Sometimes a wedding dress does not need a full redesign. It just needs one thoughtful change.
For this gown, my client wanted to change the original zip back into a corset-style lace-up back. The dress already had beautiful lace, a soft tulle skirt and a romantic bridal shape, but the zip made the back feel quite ordinary.
A corset back gives the dress a different feeling straight away. It is very in line with the current bridal corset trend, but more importantly, it can make the gown feel more personal. It adds flexibility around the waist and back, and gives the whole dress a more stylish, couture inspired finish.
Before I start this kind of bridal restyling, I always look at the structure first. I check the bodice, the waistline, the back opening and how the dress sits as a whole. A corset back should not look like an afterthought. It needs to feel like it belongs to the dress.
For this alteration, I removed the original zip area and rebuilt the back with corset loops and lacing. The result gives the gown a softer, more romantic look while still keeping the original character of the dress. This is what I love about wedding dress restyling. Sometimes the dress is already beautiful, but the right alteration can make it feel more like her.
At SUU Bespoke in Kingston upon Thames, I work with bridal alterations, pre-loved wedding dresses, eveningwear and occasionwear, always looking at fit, comfort, structure and proportion.
If you have a wedding dress that needs careful alteration or restyling, you’re welcome to book a private appointment at my Kingston upon Thames studio.
