Bridal Customizations
Your wedding day is a canvas for your personal style and a celebration of your unique love story. While finding the perfect bridal gown is a journey in itself, customizing it allows you to add those personal touches that make it truly yours. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular and enchanting bridal gown customizations to consider.
SLEEVES: Elevate Your Look
Let’s say you find your perfect wedding gown, except for the fact that it doesn’t have sleeves… No problem! Since we have our incredible in-house seamstress Alessandra on board, we can make those sleeve dreams come true.
It may be a matter of simply adding some romantic off-the-shoulder sleeves out of matching tulle, or perhaps using some of the extra fabric from the hem to create a custom sleeve design. Sometimes, if you would like your sleeves to include the same lace from your gown, it may be necessary for us to order some extra lace from your gown’s designer. Luckily, this is something we do all the time! We’ve got you!
What if you gown does come with sleeves, but you want to change them? Perhaps you have a long bell sleeve but would prefer spaghetti straps paired with a off-the-shoulder tulle addition? We can do that too! We can fashion the old sleeves into something new that matches your vision.
We can also make sleeves removable with a series of snaps and/or hooks, so that you can felt decadent during your ceremony but take those babies off when it’s time to put your hands in the air!
Here are some different types of sleeves, all of which we would be happy to add to your gown or alter to perfection if sleeves are your ultimate endgame!
Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves: Perfect for a romantic and sophisticated vibe. These sleeves highlight your shoulders and collarbone, adding a touch of allure while still being elegantly understated.
Long Lace Sleeves: Ideal for a vintage or bohemian look. Delicate lace can add intricate detail and a touch of old-world charm, perfect for a classic or rustic wedding.
Cap Sleeves: A great choice for brides who want a subtle addition without overwhelming their dress. Cap sleeves offer a hint of coverage and can be adorned with beading or embroidery for extra sparkle.
Bell Sleeves: For a modern or whimsical twist, bell sleeves can provide a playful yet refined touch. They offer a sense of movement and can be a standout feature of your gown.
Spaghetti Straps or Lace Straps: Not sleeves, per say, but in the same world! This is one of the easiest additions. If you have a strapless gown but like that thin strap look, no problem. We’ll add them in your alterations fittings!
BOWS: Add a Touch of Whimsy and Elegance
When it comes to customizing your bridal gown, adding bows to the back of your dress can infuse your look with a delightful blend of charm and sophistication. Bows are a versatile embellishment that can range from subtly sweet to boldly dramatic, making them a perfect way to express your personal style.
So again, if your dream gown that you’ve purchased is almost perfect and just missing a gorgeous and elegant bow, we can design this addition in your alterations fittings! It may require the purchase of additional fabric, depending on your vision, and this can be discussed in your consultation.
Here’s how you can incorporate bows into your bridal gown for a stunning effect.
Types of Bows
Classic Satin Bow: A timeless choice, a satin bow can be elegantly tied at the lower back or at the waist. Its smooth texture and lustrous finish add a touch of refinement and can be matched with the fabric of your gown for a seamless look.
Oversized Bow: For a bold statement, consider an oversized bow. Placed at the lower back or the waist, this style can create a focal point that adds dramatic flair and a sense of grandeur to your gown. It’s ideal for brides who want to make a memorable impression. See the photo below for an example that Alessandra created from scratch for a recent KJB bride!
Lace or Tulle Bow: For a softer, more delicate look, a bow made from lace or tulle can complement a vintage or romantic gown. This type of bow can blend seamlessly with intricate lace detailing or a flowy tulle skirt, enhancing the gown’s ethereal quality.
Beaded or Sequined Bow: If you’re looking to add some sparkle, a beaded or sequined bow can provide just the right amount of shine. This option works beautifully with gowns that have minimal embellishments, giving your dress an extra touch of glamour.
Custom VEILS: The Finishing Touch
The veil is more than just a traditional accessory; it’s a symbol of grace and elegance. Customizing your veil can ensure it perfectly complements your gown and personal style.
Say you have not found that just-right veil, or you have found the perfect length and tulle, but you really wish it had lace to match your gown. Once again, we got you! In this specific case, we recommend placing an order through your bridal stylist of a yard or two of matching lace from your gown’s designer. Then in your alterations appointment, Alessandra can customize your veil to match perfectly.
What if you want color and embroidery added, and, though you have a vision, the lace you crave does not seem to exist? Bring your idea to your fitting, and Alessandra will likely be over the moon to get to create a colorful custom accessory for your big day. For example, she created this gorgeous poppy-themed veil for a recent KJB bride who wanted bright red poppies throughout her wedding look to symbolize her late stepfather and his important presence in her life.
Lastly, we carry a gorgeous Marionat veil with a beaded edge that can be ordered with custom script, such as “Happily Ever After” or “Til Death Do Us Part,” or with your initials and/or wedding date! So if customizing the veil with memories in script is the vibe, we can place that custom order for you!
SHOES: Step with Style
Your wedding shoes are more than just a necessity—they’re an opportunity to showcase your personality and style. Customizing your shoes ensures that they’re not only stunning but also comfortable enough for a day of dancing and celebrating.
Personalized Details: Add a touch of personalization with custom embroidery, monograms, or matching lace. These additions can make your shoes uniquely yours.
Color Customization: While classic white or ivory shoes are always in style, consider customizing your shoes with a pop of color that matches your wedding theme or personal taste. This could be a subtle hint of your wedding color or a bold statement piece.
Keep in mind, we do not offer dyeing services in our alterations process. If you want to dye your shoes a certain color, this would need to be done outside of your fittings at KJB. What we do offer is customizing your shoes to match your gown with matching lace or specific embroidery! Please see the photo below for an example of how we recently added extra lace from a KJB bride’s gown to her family heirloom shoes, allowing her to continue an age-old family tradition while matching perfectly to her unique gown.
To conclude…
Customizing your bridal gown is an exciting way to make it uniquely yours and enhance your overall wedding day look. Whether you choose to add sleeves that reflect your style, a veil that adds to your ensemble, an oversized bow to add drama, or matching shoes that tie it all together, these personal touches will ensure your gown is as extraordinary as your love story.
Know that we at Kimberly James Bridal are here for you through your whole process, from gown shopping and purchasing to the final alterations and finishing touches, and we are so excited to help you customize your gown to perfection! Call us today to book your initial shopping appointment or your alterations appointment: 267-809-5784.
