Although you probably know me for my illustrations, you may not know that I actually have a degree in Fashion Design. Fashion has always been a huge part of my life, but ever since joining the wedding industry, I have developed a true love for wedding gowns, especially vintage gowns. 

My amazing friend Bre is a bridal designer in Boston specializing in custom work and vintage wedding dress reconstruction. I was so interested in her work restoring and modernizing vintage gowns that I knew I had to share it with all of you! Keep reading for all the details about Bremelia’s wedding dress reconstruction services and how she can bring life back into an old dress!

Dress Reconstruction by Bremelia

What dresses or clothing can I transform? 

We can reconstruct mom's and grandmother's dresses and veils. 

How does the process work? 

We start with an in-person consultation to see what kind of condition the dress is in and to see what you are hoping to achieve with the new look. Then, we work in increments in each fitting; the dress will evolve until the design is complete. We like to take the fittings slowly with reconstructions because we are working with such special garments. 

How long does it take? 

Each dress is different, but I would allow 8 - 10 months for a comfortable timeline. We do like to take our time with reconstructions. 

What's the average cost? 

As of the posting of this blog, reconstruction starts at $1,000 and can go to $3,000, depending on how complex the design is. 

What options do I have for a transformation? 

The options are limitless; however, we usually like to keep the integrity of the original design while refreshing the overall look to be more modern. Sometimes, that means removing the old skirt and making a new one, reconstructing the neckline, or removing sleeves.  

What if the original dress doesn't fit? 

Not to worry; we can always tailor it as needed. If it's too small, which happens pretty often, we can build a new back. 

Can I just use pieces/materials and not the dress itself? 

Absolutely.

Can I add embellishment to a simple dress? 

Absolutely.

Can I combine dresses? 

Yes, as long as they work soundly together. 

What if there's not enough material on the original dress? 

We would likely need to source a comparable fabric to achieve the desired look. 

What if the original is SUPER old? Or if there's discoloration? 

If the dress was not properly preserved, discoloration is common, and there is often not too much we can do about it. We usually like to embrace the fact that the dress is old; sometimes, it can look even more special and vintage. If there are any repairs that need to be done, we usually handle that as it evolves.

Bremelia x SamiaLynn Design 

If you’re restoring a vintage gown for your wedding day, what better way to preserve that memory than with an illustration? Whether it’s an illustration of the original dress for your mom or grandma or a sketch of your new gown to hang on your wall - who wouldn’t want an incredible piece of art to memorialize the occasion? Here at SamiaLynn Designs, we offer a variety of illustration options focused on wedding gowns, and it would be such an honor to draw one of Bremelia’s incredible designs. Head over to our Bridal page to shop custom orders.

We are pretty deep into wedding season right now, and my TikTok has been flooded with wedding content. I love it! One trend that I have been seeing more than ever (thanks to social media, not because it hasn’t been happening) is incorporating vintage wedding dresses into your wedding. Most of these dresses are the brides’ moms’ (or grandmothers’) dress, but this could be done with any family members’ outfit, or just a beautiful gown you found at Goodwill. Today I wanted to share with you a few ideas of what to do if a vintage gown happens to land in your wedding wardrobe:

1. Tailor it to you and wear it proudly!

Almost 35 years ago, my mom wore her moms’ wedding dress. She changed the fitted sleeves to puffy sleeves and opened up the neckline which I questioned my whole life until looking at bridal trends while planning my own wedding. I never believed that huge sleeves and satin dresses could be so popular, but here we are again. Take the wedding dress that was given to you and don’t be afraid (with permission of course) to make it your own! This can also apply to a veil or other wedding looks/accessories.

2. shorten it

Take the sentimental vintage dress and shorten it to wear for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or reception look! This is such a great way of including a special piece from a family member’s wedding day while having your wedding day be about creating memories of your own.

3. Add a slit and party all night!

Sort of the same idea as shortening, but with any vintage dress you may have, never forget you may have the option of adding a slit and turning it into your reception/after party dress! You’ll typically be able to create a slit if the dress is fitted and is there’s a seam somewhere in the front or it’s a ballgown/A-line silhouette with the extra fabric you need. By using this option you will have entered into marriage with your something new, but you’re celebrating your marriage with memories of the past.

4. Use just a little something

If you don’t want to wear the dress as is, or if it’s too damaged and fragile to wear, you can take pieces of the dress (like lace appliqué) and include it into your wedding day. Depending on how much lace you have, it can be added to the waist, bodice, sleeves or hemline. Other fabrics can be used to create sleeves, bolero/cropped jacket, or shawl. A big way would be to use the lace for your veil, and a small way would be to sew a piece of that dress to the inside lining of your dress, or make it a part of the flower girls’ dress. You could also wrap your bouquet in fabric, or use some of the fabric as a pocket square (if you or your fiance are wearing a suit)!

