It’s time to choose the perfect dress for your wedding day! Whether you’ve had an idea in your head since you were little, or this is the first time you’re starting to look; the dress is one of the very best parts of planning your wedding. However, the more you look, the more you’ll find dresses that are almost close to the perfect dress. Almost. This is where customisation comes in. Here are the top 5 ways most people choose to customise their special dress for their big day.
1. Neckline
Choosing the perfect neckline is key to creating the perfect dress. If the dress you love is strapless, but you prefer straps and need support, speak to your dressmaker about gorgeous strap options. If your favourite dress features a straight neckline and you prefer a sweetheart shape, that can easily be changed. Similarly a scoop neck to a v-shape are easy changes too.
In general, off-the-shoulder necklines are universally flattering, whether they’re asymmetrical or even one-shoulder. Halter and strappy necklines are well suited for fuller busted brides, offering a flattering design and support. Sleeveless styles are on-trend and well suited to those brides looking to wear show-stopping earrings and necklaces.
If you know you need a new neckline but you’re not sure what to request, chat to the dressmaker at your chosen couturier. Here at L’eto Bridal we customise the necklines on most of our pieces to suit every bride’s shape and style.
2. Sleeves; shape and style
Love Maid Marion-style sleeves but they’re not on the dress you’ve found? No problem. Altering the sleeves on your wedding dress is key to perfecting your wedding dress’ silhouette. This can not only mean changing a bell sleeve to a dagged sleeve (think mediaeval open sleeves) but your dressmaker can also change the length of your dress’ sleeves. Short sleeves can become three-quarter sleeves, and subtle sleeves can become puffed sleeves.
3. Bias cut vs. Straight grain
The 'cut' style refers to how the fabric is cut when the dress is made; a detail your dressmaker will definitely know.
Bias-cut dresses are beloved by brides looking for a sheath dress style (hugely popular in 2022) that moulds to your figure.
On the other hand, dresses cut along the grain (straight grain) are used to create column and flared dresses and aren’t quite as body-conscious. But! If you’ve found the dress of your dreams but it’s not quite the right cut, your dressmaker can recreate your favourite design with a different cut.
4. Silhouette
If you’ve always dreamed of a voluminous skirt on your wedding dress, but you love the bodice of a sleek-silhouetted dress you’ve found; the skirt can be altered. Similarly, if a beautiful dress you’ve found looks too full for your taste, it can be refined and stripped down to create a slimmer and more minimal silhouette.
Ruching and cutouts can also alter a silhouette, adding modern styling to classic designs. Romantic draping created from luscious fabrics like crepe de chine help refresh your favourite dress.
5. Fabric
From lace to silk and beading, the fabric you choose for your wedding dress changes the entire look and feel of the dress. If you’re looking for a sleek design, fabrics such as silk feels luxurious and is gorgeous in its simplicity.
Looking to add a hint of whimsy to your dress? Adding puffed sleeves crafted from silk organza is just one option. Silk chiffon is another, and softens the overall look of your final dress.
Lastly, Crepe de Chine is the ideal fabric for draping, and helps create a unique, modern look.
Customising your wedding dress helps you add your own distinct flare to the gorgeous dress you’ve found. If you’re not sure which parts of the dress can be changed, go ahead and ask us.
We’re always happy to discuss customisation options for all our pieces.