Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often packed away after the big day, but many people are now choosing to repurpose their old gowns into new items. Whether it's a mother's or grandmother's dress, it can be redesigned for a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner, or used to create a ring bearer pillow, a bridal bouquet wrap, or a custom wedding garter. Some people are choosing to turn their old dresses into new family heirlooms, such as a robe, clutch, or even a bomber jacket. There are also charities that will take old wedding dresses and repurpose them into funeral gowns for babies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accessories | Headbands, bracelets, bags, custom wedding garters, bridal veils, custom bridal sneakers, and bridal bouquets |
| Clothing | Heirloom bridal robes, bomber jackets, and bridal shower outfits |
| Home Decor | Christmas tree skirts, angel tree toppers, guardian angel ornaments, and photo frames |
| Charitable Causes | Donating wedding dresses to be made into funeral gowns for stillborn babies or young babies |
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What You'll Learn
Create a wedding garter
A wedding garter is a meaningful accessory for brides, often passed down as a family heirloom. It is traditionally tossed by the groom during the reception as a symbol of luck and fertility, with roots in medieval traditions. Creating a wedding garter from an old wedding dress is a unique way to incorporate sentimentality into your bridal ensemble. Here is a step-by-step guide to crafting your own garter using the fabric from your old wedding dress:
Choosing the Fabric:
Select the fabric from your old wedding dress that you want to use for the garter. Consider using lace for a classic, elegant look, or opt for satin if you prefer a sleek, modern design. If you want to include something blue, choose a blue satin or ribbon to incorporate this tradition.
Measuring and Cutting:
You will need a soft, stretchy material that is comfortable to wear. Measure the circumference of your thigh where you plan to wear the garter and add about an inch to allow for stretching and comfort. Cut your chosen fabric from the wedding dress to this length. The width of the garter is typically about 2 inches, so cut the fabric to this width, or adjust according to your preference.
Sewing the Garter:
Using a French seam, place the wrong sides of the fabric together, aligning the ends and edges. Sew a seam with a 1/4-inch allowance, then trim the excess fabric close to the seam. Fold the garter so that the right sides are together, with the sewn seam on the outer edge. Sew another seam with a 1/4-inch allowance, enclosing the raw edges. This creates a neat finish that is comfortable against the skin.
Embellishments and Decorations:
Now it's time to personalize your garter! Embroider the couple's initials, wedding date, or a meaningful quote onto the fabric. You can also add ribbons, beads, buttons, or appliqués to make it unique. If you want to include something borrowed, consider sewing on a small token given to you by a family member or friend.
Final Touches:
Try on your garter to ensure a comfortable fit. If needed, adjust the elasticity or add adjustable features to ensure it stays in place without digging into your skin. Remember, comfort is key, especially if you plan to wear it for an extended period.
Creating a wedding garter from an old wedding dress is a special way to honour the past while celebrating the present. It allows you to carry a piece of your family history or your own story with you as you walk down the aisle.
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Make a bridal veil
Making a bridal veil from an old wedding dress is a great way to repurpose the dress and create a new heirloom. It can be a fun and rewarding project, but it does require some planning and basic sewing skills. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own bridal veil using an old wedding dress:
Planning and Materials:
First, decide on the style and length of your veil. Do you want a simple, one-layer veil, or a more intricate, two-layer veil with a blusher? Consider your wedding dress style and length to ensure they complement each other. You will need soft tulle fabric for the veil, preferably 108" wide and about 3.5 yards long for a full veil. You will also need a hair comb, thread (invisible thread is recommended), and basic sewing supplies like needles and scissors.
Measuring and Cutting:
Put on your wedding dress to visualize the veil length, or measure from where the veil will attach in your hair to the desired longest point at the back. Cut the tulle fabric to the desired length, allowing for some extra fabric for errors and to attach to the comb. If you want a two-layer veil with a blusher, cut the top layer about 10 inches shorter than the bottom layer to create a cascading effect.
Attaching the Comb:
Fold the fabric in half widthwise and find the center point. Open it back up and place the comb at the top, with the blusher folded over the rest of the veil. Secure the tulle to the comb with thread at three points: the middle, and then one point on each end. Sew the fabric evenly to the comb, being careful not to sew through the teeth.
Gathering and Shaping:
Now, you can gather the fabric to create the desired shape. For a cascading veil, gather the center 1/3 of the fabric along the fold. Play around with the gathers to achieve the desired look, and mark the fabric with pins to hold the shape. If you only want one layer without gathers, skip this step.
Sewing and Finishing:
Sew along the gathered edge to secure the shape of the veil. You may also need to sew a rolled hem or bind the edges with ribbon for a neat finish. Once complete, carefully store your veil in a temperature-controlled location, such as a protective garment bag, until your wedding day.
Creating a bridal veil from your old wedding dress is a unique and meaningful project. While it requires some sewing skills and patience, it can be a beautiful way to incorporate your dress into your wedding day and create a lasting memento.
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Sew a ring bearer pillow
A DIY ring bearer pillow adds a personal and creative touch to your wedding ceremony. You can make your own pillow with or without sewing, depending on your skill level. Sewing a ring bearer pillow is a simple process and can be done by following these steps:
Firstly, you will need to cut your fabric. Cut two equal squares of fabric, with the size depending on your preference. Common sizes range from 6x6 inches to 10x10 inches or larger. If you are using multiple types of fabric, you can cut two squares of each fabric, as seen in one example, where the creator used two squares of white satin and two squares of coloured satin.
