I’m very lucky that I attract the kind of brides who often want something that varies wildly from the traditional long white gown. So, when I met Maggie (virtually) and she told me that she was getting married in the summer and wanted something fun and bright, I was very excited! So I designed for her this custom short red wedding dress. I took inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s, with a bardot neckline and pretty handmade flowers as embellishment. The design was ideal for keeping cool in the heat, and utterly eye catching in this beautiful, bold red.
I think this bridal look perfectly reflects Maggie; young, vibrant, unique and beautiful!
“Thank you so much for making the perfect red dress. I felt fun and beautiful and received endless compliments on the dress.”
– Maggie, the bride
Photography – Ellen J Photography
Making a Custom Short Red Wedding Dress
Maggie’s fun and modern dress was fairly simple in design. With such a statement as the summer-red she chose, there wasn’t need for much else! The dress was fitted and lightly boned with darts to shape the fabric to her body. It had an off the shoulder neckline embellished with handmade flowers. I also added concealed elastic to the straps to help them keep a good shape while also allowing her maximum movement and comfort during her special day.
The first step of making any bespoke wedding dress, after agreeing on a design with the bride, is to make a toile. I make the dress out of a cheaper fabric and ensure that the fit is right. It also gives the bride the opportunity to change any design elements before I get started on the real thing.
I always get so excited when I have the opportunity to play when it comes to making a wedding dress. Embellishments give me just that opportunity.
For Maggie’s dress I could have bought pre-made fabric flowers, but I didn’t want to. Instead I used two of the fabrics that I’d used for other parts of the dress, drew up a basic pattern, cut out my shapes and then chose some pretty beads in colours that complimented the red of the dress.
In choosing to make the flowers from scratch I had far more control over the shapes, style and organic ‘flow’. Plus these are the kinds of details I love to add.
The final custom short red wedding dress, ready to be picked up by the bride!
If you’re looking for more short wedding dress inspiration, have a look at this pale blue cocktail wedding dress. Or if red is the colour for you, here’s a much more dramatic red feather masquerade wedding dress. Both designed and made by me, in my bridal boutique in Surrey.
If you’re looking for something a little untraditional for your wedding, get in touch. I’m always eager to take your craziest ideas and work with you into making them a reality.
