If you are ambitious and patient enough to sew your own wedding gown, there is a world of resources and ideas at your fingertips. You need only an imagination and a dream to get started.
- There is an amazing site called WeddingDressCreator.com that actually allows you to design your dream gown online. You can choose from a series of choices until you have created the perfect dress. Then, your printout from your home computer will have all the details you need to sew the dress yourself or take to a seamstress. It’s fun to play around and a good starting point.
- You can also build your dream dress at iVillage.com (http://weddings.ivillage.com). This is a very cool way to try out different styles for your figure. Select your body type and then all shapes and lengths of gowns, trains, veils, trims, and more. Then you can save your dress and print it out. The nice part about this site is that it lets you see how the gown would look on a figure similar to your own.
- Now that you have your dress style in mind, you’ll want to visit a fabric store or look online for patterns. McCall’s, Vogue, Simplicity, and all the major pattern companies will have bridal gown patterns. Sit down when you have enough time and really read the requirements of the pattern.
- Think about why you are sewing your own dress. Is it because you have always loved to sew and are so good at it you can’t imagine not sewing your own dress? Then go for it. But if your motives fall more into the “I’m trying to save money” category, you might want to think twice. By the time you are finished purchasing the pattern and all the materials and have factored in your sewing time, you will find that you really haven’t saved all that much. You might consider a second-hand shop or high-end dress consignment store in that case. You can find gowns that are a fraction of the new price and some of them have never been worn!
- If you’re ready to dive head first into this sewing project, leave yourself plenty of time. The last thing you need is an 11th hour panic session when your gown’s not ready.
- Choose a pattern you can easily accomplish with the skills you already have.
- Get a friend to mentor you. If someone you know sews well, ask her to help you out. She would be honored, most likely, and can guide you through the tricky parts.
Select the best quality fabric you can afford. You don’t want to skimp on this project. And make sure you have calculated correctly for the yardage you will need. You don’t want to run out and be unable to find the fabric again.- Consider your veil. You can really get creative with your wedding dress edgings. Try pearls or even colored satin edging. Splurge on the notions for a tiara or crown to mount your wedding veil on.
- Once you’ve selected the pattern and have bought the material, you’ll want to make a dummy sample of your dress. Resist the urge to chop into that beautiful bridal satin or brocade. Make a sample out of inexpensive cotton so you get the feel of what you’re sewing. That’s the time to make any mistakes you’re going to make.
- Now get busy laying out your fabric, pinning on the pattern and cutting out the pieces. Follow the directions on the pattern exactly. This is not the time for modifications unless you are a dress designer already. Go slow and pace yourself. The more rushed you feel, the more chance for mistakes.
- Enjoy the process. As you stitch each portion of the dress and watch it come together, dream of the memories that you are making. When you walk down the aisle you’ll feel so proud of yourself for having made your own gown. Be sure to add a little embellishment somewhere that is uniquely you. You might want to embroider your new monogram on a sash or wear a pin that was your grandmother’s. Incorporate something to make it all your own.
Now that you've made your own wedding gown, make your own wedding veil!