Save this post and use it as a reminder to preserve your wedding dress! Even if you choose not to use any of these ideas on your wedding day, a family member 20-50 years down the line might and I know they would appreciate you putting in that extra effort. Looking to have a custom gown designed? Let’s chat! Just click here.

Happy dressing!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Hi ya’ll, Sam here 👋🏼

As someone with a degree in fashion design, fabric talk comes second nature to me. But for the other 95% of the non-industry population, I might as well be speaking like the Minions from ‘Despicable Me’. Fabric selection can (and should) make all the difference to the outfit you pick for your wedding. Especially if you know your venue location will have an extreme type of weather or you’re hoping for specific design details.

I know that bridal fabrics can be super overwhelming and confusing, particularly when you don’t even know how to describe it. So let’s go over a few of the basics you’ll see across the board while shopping for your wedding look(s):

Quick note: natural fabrics (such as cotton, silk, etc) always have a synthetic alternative. Sometimes you won’t notice and sometimes it makes ALL the difference. Just something to keep in mind while you shop!

1. Satin

Satin is a classic, smooth fabric that tends to be thicker and comes in either matte or shiny. This makes for beautiful, elaborate ballgowns and it can handle the weight of crystals if you’re going for a more embellished look. If you’re aiming for a non-embellished and more “architectural” feel, then this also works amazing for big bows and deep pleats. Due to it’s “thicker” nature, this fabric is best for cooler environments and not your beachside wedding.

Pairs well with: ballroom venues

2. Micado

Micado is often confused for satin, but its major difference is the texture. Satin is smooth while micado has a “twill” texture to it (aka more woven and has a diagonal grain). However, like satin, micado is a beautiful fabric that is more thick and typically made of silk. Therefore, it’s not great for super hot environments. It’s great for structured gowns and can come with a shiny or matte finish. Certain types of micados are super stretchy so this could be a great option if you’re going for something super tight and form-fitting. You usually won’t see micado gowns embellished, the texture is gorgeous on it’s own!

Pairs well with: estate or chateau venues

3. crepe

Yes, it’s the same spelling as the delicious French stuffed pancakes, no it is not pronounced the same (but that’s a different story). Crepe is a medium thick fabric that is opaque, but does not hold structure very well. You can find it on its own, but most designers like to pair it with lace. It’s perfect for fit and flare/trumpet dresses and makes an incredible long train if that’s your style. It does have a slight texture to it, but it’s very matte. Depending on its makeup, crepe can either be stretchy or slightly more stiff. It’s also become a very popular option for bridesmaid dresses.

Pairs well with: chic city venues

4. Tulle

Want to look like a princess on your wedding day? Tulle is your go-to. This fabric does come in a few different mediums, but the most popular is made of nylon (or silk if you want to be fancy and spend a lot of money) and is what veils are made of. For quality purposes, I would not recommend the polyester version. Tulle is a sheer netting and can snag easily, but it’s edges won’t fray so it can just be cut and done! If you’re looking for it as part of your gown, this will typically be the skirt portion, although there are some gorgeous full tulle options out there. The bigger the skirt, the more “classic princess” you’re going to look. If you’re going for more subtle, then a few layers over the lining or an overskirt will give you a truly romantic, ethereal vibe.

Pairs well with: garden venues

5. chiffon

One of the most popular evening fabrics, chiffon is a semi sheer and very light fabric. Tulle and chiffon have the least amount of structure out of any fabric you’ll come across and always requires lining (unless see-through is your goal). It breathes well which makes for a great beach outfit. Due to its lightweight nature, it can’t really hold heavy embellishments on its own, so that’s usually why you’ll find crystals or beading on the bodice. It’s usually not stretchy so just letting it drape and be its natural, flowy self is best. Chiffon is also the most used fabric for bridesmaid gowns and comes in a ton of different colors.

Pairs well with: tropical venues

6. Lace

Lace is more of a fabric embellishment (?), but we’ll dive in: lace is usually made of cotton which is twisted and knotted into various designs and also comes in many different thicknesses. These terms all have French names and the ones you will typically see in the wedding world are called “alencon” (pronounced Ah-Lon-Sawn) and “chantilly”. Alencon is more textured and has cording woven into the design. Chantilly is light and delicate, and can come with little “eyelash” edges. If a gown is fully lace, there will be lining underneath (unless shear is your thing then you do you). Lace is a great way to bring interest to sleeves, hems, and necklines without shine or beading (the looks that go ALL OUT with have both!). Lace is also very popular on the edge of veils and the best factories are in England, France, and Italy. It can come in full yards, like any other fabric, or just as a trim.

Pairs well with: any venue!

