Rhiannon Hendricks
A wrist strap is a convenient way to manage your wedding dress, especially if you want to avoid the bustle or wrist loop. It is a simple solution for those who want to be able to move their dress without assistance. A wrist strap can be easily added to your dress by a seamstress, or you can even add one yourself by hand-sewing a silk cord or ribbon to the underneath of your dress. This allows you to hold the underlayer of your dress, with the top layer falling naturally over it. However, some brides have expressed concerns about having their hands occupied by a wrist strap, especially when wanting to perform actions such as reaching over tables or hugging guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why use a wrist strap | To hold up a long, heavy wedding dress |
| When to use a wrist strap | When you want to move freely, e.g. during the dancing portion of the evening |
| When not to use a wrist strap | When you want to have your hands free, e.g. to reach over tables or hug guests |
| How to attach a wrist strap | Sew a silk cord or ribbon to the underneath of the dress |
| Where to attach a wrist strap | At the very back of the train |
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What You'll Learn
Sew a silk cord to the underneath of the dress
Sewing a silk cord to the underneath of a wedding dress can be a challenging task, but with careful preparation and the right techniques, it can be done. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Prepare the Materials
Gather your materials, including the wedding dress, a silk cord, sharp scissors, a needle, and thread. Choose a thread that matches the colour of the silk cord, such as polyester thread, as it is stronger than cotton and less likely to cut into the fabric.
Measure and Cut the Silk Cord
Decide on the desired length of the silk cord, keeping in mind that it should be long enough to comfortably fit the wearer's wrist with some extra length for sewing. Cut the silk cord to this measurement, ensuring a straight and precise cut.
Pin the Cord in Place
Turn the wedding dress inside out and carefully pin the silk cord to the underside of the dress, positioning it where you want the wrist strap to be. Use extra-fine pins to avoid snagging or damaging the fabric.
Sew the Cord
Using a sharp, fine needle of an appropriate size for the fabric (such as a Microtex needle in size 60 or 70), start sewing the cord to the dress. Sew securely, using small, even stitches, and leaving enough space from the edge to prevent fraying. Consider using a slightly shorter stitch length to avoid the fabric getting sucked into the machine.
Finish and Secure the Cord
Once you've sewn the cord in place, finish the stitching securely to ensure it doesn't come loose. You can tie a small knot at the end of the thread before cutting it to prevent it from unraveling. Carefully trim any excess thread, ensuring it doesn't poke out and cause discomfort.
By following these steps and paying close attention to detail, you should be able to successfully sew a silk cord to the underneath of a wedding dress, creating a functional and elegant wrist strap.
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Attach the wrist strap to the back of the train
Attaching a wrist strap to the back of your wedding dress's train is a great way to keep your hands free and avoid tripping over your dress during your wedding reception. It is also a good alternative to a bustle, especially if you are not a fan of the look of bustles or if there is no good location or method for adding one to your dress.
To attach a wrist strap to the back of your train, you can follow these general steps:
- Choose an appropriate material for the wrist strap, such as a nice piece of silk cord or ribbon.
- Measure and cut the material to an appropriate length, keeping in mind that it will be looped around your wrist and attached to the train.
- Carefully hand-sew one end of the wrist strap to the underside of the train, being mindful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric. If your dress has an underlay that is shorter than the outer layer, you can attach the wrist strap about an inch back from the edge of the underlay. This way, when you pick up the dress by the wrist strap, both the underlay and the outer layer will be carried together.
- Sew securely, ensuring that the stitches are strong enough to bear the weight of the train. You may need to reinforce the stitching with additional stitches or a stronger thread.
- Try on the dress and test the wrist strap to ensure it is attached securely and comfortably. Adjust as needed.
Remember to consider the weight of your dress and the durability of the wrist strap attachment. If your dress is particularly heavy, you may need to seek advice from a professional seamstress or consider other options, such as a detachable train or a shorter reception dress for dancing.
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Use the wrist strap to hold up the train for photos
A wrist strap is a great option for brides who want to hold up their train for photos. It allows you to quickly pick up the dress and move between photo locations, or from the car to the ceremony location. This can be especially useful if you want dramatic photos with a long, flowing train.
