How do I Redo a Wedding Dress?
Many women dream of wearing an antique wedding gown. This option is especially touching if your mother or grandmother has saved her gown and is willing to let you wear it. While in theory this may seem like an excellent idea, in practice it may be more difficult then you first expected. Your mother's or grandmother's wedding dress may look more dated than antique to you, or worse, it may not fit you at all. If you are determined to wear the dress, however, you may be able to have it altered to suit your needs.
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Instructions
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Discuss your plans to alter the dress with the woman who originally owned it, be it your mother or grandmother, if she is still alive. While your grandmother may have been flattered by your request to wear her gown, she may be hurt or alarmed if you are hoping to make drastic alterations to it. Remember, this gown has very sentimental value to the original owner. You also need to discuss your plans to alter the gown with your sisters or cousins, because you may not be the only woman who's dreamed of wearing it on her wedding day.
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Find a seamstress or tailor who has experience altering wedding gowns. This could be a relative, a professional seamstress, or even yourself. The best way to find a good seamstress is to get a recommendation from a friend who has used this person's services. If this is not possible, you can ask a bridal salon to recommend seamstresses. Many bridal salons will recommend a seamstress if you explain that you want to wear your mother's dress, especially if you buy a veil or shoes from the salon. If you are unable to get a recommendation, consult the Internet or phone book and schedule meetings with professional seamstresses and tailors. Be sure to ask for photographs of previous work.
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Carefully examine the dress. If you are plan to wear your grandmother's dress, remember--It may have been sitting in an attic for decades. If the dress was not preserved and packaged properly, there is a good chance that is has been damaged. Scrutinize the dress for mildew, moth holes, and other defects. If the dress is beaded, check the conditions of the beads. Make sure that they are not falling off or completely missing. Inspect the dress in natural light for fabric discoloration.
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Look through bridal magazines and gather ideas about what sorts of dresses you like. Try to find several styles that appeal to you so that you have a list of options to discuss with your seamstress or tailor. This way, you are less likely to be disappointed if your first choice is not possible.
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Bring the gown and meet with your seamstress or tailor to determine what alterations are possible. Even the most experienced seamstresses are not magicians. Be realistic. If the dress is much too small for you or you want to drastically change the silhouette, you may be disappointed. Some fabrics, such as organza, chiffon or anything hand-beaded, are extremely difficult to alter. If the fabric has not been properly preserved, it may be too delicate to alter or wear.
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Check in with your seamstress or tailor regularly to learn of the progress your dress is making. Make sure that everything is proceeding on schedule and that your seamstress is not encountering any problems with your gown.
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Tips & Warnings
It may be possible to keep just the old bodice or skirt from the original dress and add a new part that suits you better.
If the dress is damaged beyond wearability, consider using part of the fabric to make a ring pillow or some other small accessory.
Do not attempt to alter your own antique gown unless you have years of experience as a seamstress.
Drastic alterations may take months to complete.
Altering an antique gown is likely to cost you more money than buying a completely new gown.
References
- Photo Credit bride image by shane kyle from Fotolia.com
