How to Alter a Summer Wedding Dress for a Winter Wedding

A beautiful, strapless satin wedding gown is not the ideal dress for a winter wedding. However, you saw it, fell in love with it, and now you have to have it. You are getting married in winter and unless you can make the wedding gown a little more cozy and warm, while maintaining its glamour, you may be nursing a cold on your honeymoon. Unpack the cold medicine and pull out the needle and thread. A few inexpensive additions and easy alterations can transform a summer wedding dress into a gorgeous winter wedding gown.

Fabric and tools you will need:

Enough faux fur or velvet trim to cover top of bodice and bottom hem of dress and to make shoulder straps - trim should be at least two inches wide (color to match dress)

Sewing machine or needle and thread (for hand sewing)

Scissors

Pins

Tape measure

Small pearl or silver beads (optional)

Making the alterations

First, pin faux fur or velvet trim all the way around the bottom outer edge of the wedding dress. The trim should lie on top of the dress, with one edge even with the bottom of the dress. Stitch this in place either by hand or with a sewing machine.

Next, you need to measure from the top front of the dress bodice over the shoulder to the top back on both sides using the tape measure. Cut two pieces of trim the length you measured, plus one extra inch on each strip. Pin each end of the trim to the top front and back of the dress bodice. Make sure the ends of the trim are on the inside of the dress bodice. Make adjustments as needed. Machine or stitch by hand the trim to the dress.

If you do not want to make straps for your dress, try attaching the trim all the way around the bodice top. The trim should be affixed to the dress in the same manner as it was sewed to the bottom. However, leave one inch of trim on each end to fold under where the zipper or fasteners meet.

NOTE: Hand stitching takes longer, but it is easier to hide the stitching.

Variation #1: purchase extra faux fur or velvet to make a matching waist-length cape, and muff to wear while traveling between the church and the reception.

Variation #2: decorate the trim by sewing small pearl or silver beads to it. You only need a few, spaced sporadically. If you have too many, it may give the trim a gaudy look.

Addition: dress up your satin slippers or high heels with a small piece of matching faux fur, or try a pair of stylish white fur-trimmed boots.

Sources: Personal experience, The Advantage