Post # 1

Member
350 posts
Helper bee
I’m home sick today (boo) but that means I got to try on my dress and take pictures while my fi is at work (yahhhh).
I’m making my own wedding dress and now that I’m getting closer to a finished look I keep going back and forth about it (does it fit okay, my mom thinks it looks like a night gown on top, I look like a cupcake, I love cucpakes, my boobs are too exposed, my boobs aren’t exposed enough, I look like a pirate, I like pirates, it’s vintage like I wanted it ect.)
So here are the pictures I took today:


I still have one more layer of lace to go.
I’m not sure I can take 8 more months of second guessing myself on everything.
Yesterday I tried the dress on and loved it, today I’m regretting trying to make my own dress.
Here was the process:



Post # 3

Member
497 posts
Helper bee
I think it needs a wider belt…. but thats it. Well, maybe less folding on the top part but thats it. its cute!
Post # 4

Member
4676 posts
Honey bee
Wow, major props for making your own dress. I think it is lovely, and you should be proud that you accomplished this. If your not sure how you feel about it I would sit on it a while, and maybe go to a bridal store to try some on, just for fun.
The only thing that bothers me is that it looks a bit baggy on top. You have such a lovely figure, and I feel, from the photos, that you are getting lost. It wouldn’t hurt to bring in the waist a little and do a little darting under the busts. The lace tiers are lovely though. These are just suggestions, and again, it’s about how you feel about the dress.
Post # 5

Member
1102 posts
Bumble bee
I love it! And its awesome you made it yourself!
Post # 6

Member
350 posts
Helper bee
@auggiefrog: I do have a smaller waist (and a curvy body) so originally I wanted that to be the tighest part to accent my good parts and hide my bad parts (tummy) so I see what you mean.
@MissBling: thanks for the advice, I already had this belt (took it from my bridal show dress!) so I’d be okay with buying a different one, it’s just kind of what I have right now 🙂
Post # 7

Member
227 posts
Helper bee
I think it’s great, and good work!! I agree that a wider belt might be better…it’d at least be worth trying to see what it looks like.
Post # 8

Member
6256 posts
Bee Keeper
I think it’s awesome! I would make the top a little bit tighter, because it seems baggy and you don’t look like you have anything to hide. But other than that, it’s perfect and if you can sew that well, I definitely think you made the right decision in making your own. Just think about all the money you are saving!
Post # 9

Member
664 posts
Busy bee
It is a beautiful dress. You did a great job. I love the tears of lace! I feel like something is off with the way the top is pulling. It’s almost like the fabric looks loose.
What type of wedding are you having? It’s probably not for a black tie wedding.
@MissBling: I agree with you- it might need a wider belt.
Post # 10

Member
350 posts
Helper bee
@amandasf: I’m getting married at a lodge so it’s a rustic/vintage wedding @ 3pm. it’s not black tie obviously or anything but I don’t want it to be too “casual” either. I understand what you mean about the top. When I made it on the dress form it obviously stayed in place but when I put it on and move in it (bend, twist ect.) it can get “baggy” on top.
Post # 11

Member
664 posts
Busy bee
@jbarker09: is there a way to make it tighter? I think that is a great dress for a rustic/vintage wedding.
Post # 12

Member
2287 posts
Buzzing bee
I think that you need to define your waist more. Instead of a small belt, I’d add a wider one. I also think that you might want to add lace cap sleeves. Overall I really like the direction. It’s very sweet and romantic.
Post # 13

Member
350 posts
Helper bee
@amandasf: the bodice itself it fairly tight, I actually made it a bit smaller than what I am because I plan on losing a bit of weight so it’s very tight right now. I think the actual draping that I did, makes it look “baggy” I do see where you are coming from though. I’d have to re-drape the top and take the whole thing a part which I CAN since i have time.
Thanks everyone!
Post # 14

Member
3028 posts
Sugar bee
It’s really cute and I love the layers. I agree less “baggy” in the boobs, and a different belt/maybe. If you are doing the rustic cowboy boot thing a brown leather thick belt would work.
Post # 15

Member
2425 posts
Buzzing bee
You are a brave woman! So far I think it looks good. I LOVE the skirt, it looks perfect. Not sold on the top though. I agree with your mom it looks a bit nightgowny/baggy on the top, just from how it is draped.. With the full lace skirt, I think a more fitted top would be more flattering.
ETA: would you be willing to just forgo any draping on top? I think it’s taking the focus away from the skirt as is. I think a nice clean fitted top without draping (maybe just strong seaming) would go better with the skit.
Post # 16

Member
350 posts
Helper bee
@ChemistryBride: Thanks for the advice. I didn’t want the the top to have a lot going on because I knew I wanted a puffy dress and therefore wanted the top to be as fitted as possible so I definitely want to make sure the top is flattering. I could try making the bodice more plain, I guess I was worried that THAT would make it look more like lingerie.