Dress Customizations Designers Will Accommodate

Custom client sketches created for Joy Abendmode Bridal

Many designers are seeing that even within their collections, brides all have unique needs with their wedding dresses. Customization options are typically the answer for “this dress is perfect but…” when dress shopping.  We all have parts of our bodies that we would prefer to show off and parts that we would like to not call attention to and your wedding dress should be the perfect balance of your style and comfort. The option of customizing your gown will also allow for you to have a unique twist on the samples’ style. Today we wanted to tell you about some of the standard customization options you will see while wedding dress shopping so keep reading!

Lined vs unlined

Many bodices (and some skirts!) on bridal gowns right now are sheer or unlined. This is to give the illusion of a smaller waistline and to take away some of the bulk that the lining could create. You will most often notice an unlined bodice in an ivory gown as opposed to a dress with a colored underlay like champagne or nude as those colors will blend in with many skin tones

Sparkle tulle vs regular tulle

Adding a light layer of shimmer to gowns through a sparkle tulle within the gown has been popular over the last few years. This can be a love or hate addition to the gown which is why many designers are now making this addition optional in many dresses.

Speaking of tulle, many companies will let you add or remove fabric layers to make the skirt fluffier or more slim. Never hurts to ask right?

Slits

We have been seeing more and more brides ready to show a little leg on their wedding day which means adding slits to all different types of dresses. Being able to have the option of slit or no slit means that you can decide if that is the look for you or not

Note: for more fitted gowns, it’s easier to sew up a slit than it is to create one due to the bit of extra fabric needed. So if you want to make the decision later in alterations, order the gown WITH the slit

adding straps or sleeves

You will see these added to many gowns as brides have over and over again shared a desire to draw attention to her collar bone and away from her arms. One thing to remember is that off the shoulder (or straight) straps can be added to any strapless dress to give it a brand new look. You can even add a cap sleeve or long sleeves to cover your shoulders!

Pro tip: if you want the best of both worlds, make the straps removable and you can take them off when it’s time to party at the reception!

Other popular customizations

• Dress color (most are offered in at least 2 different colorways)

• Raising or lowering of the neckline

• Extending the train

• Adding or removing buttons

• Adding or removing lace/beading

• Adding an overskirt

  Pro tip: it’s not necessarily a customization, but if you’re buying a lace gown and want extra lace for your veil, flower girl dress, or to make sleeves/bolero, be sure to ask how much the designer will sell it by the yard!

At the end of the day, what can or cannot be customized will vary depending on the company. However, your bridal stylist will be an expert in the changes (or there’s always a way for them to inquire) that are possible with the designers you are trying on, so make sure to ask a lot of questions! You might be surprised what can be done.

Have you gone dress shopping yet? What kind of custom changes are you interested in making for your dream dress?

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn