Wedding Corsets: An Interview with Lisa Marie, Owner of Enchanted Corsets

When most people think of corsets, they think of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind. She is getting ready to go to a barbeque and Mammy is cinching her up so tightly, one wonders how she can possibly breathe...much less eat barbeque When people think of corsets, they also think of people who are into wearing kink or gothic wear. Rarely do we associate the wearing of a corset with a wedding ensemble....until now.

When Lisa Marie, owner of Enchanted Corsets contacted me to talk to me about corsetry as a part of a bride's wedding ensemble, my curiosity was immediately aroused. It was an idea that I had never really thought of before, but apparently one that is becoming more and more popular among brides. It makes perfect sense. After all, a bride wants to be her loveliest on her wedding day. A well-fitted corset is extremely flattering and also very slimming. It can trim several inches off of a waistline.

In speaking with Lisa Marie of Enchanted Corsets, I found out more about using the corset as part of a wedding ensemble:

Cheryl: Lisa, thank you so much for contacting me and letting me know about Enchanted Corsets. Can you tell me a little bit about how long you have been designing corsets and what got you interested in wedding corsetry?

Lisa: "I have been sewing for 31 years, and making corsets for four years. When I started Enchanted Corsets, I was aware that corsets for bridal wear was certainly an option, but was thrilled with the enthusiastic response that I received from brides! So many of them were frustrated with the lack of variety and quality of ready made gowns and undergarments, and more voluptuous brides found that my corsets were the perfect solution to many dilemas. The lack of options for non-traditional brides brings a lot of business my way - I made two hot pink wedding ensembles last summer, as well as a blue and silver corset that will be worn under a bride's Renaissance gown. I love that I am able to provide a garment that not only slims the (usually anxious) bride's figure, but also that she will be able to wear it again for special occasions, unlike the gown that is only worn once!"

Cheryl: So if a new bride is looking for a wedding ensemble, what are some of the reasons you might suggest she try a corset?

Lisa: "There are so many! First of all, a corset, whether worn under your gown or as the bodice, slims your figure in ways that a year at the gym may only come close to approximating - you get to keep the curves above and below your waist and whittle your waist by that coveted 2-4"! Then there are strapless gowns to consider... It doesn't really matter what your bust measurement, strapless bras are frankly worthless. With a corset, "the girls" are held up and in, just where you want them, and you don't have to pull your bra up every five minutes. Lastly, a well-fitted corset just plain out feels good - it gives you great posture and self confidence, and you don't have to worry about whether you accidentally gain five pounds right before the wedding!"

Cheryl: Have you found that most of the brides who come to Enchanted Corsets use the corsets as an undergarment or are more brides choosing to wear a corset as a bodice with a skirt rather than a traditional wedding gown?

Lisa: I would say that about 30% of my bridal clients use their corset as a foundation piece for under their gown, but they usually have it made in a color that would be suitable for future occasions. One bride was married in traditional white, but since her strapless gown was lined, had the corset made in an Asian black and red cherry blossom motif that she can pair with a skirt or jeans. The remaining 70% seem to prefer the "Cinderella" effect of wearing the overbust corset as the bodice of their gown with a matching skirt.

Cheryl: If a bride chooses to wear a corset as a bodice for her wedding ensemble, do you also make bridal skirts to go with the corset?

Lisa: Of course! I can make whatever kind of skirt you want - pencil, ball gown, train, bustled, Edwardian, gored, wedding cake, whatever! A couple of years ago I made a series of three skirts for a bride - a full length ball gown skirt for the ceremony, a pencil skirt for the reception, and a mini-skirt for the honeymoon, all out of the same fabric as the corset for continuity and class. The wedding party, the bride, and the groom were all thrilled!

Cheryl: If a bride chooses to wear a corset and skirt as her wedding ensemble, is it common for the bridesmaids and maid of honor to also wear corsets as part of their attire?

Lisa: Well, I would love to see that - it would be beautiful! However, so far it has usually been just the bride. I suppose it because they want to be the only princess in the room!

