You’ve found the wedding dress of your dreams – almost. But it needs that little something extra. Here are six stress-free ways to personalise your gown and make it even more ‘you’…
Cover up
When the Duchess of Cambridge shunned strapless, it reignited the desire for more coverage on a wedding gown. But modern brides are shying away from fixed, full sleeves in favour of removeable boleros, shrugettes and wraps. Keep yours sheer and lightweight for a romantic, contemporary look.
Chop and change
Have you found the perfect gown only to wish you could add sleeves, a train or an extra detail like a statement bow? Many designers can create bespoke elements for you, and many manufacturers now offer their collections with a choice of detachable details. Don’t dismiss a dress on the hanger because it hasn’t got the elements you want. One small tweak and it could go from impossible to perfect in a matter of seconds!
Family heirloom
Ask your wedding dress designer to incorporate a small family heirloom into your gown – it might be a brooch, a pin, even a piece of lace – perhaps something from your mother’s wedding dress.
It’s a cinch
A detail that draws the eye to your smallest part has got to be a good thing! We love bridal belts and sashes – a budget-friendly fashion fix that quickly changes the whole look of your gown. A traditional lacy, daytime look can be glamorised in an instant with the addition of a dramatic black belt or a sparkly sash. Ask your bridal boutique for their options.
Monogram magic
Why not have your initials or your wedding date sewn into the underskirt of your wedding gown for a really personal touch? Take a piece of blue ribbon and sew in onto there – and that solves your ‘something blue’ too!
Colour pop
If you want to follow in the bridal footsteps of Jessica Biel, a coloured underskirt is a unique idea. We say the bolder the better. This idea works particularly well on 50s-inspired skirts with lots of bounce so your photographer can capture your underskirt as you walk along. Or why not go the whole hog and opt for a fully coloured wedding gown – a hot trend for 2014.
How the real brides did it…
“I found my dress at Emily Bridal Boutique in Sheffield. I styled it with a white ribbon for the daytime and then changed it to a black ribbon and a black hair fascinator for the evening party.”
Nicola
“I sewed a strapless bra into my Mon Cheri gown to avoid all that hitching up you often have to do with strapless dresses.”
Laura
“At first I knew there was something special about my dress but I didn’t love it. I did, however, love the fabric. The girls at Fur Coat and No Knickers helped me realise my vision and altered the dress into my perfect style. They cut the sleeves off while it was on me and slowly cut away until we achieved the straps and neckline I wanted.”
Abi
“My gown was a Justin Alexander design with a sweetheart neckline made from silk chiffon. Although it was originally strapless I asked for it to have sparkly lace capped sleeves added.”
Alice
“I loved my heavenly golden Maggie Sottero design. A few alterations to lower the back and I had my dream dress.”
Chloe
Have you had your dream wedding dress altered or personalised in any way? Are you adding a detail to it to make it more ‘you’? Let us know in the Wedding Ideas Forum today!
