Creative Ways To Upcycle Your Wedding Dress Lace

what to do with extra lace from wedding dress

There are many ways to repurpose extra lace from a wedding dress. The lace can be used to create lingerie, a clutch, or a bouquet wrap. It can also be used as an embellishment for home decor, such as pillows, vases, or picture frames. For those who plan to have children, the lace can be saved for a future christening gown or added to a teddy bear dress. Other creative ideas include incorporating the lace into ornaments, hair accessories, or a scrapbook.

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Decorate your wedding with lace embellishments

Extra lace from your wedding dress can be used to decorate your wedding with embellishments. Here are some ideas:

  • Bouquet wraps: Wrap your bouquet stems with lace for a delicate and romantic touch. This idea can also be used for bridesmaids' bouquets or the toss bouquet.
  • Ribbons and bows: Use lace as ribbons on bouquets or as bows on centerpieces.
  • Flower girl basket: Decorate the flower girl's basket with lace for a cute and elegant touch.
  • Ring bearer pillow: Trim the ring bearer's pillow with lace for a unique and special detail.
  • Groom's accessories: Incorporate lace into the groom's boutonniere or pocket square for a subtle nod to the wedding dress.
  • Background for pictures: Use lace as a background for framed wedding pictures or in a shadow box display.
  • Table settings: Add lace trims to table runners or napkins for a elegant and sophisticated touch.
  • Wedding cake: Use lace as a ribbon detail on your wedding cake for a unique and unexpected element.
  • Favours: Add lace to your wedding favours for a special touch that your guests will appreciate.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Get creative and think of other ways to incorporate your extra lace into your wedding decorations!

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Create a keepsake, like a pendant or ornament

There are several ways to create a keepsake, such as a pendant or ornament, from extra lace from a wedding dress. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Pendant Ideas

Creating a pendant using lace from a wedding dress is a beautiful way to preserve a memory and craft a unique piece of jewellery. One method involves using a bezel setting and jewellery resin. Cut out a piece of lace to fit inside the bezel, and optionally, add a piece of black paper for higher contrast. Paint Ultra Seal inside the bezel, add the lace (and paper, if using), and paint more Ultra Seal over the top. Let it dry completely. Then, mix jewellery resin according to the package instructions and pour it slowly into the bezel until it forms a shiny dome. Allow the resin to cure overnight. Finally, add a chain to the bezel, and your pendant is ready!

Ornament Ideas

Another way to create a keepsake is to make ornaments using glass balls that can be filled with mementos. You can fill these with pieces of lace from your wedding dress, along with other meaningful items such as dried flowers from your bouquet, or strips of paper from your wedding invitations. These ornaments can be hung on a Christmas tree or displayed as decorative keepsakes.

Other Keepsake Ideas

If you're looking for other ways to preserve your wedding dress lace, consider framing a piece of it as a decorative keepsake. You can also use the lace to embellish a table runner or a vase, or add it to a quilt or a teddy bear dress. For a more wearable keepsake, you can create a lace pendant necklace, as mentioned earlier, or embellish a shirt with the lace.

The options are endless when it comes to crafting with wedding dress lace, and these ideas are just the beginning. Get creative and design unique mementos that hold special meaning and cherished memories.

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Make clothing, like a shawl or lingerie

If you have extra lace fabric from your wedding dress, you can use it to create clothing items such as a shawl or lingerie.

Shawl

A lace shawl is a great option for using extra lace fabric from your wedding dress. You can knit or sew a shawl, depending on your preference and skill set.

If you're a knitter, you can find various lace shawl patterns online, ranging from beginner to intermediate levels. These patterns often include detailed written instructions and sometimes even video tutorials. You can choose a simple, symmetrical design or experiment with different lace stitches to create a unique pattern.

When knitting a lace shawl, you can add a garter stitch selvage to each end to create a neat edge. The number of stitches you cast on will depend on the desired width and height of your shawl. You can calculate the required number of rows by dividing your desired shawl height by the height of your swatch.

Lingerie

Creating lingerie from your wedding dress lace fabric can be a delicate and intricate process, but it allows you to design luxurious and personalised garments. You can sew lingerie by hand or machine, using techniques such as appliqué and French seams.

When creating lingerie, it's important to pay attention to the details. For example, treat buttons as "jewelry" for your piece, adding a subtle enhancement. You can also make straps adjustable by using rings and slides, allowing for flexibility in fit.

