Orange silk and lace vintage 1950’s wedding dress + groom’s ties for Rebecca

Tags: Boned, Buttons, Collar, Full Skirt, gold, ivory, Knee length Skirt, Lace, Net petticoat, Orange, Sash, Silk, sleeve, V-neck, vinatge

candler 4 autumn fall wedding ornage silk dupion short full skirt dress petticoat

A beautiful 1950’s style orange wedding dress with delicate cream lace over Autumnal golden-orange silk.

Photography by Gregg Brown www.greggbrownweddings.com

Rebecca’s dress has a fitted and boned bodice with a face framing collar and v-neckline. Long lace sleeves are finished with scalloped edging. The skirt is a tea length full circle over many layers of ivory netting, each edged with orange satin ribbon. The lace hangs in handkerchief points over the silk skirt and in a waterfall peplum at the back. The dress closes with a concealed zip at the back and is finished with a silk sash and covered buttons on the bodice and back of the halter neck.

candler 10 1950's knee short midi tea length wedding dress bespoke

Rebecca said “Felicity – dress maker extraordinaire. I loved the dress, EVERYONE loved the dress. Comments range from “so beautiful”, “stunning”,”gorgeous”, “wow”. THANK YOU”

candler 16 design sketch for 1950's full skirt vintage wedding dress

candler 8 wedding dress with collar v-neck and sash vintage style mature older bride

candler 6 church wedding bespoke dress

candler 9 english church wedding orange gold coloured silk

candler 7 high neck wedding dress with button fastening made to order

candler 12 lace wedding dress with collar buttons and long sleeves matching tie and hankie

candler 11 vintage alternative coloured wedding dress custom made to order

candler 3 alternative wedding dress silk and lace with long sleeves

Ties and Hankies

candler 5 autumn colour theme wedding made to order dress and tie father of the bride

Ties and hankies were made for the groom and best man in matching orange silk.

candler 2 groom and best man ties and hankies in orange russet silk

Making Rebecca’s orange wedding dress

candler 1 toile practice run fitting of vintage style cross over bodice

Making a bespoke wedding dress always includes a ‘toile’ or practice run in cheap fabrics. We can check the style for fit and it being flattering. I pinned a few changes into the bodice during Rebecca’s toile fitting.

candler 18 silk dupion russet orange gold shot ivory lace

The lace and trim’s that Rebecca chose for her Orange wedding dress were from Bennet Silks and Michael’s Bridal fabrics. I keep both of these company’s sample books at my studio so clients can browse for suitable fabrics at your design consultation. I am also happy to use fabric you find elsewhere and will always provide yardages required in your quotation letter.

fitting picture front and back made to measure wedding dress

Final Fitting Pictures

candler 17 fitting picture ivory netting with orange ribbon edge

candler 14 fitted bodice bridal gown 1950's style cross over buttons sash

candler 15 high neck modest wedding dress buttons halter lace

The little details matter! Here you can see the silk buttons and loops I added to the collar of Rebecca’s orange silk wedding dress.

If you’d like to see another orange wedding dress I made head over to Clare’s wedding dress made for her special day in Florida. Or this regal silk dress in shot bronze and gold.

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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.

Recent Portfolio entries

follow me on instagram@felicitywestmacott

Down the Rabbit Hole...⁠🕰️
⁠
⁠A few months ago I was contacted by Amy, looking for a last minute seamstress replacement for her steampunk Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shoot.

I said yes, and with three and a half weeks before the shoot, I made complete outfits for both brides. Amy gave me free reign on the design, with the only request being I used traditionally steampunk colours; brown, beige, taupe, bronze, copper and gold.

To add to the last minute chaos, the original Alice bride model had to drop out the day before the shoot. We managed to find a new model, whose measurements were similar to the dress I had already finished, except she was 8 inches shorter and 2 dress sizes smaller than the previous model. This meant that even with last minute alterations, the fit on the day wasn`t perfect – it isn`t incredibly noticeable, but I can see it...

For our femme Alice bride, I made a wedding dress from pale gold taffeta, with a fully boned bodice, long skirt with a train and waterfall back. The petticoat is a cage crinoline with rows and rows of boning and tapes – tea-dyed to go with the colour scheme. Originally the skirt had two options, either down, or hitched up. But due to our new bride being shorter, we could only have it hitched, so she could move around safely.

For our more masc bride, I went for a White Rabbit meets Mad Hatter look, with velvet breeches, and a double-breasted waistcoat over cotton romantic sleeved shirt and matching cravat. She was styled with Victorian-style ankle booties and striped stockings. I also decorated a vintage top hat with bird cage veiling, cogs and peacock feathers, and we sourced a pocket watch to go into the specially made pocket watch pocket.

