I made a 1930’s style bias cut satin bridesmaid dress in soft peppermint satin for each of Katherine’s bridesmaids. I designed flattering criss-cross seaming, cowl necklines and an elegant necklace back detail. The bridesmaid dresses I made perfectly complimented the dress I’d made for the bride and suited the age and figure of both grown-up...
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....
Charlotte commissioned an ivory silk crepe and lace wedding dress. I designed her dress in layered silk satin and Georgette with a dramatic low back filled with beaded lace. Official Wedding Pictures by Sarah McDonnell Design Details Charlotte’s dress has a fitted and boned bodice with a sweet heart neckline below a yoke of beaded...
I made three bespoke wedding dresses for this frost themed Autumn bridal photoshoot. From time to time I collaborate with other wedding professionals on styled wedding photoshoots. This one took place in November 2016 in leafy Surrey with the theme “Frost on the Leaves”. We wanted to explore the underrated beauty of the late English...
I made an illusion back lace wedding dress for Helen. The bodice was a traditional sweetheart shape, lightly boned but totally cut away at the back. A simple straight skirt and train balanced the drama of the sheer tulle and lace applique back and sleeves. Official photography by Alex Tenters Photography The lace on Helen’s...
Posts from Felicity Westmacott
I found this sheet music in my house, and I was so surprised by what it was 🎹🎵
There’s a music stand in my childhood home, and when I was having a look, I found this: “Three Songs composed by Ethel M. Lightfoot”. And my curiosity was peaked. So I sat down at the piano.
When it comes to reading music, I can play piano and sing a little. Nothing outstanding but enough that I could put the music in front of me and have a go at playing it. And I was surprised to discover that I found it was really easy to sightread and sing. Ethel liked the same key signatures, melodies and intervals as me. The things I wrote in my teens (usually quite a bit more angsty) were really similar in terms of structure. Her themes were different, of course, like “Cradle Song”, where a mother sings to her child about their father being away at war.
Ethel, as it turns out, is my great grandmother. Ethel was a musician, and it was so wonderful to find some of her published work, play it and somehow feel connected to her through our similarities. Somewhere in my blood is Ethel’s love for music, and it was so special to find her sheet music flowing so easily from my fingertips.
I love learning about history generally, but there’s something extra special about learning about your own personal history 💜
Is there something from your family history that you’re particularly proud of?
Off-the-rack wedding dresses rarely fit perfectly on the first try. Which can be tricky if you`ve found something you`ve got your heart set on.
But not to worry! That`s where I come in!
Rochelle had this stunning three piece ensemble for her wedding, consisting of a bra top, a beautiful lace top and a long skirt. But the fit wasn`t quite right. The bra top needed the straps shortened and buttons moving accordingly. And then the shape of the waistband of skirt was changed to fit her body better, the buttons were also moved and the hem was brought up slightly. Finally, we added a bustle hook for good measure.
And voila, a bride who looks like her dress was made exactly for her ✨️
Alteration bookings for 2026 are now open. You can always book in a no-obligation consultation with me, to see if I would be the right fit for you as well as your dress! (link in my bio)
Photography - @nataliacasephotography
With leaves starting to change to colour, my thoughts have turned to autumn. So I`m sharing my process for this autumn inspired dip dye wedding outfit;
🍁 deciding I wanted to layer a dip dye overskirt on top of the bridal playsuit
🍁choosing lots of warm, rich colours that make me think of autumn leaves carpeting a forest floor
🍁 cutting the tulle of the skirt to the right length
🍁 gradually blending each layer of colour, using an ombre of yellow, orange, brown and just a little bit of gold at the end
…and then the finished product!
Doesn`t this bridal outfit look right at some in the woods?
If you love the idea of an overskirt for your wedding dress, drop me a DM and let’s talk colour palettes!
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Photographer: @charlymaephotography
From Design 🪡 to Destination 📷️
For this autumnal-inspired (or fall for those of you on the other side of the pond 👋) bridal look I started off by designing a greige-coloured satin jumpsuit. I went with wide-cut legs for lots of comfort and movement, and pretty cross over back strap details.
When I was researching the kinds of fabrics I might use for this outfit, I came across this stunning sequin lace, covered in gorgeous flowers and stems. I knew I had to use it. So I created a sheer dress layer to go on top of the jumpsuit.
A wedding dress design wouldn`t be mine if I didn`t add a little versatility, so I also created detachable balloon sleeves, for drama during the day and practicality in the evening.
I`ve designed bespoke wedding dresses based around all the seasons, but autumn has got to be one of my favourites. Which season would you use to inspire your wedding?
Photography - @charlymaephotography
Katie wanted some alterations done on her wedding dress before she flew off to Portugal. So after a consultation discussing what she needed, I got to working my wedding dress alchemy.
For her dress, we brought up the hem to make it the right length. Originally Katie wanted to also add sleeves, but as we progressed she realised that she would be too hot and too overwhelmed by them, so instead went in the opposite direction and chose to narrow the shoulder straps. Sometimes less really is more.
To the back of the dress we added a three-point bustle, and the final detail was the cathedral length veil. Almost 400 satin flowers later and I think it`s the perfect accessory for this chic bride.
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Photography - Visual Stories Co
Venue - Monte do Serrinho
Planner - Forever Events Portugal
Florist - Flower Shop Bonita
I`m a regional finalist for the Wedding Industry Awards!
Not only that, but in both my categories; Best Designer/Independent Dressmaker and Best Seamstress/Tailor. So thank you to everyone who voted for me. Your time and effort is not only appreciated, but has also paid off 💜
And well done to my fellow regional finalists; @alexandersharpebridal, @harrietchristelow, @shell_stitches_kent, @stitchesbykristine, @nicolaleverington.
There are a few finalists outside of my categories that I wanted to give an especially loud shout out to - well done @alexjaggermua and @lushcurvebridal!
Thank you to the organisers and Damien at @twia_official
Wishing everyone the best of luck! 🪡✨️
Photo by @altweddingco
Art Deco silk and lace bias cut wedding dress for Katherine » Felicity Westmacott[…] also made Katherine?s bridesmaids? dresses, click here?to see more […]