Making the
Right Choice - Creating your Gown
written by Karen A. Lambert
When Ordering
Fabric - Remember:
- Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery
- Allow time for sewing and fitting (consult you seamstress)
- Most stores require a 50% deposit when special orders are
placed
- Collect money from your bridesmaids, if necessary, because
when fabric arrives it should all be purchased at a single time in one piece if possible.
- Working with one sales clerk will insure smoother
arrangements with the purchase.
Amount of Fabric to Order:
- Get accurate measurements for each attendant. You don't need
to tell anyone what size pattern their measurements fit, just get the measurement!
Bust:__________________Height:__________________
Waist:_________________Hips:____________________
***when lengthening or shortening dress be sure to measure from the floor up not the waist
down. (i.e. 7" from floor )
- When combinations or fabrics are used, how much of each
fabric for each component?
Bodice:________________Bows:___________________
Skirt:__________________Hats:____________________
Sleeves:_______________Lining:__________________
Choosing Fabrics:
- Remember to consider full costs, a $80.00 dress can become
$120.00 with the addition of fabric, labor, notions, and an expensive pattern.
- Always consult a seamstress about appropriate fabrics for a
particular style.
- About color:
+ flattering to all bridesmaids
+ works with the setting of the wedding (i.e. - church, home, garden)
+ appropriate for the season
+ availability
- Fabrics:
+ Silks - expensive, colors less accurate to order, dry clean only, dress worth keeping
+ Polyester - moderate price, many colors available, usually washes, will wear better
+ Cottons - moderate price, comfortable, more casual, prints available, usually washes
+ Rayon blends - moderate price, easy movement and attractive drape, many colors
available,
dry clean only + Acetates - less expensive, many colors available, dry clean only, creases
easily
Choosing Styles:
- The style of the bridal gown can suggest the style for the
attendants (i.e. necklines, boys, deep vee in back, dropped waist, skirt length)
- Choose more sophisticated styles when attendants are older.
(i.e. dressy suits, less frills)
- Consider special fitting factors:
+ pregnancy
+ very petite/tall
+ heavy/thin
+ cleavage
- Appropriate for occasion:
+ indoor/outdoor transitions
+ comfort for lengthy ceremony/reception
+ dancing/dining/transportation
- Can it really be worn again?
|
message
boards
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)