Wedding dress for Tracey Crawford
Offical wedding picture

Tracey wanted a Tudor inspired wedding dress with a modern twist for her wedding at the Tudor period Langshott Manor hotel.

The two piece outfit made in deep red silk velvet has a firmly boned bodice cut in a 'Tudor' style with a 'flat front'. The wide curving neckline is trimmed with ivory ribbon and ivory freshwater pearls, with a slightly turned back collar at the sides and back of the neck. Very full sleeves made from ivory silk organza are finished with velvet cuffs closing with pearl buttons and loops. The pencil skirt is fitted to the knee then flaring to mid-calf and supported by ivory netting.

Similar styles from: £1200
With fabrics and detailing as shown: £1815
Included hand beading in freshwater pearls @£100

Wedding dress for Tracey Crawford
Official wedding picture

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

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 and which drew so many appreciative comments from freinds and family.

I would like to say again how very much I enjoyed the process of designing a dress with you - from choosing a fabric to discussing design and getting fitted, it was a joy to watch it all come together.

I hope these photos and comments are of use to you on future projects, but please let me know if you need any further reference, as I would be happy to supply one.

Kind regards
Tracey Gill (nee Crawford!)

Wedding dress for Tracey Crawford
Original design sketch

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

Wedding dress for Tracey Crawford
Pictures from first (toile) fitting and second fitting

What is a toile?
After I take your measurements I draft a flat paper pattern for your dress. The pattern is then cut out in a cheap fabric (usually calico) and sewn together for a fitting. Any adjustments needed are pinned on and copied over to the paper pattern ready to be used on the real fabric. The toile stage saves expensive mistakes with your real materials and means you can check the fit and style are perfect in time for a complete change of mind if need be!

Wedding dress for Tracey Crawford
The bodice under construstion

Wedding dress for Tracey Crawford
The bodice half way through the making process

Wedding dress for Tracey Crawford
Offical wedding picture

This picture shows the contrast ivory lining and netting on the skirt, designed to peek out as Tracey walked and when she sat down.

Wedding dress for Tracey Crawford
Offical wedding picture

Detail of the bodice: The bodice neckline was finished with ivory ribbon and freshwater pearl embellishment. You can also see the top-stitched boning channels on the velvet. Boned bodices and corsets can be made with boning channels a feature or hidden for a 'smooth' finish.