anyone made their own wedding dress?

[nightshade1]

as above really, ive struggled to find exactly what I want in the shops and spending £0000 on a dress seems a tad ridiculous unless its perfect so im (trying) to make my own.

eeeek slightly scared but excited if it goes ok

Didn't make my own but made my daughter's with some help from my ds' mother in law. It's very nice. If you pm me an e.mail address I can send a picture.

I found a simple pattern for my mum to make one. It was medieval style with an empire line design. I wore a Juliet cap instead of a veil.

I don't get why so many women want a strapless gown these days as they don't always suit them.

I did. And it was only looking at the pictures afterwards I realised my underwear was showing all day!
But I loved it. It started life as a doodle on a napkin and my sister and I reworked existing patterns to make what I wanted. It wasn't white though, so didn't have to worry about constantly cleaning my hands etc which would have stressed me out. I would certainly recommend making it yourself.

What are you planning? Big white number, or something smaller and simple?

I did many years ago. It wasn't a big white number, it was cream and had a lot of lacy insert bits, and a frill round the bottom - very seventies

I'd say have a go - there's something very special about making your own dress

well ive settled on a design, corset based pleated bodice falling into an A-line skirt, not huge- proberbly a little puddle train. Think old Hollywood glamour. Its a mix of several dresses ive liked and have looked good on but haven't been quite THE one.

I have previously made my own ball-gowns but not for a while.

I think the main problem is trying to keep it a secret from everyone!

I have also got a back up monsoon dress that will do if this goes horribly wrong

Dutchoma will pm you now

I made mine with quite a lot of help from my mum in fitting the bodice etc. Just from a bought pattern but you can cobble together bits of different patterns. It was a lovely thing to do especially choosing all the trims and details and doing soppy things like embroidered initials.
Give yourself lots of time and mock up the tricky bits in cheap fabric first.

Watching with interest, I would hire somebody out for the seamtressing bit (I would love to learn myself but would have no clue where to start!) but I want knit/crochet lace to cover it so I might do that bit as an over dress myself :)

I did and I loved it! I made the top and skirt separately but it looked like one dress and I spent hours and hours hand sewing tiny beads on it. it wasn't perfect by any means but I really enjoyed doing it. go for it!

well there is progress in this corner - ive dusted off Boris (my faithful bodyform) she does however need to gain a couple of pounds round her hips and bum, either that or I need to stop eating so much cake and drinking so much wine!!

Just seen that you have made some ballgowns - it should be a breeze.

I had difficulty knowing when to stop, some sort of embellishment craze took over at the last minute when I was gluing leftover lace onto the shoes, making extra little decorations etc when really it was fine!

If you've made ball gowns you should be fine, & if you are going white/light colour, just remember that blood for pin pricks comes off very easily if you spit on it - enzymes in spit break it down ;) - other than that, relax & enjoy it