Which outfit is your favourite?

Content creation and creative lead: @reeldealsocial ⁠
Lead photographer: @nicolaashleaphotography⁠
Celebrant: @stardustceremonies⁠
Styling and flowers: @foxgloveandblack⁠
Photographer 2: @candiceharrisphotography⁠
Model 1: @rosy053⁠
Model 2: @s.frosties⁠
HMUA: @house_of_belles⁠
Tea set: @teacupswishes⁠
Cake: @thecakelabuk⁠
Shoes: @houseofelliotlaceboots⁠
Drinks: @bittersweetbartenders⁠
Stationer: @calistaandbelle⁠
Venue: @wortonhall⁠

11 3

Open post by felicitywestmacott with ID 18053056712729841

Down the Rabbit Hole...⁠🕰️
⁠
⁠A few months ago I was contacted by Amy, looking for a last minute seamstress replacement for her steampunk Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shoot.

I said yes, and with three and a half weeks before the shoot, I made complete outfits for both brides. Amy gave me free reign on the design, with the only request being I used traditionally steampunk colours; brown, beige, taupe, bronze, copper and gold.

To add to the last minute chaos, the original Alice bride model had to drop out the day before the shoot. We managed to find a new model, whose measurements were similar to the dress I had already finished, except she was 8 inches shorter and 2 dress sizes smaller than the previous model. This meant that even with last minute alterations, the fit on the day wasn't perfect – it isn't incredibly noticeable, but I can see it...

For our femme Alice bride, I made a wedding dress from pale gold taffeta, with a fully boned bodice, long skirt with a train and waterfall back. The petticoat is a cage crinoline with rows and rows of boning and tapes – tea-dyed to go with the colour scheme. Originally the skirt had two options, either down, or hitched up. But due to our new bride being shorter, we could only have it hitched, so she could move around safely.

For our more masc bride, I went for a White Rabbit meets Mad Hatter look, with velvet breeches, and a double-breasted waistcoat over cotton romantic sleeved shirt and matching cravat. She was styled with Victorian-style ankle booties and striped stockings. I also decorated a vintage top hat with bird cage veiling, cogs and peacock feathers, and we sourced a pocket watch to go into the specially made pocket watch pocket.

Which outfit is your favourite?

Content creation and creative lead: @reeldealsocial ⁠
Lead photographer: @nicolaashleaphotography⁠
Celebrant: @stardustceremonies⁠
Styling and flowers: @foxgloveandblack⁠
Photographer 2: @candiceharrisphotography⁠
Model 1: @rosy053⁠
Model 2: @s.frosties⁠
HMUA: @house_of_belles⁠
Tea set: @teacupswishes⁠
Cake: @thecakelabuk⁠
Shoes: @houseofelliotlaceboots⁠
Drinks: @bittersweetbartenders⁠
Stationer: @calistaandbelle⁠
Venue: @wortonhall⁠

My goal this year is to use up as much of my existing fabric stash as I can. Having been a seamstress for several decades now, I have amassed a huge pile of fabric over the years. That, and I just can’t throw anything away. As a result, I have an island’s worth of gorgeous, unusual and tragically under-utilised material, begging to be used for its purpose – creating unique and beautiful wedding dresses.

So, when Amy approached me about creating some looks for a steampunk Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shoot, it felt like the perfect opportunity to dip into my stash.

As a result, everything was made from fabrics in stock – nothing was bought new. In fact, some of the scraps of lace are from my mum’s stash, so parts of this dress are from the 50s and 60s. I trimmed the gown with scraps of vintage and antique lace, sequins and tulle, as well as torn blue silk for the very Alice bows. They had a long while waiting to be used, but finally these frabrics have their home.

Content creation and creative lead: @reeldealsocial
Lead photographer: @nicolaashleaphotography
Celebrant: @stardustceremonies
Styling and flowers: @foxgloveandblack
Photographer 2: @candiceharrisphotography
Model 1: @rosy053
Model 2: @s.frosties
HMUA: @house_of_belles
Tea set: @teacupswishes
Dress/suit: @felicitywestmacott
Cake: @thecakelabuk
Shoes: @houseofelliotlaceboots
Drinks: @bittersweetbartenders
Stationer: @calistaandbelle
Venue: @wortonhall

32 1

Open post by felicitywestmacott with ID 18004666718915340

My goal this year is to use up as much of my existing fabric stash as I can. Having been a seamstress for several decades now, I have amassed a huge pile of fabric over the years. That, and I just can’t throw anything away. As a result, I have an island’s worth of gorgeous, unusual and tragically under-utilised material, begging to be used for its purpose – creating unique and beautiful wedding dresses.

