The inspiration for this blue wedding dress with sleeves was a little unusual. Some brides give me mood boards, and some brides give me the lyrics to the extended (8 minute!) version of Torch by Soft Cell. The song, and especially these particular lyrics, have a lot of significance to the bride, Nicky, and her...
Dearest Gentle Reader, It has come to this author’s attention that a passionate affair took place at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, that would make even the most confident of rakes blush. Rest assured, a few were in attendance to what was a wonderful day, full of vibrancy, talent and exquisite work. Here are a few...
Emma came to me wanting a dress that would look perfect framed by the rolling hills of Tuscany, at the gorgeous Borgo Corsignano, in Italy. She was looking for an elegant, bespoke wedding dress with a long, dramatic lace train and a plunging low back. Something figure-hugging, elegant and opulent. The dress I designed for...
I created two bespoke wedding dresses in Brighton for this fun, campy, Cabaret photoshoot. The goal was to create a vibrant celebration of life and love, full of bright colours and bags of personality. There’s no better way to celebrate than with glitter, confetti and a whole lot of fun! I don’t know about...
I designed this fairytale look for a bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Essex. I made the dramatic Aurora gown in layers of fluffy blush organza and pale ivory tulle. Sequins shimmer under the top layer and creep onto the illusion neckline. I trimmed the bodice and waist with mixed metallic beaded lace and I created...
For this bespoke Chinese fusion wedding dress photoshoot, I created a look that incorporated both Western and Eastern elements in beautiful harmony. I was contacted by Elizabeth Weddings about being involved in this shoot. And since I really enjoy working on cultural fusion projects, it was an obvious yes. Our overall colour palette was white,...
I feel as though bride Alex and I are birds of a feather. I also had a period-inspired, unusually coloured wedding dress for my wedding. Alex wanted to meld 1950’s and Tudor influences to create something unique. Taking inspiration from history, but not being limited by having to be completely accurate, is my ideal design...
If you’re in search for some mixed Indian British wedding dress inspiration, then you’ve come to the right blog post. I’m Fliss – a bespoke wedding dress maker from the south of England (Surrey, to be exact). I love making wedding dresses that are a little unusual. My brides are often looking for an outfit...
I made this couture wedding dress in Surrey for Toni (during the dreaded Covid times). We went for something romantic, feminine and whimsical, in layered silk organza and soft satins. For this design, I chose a boned bodice with a straight neckline that then dips at the back. The top layer of this dress is...
For this made to measure wedding dress in London, bride Karah approached me looking to commission a layered gown in scrolling ivory floral lace, with a corset inspired by the late (and very great) Vivienne Westwood. The base layer is a floor length strapless column dress made of champagne-coloured silk dupion. I made the top...
Posts from Felicity Westmacott
Here is a selection of some of the techniques I use to create a bespoke wedding dress. Each dress will combine a different set of the skills I have acquired over my 20 years of professional sewing, like puzzles put together from the same pieces each creating a different finished picture!
These include
pattern cutting,
machine sewing,
pressing,
draping and lace work,
cartridge pleating,
inserting eyelets for a lace up back,
`fussy-cutting` lace for applique,
hand beading,
making and sewing on matching cover buttons
....and so many more!
Just tell me someone else can relate 🙃
we can be lil prawns together 🦐
Inspired by @paulosamu.art
#sewist #seamtress #sewinglife
Today is the draw day for the Wed4Pal raffle!
Thank you to everyone who entered - every ticket goes towards a truly worthy cause. 100% of ticket sales (minus mandatory transaction fees) will go towards addressing the genocide in Palestine, with 50% going to Pal Humanity (an organisation providing medical aid, education and lifesaving supplies in Northern Gaza) and 50% going to gorgeous Gazan couple, Sama and Khalil, and their families to help them sustain and rebuild their lives.
And good luck! I can`t wait to find out who is the winner of my prize 👀
Illustrations: @karin_akesson_design
Wedding dress inspiration: Dorothy`s ruby slippers 👠👠
Creating a bespoke look for a styled photoshoot means I really get to let my imagination run wild. I love picturing my ideal client when I design dresses like this - someone bold, who loves colour, couture and a little bit of whimsy.
Would you walk down the yellow brick road in this wedding dress?
This exact dress is currently part of my Sample Sale - follow the link in my bio, so it can finally click its heels and be whisked away to a new home.
#unconventionalbride #redweddingdress #weddingdressinspiration #2026bride
Photography by @adamrowleycreative
MUA @anushasolanki
Accessories @birdsandsirens
Model @elodie.foray
Florist @darvalldesign
You would think something as niche as a red wedding dress would have limited options when it comes to styling, but these two photoshoots prove that is absolutely not the case.
The first shoot was a Christmas Sparkle shoot in London, where the bride stood out, even amongst all the beautiful decorations and glittering lights.
The second shoot was completely different - shot at Proud Cabaret, colourful and fabulous, this shoot was a vibrant celebration of life and love.
Two such different ways to style this dress. But whichever shoot, this look is so bold and modern. If you`re in love with this unique wedding dress, you can find this exact one on sale on my Etsy (for an impressively low price, so you better hurry 😉).
But, I want to know, which styling do you prefer:
Christmas Sparkle 🌟 or Cabaret 🥂?
Christmas Sparkle Team:
Photography by @adamrowleycreative
MUA @anushasolanki
Accessories @birdsandsirens
Model Elodie Foray @elodie.foray
Cabaret Team:
Organiser & hairstylist @bighair.energy
Model couple @michele_and_graziella
Photographer @magpie.eye.weddings
MUA @joannehook_mua
Cake @theblueboxcakecompany
Accessories @thelucky6pence
Styling/floristry @ashdownevents
Streamers @streamadelica_uk
Coordinator @dani.singam
I`ll let Emma explain her alteration journey with me in her own words:
"Thank you so much for the alterations to my wedding dress. I came to you with a dress that didn’t really fit me properly. Having a larger cup size you did your magic and made the dress fit me. Couldn’t recommend enough, so much knowledge and attention to detail. I absolutely loved the alterations to the back and it looked amazing. Thank you for making me feel confident in my dress. Would recommend to anyone."
Emma needed extensive alterations. With her bigger bust and narrow hips, it was unlikely she was going to find an off-the-rail dress that was going to fit perfectly in all the right place. So that`s where I came in!
I took in the dress where it was too big, around the hips and waist. For the bust, I had an extra challenge, since Emma`s dress was backless, so I had less to work with. I added cups for support, and boning for a smooth shape. After a few more structural changes, I finished off with some lace on the straps, for both support and because it looks so pretty.
I think Emma`s words say it all really 🥰 thank you Emma, for trusting me with your wedding dress alterations. You look absolutely beautiful!
I still have some bridal alternations slots for the first half of 2026, so drop me a message to grab one!
Photography - Nikos Pomonis
