Know When You Can’t DIY, Part 1: THE DRESS

The majority of people who create a DIY wedding don’t do everything by themselves. There were a few things I decided right away that I couldn’t do myself and a few things I considered doing myself, but I soon realized that I couldn’t do it or that it would take too much time and effort when effort needed to be focused on other things.

THE DRESS

The thing I knew right off the bat was, that even though I can sew a bit (like easy skirts and pillow cases) that I was in no way going to make my own wedding dress. But I did like the idea of a homemade wedding dress. I just didn’t know anyone that skilled to make a wedding dress. So it took a while first to figure out what kind of dress I wanted, like many brides. I watched all the bridal shows on TLC like “Say Yes to the Dress” and “I Found the Gown”. I would go to the library often and check out a bunch of bridal magazines. But I really couldn’t find a dress that I wanted, a dress that was me. All the dresses looked the same, there was nothing original after awhile. Finally I started looking for wedding dresses on the website Etsy. These independent crafters and artisans had more one-of-a-kind of dresses that I was looking for. I wanted a tea length (hits near the mid or lower calf) and a retro/vintage vibe. I wanted it to be a bit whimsical while still being semi-formal. I wanted lace, and lace that looked like it had been antiqued. So the dress I finally found was by an artisan whose store on Etsy is called Pixie Pocket.
Here is an example of one of their dresses. I can't show my dress obviously. It has to be a surprise.

1950s 'Lucille' Rockabilly Style Wedding Dress-
 
They make other non-wedding retro inspired dresses also. So even though I was not able to make my dress I was glad it was made by a person rather than a large company. It is unique. And since it was made in New Zealand I'm pretty sure I’m not going to see many womyn in the US wearing the same dress. The cherry on top of that is the dress was custom made with my personal measurements and it costs a lot less that most wedding dresses!

Here are some other wedding dresses that I like from etsy. Many can be custom made:

bridalblissdesigns

 

 

Michelle Tan



Ellana Couture- they have many retro inspired wedding dresses that I think are beautiful. (Note that they only make dresses up to size 14).

 

I do advise people to read the small print because some etsy stores will not make plus sizes. I needed a plus size dress. And even if I was not a plus I would like to support places that are open to making plus sizes. And I am aware that since plus sizes take more fabric to make it might cost more. And I am willing to pay that little bit more. 

 

But perhaps I should get discounts in fabric in general because I'm short- just a thought.