Rhiannon Hendricks
There are several options for transforming a wedding dress into a baptism gown. Some companies, such as Unbox the Dress, offer this service, allowing customers to send in their wedding dresses and receive a transformed christening gown. Alternatively, one can opt for a DIY approach, upcycling their wedding dress into a christening gown by following online instructions and tips. This involves deconstructing the wedding dress, choosing a pattern, and sewing the christening gown. With either approach, one can create a cherished heirloom, preserving the memories of the wedding day while creating new ones for future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies | Unbox the Dress, Fairy Godmother Creations, WeAllSew, Janice Martin |
| Price | $295 for a basic gown, $495 for a combo package |
| Customization | Custom designs, styles, and embellishments are available |
| Heirloom | Create family heirlooms by transforming wedding gowns into christening gowns |
| Fabric | Wedding dress fabric is used, with the option to add satin, linens, and trims if needed |
| Timing | Expect around three months for the transformation process |
| Shipping | Some companies offer shipping services for sending and receiving the dress |
| Cleaning | Dry cleaning may be recommended for older, discolored, or soiled wedding dresses |
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Customisation options
There are several ways to customise a wedding dress to transform it into a baptism gown. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Basic Style Options: You can opt for a basic style such as a princess, angel, or bishop style as a starting point and customise it according to your preferences.
- Fabric and Embellishments: Depending on the amount of fabric available, you can create a full baptism gown or a combination of a gown and a romper. If you have a shorter wedding dress, you can augment it with quality satin, linens, or other appropriate fabrics and trims. Embellishments such as lace, beadwork, or ribbon can be added to the overlay or robe for a more ornate look.
- Unisex Options: If you want a unisex option, a ceremonial robe is a good choice. It can be lined and tied with a ribbon, allowing it to be used with any gown or romper.
- Personalised Details: You can incorporate specific details from your wedding dress into the baptism gown, such as lace, beadwork, or other unique elements. This adds a personal touch and makes the new garment even more special.
- Dry Cleaning and Preservation: Consider having your wedding dress professionally dry-cleaned before or after the transformation process. This can help remove any discolouration or yellowing, especially in older gowns. Dry cleaning can also ensure that the fabric is properly preserved, especially if you plan to store it for future projects.
- Design Customisation: Work with a designer or seamstress to finalise the design details of your baptism gown. They can guide you through the process and offer suggestions to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
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Cleaning and restoration
Wedding dresses are often made of delicate fabrics and embellishments, so it is recommended that they are professionally cleaned and preserved to prevent yellowing and fabric decay. Professional cleaning services use advanced technology to remove stains and dirt, and to address discolouration and yellowing.
Some companies offer a "lifetime" guarantee that a wedding dress won't yellow or fade, but others go beyond this by guaranteeing results for 100 years after professional cleaning and preservation. One company, Wedding Gown Preservation Kit, offers a 100-year anti-yellowing guarantee and has been voted the most trusted and safe wedding dress cleaning and preservation service in the US. Another company, Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation, also offers a 100-year warranty, and uses SYSTEMK4 cleaning technology to address discolouration and yellowing. They also offer insurance to give customers peace of mind while their dresses are in transit.
Some companies recommend sending the wedding dress for cleaning and preservation as soon as possible after the wedding. However, Wedding Gown Preservation Kit has cleaned, restored, and preserved wedding dresses that are over 150 years old.
There are also companies that offer in-person consultations and store meetups, such as Elegance Preserved, which has stores in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Carlos, and San Francisco. They offer pickup and delivery services and have received positive reviews for their responsiveness and hassle-free experience.
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Style options
There are many ways to repurpose a wedding dress into a baptism gown. The style of the baptism gown will depend on the original wedding dress's fabric, design, and available materials. Here are some style options to consider:
Basic Styles
Fairy Godmother Creations offers three basic styles: princess, angel, and bishop. These styles can be customised to incorporate the materials from the wedding dress, such as lace and ornamental elements.
Gown with Overlay or Robe
A unisex gown can be combined with a removable ornate robe or a translucent/lace overlay. This option is ideal for incorporating any lace or beadwork from the wedding dress. The overlay or robe can be used or removed as desired, providing versatility.
