George Boyle
Remodelling a wedding dress is a great way to repurpose a garment that holds a lot of sentimental value. Whether it's a vintage dress passed down through the generations or a dress you want to wear again, remodelling can give your wedding dress a new lease of life. The process can be as simple as shortening the length or removing the train, or as creative as adding a splash of colour. Wedding dress alterations can be done by a professional seamstress or tailor, or by yourself if you're feeling brave. Either way, it's a chance to make your dress unique and ensure it fits you perfectly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fittings | 2-3 fittings |
| Cost | $50 to $1,000 |
| Common alterations | Hemming, shortening, resewing seams, cutting a new neckline, adding lace or beading, reshaping the silhouette, changing the fabric |
| Reasons for remodelling | To wear again, to modernise, to repair, to make more versatile |
| Techniques | Dyeing, cutting, shortening, belting, adding embellishments |
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What You'll Learn
Shorten the length
Hemming the length of a wedding dress is a common alteration. Most bridal gowns are made for a 5'10" woman, so if you are shorter or taller than this, you may want to adjust the length.
Before shortening your wedding dress, you should decide on the preferred length. Common lengths include toe-length, maxi, below the knee, above the knee, mid-thigh, and mini. Once you have decided on the desired length, you can use chalk to mark the new hemline. It is important to leave an inch or two for the hemming/folding allowance.
If you are confident with a needle and thread, you can shorten the dress yourself by cutting off the excess fabric and hemming the new edge. However, it is recommended that you consult a professional seamstress, especially if the dress has a complex design or is made from delicate fabric. A seamstress will be able to advise on the best approach and ensure that the dress is altered correctly.
The cost of shortening a wedding dress can vary depending on the complexity of the alteration and the fabric of the dress. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee for alterations. It is worth noting that making a dress shorter may be more challenging than lengthening it, as there may be limitations with the existing fabric.
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Change the colour
Changing the colour of a wedding dress is a great way to remodel it, and there are several ways to do this. One option is to dye the dress. This can be done by a professional, or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can try it yourself at home. There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to dye your wedding dress. First, it is important to choose the right dye. There are many different types of dye available, so be sure to select one that is suitable for the fabric of your dress. You can also use wine dye to achieve a dusty rose colour, as demonstrated by Jillian Owens, who wore her yellow wedding dress again by staining it with wine dye.
Another thing to consider is the colour you want to dye your dress. It is recommended to go for a darker, richer colour, as this can help to disguise any marks on the dress. You can browse through a Pantene book to choose a shade, or bring in a swatch to match. You can also test the dye on a small area of the dress first to ensure that you are happy with the colour. It is also important to note that dyeing a wedding dress may not always remove stains, so it is not something that should be relied upon.
If you don't want to dye the entire dress, you can try fabric spray. This works better on whites and light colours, so it is perfect if you want to add a pop of colour to your wedding dress. Fabric spray can be used to create a graduated colour change or to add embellishments.
Finally, it is important to consider the cost of dyeing or spraying your wedding dress. The cost of alterations can vary depending on the salon and the services required. Simple changes, like shortening a gown, can cost around $225, while more complex changes, like reshaping the silhouette, can cost a few hundred dollars.
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Add/remove sleeves
Adding or removing sleeves is a common way to alter a wedding dress and make it feel more personal and unique.
Adding Sleeves
Adding sleeves to a wedding dress is a very common alteration, and most seamstresses will be able to execute this. It is best to schedule a consultation with a seamstress to discuss your vision for the sleeves and any other necessary alterations. They will advise on the types of sleeves that will work with your dress. Depending on the type of sleeve, a seamstress will either use excess material from the hem of your dress to build the sleeve or you may need to source additional fabric.
There are countless different types of sleeves, but certain looks will work best with certain wedding dress styles. For example, adding straps to a strapless dress is a simple alteration, while a full set-in long sleeve will be more complicated to add to a strapless dress without first building up the neckline. Lace sleeves offer extra coverage for brides who want to keep their dress on the modest side, while a simple cap sleeve lends a vintage-inspired look. Illusion sleeves are also a common choice for a full set-in sleeve addition, and can be customised with additional embellishments.
