Traditional Christening Dress with Beaded Lace

christening naming gown long skirt lace with her mummy

I made this traditional christening dress for baby E in beautiful pale gold beaded lace. We started with a simple bodice with folded chiffon sash and real buttons and loops to close. I added little puffed sleeves in matching lace complete the picture. Her mum and I designed this gown in the traditional ‘long clothes’ shape with the skirt flowing far beyond the baby’s feet.

traditional christening gown with pleated chiffon sash on seated baby

made to measure custom ivory and gold lace baptism naming christening dress

I am now an expert in working out the best time to start work when making a gown for a small person. They grow so quickly! But having had three little ones of my own, as well as making a few gowns a year for the last 20 years I[ve got the timing and size estimations down to an art. I normally recommend that measuring takes place 4-6 weeks before the ceremony day. I start work and aim to have it finished with 7-10 days to spare in case of any last minute adjustments.

baby in lace bespoke christening gown, long skirt with puff sleeves

on the hanger button and loop back on christening dress beaded lace

Finishing details for the traditional christening dress

The back of the traditional christening gown had little covered buttons. I added a ruched sash to the waistline and matching cuffs on the sleeves.

church baptism with christening dress or gown, long clothes with lace skirt

traditional baptism dress held in the ceremony with candle long clothes
christening dress design sash short sleeves buttons lace skirt design sketch

This was my sketch design for the traditional christening dress. As you can see I can sew far better than I can draw! The design process always a little bit of trust and some imagination too. I often find choosing the fabrics early in the process helps everyone to be able to picture the final look better. I keep fabric sample books at my studio for reference during design consultations. This lace was chosen from one of the many lace sample books. Michael’s bridal fabrics also sell direct to the public but when I order in I do get a trade discount.

If you would like to talk to me about having a traditional christening dress made for your little one, just get in touch. I have lots more examples of rompers and gowns I have made for other clients on my portfolio page. One of my favourites was this set with a dress and waistcoat for siblings being Christened on the same day!

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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.

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When I signed up to do this Surrey based wedding photoshoot, I wasn't expecting to find two of my dear theatre friends there as well! In fact, we had been having dinner together a few weeks before, and they mentioned they were modelling for a photoshoot, and I mentioned I was supplying a wedding dress for a shoot, and neither of us realised it was the same one! So it was extra lovely to spend some unexpected time with them.

It was also lovely to connect with other local wedding suppliers. Working in this industry as a wedding dress maker can be quite a solitary existence, so part of the reason I do shoots like these is to network with others, and also to revel in their creativity! There were so many gorgeous little details from this shoot, but those will be in my next post...

Follow along for more pretty wedding dress content!

Photography: @isobelwnphotography⁠
Stylist: @halo_beautiful.xo⁠
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I've been nominated for the 2026 Wedding Industry Awards 🥳⁠
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Recently I was looking through my emails, as you do, when I see one that looks a little bit more exciting than the usual spam. It was from the Wedding Industry Awards letting me know that one of my clients has put me forward for the "Independent Dressmaker/Designer" category. It was such a lovely surprise!⁠
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I previously entered these awards in 2016 and 2018. Both times I made it to the regional finals, but I never came away having won. So I thought this year I'd give it another try, spurred on by the kindness of a client 🥰⁠
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Which leads me to asking you all for a favour. If you used my services between Oct 1st 2024 up until now (all that way until Sept 29th 2025) then you are eligible to vote for me. Unfortunately, anyone I've made a wedding outfit for before this can't vote.⁠
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Winning an award voted for by the people I work for is such a gorgeous feeling, so if you have a few minutes to spare, you can find the voting link in my bio 💜⁠
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If you do vote for me, let me know so I can give you a big virtual hug!
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