Make it Personal

2011-10-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Weddings are all about the personal touch. The carefully selected details that are meaningful to you and your fiancé are what make the day really special. Writing personal wedding vows, incorporating family members in the wedding, DIY decor, and even making your own wedding dress are the types of intimate details that are becoming more and more popular with Irish brides.

Sheila O'Toole of Klara Silks, Ireland's bridal fabric suppliers, offers some tips on how to create the perfect original wedding dress.

What type of bride buys from Klara Silks?

The brides that buy from us are looking for something unique. Sometimes they can’t find that “perfect” dress in the shops or at the right budget, so they come to us with an idea in mind and we help turn that idea into a reality.

Have you noticed an increase in demand for fabrics due to the popularity of DIY weddings?

Yes we have! There are a lot of talented aunts, mums, friends, and grannies (etc.) who are delighted to be asked to create that special dress for a bride-to-be. There are also plenty of dressmakers and designers around who can turn an idea or sketch of a dress into the real thing.

A lot of brides have also started wearing their mother's wedding dress for their wedding. Have you noticed many brides buying fabrics for this trend?

We’ve noticed a lot of brides coming to us for laces who want to add a special or additional feature to a vintage or pre-worn piece.

What tips have you for up-styling a previously worn wedding dress?

A lot of dresses are strapless, so you could add organza, chiffon sleeves or crystal trimming for straps. A satin, in a complimentary shade, can also be added as a waistband, which looks really good on some styles of dresses.

Which fabric is most popular with Irish brides?

Silk satin is the current favourite. Our ‘Princess Satin’ has a gorgeous fluidity, so it hangs beautifully and compliments every size and shape.

What is the best fabric to buy for making a wedding dress?

It depends on the style of the dress and budget involved. Satins, crepes and chiffons are perfect for soft, feminine dresses. Dupion, taffeta, Thai silk or organza works really well if you are looking for a more structured style of gown. Good polyester or satins works great for those on a smaller budget.

Is it more expensive to buy fabric and make your wedding dress than it is to buy one off the hanger?

It depends on the type of dress you want, but you can actually make it cheaper from scratch with the added benefit that it’s unique to you. Of course, there are plenty of budget dresses available online, but brides need to be careful, because in many cases, those dresses may need quite a bit of altering when they arrive. It really depends on what the individual bride is looking for.

Find out more about Klara Silks and our wedding services here.
Originally published at weddingsonline.ie