7. embellishments

Ok, I know this isn’t a “fabric” per-say, but it is a topic that many people get confused about so let’s clarify a few fashion terms:

• Sequins: those flat or slightly concave shiny plastic tiny “discs” that are sewn through a hole in the center. They can make a fabric shiny without beading or crystals.

• Beading: beads come in many (MANY) forms, but when it comes to bridal, you’ll usually see them in white, ivory, clear, or silver (or gold). A full beaded gown may be heavy, but they’re great for making beautiful designs.

• Crystals: also can be called “rhinestones”, these gems usually have prongs (like jewelry) and, again, can come in many sizes. Typically you won’t see them in color, but to each their own. Crystals are what make up most wedding belts and sashes.

At the end of the day, if you’re getting confused in the world of wedding fabrics, just ask your stylist or seamstress. They work with these fabrics ALL DAY and can usually answer any question you may have. But, I hope this guide helps you feel a bit more informed when going on your shopping adventures. Looking to have a custom gown designed? Let’s chat! Just click here.

Happy planning!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

We all know that wedding dresses are “supposed” to be white. But what happens if we push boundaries a little bit to make your wedding even more one of a kind? It is common now to see shades of champagne and nude lining in lace gowns. This works to create a background for the lace to pop and be seen in pictures.

The new look for wedding gowns is anything on a scale from bright colors to black and we’re not just talking underlays. Even lace and beading are getting a modern update! We love seeing how these trends are ever evolving in bridal and we love sharing them with you even more. Would you push boundaries and wear a colorful wedding dress down the aisle?

Check out these gorgeous options:

1. PAsTels

Pastels are great for spring and summer weddings as a way to pull together a fun color palette in a more subtle way. This is also great if you know you don’t love yourself in white/ivory!

left to right: Ines Di Santa Edith gown, Ines Di Santo Romina Gown, Monique Lhuillier Petal Gown

2. Colorful florals

Still like the idea of a white gown but want to mix things up a bit? Stick to an ivory base and let the floral lace/print make a statement like the piece of art these wedding gowns are

left to right: Monique Lhuillier Amalia gown, Monique Lhuillier Sicily gown, Natalie Wynn Bridal

3. Bold colors

Make your guests head spin with a dress so bold they will be talking about it for years to come. What color would you choose?

left to right: Maggie Sottero Zander, Sottero & Midgley Alera, Marchesa Resort 2020

As you can see, once you add color to the mix, the possibilities are endless! Make your personality and individual style really shine on your special day by wearing whatever YOU want to wear. At the end of the day, it’s about your comfort and happiness.

So, would you add color to your wedding day look? Let us know in the comments!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Shopping for a wedding dress can be an exciting and also daunting process. There are countless options out there and so many stores in every town, how do you narrow down and pick just one to say yes to? We are here to help with a 5 step plan to help you successfully find your wedding dress with zero stress and all of the fun!

Before that though, it’s important to remember that this is your experience and you need do what’s best for you. That means not letting the blogs (hi!), your family, or what you see on television sway you away from what is right for you. Our only hope is that is you can take these few steps into consideration, your bridal appointment will be one to remember forever.

1. Pick your budget

Before you can begin looking at dresses, you have to know how much you would like to spend on your wedding gown! To have a large assortment of options, a budget somewhere in the realm of $2000-4000 will give you access to many of the main stream designers

Don’t forget: budget INCLUDES alterations, shoes, and accessories so be sure to take all those into account

2. Timing is everything

Wedding dresses are special ordered to your size and can take up to 8 months to make. This means that you should choose your gown about a year before your wedding. On average you should expect 6 months for delivery and 2 months for alterations. It’s never too early to find your dress because will love it for the next 50 years as much as you love it the day you found it! There are also plenty of options available is you have less than 6 months to find the perfect dress, so just work with your store to find exactly what you need

3. Do your research

Choose the store you shop at carefully. Make sure you read the reviews on every store you’re interested in and see what designers they carry. Google the price points of each designer and make sure that the designer you are most interested in is in your price point. Don’t know what designer you like? Make a Pinterest board of dresses that excite you, most of the time you will find a trend. From there you can simply google what their price point is typically (or you can ask the company and/or wedding salon)

4. Location Matters

Be sure to take into account the location and/or time of year you’re getting married. If you’re having a beach wedding, you’ll be much more comfortable in a light and airy dress as opposed to a giant satin ballgown. Or for the colder months, remember to add a jacket or faux fur stole into the budget. We’re all for wearing whatever you want on your special day, but remember that your comfort should definitely be factored in

5. Follow your gut

FOMO is a trickster when it comes to wedding dresses. If you have already picked your budget, and done your research, there is no reason that you shouldn’t find your dress in your first day of shopping. None of this “it’s only my first time shopping” excuse, because deep down you know what you want. But, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s totally normal! Your stylist will help you bring your dream to life by finding out what you like and don’t like in a dress, and pulling you the gown that checks all of your boxes. When you’re twirling in the dress, smiling, and picturing yourself on your wedding day, follow your gut and say yes to the dress!

