Summer weddings in warm and humid climates make a hot, many layered wedding gown uncomfortable and impractical. This is especially true for afternoon weddings. Many brides today want a 'user-friendly', easier to wear, comfortable gown. To work for this type of setting, especially for a beach, garden or outdoor ceremony, a gown must breathe. This means, air or breezes must be able to penetrate to your skin. I like to use cotton and linen layers for many of my gowns and to make them a single layer. While you may need a slip for some, it is nice to wear a lighter, more simple gown. They can be worn with a crinoline, but they are lovely without.
Another factor to consider is movement. Many commercial gowns are built to withstand g-force winds and when the bride moves, it is like watching a train or a big ship turning. They don't move well. I have watched models at a few of the wedding fashion shows wearing voluminous, heavy gowns. Often they have very high heels and you watch with a curious apprehension as they turn corners and go up and down the steps maneuvering these complicated dresses. I am always concerned they'll fall or trip on the gown. Add to this that at a ceremony or reception, the bride is often distracted and - especially at the reception - finally letting down a bit from all the pressure. I like to create something more graceful, wispy and soft....something a bit more informal and touchable. Mostly, I want the bride to forget her dress once it is on, except to feel beautiful.
I loved making this gown. It's a perfect longer looking gown, but has short, wispy bits at the hem so that it works for the beach, a park or other outdoor ceremony, or just to show off your gorgeous shoes. It began as a short cotton gypsy look empire waist lined gown. It had beautiful soft cotton and a wonderful drape. I loved the way it looked, but it was too plain for a wedding and the bodice styling was not very chic. I cut away parts and added parts to make a soft halter. I gave the halter grey raw cut trim to make a big soft distressed bow at the nape for wearing with an updo.
Then I added more of the grey to the neckline along with some softer grey wispy netting. I added more bits of white lace and some soft white fabric to make the neckline and the back neckline more lush. At the hemline I cut and added bits of white and filmy white to make a pixie style floaty hemline and train. There are bits of grey at the back hemline as well. It's a soft, fluttery gown that looks amazing when you move or when the wind blows.
Estrellita Cotton Halter Wispy Wedding or Ball Gown
Model: Damaris
Photography: balance photography llc
www.balanceweddings.com