So, when Amy approached me about creating some looks for a steampunk Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shoot, it felt like the perfect opportunity to dip into my stash.

As a result, everything was made from fabrics in stock – nothing was bought new. In fact, some of the scraps of lace are from my mum’s stash, so parts of this dress are from the 50s and 60s. I trimmed the gown with scraps of vintage and antique lace, sequins and tulle, as well as torn blue silk for the very Alice bows. They had a long while waiting to be used, but finally these frabrics have their home.

Content creation and creative lead: @reeldealsocial
Lead photographer: @nicolaashleaphotography
Celebrant: @stardustceremonies
Styling and flowers: @foxgloveandblack
Photographer 2: @candiceharrisphotography
Model 1: @rosy053
Model 2: @s.frosties
HMUA: @house_of_belles
Tea set: @teacupswishes
Dress/suit: @felicitywestmacott
Cake: @thecakelabuk
Shoes: @houseofelliotlaceboots
Drinks: @bittersweetbartenders
Stationer: @calistaandbelle
Venue: @wortonhall

As you can see from the first fitting photo, when Mahri bought her dress to me, there was a bit of an issue with fit.⁠
⁠
But not to worry, because that`s where I worked my dress alchemy magic ✨️⁠
⁠
Mahri`s dress underwent a lot of changes. Over the course of several months we had lots of fittings, each time readjusting our plan of action. This is to be expected for a such a dramatic alteration.⁠
⁠
Not only did I add about 8 inches to the body of the dress, I also reshaped the bodice, creating new panels from the fabric taken from shortening the hem. I used the rest of the spare fabric to make the lacing at the back, so that everything matched perfectly. ⁠
⁠
Originally at the back there were see-through panels with buttons, but we decided to get rid of those, and ended up with this elegant, flattering shape, using just a little bit of invisible skin-tone tulle for support. ⁠
⁠
As a final detail, I created a fabulous bustle up. I think it looks particularly beautiful with this style of dress.⁠
⁠
Mahri looks absolutely stunning and I`m so glad she trusted me to work my magic and transform her wedding dress into something truly bespoke.⁠
⁠
I have a few alteration slots per month, so if you`ve got some changes in mind, it`s better to get in touch sooner rather than later!⁠
⁠
Photographer - @geocam.photography⁠
The Venue - @thecruin (Loch Lomond)⁠
Decor - @purplewillowweddings⁠

32 4

Open post by felicitywestmacott with ID 18323696299255696

As you can see from the first fitting photo, when Mahri bought her dress to me, there was a bit of an issue with fit.⁠
⁠
But not to worry, because that's where I worked my dress alchemy magic ✨️⁠
⁠
Mahri's dress underwent a lot of changes. Over the course of several months we had lots of fittings, each time readjusting our plan of action. This is to be expected for a such a dramatic alteration.⁠
⁠
Not only did I add about 8 inches to the body of the dress, I also reshaped the bodice, creating new panels from the fabric taken from shortening the hem. I used the rest of the spare fabric to make the lacing at the back, so that everything matched perfectly. ⁠
⁠
Originally at the back there were see-through panels with buttons, but we decided to get rid of those, and ended up with this elegant, flattering shape, using just a little bit of invisible skin-tone tulle for support. ⁠
⁠
As a final detail, I created a fabulous bustle up. I think it looks particularly beautiful with this style of dress.⁠
⁠
Mahri looks absolutely stunning and I'm so glad she trusted me to work my magic and transform her wedding dress into something truly bespoke.⁠
⁠
I have a few alteration slots per month, so if you've got some changes in mind, it's better to get in touch sooner rather than later!⁠
⁠
Photographer - @geocam.photography⁠
The Venue - @thecruin (Loch Lomond)⁠
Decor - @purplewillowweddings⁠

It`s amazing how much a cape, jacket or bolero can add to a bridal outfit. It can be that finishing touch you didn`t even know you were looking for.

So, I wanted to share some of my favourite cover-up creations:

1. For this photoshoot, I spent a lot of time looking at Jenny Bevan`s designs from the recent Cruella film. From that, I came up with a series of looks, including this antique military-style black velvet jacket, to which I added lace cuffs for even more upcycling chic.

2. This wedding shoot was all about 1950s fun. As well as the dress, I really enjoyed creating a capsule collection of accessories, including this organza tie-front shirt, inspired by rockabilly and country & western.