The wrist strap can also be used during the ceremony and for the first dance, as it can look very romantic and elegant. It is a good alternative to a bustle, especially if you don't like the look of bustles or if there isn't a good location or method for adding one to your dress.
However, it's important to consider the weight of your dress. Wrist straps may not be practical for heavy dresses, as you will be carrying the weight of the train around. Additionally, trains can get heavy for dancing, especially if you're jumping or moving to fast music. You may want to consider changing into a shorter dress for the reception or bustling your dress after the first dance to free up your hands and avoid the risk of tripping over the train.
Overall, a wrist strap can be a beautiful and functional addition to your wedding dress, but it's important to consider the weight and length of your train, as well as your plans for dancing and moving around throughout the day.
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Dance with the wrist strap, or hold the skirt with your hands
Wrist straps are a great option for brides who want to be able to pick up their dresses quickly when walking between photo locations, getting into cars, or during the ceremony. However, some people believe that wrist loops are not meant to be danced with and are only there to hang the train up.
If you plan on dancing with a wrist strap, be aware that it may get heavy quickly, especially if you're jumping around to fast music. Additionally, people may trip over your train. It's also important to note that if your wrist strap breaks, you will be left with no backup option.
On the other hand, holding your skirt with your hands while dancing can be a great way to move freely and swirl your dress. However, this may not be ideal if you want to have your hands free during the evening to reach over tables, hug guests, etc.
Ultimately, the decision to dance with a wrist strap or hold your skirt with your hands is a personal preference. If you're unsure, you can always opt for a shorter dress or a dress without a train for the dancing portion of the evening.
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Buy a second, shorter dress for the reception
If you want to avoid the hassle of a wrist strap on your wedding dress, you can always opt for a second, shorter dress for your wedding reception. This option allows you to embrace your love for fashion and showcase multiple bridal looks throughout your special day.
- Comfort and Functionality: Opting for a shorter dress can provide more comfort and ease of movement during the reception, especially when greeting guests, eating, and dancing the night away. You can choose a dress made from lightweight and flowy fabrics, such as chiffon, to ensure comfort and effortless twirling on the dance floor.
- Style and Creativity: Your reception dress is your chance to get creative and experiment with different styles. You can choose a dress that complements your formal wedding dress, or you can switch up the vibe with something completely different. Consider a sparkly mini dress, a glamorous satin slip dress, a flouncy midi, or even a bridal jumpsuit.
- Timing of the Outfit Change: Typically, brides change into their reception dress before entering the reception venue or right before dinner. This timing allows you to showcase both looks equally and make a statement as you enter the reception as a newlywed.
- Cost-effectiveness: When considering a second dress, it's important to be mindful of your budget. Look for discounts, sales, or pre-owned options to stay within your budget. You can also resell your reception dress after the wedding to recoup some of the costs.
Remember, the decision to change into a second dress is entirely up to you. If you love your wedding dress and want to wear it all night, go for it! However, if you're looking for comfort, functionality, and the opportunity to showcase different styles, a second, shorter dress for the reception can be a perfect choice.
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Frequently asked questions
A wrist strap is an alternative to a bustle for a wedding dress with a train. It is a loop that attaches to the back of the train and goes around the wrist, allowing the wearer to easily carry the train and avoid tripping over it.
Some people dislike the look of bustles, especially on certain types of dresses. A wrist strap can be more convenient if you want to be able to quickly and easily arrange your train, and it can also be more comfortable to dance with. Additionally, a wrist strap can be more romantic, as it allows you to spread out the train for pictures without having to bustle it.
You can either ask a seamstress to add a wrist strap to your dress, or you can do it yourself by hand-sewing a piece of silk cord or ribbon to the underneath of the train. Be careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric, and make sure the stitches don't show.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will have your hands occupied while holding the wrist strap, which may be inconvenient if you want to use your hands for other things during your wedding, such as reaching over tables or hugging guests. Additionally, if your dress is very heavy, you may need to consider a different option, as a wrist strap may not be able to support the weight.
