Making Your Own Wedding Dress: Tips, Inspiration & Real Bride Experience

Making your own wedding dress is the ultimate way to ensure your big day reflects exactly what you want it to be. One of our talented team members, Laura, made her own wedding dress – and it turned out absolutely beautiful. We spoke to her to learn more about the journey behind creating this joyful piece, and why she describes the experience as “proud, fun and colourful”.

Why Make Your Own Wedding Dress?

“I didn’t initially know whether I wanted to, but I thought it was worth a go - and I wouldn’t get the chance again”.

Did you always know what style you wanted, or did it evolve as you went along? “I knew I wanted something that looked and felt like a wedding dress, but was also ‘different’ and not traditional. As a plus-size girly, the thought of going wedding dress shopping made me a little nervous, so making my own felt like a really good option.”

How did it feel wearing something you’d made yourself on such a big day? “It’s always flattering when people ask where you bought your me-made clothes, so to have that same feeling with your wedding dress is even better!”

Finding your style

Did you always know what style you wanted, or did it evolve as you went along? “I knew I didn’t want a traditional style, and as the theme of the day was very casual and very colourful, I wanted something that tied in with that. I follow @heartzeena on Instagram, who wore an amazing Ashish dress on her colourful wedding day, and I loved the fabric they used so that was my first port of call.”

Planning and preparation

How far in advance did you start making your dress? “I started my first drafts in July, with our wedding the following April. We got married a year after our engagement, so it was a fairly quick turnaround. I tried a few commercial patterns, which you can see in the images, and in the end I went for a pattern by Gunnar Deatherage from Etsy as it was the style I wanted. I didn’t want to have to do too much customisation as I’m not a professional!”

What fabrics did you choose, and why? Any tips on selecting the right fabric?
“This is probably another reason I didn’t want a traditional wedding dress. I tend to run quite hot, so I didn’t want to use any kind of fabric that would make me even hotter and sweatier on the day.”

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Did you make a mock-up first? "I had lots of trial and error! Firstly to find the right pattern and style for me, and secondly because I’d never overlaid any kind of mesh, net or tulle fabric before. I bought a cheaper version of what I eventually wanted to use so I could practise and (hopefully) make fewer mistakes on the more expensive and important fabric.”

The sewing process

What was the biggest challenge? “I think probably finding the pattern I wanted to use was the hardest part. I’m by no means a professional seamstress, so I went through four or five different patterns before I found the one I wanted. That did mean buying patterns and fabric and spending time on things that didn’t work, which could be frustrating, but it was an important part of getting everything right in the end.”

What lessons did you learn? “I’d never done any kind of mesh overlay before, so there was that, as well as learning to work with a material that doesn’t move or behave like standard cotton. It was definitely a learning curve.”

Can you tell us about the machine and equipment you used? “I used an entry-level Janome machine. It was definitely up to the task, although I think that’s partly because my dress wasn’t overly ambitious. If I were taking on a more intricate or technically challenging design, I would consider upgrading. I bought a second-hand dress form for this project, as I knew I wouldn’t be able to get a good enough fit working on myself. That was definitely a worthwhile investment.”

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Tips & advice

What’s your number one tip for someone considering making their own wedding dress? “Even though I made mine fairly quickly, I’d say take your time. You need the trial and error to figure out what works for you, and you don’t want to be stressed or rushing at the last minute.”

Are there any fabrics or styles you’d recommend avoiding for a first bridal make?
“It might just be my personal taste or skill level, but I wouldn’t go for anything too complicated. During my research, I saw a lot about working with boning, which I knew absolutely wasn’t for me!”

What would you do differently if you made another one? “My only semi-regret is not going even bigger! Maybe pairing it with a bigger underskirt or going all-in with even more colour. But I’m still really happy with what I made.”

The big day

How did the dress hold up throughout the day? “I actually made two dresses, but I didn’t end up wearing the evening one. I thought I’d only get to wear my wedding dress once, so I kept it on all day and evening! There’s a lovely photo our photographer, Sophie Leak, took at our venue of me twirling with my husband, which really shows off the movement of the dress.”

What did you do with the dress afterwards?
“It’s still hanging in my wardrobe! A year later, I still don’t know what to do with it – so recommendations are welcome!”

Would you do it again?
“Oh, definitely. I have no regrets about making my own dress. It’s such a great story, experience, and sense of achievement.”

Who would you recommend this experience to – and who might be better off buying?
“I think if you’re very specific about what you want, or if the dress involves lots of complex or niche techniques, or a very fitted shape, you might be better off buying.”

Feeling inspired?

Whether you’re dreaming of a full wedding dress or a special handmade piece, the right sewing machine can make all the difference. Here are three great options depending on where you are in your sewing journey:

Just getting started? Janome Sewist 725s Sewing Machine

If you’re new to dressmaking, the Janome 725s Sewing Sewing Machine is a brilliant place to begin. Simple, reliable, and easy to use, it helps you build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. The Janome 725s is perfect for your first garments and special projects alike.

Shop the Janome 725s Sewist

Ready to take your sewing further? Brother Innov-is F420 Sewing Machine

If you’ve already made a few pieces and want more control, the Brother Innov-is F420 Sewing Machine opens up new possibilities. With smoother stitching and greater precision, it’s ideal for working with a wider range of fabrics and trying more detailed designs.

Shop the Brother Innov-is F420

Planning something truly special? Bernina 435 Sewing Machine

For ambitious makes, the Bernina 435 Sewing Machine is where precision meets power. Designed for accuracy, control, and beautifully consistent results, it’s a dream for detailed work and once-in-a-lifetime pieces.

Shop the Bernina 435 Sewing Machine

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