Lyla Dejesus
Restyling a wedding dress is a great way to honour family traditions and relatives. It can be a challenging project, but it's a labour of love. Whether you're looking to repurpose your own wedding dress or a vintage gown passed down to you, there are endless ways to restyle it. You can turn it into a christening gown, a holiday heirloom, a work of art, or even a completely new dress. If you're planning to wear it again, you can restyle it by adjusting the length, fit, neckline, sleeves, or embellishments. The possibilities are endless!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to restyle | To honour family members or traditions, to make the dress more wearable, to create a family keepsake, to make it more modern, to preserve it for future use, to donate it, to display it as art, to sell it, to make it more versatile, to make it more sustainable |
| Materials needed | Lace, dye, belts, embellishments, fabric, thread, scissors, needle and pin |
| Considerations | The dress may be vintage or an heirloom, it may not fit the bride, it may have damaged areas, it may not match the bride's style, it may need to be cleaned or dry cleaned |
| Tips | Work on the fit before adding embellishments, consider adding a lace-up panel, use the train to make removable sleeves, adjust the length, bring bridal shoes to the appointment, bring the veil and undergarments to try on the complete look, consider the décolletage and silhouette |
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What You'll Learn
Shorten the length
Shortening the length of a wedding dress is a great way to make it more wearable and versatile for future use. This can be done by removing the train or adjusting the hem to achieve a desired length, from floor-length to mini.
Before shortening your wedding dress, it is important to consider the type of gown and its structure. Plain gowns with minimal detailing at the bottom, such as those made of chiffon or satin, are often easier and more affordable to shorten. Gowns with intricate details or lace at the bottom may be more challenging and costly to alter. It is also crucial to have the right tools, such as measuring tape, scissors, a sewing machine, and a needle and thread.
When deciding on the desired length, consider the different options available. A floor-length dress can be elegant and suitable for formal events, while an ankle-length or midi style can offer a more relaxed and versatile look. A knee-length or above-the-knee style can be playful and chic, while a mini length is the shortest option.
Shortening a wedding dress can be done permanently or temporarily. Permanent alterations usually involve cutting the fabric with scissors, while temporary methods may involve folding and hemming without cutting. It is wise to have a clear plan and gather the necessary tools before starting the process.
Shortening a wedding dress can give it a new lease of life, making it more suitable for everyday wear or special occasions. It can be styled in various ways, such as layering with roll-necks, jumpers, jackets, or blazers. With the right approach and tools, you can successfully transform your wedding dress into a staple piece in your wardrobe.
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Remove the train
Removing the train from a wedding dress is a common restyling choice, especially for brides who want to avoid the hassle of a bustle or are having an outdoor wedding. If you are considering removing the train from your wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consult with a seamstress to ensure that the train can be removed without compromising the structure and aesthetics of the dress. It is also important to consider the fabric and design of the dress. For example, if the dress has a lot of decoration or beading on the train, removing it may alter the overall appearance. In this case, you may want to consider shortening the train instead of removing it entirely.
Additionally, think about the length you want your dress to be after the train is removed. Some brides opt for a floor-length skirt, while others prefer a tea-length or midi-length style. Keep in mind that removing the train may affect the shape of the dress, so it is essential to work with a skilled seamstress who can ensure a smooth transition.
If you are hesitant to remove the train completely, you can explore other options such as a wrist loop or a bustle. A wrist loop allows you to hold the train up and out of the way, while a bustle lifts the train off the floor and creates a more streamlined silhouette. However, some brides find bustles uncomfortable and prefer the freedom of a train-free dress, especially for outdoor weddings where the train may get dirty or damaged.
Ultimately, the decision to remove the train from your wedding dress is a personal one. If you feel that the train does not suit your style, venue, or comfort level, removing it can be a great way to customise your dress and make it more "you". Remember to seek professional advice and trust your instincts to achieve the look you desire.
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Change the colour
Changing the colour of a wedding dress is a great way to restyle it and make it more wearable for other occasions. There are a few things to consider when changing the colour of a wedding dress. Firstly, it is important to choose a reputable seamstress or dyer who is skilled in wedding dress alterations and dyeing. They will be able to advise on the best course of action for the specific dress and fabric, and provide a quote for the work.
