Major Project #1: Tier 1 Wedding Dress

Here we go.

This is probably going to be the most time consuming project I take on for our wedding. I have no experience making clothing, though I have successfully made a dress for a Halloween costume and a bow tie for our first anniversary. This past Halloween J- and I went as Indy Jones and Marion from the Raiders of the Lost Arc. It took me a month, but I made the whole thing by hand. And it originally had a train as well. It looked quite good, actually, before I had J- chop off the bottom as per the movie.

Now for the design. For aesthetic purposes I really like the Grecian design, which goes well with the season we've chosen, though J- has mentioned in passing that this particular style of dress makes the upper body look a bit boxy. I like simple, elegant designs, though I am afraid of it being too simple. I made that mistake with my prom dress. It was way too simple and looking at the pictures now I rather regret picking it. So I definitely want to add embellishments to my wedding dress. I also don't want a blindingly white dress. I was thinking with going with cream or ivory material with a mint green sash around the true waist with ivory/cream, gold, and glass-like embroidery and embellishments.

For practical purposes I want something light-weight with a decent amount of flow. I also want something with which I could wear a normal bra. I really like the feel of support a corset gives me, but at the same time I knew it would be rather difficult to work with one. Not to mention the heat. So I'm leaning toward the bra.

For Tier 1 I would need a shorter (and therefore less formal) dress. But I could also wear it at the reception for Tiers 3, 4, and 5. The shorter dress would be the exact same design and materials except for the skirt which would stop at or just above my knees. This would make it much easier to do an uptempo dance we plan on doing for our first dance.

So here are some dresses that I've found through Google Image searches that I liked...

An A-line dress with a Bateau neckline, though I'd add a sash at the natural waistline.

If I went with a strapless dress like this I would definitely need something like a bolero for the ceremony.

I like the basic design, though I would definitely have to forgo the hosiery and the accessory on the shoulder (I have wide shoulders). 

I like the overall design, but I think I'd rather go with a looser fabric.

I love this design, but I'd be hesitant to attempt sleeves especially when the fit would be everything. Plus the waistline would have to be lowered. However, the bottom half of this dress is exactly what I pictured.

In the end I'll probably end up mixing and matching patterns to suit my needs.

Disclaimer: none of the photos in this post are mine!