Whether you choose to create a shawl or lingerie, using extra lace fabric from your wedding dress can result in a beautiful and meaningful garment that you can cherish for years to come.

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Wrap your bouquet or a favour

Wrapping your bouquet with leftover lace from your wedding dress is a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding. Here are some ideas and instructions to help you achieve this:

Choosing the Right Lace

The first step is to select the right type and amount of lace for your bouquet wrap. Consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. If you're aiming for a vintage or rustic vibe, delicate and intricate lace patterns can add texture and depth to your bouquet. On the other hand, a bolder and more modern lace design can make a statement and create a striking contrast with the flowers. Ensure that you have enough lace to comfortably wrap around the stems of your bouquet with a neat finish.

Preparing the Flowers

Before wrapping your bouquet, it's essential to prepare the flowers properly. Start by trimming the ends of the flower stems at a 45-degree angle to help the flowers absorb water more efficiently and stay fresh. Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. You can then rearrange the flowers and greenery to achieve your desired style. Play around with different flower sizes and types to create a balanced and cohesive bouquet.

Wrapping the Bouquet

Now it's time to wrap your bouquet with the leftover lace. Start by securing the stems of your flowers with an elastic band or floral tape. This step will help maintain the shape of your bouquet and provide a stable base for the lace wrap. Cut the lace into a suitable length, ensuring it is long enough to wrap around the stems securely. Then, carefully wrap the lace around the stems, creating a neat and snug finish. You can use adhesive or pins to secure the ends of the lace if needed.

Embellishing the Wrap

To elevate your lace-wrapped bouquet even further, consider adding some embellishments. Attach small pearls, crystals, or miniature brooches to the lace for a touch of sparkle and opulence. You can also incorporate meaningful family heirlooms, such as a grandmother's brooch or a locket, for a sentimental touch. Another idea is to layer the lace over a satin or velvet ribbon for a luxurious and elegant look.

Final Touches

Once you're happy with the wrapping and embellishments, it's time to add the final touches. A beautifully wrapped bouquet can be enhanced with a well-chosen ribbon. Select a colour that complements your wedding colour palette or opt for classic white to match your gown. You can tie the ribbon in a loose bow or wind it around the stems for a tighter bouquet. These finishing touches will ensure your bouquet is not only memorable but also perfectly aligned with your wedding aesthetic.

Using leftover lace from your wedding dress to wrap your bouquet requires some creativity and attention to detail. By following these steps and adding your personal touches, you can create a stunning and unique accessory that will be a memorable part of your special day.

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Save it for future children

If you're thinking of starting a family and want to save a piece of your wedding dress for future children, there are several ways to do so. You could use the extra lace to make a dress for a teddy bear, add it to a quilt, or incorporate it into a wedding album for your children to look at in the future. If you're planning to have your bouquet preserved, you could include the lace in that, or use it to wrap your bouquet stems.

You could also save the lace to be used for a future christening gown for your baby. This idea has been suggested by multiple people and is a great way to pass down your wedding dress through generations. If you're not planning on having children, you could also use the extra lace to make ornaments for future nieces and nephews, or other young relatives.

If you're looking for something a little more unique, you could use the extra lace to make hair scrunchies, hairpieces, or even a headband for your future children. You could also add the lace to a picture frame, or a vase, to be used in their bedrooms or playrooms. If you're crafty, you could even make a replica of your wedding dress for a doll or teddy bear.

There are many ways to save your extra wedding dress lace for future children, whether you're planning to have your own or not. These are just a few suggestions, but with a bit of creativity, you can find the perfect way to preserve your special day for your family.

Frequently asked questions

There are many ways to use extra lace from your wedding dress. You can use it to decorate your wedding, such as wrapping your bouquet, using it as a trim on a handkerchief, or adding it to your unity candle.

Yes, you can add extra lace to your wedding attire in several ways. You can use it to make a lace headpiece or hairpiece, a shawl, or a belt for your maid of honour's dress.

To preserve your extra lace as a keepsake, you can frame it as a picture frame mat for your wedding portraits or add it to a scrapbook. You can also make ornaments, such as Christmas tree decorations, or add it to a shadow box with other mementos from your wedding.

Yes, many people choose to save their extra lace for future children. You can use it to make a christening gown, a wedding garter, or add it to their outfit if you plan to have them christened or baptised.

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