The problem? Despite the hundreds of beautiful gowns youve seen, not one is right for you. Maybe they are too fitted, or too puffy, or too beaded, or too plain. What should you do? Consider designing your own.
Where do you begin when deciding how to design your wedding dress? First of all, start planning as early as possible. Some brides have known all along that they want to design their own gowns, and they may start planning soon after getting engaged. But for those who decide to become their own dress designer simply because their dream dress is nowhere to be found, time is of the essence. You want to be sure to have plenty of time to fix any mistakes, complete the alterations, and finish sewing the last crystal bead onto your gown.
To get ideas for your wedding gown, look through bridal magazines and search the Internet for pictures of dresses you like. Look at each dresss individual parts: maybe you like the beautiful cap sleeves of one gown, the full skirt with elegant pleats of another, and the fitted bodice with intricate beading of yet another. This is your dream gown, so you can mix and match until the dress is perfect.
You should also visit bridal salons and try on a wide variety of dresses. Sometimes what you think will be perfect for your wedding dress just doesnt look right on you. Perhaps you have always wanted to wear a fitted sheath dress with a sweep train, but once you see your reflection in a Cinderella ballgown you realize you want something more traditional. Trying on dresses will also help you determine which silhouettes look best on your body type. Curvy or full figured? A ballgown hides your hips and accentuates your waist. Tall? A puffy-sleeved, full-skirted dress may be too much and may cause you to look like an overstuffed marshmallow. Try on as many dresses as you can, and be sure to bring along a trusted friend who can tell you honestly which are the most flattering.
Once you know what you want your dress to look like, then what? You can hire a local seamstress. This will make fittings a breeze and will enable you to check the progress of your dress easily. Ask for references to ensure that you are hiring a reliable and dependable person.
You may choose to search the Internet for websites that will make your dream gown a reality. You will have to carefully take your measurements and send them in for a proper fit; some sites recommend a mock-up dress be made. If you go this route, be sure to give yourself plenty of time for alterations once the dress arrives in case it is not a perfect fit.
If you are an experienced seamstress, you can always choose to sew your own dress. Now, make sure you are not biting off more than you chew. Remember, you will have many other things to prepare for your big day besides just your gown. But if you decide to make the dress yourself, know that you will have an even more memorable gown to pass on to future generations.
Designing your own wedding dress is not just for the rich and famous who have access to top designers. With a little imagination and patience, you can design the perfect dress to wear as you marry your sweetheart.