Removing Sleeves
Removing sleeves from a dress is a relatively simple process that can be done at home or by a professional seamstress. First, cut off the sleeve, leaving a couple of inches of fabric. Then, use a serger to serge off the excess sleeve about 5/8” from the seam line. If you do not have a serger, carefully measure and trim off the excess fabric. You will then need to use the remaining fabric to create a facing by turning it inside out and stitching it into place.
However, removing sleeves from a dress may require additional alterations to the bodice structure, especially if the dress has a lot of ruffles or flounces. It is important to consider whether the dress will remain balanced without the sleeves, and additional adjustments may be needed to ensure the dress remains flattering.
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Add/remove a train
Wedding dress trains have been around since medieval times and were initially a sign of wealth. Today, they add formality and fluidity to dresses and give the illusion that the wearer is taller. However, some brides opt to remove the train from their wedding dress, especially if they have an outdoor wedding or want to be more comfortable and practical.
If you want to remove the train from your wedding dress, it is essential to consider the style of the gown and the bride's height. Removing the train can be a complex process, especially if the train has intricate details or if the bride wants to keep the bottom of the train intact. In some cases, the seamstress may suggest shortening the train instead of completely removing it to preserve the overall look of the dress.
On the other hand, adding a train to a wedding dress can be a way to add drama and make a statement. There are a few options for adding a train, such as opting for a removable train or an overskirt with a train. However, adding a train can be challenging, as it requires matching the fabric, colour, and pattern, especially with lace dresses. Additionally, extending an existing train is also an option, but it may come with an additional fee.
For those who want the option of having a train for the ceremony and removing it for the reception, a detachable train is a perfect choice. Detachable trains come in various fabrics and styles, from lightweight and ethereal to structured and dramatic. They can be attached at the waist, similar to a bridal belt, or designed to complement the wedding dress.
Ultimately, the decision to add or remove a train from a wedding dress depends on the bride's preference, the wedding location, and the desired level of comfort and practicality.
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Add/remove lace
Adding or removing lace can be a great way to remodel a wedding dress. Here are some things to consider if you plan to do so:
Adding Lace
When adding lace to a wedding dress, it is important to choose a lace that complements the dress's existing fabric and style. Consider the colour, weight, and pattern of the lace, and how it will work with the underlying dress. A lace overlay can be a beautiful addition to a simple wedding dress, providing texture and detail. If you are confident in your sewing abilities, you might sew the lace directly into the dress's existing darts and seams. This can be a complex process, especially if you are working with a delicate fabric such as lace, so it may be worth seeking the help of a professional dressmaker.
Removing Lace
If you are looking to simplify a wedding dress, removing lace can be a good option. However, it is important to consider the construction of the dress and whether removing the lace will affect its structure or silhouette. It may be that the lace is integral to the dress's shape, in which case it may not be possible to remove it without compromising the overall design. Again, a professional dressmaker will be able to advise on the best course of action.
Lace Seams
When adding or removing lace, it is important to consider the seams. A 'lace invisible seam' is a couture technique where lace seams are sewn without straight-line seam allowances, as these can show through translucent fabric. This technique takes time and effort but can be worth it for a seamless finish.
Accessories
When remodelling a wedding dress with lace, it is important to consider how the additions or alterations will affect the overall style and how you will accessorise the dress. Lace is a romantic and elegant fabric that can be accessorised in a variety of ways. Pearls, crystals, and floral details can all complement lace, adding a touch of whimsy or elegance to the overall bridal look.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of remodeling a wedding dress varies depending on the type of service required. Some salons charge per service (e.g., $225 to shorten a gown, $150 to resew seams), while others charge a flat fee (around $500 to $900) that covers all alterations. Design changes can cost anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars.
The time it takes to remodel a wedding dress depends on the number of changes required. It's recommended to start the process 9-12 months before the wedding to allow for multiple fittings and alterations.
Popular ways to remodel a wedding dress include shortening the length, removing the train, changing the neckline, adding or removing sleeves, and dyeing the fabric. Some brides also choose to simplify intricate details or turn their dress into a two-piece outfit for more wearability.
You can take your wedding dress to a bridal boutique or a specialized seamstress for remodeling. Some boutiques have in-house seamstresses, while others can recommend trusted tailors. It's also possible to work with online alteration services or local vintage gown restoration studios, especially if you're remodeling a family heirloom.