It is a good idea to have an idea of the desired colour before meeting with the dyer, as the variety of shades can be overwhelming. Consider choosing a darker colour to disguise any marks on the dress. Think about the colours you usually like to wear, especially for special occasions. Look at existing occasion wear for inspiration, and consider how the colour will look on the fabric of the dress. It is also possible to add just a hint of colour to the dress, for example with a coloured sash or embroidery.
Before committing to a colour, ask to see a swatch of the chosen shade and consider it in different lights. It is also a good idea to ask about the possibility of re-dyeing the dress if the final colour is not as expected. The dyeing process may also help to remove any stubborn stains on the dress.
When restyling a wedding dress, it is important to use good-quality tools, such as a reliable iron that can hold a consistent temperature, and needles that are suitable for the fabric. It is also recommended to use tailor's tacks to make reference marks on the dress, rather than relying on fabric markers.
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Add embellishments
Adding embellishments is a great way to make your wedding dress unique and special. You can purchase embellishments from your local fabric or craft store, or even buy a vintage wedding dress with embellishments that you like and make adjustments to it.
There are many different types of embellishments to choose from, including:
- Beads, sequins, and crystals: These can add sparkle and glamour to your dress. You can use textured beadwork with beads and sequins of various sizes and colours to create depth and movement.
- Appliqués: Appliqués are pieces of fabric that are hand-cut or laser-cut and then sewn onto the dress. Floral lace appliqués are very popular, as well as 3D appliqués, which can add a romantic and whimsical feel to your dress.
- Lace: You can use lace to create sleeves or change the neckline of your dress.
- Embroidery: Embroidery can add richness and texture to your dress.
- Buttons: Fancy buttons can be a unique and effective embellishment. You can use vintage buttons, pearl designs, or modern crystal buttons.
- Bows: Bows are a popular embellishment, often found on bodices, skirts, straps, and waist sashes.
- Rhinestones: Rhinestones can add glamour and sparkle to your dress.
When adding embellishments, it's important to have a clear vision of what you want and to select high-quality materials that match the style and fabric of your dress. You should also consider the placement of the embellishments for the most impact. Popular areas include the bodice, hem, and train, but you can also experiment with different placements to find what works best for your dress. It's also a good idea to seek professional advice if you're unsure or need help executing your vision.
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Adjust the fit
Wedding dresses rarely fit perfectly right off the rack, and alterations are a normal part of the process. Wedding dress alterations are key to achieving the perfect fit, and tailoring can make a bride feel like the dress was made just for her.
The first fitting is to review what needs to be tailored and modified. The seamstress will take measurements and pin the areas of the gown that need to be taken in. The second fitting is to adjust the bodice and start working on the hem. The third and final fitting should be about one month or two weeks before the wedding day.
The number of alterations depends on the individual, but standard alterations include adjusting the bust, taking in the waist, and adjusting the hips. Hemming the length of the gown is also a very common alteration. If the original dress is a little bit too small, consider adding a lace-up panel in place of the zipper or buttons on the back of the dress. This will expand the dress by a few inches. Side gussets are another good option to fit a bride of a different size. If the dress is too large, taking in the sides works very well in most cases.
It's important to remember that the more alterations, the higher your budget needs to be.
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Frequently asked questions
One of the easiest ways to make your wedding dress more wearable is to shorten the design. You can keep it floor-length and remove the train, or shorten it to ankle, midi, or mini length. You can also simplify any details that make it feel too bridal for everyday wear.
You can restyle your wedding dress to make it suitable for a special occasion by removing the train, shortening the length, and adding a belt. You can also dye the dress a different colour.
Restyling a wedding dress can be a big project, but it's a great way to honour your family. You can work with a seamstress to alter the dress to fit your vision, or you can work with the existing fabric and silhouette to create something new.
It's recommended to use your bridal boutique's alterations service as their dressmakers are experts in bridal. They know how to work with precious fabrics and classic bridal silhouettes.
