Planning to have my wedding dress remade as a christening dress: has anyone done this?

[Alva]

I know there are pretty little dresses out there, and that buying one would be the cheaper option - but this just seems like such a lovely thing to do with it. Has anyone had this done? \Any thoughts on what I should expect to pay for a longish dress for a six-month-old girl? Dress is heavy cream silk.

It would be great to hear any thoughts, or recommendations of people who might be able to take this on...

My dd's christening gown was made out of my mum's dress, my mum made it for her. It was really gorgeous, and a great thing to do with a dress which , quite honestly, you aren't going to use again! Don't suppose you live on the West of Scotland?

Thats such a lovely idea, I'd have it as plain as possible so that it can be passed down through the generations. No idea on who could do it or costs but it is a lovely idea.

No ideas on how to do it but I was christened in a dress made from my mum's wedding dress. She made her wedding dress herself and then made two christening dresses out of it! I think it's a lovely idea .

FromGirders - oh, I wish. No, am based in south London. LoveMyGirls - I agree, the plainer the better. My dress is totally plain (only decoration is a row of tiny buttons down the back).

i've never heard of it but it strikes me as a lovely idea.

Clayhead, the fact that you appreciate this all these years later makes me more determined to do it - it would be a bonus if it became the family christening dress, but really I'd just be happy if my little girl was pleased, in later life, that it was done for her.

Lovely idea. Wish I'd have thought of that but both DDs have already been christened. Will have to remember this idea for grandchildren's christenings.

Please post some piccies if you go ahead with this.

I just thought - maybe those who've had wedding dresses made will be able to suggest seamstresses? Must be a similar kind of task, just in miniature. Not the full-on designer names - couln't afford those! - but skilled sole traders must be out there...any leads?

Definitely try a wedding dress seamstress. According to my mum, the hardest part of a wedding dress is the fitting (and she's made quite a few now), christening gowns are much easier, because they're not fitted.

Thanks FromGirders - and lucky that they aren't fitted from another POV, too: she is growing so fast that exact measurements will be difficult! Waswondering, brilliant idea - will stash that one away.

Hi Alva, if you're still there? I ran this past my mum this morning - she has been considering doing this as a business for a while (which I think is a great idea) and I wanted her to know that there was a market, and also to find out what she thought of as a price so I could give you a step for a hint. She'd be quite keen to chat to you - if you CAT'ed me, I could forward it on to her by e-mail and put you in touch with each other.
As a rule of thumb, she thought that the price would start at about £100 for a basic gown. Depending on how fancy it was and what extra embellishments you wanted (pin-tucks, ruffles, beading etc), that could rise to up to £200 because the fiddly stuff obviously takes quite a lot of time, and any extra materials would have to be charged for.
She's a very experienced dressmaker, with three wedding dresses, several bridesmaids' and flower girls' dresses and at least three christening outfits under her belt. She made my ds a lovely gown which was quite plain with pin tucks on it, and then did a prettier one for my dd. Both of them have their names embroidered on the lining inside. Mum could e-mail you photos if you wanted.
Anyway, if you are interested, please CAT me, and I'll introduce you.
I'd be really interested in everyone's thoughts on these prices as well. I know how much time mum spends on these projects. What would you be willing to pay for a unique new family heirloom ?

Hello FromGirders - great idea, and I'd love to talk to your mum. Will figure out how to sign myself up to CAT...

Alva, have cat'ed you . . .