3. I created this little capelet using layers of purple and lilac feathers. It`s such a rock n` roll vibe for an alternative bride who wants to make a statement. A small addition, but with maximum effect. (this feather capelet is part of my Etsy sample sale)

4. For this cool London elopement shoot I wanted a short, sweet 60’s/80’s retro vibes. I made the simple dress and then the cute bolero-shrug. It`s covered in sequins and pearls and fastens above a cut away back with matching pearls. So cute, so chic.

Which is your favourite? Cruella, Rockabilly, Alternative or Retro?

~
Shoot 1
Photography @lexflemingphoto
Planning and Styling @revelryevents
Venue @woolwichworks
Hair @makeup_in_orangeries
Necklace @moxhamstore
MUA @kayleighkmua
Bride @victoria_sirotyuk

Shoot 2
Concept, Planning & Styling: @4yaparty
Venue: @thelostvillageofdode
Photographer: @stevemulveytog
Florist: @baileyandblossom
Car: @veeduboccassions
Millinery: @follylondonmillinery
Jewellery: @bishboshbecca
Makeup: @scampbellbridalmakeup
Hair: @alexhairandmua
Models: @dawn_isobel @nnastia.photography

Shoot 3
Model emilygossip
Photographer @joannabongardphoto
Fascinator by @laney_jane_maccormack ⠀
Cake by @malarkeycakes ⠀
Hair and makeup by @lawsonmakeup⠀
Venue @sparkfordhall
⠀
Shoot 4
Models - @megsnmichael
Concept/Photographer - @jade_mariephotography
Florist - @hollyandtheivyfloristry
Make up/Hair Stylist - @emmaartismakeup
Jeweller - @cathysutherlandjewellery

6 0

Open post by felicitywestmacott with ID 18119973430709556

It's amazing how much a cape, jacket or bolero can add to a bridal outfit. It can be that finishing touch you didn't even know you were looking for.

So, I wanted to share some of my favourite cover-up creations:

1. For this photoshoot, I spent a lot of time looking at Jenny Bevan's designs from the recent Cruella film. From that, I came up with a series of looks, including this antique military-style black velvet jacket, to which I added lace cuffs for even more upcycling chic.

2. This wedding shoot was all about 1950s fun. As well as the dress, I really enjoyed creating a capsule collection of accessories, including this organza tie-front shirt, inspired by rockabilly and country & western.

3. I created this little capelet using layers of purple and lilac feathers. It's such a rock n' roll vibe for an alternative bride who wants to make a statement. A small addition, but with maximum effect. (this feather capelet is part of my Etsy sample sale)

4. For this cool London elopement shoot I wanted a short, sweet 60’s/80’s retro vibes. I made the simple dress and then the cute bolero-shrug. It's covered in sequins and pearls and fastens above a cut away back with matching pearls. So cute, so chic.

Which is your favourite? Cruella, Rockabilly, Alternative or Retro?

~
Shoot 1
Photography @lexflemingphoto
Planning and Styling @revelryevents
Venue @woolwichworks
Hair @makeup_in_orangeries
Necklace @moxhamstore
MUA @kayleighkmua
Bride @victoria_sirotyuk

Shoot 2
Concept, Planning & Styling: @4yaparty
Venue: @thelostvillageofdode
Photographer: @stevemulveytog
Florist: @baileyandblossom
Car: @veeduboccassions
Millinery: @follylondonmillinery
Jewellery: @bishboshbecca
Makeup: @scampbellbridalmakeup
Hair: @alexhairandmua
Models: @dawn_isobel @nnastia.photography

Shoot 3
Model emilygossip
Photographer @joannabongardphoto
Fascinator by @laney_jane_maccormack ⠀
Cake by @malarkeycakes ⠀
Hair and makeup by @lawsonmakeup⠀
Venue @sparkfordhall
⠀
Shoot 4
Models - @megsnmichael
Concept/Photographer - @jade_mariephotography
Florist - @hollyandtheivyfloristry
Make up/Hair Stylist - @emmaartismakeup
Jeweller - @cathysutherlandjewellery

This softly feminine bridal cape is made from delicate pale ivory tulle, with elegant guipure lace carefully hand sewn, asymmetrically cascading down the neckline and beyond. This cape is made with hidden wrist catches that ensure it stays placed correctly, with the lace delicately skimming your wrist.

There`s something so dreamy and nostalgic about this style, especially when paired with a simple satin silk shift. Perfect for a little cover up during a sunny, destination wedding.
Don`t you think the lace motifs at the back are reminiscent of angel wings?

