Amanda Billige

Orange silk bridesmaid dress by Felicity Westmacott: thank you letter

At such a special time as your wedding you want professional people who you can trust and get along with to be involved in the crucial big day elements such as bridesmaid dresses, and Felicity was just that. The dresses exceeded our expectations in terms of quality of the workmanship and they were ready ahead of schedule; if you are planning your own wedding, ‘ahead of schedule’ is a phrase you’ll come to delight in! Felicity was very easy to work with, she always gave good advice whilst having the creative and technical understanding to help create the final product. My bridesmaids were very comfortable and happy in their dresses and I was so pleased with them too, they looked beautiful. I had such a special wedding day, helped by people such as Felicity. I have already recommended her to friends.

The mother of the bride wrote: Dear Felicity, very many thanks for producing such beautiful dresses, the girls are really thrilled with them. We will send you some photos after the wedding with them all looking glamorous I’m sure. Mind you I mustn’t forget the ties. Anyway thanks again and best wishes, Jean Billige

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.

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This Bridgerton-inspired wedding dress is so versatile!

Of course, underneath everything there first needs to be the proper shapewear to give that Regency pillar silhouette, in the form of stays and a petticoat.
Then along comes this beautiful white and gold duchess satin dress.
And this is where the fun begins...

I created some many different accessories and options for this outfit:

You can add something deeply dramatic, with a period-accurate presentation train. This one is super long and gilded in gold lace.
Or you could go for some detachable puff sleeves, finished with an ornate pearl trim.
Then there's the bow, which can be added on top of the train, or just straight onto the dress, with the long sash-tends working as a sort of mini train.

And of course, the final, and most essential accessory for a look like this: fun, whimsy and a love for the dramatic. It also helps if you're obsessed with this current season of Bridgerton, of course...

Which Bridgerton character can you imagine wearing this bridal look?

If you think this might be the dress for you, it's currently for sale on my Etsy page (🔗 in bio) - it's heavily discounted compared to my usual bespoke orders, so claim her whilst you can!
If you're living in the UK, even a lower income means you're one of the wealthiest people on the planet. Even if you work full time on (the UK) minimum wage, you're in roughly the top 4% of global earners. I know, it definitely doesn't feel like it.

When we spend money on sites like Temu or Shein, that money doesn't go to the workers making the clothes. It goes to a handful of billionaire owners and they don't need more unearned money. 

But there are simple things you can do, if that feels like something that doesn't sit right with you. 

Choosing a local maker, a small business, or even a second-hand piece keeps money circulating in real communities, going directly to the person who made it. It means sometimes being more selective about what you buy. Like buy fewer clothes, for example, but choosing things that are better quality and more likely to last anyway.

When life feels so hectic and stressful, it's hard to give any thought to things like this, but every little thought that leads to action is a change that makes a difference.

What are some changes you've been making to try and combat this capitalist hellscape?

#rickandmorty #everythingsfine
The heat from this season of Bridgerton is really bringing to the forefront the beauty and chemistry of an older romance. 

There's something extra special about finding someone later on in life, as Lady Violet is showing us all. Someone who has lived a whole life before meeting you, who has their own baggage and their own wisdom. Combining all that with all your own experiences to make something truly profound.

It's always a joy to hear from older brides who have found their own Lord (or Lady) Marcus. So of course I had to celebrate all the gorgeous mature brides who have chosen me to help them look exactly the way they want to when their love stories took centre stage.

Are you watching Lady Violet's storyline? 💜

Photography:
Adventurous - @t.frost.photography
Vibrant - @lucysugdensmith⁠
Dramatic - @georginapiperphoto_
Unique - @smilingtigerstudiosuk
Stylish - @greggbrownphotography
Elegant - @christellephoto
Colourful - n/a
Romantic - @duncanireland
Beautiful - @duck_photo
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