Being an older bride does not mean you have to conform to anyone’s idea of how a ‘mature lady’ should dress and I love that Barbara lived her dream! Edwardian inspired dress made from duchess satin and beaded Guipure lace. The dress is trimmed with gathered lace flounces and groups of pink flowers. Made in three pieces the lace over-bodice has long sleeves and a high collar. The removable presentation train attached with poppas and was trimmed with matching lace flounces

Photography by www.michellebeanphotography.co.uk

Although this dress was Edwardian inspired Barbara opted to leave it unboned for comfort. Luckily Barbara has a naturally small waistline which meant the s-curve shape an Edwardian corset would have created was there anyway.

The train came with a wrist loop so Barbara could carry it easily when walking outside.

Original design sketch

Detail of gathered lace and pink flower trim.

Making Barabara’s Dress

This is the image that Barbara brought to her design consultation as a basis for her wedding dress.

Pictures from the ‘toile’ fitting, or practice run in cheap fabrics. As you can see the frill on the lace over bodice was too much for Barbara’s petite figure and we omitted it from the final dress.

Final fitting pictures

Final fitting pictures showing the detachable train spread out and the lace peplum that is revealed when it is remove