This sweet little cape is part of my sample sale at an absolute steal. It`s free size, meaning it will fit sizes UK4-UK26 easily. Find it on my Etsy and make it part of your perfect day 💜

#samplesale #weddingdresssale #bridalboutique #weddingseason #smallbusiness

8 1

Open post by felicitywestmacott with ID 18099195491282367

This softly feminine bridal cape is made from delicate pale ivory tulle, with elegant guipure lace carefully hand sewn, asymmetrically cascading down the neckline and beyond. This cape is made with hidden wrist catches that ensure it stays placed correctly, with the lace delicately skimming your wrist.

There's something so dreamy and nostalgic about this style, especially when paired with a simple satin silk shift. Perfect for a little cover up during a sunny, destination wedding.
Don't you think the lace motifs at the back are reminiscent of angel wings?

This sweet little cape is part of my sample sale at an absolute steal. It's free size, meaning it will fit sizes UK4-UK26 easily. Find it on my Etsy and make it part of your perfect day 💜

#samplesale #weddingdresssale #bridalboutique #weddingseason #smallbusiness

✨Featured in Your Surrey Wedding magazine (@countyweddingmagazines)✨⁠
⁠
A destination wedding on your own doorstep - that was the aim of this Dolce Vita in Dorking wedding photoshoot. We wanted to bring a slice of Italy to Surrey! A slower way of life, enjoying the small pleasures; the bright yellow of a lemon, the sun of your skin and the bringing together of two people who love each other.⁠
⁠
I provided two looks for this shoot; my sparkling Poinsettia dress and a simple satin shift with a lace capelet. All the drama for the ceremony, and something a little more comfortable to relax in afterwards.⁠
⁠
You can find the full article online here: https://www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YSYW118/32/⁠
⁠
If you`re inspired by this shoot, then add it to your mood board or drop me a DM and let`s talk about how we can adjust this design to fit your ideas and your body perfectly.⁠
⁠
~⁠
Suppliers⁠
Producer & Photographer / Videographer - @KalaWeddings.UK⁠
Content Creator & Shoot Assistant - @TheProfileBride⁠
In association with @HelloDorking⁠
Location - @BurfordBridgeWeddings⁠
Bridalwear - @FelicityWestmacott⁠
Menswear - @Dapper_Dorking & @WestDawMens⁠
Lingerie - @VictoriasLittleBraShop⁠
Cake - @PuttyCakes⁠
Flowers & Décor - @FlowersByElaine⁠
Furniture, Props, Décor & Jewellery - @WindibankAuctioneers6906⁠
Hair - @thebridalhairartists & @TeresaWellerHairArt⁠
Make-up - @SiSalon_⁠
Décor - @IndigoGrey.uk⁠
Drone Operator - @LukeWhatleyBigg⁠
Bride model - @sausageunicorn⁠
Groom model - @luke_roberts93⁠
Best man model - @ciaran.maclennan⁠
Mother of the Bride Model - domino_1950

10 0

Open post by felicitywestmacott with ID 18109442197708739

✨Featured in Your Surrey Wedding magazine (@countyweddingmagazines)✨⁠
⁠
A destination wedding on your own doorstep - that was the aim of this Dolce Vita in Dorking wedding photoshoot. We wanted to bring a slice of Italy to Surrey! A slower way of life, enjoying the small pleasures; the bright yellow of a lemon, the sun of your skin and the bringing together of two people who love each other.⁠
⁠
I provided two looks for this shoot; my sparkling Poinsettia dress and a simple satin shift with a lace capelet. All the drama for the ceremony, and something a little more comfortable to relax in afterwards.⁠
⁠
You can find the full article online here: https://www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YSYW118/32/⁠
⁠
If you're inspired by this shoot, then add it to your mood board or drop me a DM and let's talk about how we can adjust this design to fit your ideas and your body perfectly.⁠
⁠
~⁠
Suppliers⁠
Producer & Photographer / Videographer - @KalaWeddings.UK⁠
Content Creator & Shoot Assistant - @TheProfileBride⁠
In association with @HelloDorking⁠
Location - @BurfordBridgeWeddings⁠
Bridalwear - @FelicityWestmacott⁠
Menswear - @Dapper_Dorking & @WestDawMens⁠
Lingerie - @VictoriasLittleBraShop⁠
Cake - @PuttyCakes⁠
Flowers & Décor - @FlowersByElaine⁠
Furniture, Props, Décor & Jewellery - @WindibankAuctioneers6906⁠
Hair - @thebridalhairartists & @TeresaWellerHairArt⁠
Make-up - @SiSalon_⁠
Décor - @IndigoGrey.uk⁠
Drone Operator - @LukeWhatleyBigg⁠
Bride model - @sausageunicorn⁠
Groom model - @luke_roberts93⁠
Best man model - @ciaran.maclennan⁠
Mother of the Bride Model - domino_1950

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