enhances the look of your gown. Remember, you can always add extra tulle to the underskirt of your dress if you can't find the perfect slip.

Lastly, don't forget to consider your comfort. Slips can add warmth, so decide if you're comfortable with a little extra heat for the perfect look.

Iron your gown to add volume

Ironing your wedding gown is a simple way to add volume and flair to the skirt. Here are some tips to achieve the desired look:

First, consider the fabric of your gown and whether it is suitable for ironing. If your gown has tulle sewn into the underskirt, pressing it with an iron will make it crisper and puffier, giving the skirt more volume. Tulle is a delicate fabric, so it is recommended to have your gown professionally ironed to avoid any damage.

Before ironing, ensure your gown is clean and free of any stains. If there are any stains, tend to them first as ironing can set stains permanently. You can either spot-treat the stains yourself or take the gown to a professional cleaner.

When you are ready to iron, set up your ironing board and lay the gown flat, ensuring the fabric is not creased or bunched up. Start by ironing the underskirt, particularly the tulle, if present. Use a medium to high heat setting, and gently press the iron onto the fabric, lifting it and moving it to a new area after a few seconds to avoid scorching. You can use steam for more effectiveness, but be cautious as some fabrics may be sensitive to moisture.

As you iron, focus on the areas that require the most volume. For instance, if you desire a fuller look at the bottom of the skirt, spend more time pressing and fluffing those sections. You can also use your hand to gently fluff the tulle as you go, creating the desired amount of volume.

Finally, once you are done ironing, hang the gown on a sturdy hanger and allow it to cool. This will help set the shape and volume you have created. After it has cooled, evaluate whether the skirt has achieved the desired fullness. If not, you can repeat the ironing process or consider adding a petticoat or underskirt for additional volume.

Consider the fabric of your gown

The fabric of your wedding gown is an important consideration when trying to make it look fuller. The weight, stiffness, and texture of the fabric will all play a role in how full your gown can become.

Firstly, consider the weight of the fabric. If your gown is made of light or medium-weight fabric, you have several options to add fullness. Tulle, crinoline, or netting petticoats can be worn underneath to create a puffy effect. These fabrics are stiff and lightweight, so they will not weigh down your dress. Additionally, consider the fabric's stiffness. Stiff fabrics like horsehair canvas, organdy, organza, and silk gazar can be used to create volume, either as the outer fabric or as an underlayer. These fabrics hold their shape well and can be layered to add fullness.

On the other hand, if your gown is made of heavy fabric, you may need to consider a different approach. Heavy fabrics like velveteen, denim, corduroy, or wool tweed hold their shape well and do not require additional stiffening. However, if you still desire more fullness, you may need to consult a seamstress to add extra fabric or modify the skirt's design.

Another factor to consider is the texture of the fabric. Netting fabrics, such as tulle, have a natural stiffness and can add fullness to your gown. Multiple layers of tulle can be used as underskirts or petticoats to create a fluffy, poofy silhouette. Additionally, the fabric's finish can impact its ability to be made fuller. For example, fabric finishes like starching or chemical resin can add crispness and stiffness, making the fabric stand out more.

In conclusion, by carefully considering the weight, stiffness, texture, and finish of your wedding gown's fabric, you can make informed decisions about how to make it look fuller. Whether you choose to add underlayers, modify the skirt, or select a specific fabric type, you can achieve the full and dreamy look you desire for your special day.

Add tulle to the underskirt

Adding tulle to the underskirt of your wedding gown is a great way to make it fuller. Tulle is a net fabric with small hexagonal holes, giving it a fluffy look and a very fine soft feel. It is a popular fabric for wedding gowns, veils, and headdresses. Multiple layers of tulle fabric can be used as underskirts or petticoats to create a full and voluminous silhouette.

If you are considering adding tulle to the underskirt of your wedding gown, the first step is to determine how full you want the skirt to be. You can choose from a range of tulle densities, from light and airy to stiff and structured. If you want a more subtle fullness, a softer tulle with a lower density may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a dramatic, puffy effect, you may want to opt for a stiffer tulle with a higher density.

Once you've selected the type of tulle, it's important to carefully plan the placement of the tulle layers. Consider adding multiple layers of tulle to the underskirt, as this will create more volume and a more pronounced effect. You can also experiment with the length and distribution of the tulle layers to achieve your desired look. For instance, you might want the tulle to start at the waist and extend to the hem, or you might prefer it to begin at the knees for a more gradual flare.

After deciding on the placement, it's essential to choose a tulle colour that matches your gown. Tulle is commonly available in white, but if your gown is a different colour, you may need to source a matching tulle or have it custom-dyed. Keep in mind that adding tulle to the underskirt will likely require alterations to your gown, so it's advisable to consult a professional seamstress who can ensure that the tulle is seamlessly integrated and that your gown fits perfectly.

Wear a hoop skirt underneath

If you want to make your wedding gown fuller, one way to do so is to wear a hoop skirt underneath. Hoop skirts are a type of underskirt that can add structure and volume to your dress, creating a classic princess silhouette. They are especially useful if your gown is made of heavy material, as lighter materials may only require a tulle or crinoline petticoat to achieve the desired fullness.

Hoop skirts come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it's important to try on different options to find the one that works best with your gown. Visit a bridal shop to experiment with different petticoats and hoop skirts, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from the staff or your alterations person. You can also purchase a hoop skirt online, but be sure to measure your waist and hips to ensure you're getting the right size.

When choosing a hoop skirt, consider the degree of fullness you want to achieve. Petticoats come in different levels of fullness, from little to medium to very full. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to start with a less full option and work your way up until you achieve the desired look. Remember that adding a hoop skirt will already add significant volume, so you may not need the fullest option available.

In addition to the style and size of the hoop skirt, consider the material and construction. Hoop skirts are typically made with metal or plastic hoops covered in fabric. The number of hoops and the stiffness of the fabric will impact the overall structure and fullness of the skirt. If you want a softer, more natural look, opt for a hoop skirt with fewer hoops and more flexible fabric. If you prefer a more structured and dramatic look, go for a hoop skirt with multiple hoops and stiffer fabric.

By following these tips and trying on different options, you'll be able to find the perfect hoop skirt to make your wedding gown fuller and create the dream princess silhouette.

Frequently asked questions