This off the shoulder long sleeve wedding dress was a delight to make. Alison commissioned a soft floaty gown in silk satin and tulle for her wedding in 2008. The dress was cut with simple princess seams and a fitted, lightly boned bodice with invisible zip back closure. I created the soft look through the use of many layers. On top two layers of soft ivory silk-tulle then a layer of soft ivory satin. Next I used an interlining for strength onto which I sewed the light boning. Lastly I lined Alison’s dress with the same silk satin for a really luxurious finish. All the layers extended to the floor and at the back into a foamy, medium length train.
I gathered a layer of tulle over the bust to create texture and define Alison’s slenderest point, the under bust line.
I designed the ruffled tulle to extend up past the top of the main dress to create a soft open neckline. It has an off the shoulder top edge and I created a fastening with a single covered button at the back. Long fitted sleeves were made of the same soft tulle. The sleeves were also slightly ruched and ended with a soft bell shaped opening.
Thank you letter
Alison wrote: “There is only one word to describe my wedding dress and that is, perfect!
The wonderful thing about having your dress designed for you, is that it can be exactly what you want and will be unique to who you are!
I was absolutely overwhelmed with the thought, time and attention-to-detail that Felicity devoted to making it! When you think how personal your special day is, what could be more wonderful than to have your dress personalised as well. Felicity’s work is exceptional!”
Original design sketch
Making Alison’s off the shoulder long sleeve wedding dress
Photos taken at Alison’s final fitting with her off the shoulder long sleeve wedding dress .
To see lots more examples of wedding dresses I have made for mature brides head to my dedicated portfolio page.
