Green Velvet Mother of the Bride Dress

bespoke mother of the bride dress forest green velvet with sleeves


Susan asked me to make her this stunning forest green velvet mother of the bride dress. The dramatic plunge back and colourful embellishment contrasts with the understated and simple elegance of the front.

Official photographs by Feather & Birch Photography

I design the dress with princess seams, knee length with boat neckline at the front. Susan opted for bloused sleeves in silk chiffon that finished in a narrow velvet cuff, with diamante button detail. I used the same chiffon for a draped cowl down the very low open back. To finish I added Swarovski stones in jewel colours, hand sewn, to the bottom of the cowl.

Susan also had a wrap made in matching velvet with a contrast gold silk collar and lining.

elegant dress with sleeves for special occasions and wedding
low plunge back mother of the groom dress made to measure
original design sketch by Felicity Westmacott, made to measure bespoke dress

Original design sketch. I took the collar shown out after the toile fitting, as Susan preferred a simple neckline.

cowl back dress made to order green silk velvet and chiffon
low cowl back with diamante detail bespoke dressmaker
bloused silk chiffon sleeves with diamante button narrow cuffs

Detail of the bloused sleeve and narrow velvet cuff, finished with a diamante button

Beadwork on the Green Velvet Mother of the Bride Dress

hand beading chunky jewels red cerise pink yellow green

Sewing on all the Swarovski stones on my work table. At first we were going to have them backed with this gold silk, but Susan later changed her mind and they were sewn direct to the chiffon of the dress. I sourced these diamante stones and gold metal backs from a London bead shop.

detail of hand embellishment to cowl back dress jewel bright pink yellow green
pointed back round marquise oval square Swarovski diamante sew on stones
detail of hand beaded embellishment made to order Swarovski gemstones diamante

Fitting pictures from Susan’s making of the bespoke green velvet mother of the bride dress

fitting picture in finished bespoke mother of the bride dress

Pictures from Susan’s final fitting in her green velvet mother of the bride dress. At her last fitting Susan tried on the green velvet cape that I had lined in gold silk crepe back satin.

vintage style collared shawl cape wrap made to measure

I’m waiting to hear from my next clients for mother of the bride or groom commissions. If that is you feel free to be in touch using my contact form or by email. I start my pricing for mother of the bride outfits at £600 plus fabrics, more guidance can be found on my pricing page.

To see another jewelled design head over to Georgina’s pink crepe dress with swarovski detail.

Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

felicity westmacott wearing a hat

Felicity Westmacott

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

pinterest icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon

Recent Portfolio entries

Read More
follow me on instagram@felicitywestmacott

I have always loved working on cultural fusion wedding dresses, and I have been very lucky that many brides trust me with this process.

For Vidushi's bespoke wedding dress, we worked to combine her Indian heritage with her husband's Polish culture. She sourced the base dress and three beautiful red saris, and we began the process of discovering the kind of fusion she was looking for. 

The final result is the perfect blend of east and west ❤️

Wedding photography by @whiteframestorytellers_
Four years ago, I opened my bridal shop after working from home for the past 16 years. It was a huge decision and I had so many thoughts, so many pros and cons, and so many fears going round and round.

Here are just three of the doubts I had about buying the shop:

1.	The Commute
You know how sometimes the idea of something just feels bad, and then it turns out the reality of it is fine? That.
I worried about how long it would take, about traffic, about wasting time.

But the shop is just an 18-minute drive and I don't notice the time pass. I even cycle there occasionally, which is good for both my body and my mind. And it is so worth it for the separation between home life and work life. I can let my creativity lead me, instead of the distractions of a busy house.

2.	Premise Costs
My dad once told me, “The only person who makes money from small retail is the landlord", and I worried all my income would disappear into rent. But I was in the very privileged position to be able to buy my shop. This means the shop is an investment, as well as a workshop and a welcoming space for my brides.

3.	Self-Doubt
The loudest voice, with constant thoughts about whether the shop would be good enough, would anyone come in and would anyone like my work. 
But they do. Brides who see the dresses in the window, then visit the shop and often choose to work with me.

I am so grateful to my past self, and everyone who supported me in taking the leap. All the doubt was really worth it. 

Here’s to another four years, and hopefully many more 🤍
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