The Dressmaker, Chantilly Lace And The Big White Bow

From the beginning I knew I wanted my wedding dress to have a very classic, feminine and ethereal look, involving long sleeves, lace and of course a giant bow, my only non-negotiable. So like most brides-to-be, I made appointments at a few shops, hopeful to fall in love with something special. Although I didn’t have to most clear picture of what wanted, I did of course have inspiration; a more modern Grace Kelly.

Unfortunately, my short stature meant that I swam in most bridal dress samples. Either the bust was too low, or the waistline needed to be completed reworked. Many of the fabrics were unbelievably heavy and often unflattering. For the few dresses I did like, I quickly calculated a long list of alterations needed to make it work. I essentially wanted to combine several different gowns into one, all sewn into my individual frame!

So I stood assured my dress would have to be custom, something new, made just for me.

However, I am really glad I went to those two boutique appointments, because they helped fully form what I ultimately wanted, great information to bring to my soon to be dressmaker.

In true Monica fashion, I created a real life vision board with various fabrics for lace and a satin bow and brought it to my dressmaking appointments. After meeting with the second lady on my list, the decision was clear of who to hire, a wonderfully kind and talented woman named Liza with a shop conveniently located in Beverly Hills.

During our first few visits we mainly discussed fabrics and silhouettes. I knew I wanted to have a fuller gown for the ceremony, and change into something more freeing for dancing at night. We were deciding between two types of off white lace, for which I choose Chantilly, given how much more visible it appeared in person and in photos. My dressmaker Liza and other bridal retailers informed me that pure white isn’t often used as it photographs poorly and is too stark in person, just FYI. Per my feedback, Liza suggested the most perfect two-piece option, so I could keep my lace top for the entire day and swap my big skirt for a little white tutu at the end of night.

And of course, the tutu skirt it had to have its own, equally glamorous bow.

One of the things I appreciated most about my dressmaker Liza and the process overall, was how clear the steps were to getting my custom made gown. We met about ten or so times total, our last fitting being the week of the wedding, before I tried it on one last time and brought it home. Of course this process isn’t for everyone and if you find your perfect dream dress in a shop, by all means, buy it!

TIPS FOR A CUSTOM WEDDING DRESS

No. 1 // try on as many dresses BEFOREHAND as possible to understand what you like

No. 2 // be UPFRONT about your budget and any potential additional costs

No. 3 // bring PLENTY of photos, fabric swatches and dress samples for fit/details if possible

No. 4 // request to see fabrics PRIOR to your dressmaker purchasing/using them

No. 5 // get a CLEAR agreement of your appointments and timeline

No. 6 // look for someone experienced and whose PREVIOUS work you admire

Although having something custom made could potentially cost more, one of the benefits is the removal of the middle man (alterations, retailer profits, extra add ons) which can cut a lot of costs in the end and get you exactly what you want.

And exactly what I wanted, is exactly what I got. And more!

I always knew I wanted a very classic, feminine and ethereal look, involving long sleeves, lace and of course a giant bow, my only non-negotiable.

For the rest of my wedding look, I chose pointy white satin pumps, each adorned with a bow of course and ballet slippers for later in the night. As much as I considered splurging on a pair of white Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps, I am so glad I opted for a Poshmark find for both shoes as they were throughly ruined by grass stains and dirt!

I kept my accessories as simple as usual, wearing my uniform pearl studs and my engagement ring until I had to tie it to Pierre’s bow tie for the ceremony, praying he’d carry out his ring bearer duties as instructed, sans a mid ceremony stomach pump. I opted out of the wedding band option. My motto is less is more, especially for oval shaped rings!

I honestly have no recollection of what style I chose for a veil, I just know it was tulle and went over my face after the wedding started when I looked at my sister as said calmly, “did we forget something?”

More about my wellness/beauty prep here.

And of course, the tutu skirt it had to have its own, equally glamorous bow.

After the ceremony and cocktail hour I hopped into my next esamble.

Just like a butterfly I shed my comfortable cocoon come sundown and took off into the night, floating in tulle.

All photography by Kellie Viagem