Wedding Dress Pattern
From LoveToKnow Weddings
It's not something most women consider, but a designer wedding dress pattern allows the bride with high-end taste to dress on a low-end budget. Don't let the word "budget" scare you away either. While there's nothing wrong with purchasing a beautiful cheap wedding dress, those who had their heart set on a designer gown can still do so, no matter how much cash she has at her disposal.
But I Don't Sew!
If you don't sew, don't worry. Perhaps you have a talented seamstress in the family. If not, you can hire a seamstress to do the work for you. Either way, it's bound to be cheaper than purchasing a designer dress directly.
Choosing a Wedding Dress Pattern
A wedding dress pattern is selected much in the same manner, you'd choose a wedding dress from a designer boutique. Look for a style that suits your tastes and body type. Keep in mind however, that you can't try on the dress prior to purchase the way you would at a bridal salon. With this in mind, make sure to choose a style you know would be perfect. The best way to find suitable patterns is to go to the different pattern maker's websites or call them directly to request catalogs of wedding dress patterns. Once you have all of your catalogs start looking at the pictures until you find the dress that you feel best suits you. Once you purchase the pattern and cut the fabric you can't go back, so choose wisely.
Where to Find Wedding Dress Patterns
- Simplicity Patterns has been providing fashionable patterns for generations, it only makes sense they'd have some wonderful wedding dress patterns as well. From a stunning strapless number to something a bit more streamlined, the fashionable bride is sure to find something wonderful in the Simplicity collection.
- Vogue Patterns also offers a small selection of bridal patterns from a full skirted gown with spaghetti straps that rivals anything found in a designer bridal boutique, to strapless styles that will have you feeling like a princess, your guests will never know you didn't spend tens of thousands of dollars on your wedding dress.
- McCall's, a trusted name in sewing patterns, has a wonderful selection of patterns as well. You'll not only find elegant, full skirted gowns, you'll find simple, casual styles as well. You'll even find wedding veil patterns at McCall's.
What happens if a Pattern is Discontinued?
If had your heart set on a pattern, only to find it has been discontinued, don't panic. Call the pattern company directly. Most keep them on file for at least one year. You can also call around to pattern shops and craft centers to see if they have any left on the floor - or even in the back room. There's a good chance that while your pattern has been discontinued, it's still in circulation.
Cost
Now that you're considering sewing you own dress or having one made, you're probably wondering what it will cost. It depends on a couple of different factors, the first is the type of fabric you will be using. Fabrics prices range upwards from about $4.00 per yard and many wedding dress patterns recommend using more than one type of fabric. For instance most dresses are made of satin and lace with tulle underneath. Shop around to find the best fabric bargains – and don't forget the Internet! Fabric bargains abound online.
Your second factor is who will be making the dress. If you will be doing the sewing yourself, of course the cost of labor is minimal. If you will be hiring a seamstress, however, you'll have to check her rates. You can at least expect to pay a few hundred dollars. Talk to several different clothing makers to find the rate that works best for your budget.
As you can see, there are patterns to suit all tastes and lifestyles. In many cases, you can even save money by having your dress made instead of purchasing one from a designer boutique.
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Comments
Thanks for sharing your ideas, everyone; they're very helpful!
-- Contributed by: Melissa MayntzI am a seamstress and have sewn several wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. The extra step I do is sew "copy" of the dress using a lining type of material. The bride is able to put on the prototype of her gown/dress and decide if she wants and changes before I start on her actual dress. Works great for both of us because she gets to see how the style looks on here and I see if there are any changes in size I have to do. This method ensures a happy bride.
-- Contributed by: kimI have used McCalls pattern "M4776" for wedding dresses and formal dressed many times it is a great patten. I do design and make some wedding and formals although I am not able to make them Extramly fancy as I don't have the resorces.
-- Contributed by: KelleyThis page has been accessed 86,767 times. This page was last modified 12:53, 16 April 2009.
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