When it comes to wedding dress shopping you should obviously be trying them on in person, however, there is so much research you can do before even setting foot in a salon! This will save you a ton of time and frustration, plus when you do finally go in for your first appointment you’ll be extra prepared and have a more productive shopping experience.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Just in case you don’t live in wedding world like we do, last week was Bridal Fashion Week! This is the time of year that stores order their newest samples, and the high end designers put together runway shows so spectacular that you can’t help but daydream of the perfect wedding for every piece.

Today we wanted to break down some of the trends we saw that will be making it into bridal salons by the fall for your 2022 weddings!

Bows

Whether it’s one or five, you will see bows everywhere you look ranging from large and in charge, to small and sweet. Also keep in mind, if the dress you fall in love with doesn’t have a bow, one can always be added! 

Unique sleeves

Say goodbye to the old illusion fitted sleeve. We are now here for a flutter sleeve, a cap sleeve, a bubble sleeve, or anything else that will avoid leaving your arms undecorated. Some are even detachable!

Different necklines

Gone are the days of the basic (but still timeless, just less trendy) sweetheart neckline. We are now seeing mostly straight, or square, or plunging necklines, nothing in between!

Maximalism

No matter which of these elements speaks to you the most, what we know for sure is that after well over a year of no where to go and nothing to do, your wedding gown is going to make up for it! Whether that’s with a fully beaded, all lace, or exaggerated architectural details all done in one fabric, the one thing that is for sure is that no one will be able to describe their gown as “too simple.” Your wedding will be the event of a lifetime for you, even if you choose to only have a small party, so make it count with a dress that will become printed art all over your walls once the big day is over. 

What trend are you most excited to try on at your bridal appointments? Let us know in the comments!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Bridal gown shopping can be a daunting part of your wedding checklist.

If you are like us and love shopping, the sheer amount of gown options is overwhelming. If you dread the idea of stepping into a store to find a new pair of jeans, then gown shopping is something that you will put off as long as possible. No matter which one describes you best, what you need to understand is that your bridal consultant will use her expertise to find you the most memorable dress of your life. The experience should make you feel beautiful, confident, and ready to marry the person of your dreams.

To help you prepare for your bridal appointment, we have created a list of questions you should be ready to ask and answer during the course of your consultation. We recommend going in with an open mind, a Pinterest board of inspiration pictures, and neutral colored underwear.  

The top 5 questions you should be asking your professional bridal consultant: 

1. What would you recommend based on my body type?

- No matter what, though, you should choose your gown based off of what makes you feel best, not just what you are expected to wear. Also know that bridal sizes are significantly different than street sizes. Leave the numbers to the consultant and know that you will never be ordering that size again! 

2. How do you bustle this gown?

- Make sure your consultant shows you how the bustle will look on the gown. You should also record the tailor showing you the final bustle so that even after a glass of champagne, your maid of honor will be able to get you ready for your first dance with no delays. 

3. How would you accessorize my dream gown?

- Sometimes you can get discounts by ordering your accessories at the same location as your gown! Sticking to one location for all of your gown needs is the best way to ensure consistency and possible discounts. 

4. What is delivery time right now?

- Are you asking for something on your gown that would be considered custom and would up the cost and the turnaround time?

5. How much are alterations?

- Also remember that alterations mean different things at different salons, so make sure your consultant goes into detail about what they consider alterations. Does their price include full fittings, a bustle, and steaming? 

The top 5 questions your bridal consultant should be asking you: 

1. What is your budget?

- When deciding on a budget don't forget about alterations, shoes, and any other accessories you may want. Be specific about the budget you give your consultant, she/he will need to know how much you would like to spend on your gown in order to pull properly from the sample options. 

2. What makes you feel beautiful?

- This is not what your mom thinks, what you think you should think, or what some stranger on the internet wants you to think (Hi!). Your consultant wants to know exactly what makes you feel your most stunning when you look in the mirror. 

3. How do you picture yourself looking on your wedding day?

- This means picturing yourself surrounded by your flowers, your venue, the bridesmaids dresses you will be selecting after your bridal appointment. Your gown will set the tone for your entire wedding. 

4. What are your favorite features of your body?

- Do you like your collar bones? Let’s show them off! Do you like your legs? Get a gown with a slit!

5. What are your least favorite features on your body?

- Would you prefer to cover your arms? Maybe think about doing an off-the-shoulder moment. Don’t like cleavage? Let’s look at high neck options and switch things up! 

There are thousands of wedding gowns for you to choose from. Enjoy the shopping process, but never forget the reason for the shopping adventure. You stopped dating after you met the man (or woman) of your dreams, stop shopping once you find the gown of your dreams!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here