Next, you will want to prepare the fabric for sewing. If you are using lace, lay it on top of one square of fabric and trim it about 1 inch larger than the square. Pin the lace to the fabric and stitch it using a 1/4" seam allowance. If you are using multiple fabrics, you can sew them together lengthwise, with the right sides together, and then turn them right side out.
Once your fabric is prepared, you can start sewing the pillow. Fold the fabric squares with the right sides together, lengthwise, and pin them in place. Sew along the edge, using a 1/4" seam allowance, and then iron the seam flat to one side. Flip the fabric right side out, with the seam in the centre.
Now, fill the pillow with stuffing or multiple squares of batting. Pin the opening and hand-stitch it shut. Using a safety pin, you can then pin the centre of the fabric together. Take some thread and tie a knot around the centre to keep it in place.
Finally, add any ribbons or embellishments. Attach ribbons to the centre of the pillow for tying the rings and decorate with lace, flowers, or other embellishments to match your wedding theme. You can also add a button or brooch to the centre, stitching it in place, and then tie the ribbon around it.
And there you have it! Your very own ring bearer pillow made from your old wedding dress, adding a unique and personal touch to your wedding ceremony.
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Craft a bridal bouquet wrap
Crafting a bridal bouquet wrap from an old wedding dress is a great way to repurpose the gown and create a sentimental piece for the bride to hold on to as she walks down the aisle. This can be passed down as an heirloom for future generations to cherish.
Unbox the Dress is a popular service that creates bridal bouquet wraps from old wedding dresses. They offer a secure DressBox that includes a pre-addressed mailing label and shipping instructions, making it easy for customers to send in their dresses. The company also provides professional safekeeping of extra dress fabrics for customers who want to make additional heirlooms over time.
Another option is Sew Grace Inspired, which creates bridal bouquet wraps that showcase the most stunning parts of the vintage gown. They offer a free consultation to plan a one-of-a-kind wrap, and customers can include "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" with added clips.
When creating a bridal bouquet wrap from an old wedding dress, it's important to consider the condition of the fabric. Slight discolourations and yellowed fabric are common in older wedding dresses, and a consultant may recommend dry cleaning to improve the final product. Supplemental fabric can also be added to maximise the transformation, especially if the original dress is heavily damaged or has low fabric.
Overall, crafting a bridal bouquet wrap from an old wedding dress is a meaningful way to upcycle the gown and create a unique and personal accessory for the bride. With the help of skilled craftspeople, customers can transform their dresses into beautiful heirlooms that will be cherished for years to come.
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Design a bomber jacket
Bomber jackets are a timeless piece of clothing that has evolved from being pilot jackets to fashionable and versatile pieces. They can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions, from hanging out with friends to parties.
If you're looking to design a bomber jacket from an old wedding dress, here are some things to consider:
Fabric and Design Choices:
- The type of fabric you use will depend on the design you have in mind. Common fabrics for bomber jackets include wool, waterproof nylon, and cotton gaberdine. Brocade, a fancier option, can add a unique touch and be paired with various outfits.
- Consider the sleeve type—a set-in sleeve is a classic option, while a raglan sleeve is sportier and works well with two-tone combinations.
- Choose the style of cuffs and collar—bomber jackets can feature ribbed cuffs and collars, elasticated sleeves, or no collar at all.
- Decide on a zipper or snaps for the closure.
- Determine the fit—bomber jackets are typically loose-fitting, with an extra 4" to 8" around the chest for comfort and ease of movement.
Sewing and Construction:
- Find a sewing pattern that suits your vision. You can use a unisex pattern and adjust the measurements to fit your body.
- Choose your fabric wisely, considering the amount needed based on the size and style of the jacket.
- If using brocade, pay attention to the placement of seams to avoid cutting through any motifs.
- Construct the jacket in manageable chunks, focusing on one aspect at a time, such as the sleeves, body, pockets, and lining.
- Ensure sharp pins and consider using Fray Check to prevent fabric fraying.
Remember, an old wedding dress can be transformed into a unique and fashionable bomber jacket with careful planning and construction. You can mix and match different design elements to create a jacket that reflects your personal style and fits seamlessly into your wardrobe.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use your old wedding dress to create a custom wedding garter, redesign it into an outfit for a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower, or use pieces of it for a wedding handkerchief, a ring bearer pillow, or a bridal bouquet wrap. You can also turn it into a robe, a bomber jacket, custom bridal sneakers, or a bridal veil.
You can use the lace from your mother's or grandmother's old wedding dress to wrap your bridal bouquet. You can also use pieces of the dress to create a ring bearer pillow or a wedding handkerchief. If you want to wear a piece of your mother's or grandmother's dress on your wedding day, you can use the fabric to create a custom bridal garter or a patch for the inside of your wedding dress.
Yes, there are services such as Unbox the Dress™ and The Garter Girl that can help you repurpose your old wedding dress. These services offer design consultations and can create a variety of heirloom products from your dress, such as robes, clutches, and ornaments.
Yes, there are charities that accept wedding dress donations and repurpose them into funeral gowns for stillborn babies or young babies who have passed away. This provides parents with a free gown to dress their baby in for the funeral.
