Bride Ally had her wedding planned for Norway, and then a honeymoon to the Arctic Circle. She wanted something simple, elegant and warm to wear. What resulted was this completely bespoke three quarter sleeve winter wedding dress, designed and created by me, perfect for this adventurous bride.
Photography – Lieben Photography
The dress was wonderful and I felt magical! Everyone loved it and said you had captured and made a dress that was entirely and perfectly “me”. Can’t thank you enough for bringing the vision to life!
The Bride
Let me tell you a bit more about the design elements of this gown. I made this three quarter sleeve winter wedding dress in pale ivory fabric matt duchess satin with a layer of silk satin-organza over the skirt. The fitted bodice had a square neckline and a modest plunge. The back was also cut low in a rounded square. The skirt was created using princess line panels. Ally chose an A-line shaped skirt over some support netting, which extended into a medium train behind. The whole dress was lined and came with a bustle up button for the train.
Making A Three Quarter Sleeve Winter Wedding Dress
Here you can see some early fittings I had with Ally. Before I get started with the more expensive fabric, I first make a toile as a rough draft. This helps ensure that everything fits right, and that the bride is happy with how it looks on.
It’s not unusual for the design to change during this process. For example, with this dress we started with a sweetheart neckline, but eventually switched it for a square neckline instead.
Details For A Winter Bride
One of my favourite details are the sleeves. We chose a 3/4 length, and I finished them off with a rounded hem and covered buttons. I also used covered buttons and loops all the way down the back of the dress, although it actually fastened with a concealed zip (which saves a lot of time).
Then there’s the beautiful, crystal belt. Because of the simplicity of the dress, this belt worked perfectly as an eye-catching statement detail. I think it looks a bit like snowflakes or ice – very in keeping with the frosty wedding location!
Finally, I always leave my signature finishing touch – a wrist loop for keeping the skirt up, decorated with a little blue rose. I’ve got your something blue sorted, and no one even has to know!
The Finished Dress
I think Ally was wise to choose sleeves for her dress. I can’t imagine that being that high up in the mountains of Norway is a particularly warm experience. Although I have no doubt that all of the luxurious layers of the skirt kept her legs protected from the cold.
More Winter Wedding Dress Inspiration
If you’re in search for more winter wedding dress inspiration, let me point you in the direction of this long sleeve top I created for a bride to add to her dress. And here’s another wedding dress with 3/4 sleeves, this time made of Chantilly lace and this one has 3/4 length dupion sleeves.
