Edwardian Inspired Wedding Dress

Rachel contacted me wanting a bespoke early 1910s inspired bridal look. Of all the brides I’ve worked with, she was the one who wanted the dress to be the most historically correct. Although not exact (for example, we didn’t include any corseting), she wanted a period accurate silhouette.

During our chats, consultations and fittings I discovered that Rachel works at university teaching adjacent to history of dress and costume. Considering my own, similar background, I felt so honoured she chose me to make her wedding dress! Birds of a feather!

I had such a wonderful time working with Rachel, and the end result is this beautiful Edwardian inspired wedding dress.

Photography – Darren Kirwan⁠

I’m not sure if ‘alchemist’ or even ‘genius’ cuts it. More like ‘wonderful wizard of beautiful stuffs’. What a dress. What talent. So beautiful. You cut it out and stitched it straight from my dreams.

Real bride, Rachel

Designing an Edwardian Inspired Wedding Dress

The inspiration for Rachel’s wedding dress was the late Edwardian era, around the 1910s. Common features from that period were empire waistlines and square necklines, although as with all epochs of fashion, there was still a lot of variation to be found. This particular era was a lot more relaxed and bohemian compared to previous decades, which had been much more restrictive.

Rachel could have opted for other era-accurate details, like the structured undergarments that would have been common then. But she decided that comfort was far more important (and I’m inclined to agree)! If you plan on wearing your dress all day, considering comfort can be a big factor in the design process.

The Making Of An Edwardian Inspired Wedding Dress

Rachel is from Ireland, so in order to save time and money travelling, she would book a hotel in Surrey for two or three days at a time. In that space we booked multiple fittings, then she would fly home again.

In the first few fittings she tried on the toile (the test run of the dress, but in a cheap material), and I would make note of any adjustments needed. During this process the top layer of skirt changed from the original design. Rachel felt there were too many layers, so we reduced them, no problem.

Irish lace

Being Irish, Rachel wanted to include antique Irish Limerick lace, so she sourced two vintage lace stoles (like a shawl but smaller and usually rectangular). We decided to wait until she had found them to decide exactly what we wanted to do with them. Opting to work with the pieces, rather than make the pieces work for us. Once she had them we experimented with what would be best to show off the lace, playing around with placement.

We decided on the following: over the main dress shell, I added one stole barely cut (just a gap for the zip) with sleeves and a cross-over front. The other stole was cut up and used as a source of lace motifs. I cut the edging and the floral designs, appliquéing them onto the draping and train at the back.

1920s art deco mustard umber burnt orange velvet cocoon coat

When Rachel was at my shop for a fitting, she spotted a 1920s art deco style cocoon coat I had made for a styled wedding shoot. She tried it on and bought it that day. It was never intended to go with dress – it was just a spur of the moment purchase. I’m so happy it found a good home. I often put garments made for photoshoots for sale on my Etsy shop once the shoot is done.

The Final Result

It was such a pleasure to geek out with Rachel during this making process. I think I’m safe is saying she was happy with the end result – a completely custom made Edwardian inspired wedding dress, featuring antique lace to represent her Irish heritage.

If you’re looking for more Edwardian inspiration, you can find others I’ve made here (with a Downton Abbey theme) and here for a mature bride.

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Felicity Westmacott

I write about all aspects of weddings, dressmaking, fashion history, and the human relation to clothing. I welcome comments and debate.

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I'm a bespoke wedding dress maker, of course I made my own wedding dress!

When I first designed it, I wanted something that was completely 'me'; colourful, historical and a little dramatic. I had ambitions of covering the train with embroidered stems and flowers. At the same time, I had three other wedding commissions I was working on, as well as my own bridesmaids' dresses, some waistcoats for the best men and page boys. Although I managed to get it to a point where I could wear it, I didn't quite achieve what I wanted to by the time my wedding day came around.

I got married in 2007, and it wasn't until lockdown in 2021 that I managed to finish what I had started. I finally completed all the intricate embroidered details I wanted. The fuchsias, the vines and little bees and butterflies. It was so satisfying to see my visioned, fully realised, at last!

Since then I've been luckily enough to have lots of embroidery-centred commissions, and now I've learnt how to manage my time far more efficiently 😂

#2026bride #bespokebridal #bridalboutique #embroidery #ukbride #alternativebride
These are my ladies 💖 working in a bridal boutique can sometimes take you to strange places...

Can you tell I don't like Teresa?😒

#thesearemyladies #dorking #bridetobe #shoplocal #bridalshop #seamstress #weddingdressmaker
With wedding dress alterations, usually it's about making the dress the right fit for the bride. Bringing up the hem, adding in cups for support, making the bodice smaller or bigger. That sort of thing.

But sometimes, when I'm very lucky, I get to play!

Inspiration: a wild meadow of flowers by the sea
What do you think of the end result?

Photography: @sbyrnephoto

#weddingdress #weddingdressalteration #ukbride #ukseamstress #surreybride #sussexbride #londonbride #bespokeweddingdress
Here’s my handy guide to bridal veil lengths! When it comes to your wedding, a veil is such a lovely accessory to have – it can really elevate a bridal look. Some veil lengths have different names for the same thing, so let's clarify the different lengths can be called: 

Shoulder - 16" 
This one is two tiers, bubble style, in vintage tulle. Cute and fun, it has a retro vibe to it. 

Elbow length - 28" 
I chose a 3-tier style, giving this veil a bit more volume. Again, made in vintage tulle with a cut edge.

Fingertip length - 36" 
I’ve notice this length is one of the most popular for brides, so I’m showing a few versions. The first is a single tier with a corded edge, and the second has a lace edge instead. (dipdye, cut edge, with blusher ) 

Waltz (or calf) length – 58”
I made this wedding veil from vintage tulle with a diamante sparkle. This is a good choice is you want something long, but you’re a little clumsy. 

Floor (or puddle) length - 72" 
For this video I went with a floor length veil with a blusher (2-tier) and a cut edge. This one is extra wide as well, for extra drama.

Chapel length - 90" 
This one is in a cowl (or draped) style, meaning it’s placed on the head in a different way to a usual veil. I made this one from a super soft English tulle, which floats so beautifully.

Cathedral - 115" 
If you’re looking for maximum drama, then this is the length for you. This is the length used in the weddings of royalty. With a metallic corded edge, I also made this one extra wide, because if you’re going to go big, you might as well go all the way.

Which is your favourite length of wedding veil? Do you plan on having one for your wedding?

#2025bride #2026bride #bespokebridal #bridalboutique #weddingveil
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in
from design to completionbespoke wedding dressesFelicity Westmacott
Dorking, RH4 1RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
Dorking, RH4 1RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in