How to Design a Wedding Dress

A wedding dress can offer another opportunity for adding a personal touch to a wedding if it's a custom design. Designing your own wedding dress can be a simple process if you outline clearly what you want and carefully choose a dress maker.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find a person who has the skills to create your design ideas. See samples of a person's work before making any agreements. Asking a family member who is a skilled sewer to make your dress can save you money; however, understand that such arrangements can have repercussions if you are unhappy with the completed dress.

2. Allow plenty of time ahead of the wedding for completing the design process. It's important to make sure you and the person making your dress have enough time available to devote to the process. Early on, notice whether the person who is to make your dress is consistently rescheduling appointments and putting off things until the last minute. If that is the case, go elsewhere.

3. Get everything in writing when working with a professional dress maker. A deposit will likely be required before your dress is made. Make sure you understand the maker's refund policy.

4. Start accumulating ideas for your wedding dress design by considering the theme and where the wedding will take place. For example, you may want to avoid a dress with a high-neck design and elaborate veil if you're having a summer wedding outside in a city known for being humid. Other sources of inspiration include bridal magazines and wedding websites. Additionally, some wedding dress shops offer customization by allowing brides to choose a certain neckline or sleeve for a dress.

5. Choose a design that flatters your figure. A professional dress maker should be able to recommend designs that will accentuate your figure's best features. Nonetheless, make sure you are comfortable with the recommendations. For example, if a plunging neckline is not for you, then seek other options.

6. Consider that silk can be pricey when choosing the fabric for your wedding dress. Additionally, it takes a skilled sewer to successfully work with silk. You may consider choosing a blended fabric that includes silk or another luxurious material. It's often easier to work with blended materials and they are typically less expensive.