Ornate Unisex Gown
This style allows for embellishments such as ribbon, lace, pleats down the front, buttons, unusual bindings, and trims on hemlines. It is a versatile option that can be suitable for both boys and girls.
Christening Gown and Romper Combination
This combination includes a girl's gown and a boy's romper. The romper can be plain or feature a pleated or faux vest, allowing for ornamental elements without being too feminine. This combination is ideal for utilising the fabric from a full-length wedding dress.
Customisation
Many companies, such as Unbox the Dress, offer customisation options. You can work with their designers to personalise the baptism gown, incorporating specific details from the wedding dress, such as lace or satin. This ensures that the final product is unique and tailored to your vision.
Heirloom Sewing
Heirloom sewing techniques can be employed to create a keepsake baptism gown that will be cherished for generations. This may involve using antique textiles or vintage fabrics in combination with newer materials. Embellishments and ornamental details can be added to create a truly unique and memorable gown.
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Design process
The process of designing a baptism gown from a wedding dress can be a creative and rewarding experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the design process:
Initial Planning
Begin by gathering inspiration and ideas for your desired design. Consider the style, silhouette, and any specific details you wish to incorporate. You can browse online marketplaces or thrift stores for design references or seek professional guidance from designers.
Fabric and Embellishments
Assess the fabric and embellishments of your wedding dress. Determine if the fabric is in good condition or if it requires professional cleaning to remove any discolouration or stains. Decide which parts of the dress you want to incorporate into the baptism gown, such as lace, beads, or satin trims.
Design Customisation
Choose a basic style, such as a princess, angel, or bishop silhouette, as a starting point. Customise the design to showcase the materials from your wedding dress. Consider the amount of fabric available, as a full-length baptism gown requires more fabric than a romper or a combination of both. Decide if you want to include additional fabrics, trims, or embellishments to complement the original wedding dress fabric.
Design Consultation
Reach out to specialised services, such as Unbox the Dress, to discuss your design ideas. They will guide you through the process, offering suggestions and ensuring that your vision is achievable. During the consultation, finalise the design plan and any additional products you may want, such as a matching bonnet or blanket.
Deconstruction and Construction
Once you or the designer have finalised the design, carefully deconstruct the wedding dress. This step can be intimidating, so consider practising on a different dress first. After deconstruction, the chosen pattern pieces are cut from the fabric, ensuring they are centred correctly to preserve any specific design elements. Finally, sew the pieces together to create the baptism gown, adding any final embellishments.
Quality Assurance
Before completing the project, ensure the garment is professionally cleaned, especially if you plan to store it before use. Pay attention to the details, such as stitch length and tension, and always go slowly to avoid broken needles.
Transforming a wedding dress into a baptism gown is a unique and special process. By following these steps, you will create a cherished heirloom that captures the essence of both your wedding and the upcoming baptism.
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Costs
The cost of repurposing a wedding dress into a baptism gown varies depending on the service provider and the customisations requested. On average, the price of a custom baptism gown made from a wedding dress ranges from $100 to $495.
Fairy Godmother Creations, for instance, offers a basic package for $295, which includes a custom christening gown made from the fabric of a full-length wedding dress. They also offer combination packages, such as the Custom Gown & Romper Combo for $495, which includes both a girl's gown and a boy's romper. For an additional fee, they can also add embellishments, such as an embroidered cross, ribbon, lace, or pleats.
Unbox the Dress is another company that offers a similar service. While their pricing is not explicitly mentioned, they emphasise the quality of their work and the ability to create unique, personalised designs.
If you choose to work with an independent seamstress, the cost may vary depending on their skill level and the complexity of the design. For example, one person shared that their seamstress charged $15 per pattern piece, resulting in a total cost of around $130 to $150 per outfit.
It is important to note that additional costs may be incurred if the wedding dress requires professional cleaning or repairs before it can be transformed into a baptism gown. This is especially true for older wedding dresses with slight discolourations or fabric damage.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several companies that offer this service, including Unbox the Dress, Fairy Godmother Creations, and Janice Martin.
A full baptism gown takes quite a bit of fabric, so if you want the entire gown made from your wedding dress, it needs to be full-length. However, some companies may be able to augment your fabric with their own supplies for a small gown or romper.
Yes, it is possible to make a baptism gown yourself. There are several online guides and forums that can help you with this process, such as WeAllSew.
