How to Design Your Own Wedding Dress Over the Internet

Create the perfect wedding dress online.

With advanced technology always on the rise, we are able to do nearly everything on the Internet, from ordering flowers and favors to creating our dream wedding dress. Planning a wedding can prove both challenging and stressful at times. Having the ability to create your perfect dress at home, at your leisure, may make your journey to wedlock smoother. Whether a beach wedding or church ceremony, spaghetti strap or off the shoulder, cocktail length or mermaid, you can create your special dress with the aid of the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Notebook
• Bridal magazines (optional)
• Measuring tape
• Fabric shears
• Hemming gauge
• Sewing machine or serger
• Thread
• Embellishments (optional)

Instructions

1. Take your body measurements. Write down your measurements to help you choose the correct pattern size. Decide what type of dress you would like by gathering ideas from bridal magazines. The Knot has a gallery of over 3,000 wedding gowns to browse for inspiration. If you have tried on dresses at a bridal shop, you may have an idea of what you want and which silhouette looks best on you.

2. 

   Detail adds interest to a wedding dress.

   Select a pattern that matches your skill level. Some styles, such as dresses with sleeves, can be more challenging. Style aspects such as pleats and sleeves may be considered. Check the pattern for fabric recommendations. Determine the correct amount of fabric necessary to create your dress. Whether you prefer bright white, off-white or a nontraditional color, your fabric is available on the Internet. Purchase the appropriate amount of fabric.

3. Choose embellishments to add detail to your dress. Beading, lace, rhinestones and ribbon are commonly used on wedding gowns, and you can get them online in a variety of colors. Use embellishments to coordinate your wedding colors to your dress. Pick from satin, tulle and grosgrain ribbon as well as bead, jewel and lace trims.

4. Choose a well-lit room with a large table as your workspace. Gather all necessary equipment and materials. Following the directions included with your pattern, cut out your pattern. Lay the pattern onto fabric, and pin along the outline. Cut the fabric around the edges of the pattern. Sew the pieces of your dress in the suggested order. Try the dress on at each stage to determine if any adjustments are necessary to alter the size of your dress.

5. 

   Embellishments add sparkle to your dress.

   Add embellishments such as ribbons, rhinestones, lace detail or beads. Be sure to check the placement of any embellishments before sewing them on. Before you decide the length you would like your dress, be sure to consider your height in your wedding shoes. Pin the hem at the desired length. Hem the dress. Try on your dress one last time to make any final adjustments to fit or detail placement.

Tips & Warnings

• Some patterns may require you to add embellishments before sewing.

• Read your pattern instructions carefully before you begin to be sure you are familiar with all of the techniques listed.

• Your thread should match the color of your fabric.

• Choosing a pattern that fits your skill level will determine the quality of the finished dress.

References

• The Knot: Wedding Dresses

Resources

• Wedding Wire
• Wedding Dress Creator: Design Your Own Wedding Dress