Cheryl: What makes Enchanted Corsets unique to other places that sell wedding corsets?

Lisa: "Ah, long answer to this one, so stretch and refill your beverage of choice. Most importantly, many businesses that advertise "corsets" are really just selling bustiers - plastic boning, and sold in size "small, medium, large..." - these usually fall into the <$100 range, and won't really hold you in or up. If you pay a little more for one with steel boning, you can get one that fits you in the waist, but not in the bust or hips, unless you already have an hourglass figure and are about 5'6" with an average torso: these average $200-$300, and still you don't get to pick from many colors - white, black, and red is about it. An Enchanted Corset, however, is designed specifically for your body, from the fabric of your choice, made by me, in the United States. I take 24 measurements - up, down, all around - to make sure that there is no inappropriate spillage, gaping, bulging, or riding. THEN I draft a pattern from these measurements, make a rough draft (mockup) of the corset, and conduct as many fittings as necessary to make sure it is absolutely perfect. And then you get to go to the fabric store and pick whatever tickles your fancy - if you want purple polka dots and can find the perfect fabric locally or online (I will even help and send swatches), then I will make it from that. I made a bridal corset from heirloom pillowcases once - something old and new and very unique! Oh, and in contrast to the standard silver busk that is commonly seen online, I also offer gold, black, or antique brass busks (great for Steampunk themed weddings)."

Cheryl: Have you found the public receptive to the idea of wedding corsetry?

Lisa: "Definitely, and for a variety of reasons! I mean, not to cast stereotypes, but brides are under so much pressure in the months before the wedding to look their best... A corset for the wedding, whether as a foundation piece or bodice, really relieves so much anxiety about size, and my clients thank me enthusiastically afterwards for the confidence an Enchanted corset provided. It provides a classic silhouette, and can be a modest or daring as you want, plus goes great with the garter! Lastly, I have found the public intrigued with the idea that one can have a couture, one-of-a-kind gown made for her wedding for a fraction of what one would pay for a ready-made gown that any other bride could have, too!"

Cheryl: How does wedding corsetry compare to a regular wedding gown in regard to price?

Lisa: "Way less expensive! I mean, the cost of your bridal ensemble (if you choose to go with a corset and matching skirt) depends on how many bells and whistles you want and how expensive of taste you have in fabric, but the most expensive one I have made thus far was under $2500, and that was with ALL the bells and whistles (a matching top, straps, bustling, flouncing, tulle, handmade flowers, AND included the cost of the silk dupioni fabric to boot!). But, for example, an overbust, sweetheart corset with an elegant ball gown skirt would run around $1000, plus fabric (silk dupioni usually runs $20/yd, and that type of ensemble usually requires around seven yards, so in the ball park of $1160 total). This is a steal for a dress that makes you feel like spinning in circles without worrying about something popping out or tearing!"

Cheryl: Is there anything else you would like the people in Charlotte to know about wedding corsetry or about Enchanted Corsets?

Lisa: "If you are planning to wear your corset as a foundation garment, you should have the corset made before any alterations to the gown, as reducing your waist will affect the fit of the gown. A corset does not perform miracles - it can prop up certain parts, and slim your waist down quite a bit, but will not transform you from a size 14 to a size 6 - your rib cage and hips are going to stay pretty much the same size. Lacing a corset is not rocket science, but you will want to give it a few practice runs before the wedding, just to make sure you don't end up with a bridesmaid in tears. If you have something special or unusual in mind, don't hesitate to ask. I am available to help my long-distance clients with measurements and the fitting process by all the various technological aids available - Skype, photos, emails, mail, phone and... Well, I haven't mastered smoke signals yet, but working on it! Remember, this is your special day - enjoy it!"

If you are a soon-to-be bride, why not consider a corset as a part of your wedding ensemble? Check our Lisa's website and you will get an idea of just how beautiful and figure flattering a corset can be. Your wedding day is special. Make it even more special by stepping outside of the traditional wedding box and wearing something different, yet beautiful.