Tudor wedding dress in red velvet – alternative wedding dress Surrey

tudor and 1950's fusion wedding dress with balloon sleeve

Tracey wanted a Tudor inspired wedding dress with a modern twist for her wedding at the Tudor period hotel, Langshott Manor. I love designing alternative wedding dresses so this was a lovely project.

alternative wedding dress tufor inspired red velvet fit and flare skirt

The two piece ensemble made in deep red silk velvet has a firmly boned bodice cut in a ‘Tudor’ style with a ‘flat front’. I designed a wide curving neckline trimmed with ivory ribbon and ivory freshwater pearls, with a slightly turned back collar at the sides and back of the neck. Tracey wanted the very full balloon sleeves made from ivory silk organza. I finished the sleeves with velvet cuffs closing with pearl buttons and loops to make sure the sleeves looked liked they belonged to the rest of the design.

As an alternative to traditional Tudor skirt (which would have been very heavy for the summer wedding) I designed this flirty 1950’s style fit and flare pencil skirt. Tracey wanted her skirt fitted to the knee then flaring to mid-calf supported by ivory netting.

Although Tracey was a larger dress size, the Tudor wedding dress design we chose made her look at least three sizes smaller. The flat fronted bodice supported and flattered her bust while the skirt hugged her curves. So the style shows off all her best points!

plus size bride balloon sleeved and tudor fusion alternative wedding dress

Thank you letter

Tracey wrote: Just a quick note to say that Peter and I returned from our honeymoon a couple of weeks ago after a very lovely wedding ceremony at Langshott Manor. As promised, I attach a few photographs, with particular emphasis on the gorgeous dress you made me. It drew so many appreciative comments from friends and family. I would like to say again how very much I enjoyed the process of designing a dress with you. I loved everything from choosing a fabric to discussing design and getting fitted. It was a joy to watch it all come together.
Kind regards, Tracey

tudor bodice neckline detail with freshwater pearls


Detail of the bodice: I finished bodice neckline with ivory ribbon and real freshwater pearl embellishment. You can also see the top-stitched boning channels on the velvet of the Tudor wedding dress. I can make boned bodices and corsets with boning channels a feature or hidden for a ‘smooth’ finish.

red velvet and ivory organza balloon sleeve alternative wedding dress
This picture shows the contrast ivory lining and netting on the skirt, designed to peek out as Tracey walked and when she sat down.

Designing the Tudor wedding dress

flat fronted tudor wedding boned bodice design by felicity westmacott

Original Design Sketches, I showed Tracey several different fastening options for her bodice at the design stage; buttons, classic criss-cross lace up and lacing that closed the bodice with out a gap giving a ‘v’ effect.

corset back options, lace up or buttons original design by Felicity Westmacott

Tracey decided the cut away back option with lace up closure was ideal as the wedding was planned for June. Although her Tudor wedding dress was velvet, being silk it was breathable. And with the cut-away back and blousey balloon sleeves she would be comfortable even on a hot day.

Making Tracey’s Alternative Wedding Dress

in the workroom bespoke wedding dressmaker surrey work room bodice
The bodice under construction

After I take your measurements I draft a flat paper pattern for your dress. I then cut the pattern out in a cheap fabric (usually calico) and sew it together for a fitting. Then I can pin any adjustments needed. I copy them over to the paper pattern ready to be used on the real fabric. The toile stage saves expensive mistakes with your real materials. We check the fit and style are perfect in time for a complete change of mind if need be!

If you have ideas for a Tudor inspired wedding dress please feel free to get in touch

For another spectacular corseted dress for a plus size bride see Issey’s wedding dress here.

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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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from design to completionbespoke wedding dressesFelicity Westmacott
Dorking, RH1 4RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
Dorking, RH1 4RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in