Hi Sandy,
I made 1 wedding dress, my own, back in 1983. Look at it as you're making an heirloom to be passed on. You could even embroider a message or date on an inconspicuous (sp) area of the dress, maybe even add a special piece of fabric maybe from something old & special that you have, or if you have any of her baby clothes, and add a piece of fabric from that. Would love to see pics of it when you're done or as you're making progress. Good luck!
Emma in PA

There are several books out about sewing formalwear and wedding dresses. If you go to patternreview.com, and look for book reviews, you'll see a couple of suggestions. The books by Khalje and Andriks are suppoed to be invaluable,(I don't own either one, though)

One word of caution:

I work at that big bridal chain store, and every day, I think "I couldn't buy the materials to do this for this price." You may make the dress out of silk fabric, making the final result even more dear. Just a reminder that doing this may not be a money saving measure. But someone who wants Mom to make the dress is more motivated by sentiment, I suspect...

Sandy,

I absolutely recommend "Bridal Couture" by Susan Khalje. I've made my own wedding dress several years ago with the help of this book.

If you are planning to use boning, use spiral steel type. Plastic boning is too lightweight and will break if the wearer bends over or sits down and gets comfortable.

Above all, have fun with the project. Making a wedding gown is a great challenge that carries many rewards. You will learn new things as you go and it will make you a better sewer. Not to mention the satisfaction of seeing your daughter wearing your own creation.

Kasia

much will depend on how experience you are at making clothing, plus which fabric and pattern she selects.

I made my own Sr. prom dress, my sister's wedding dress and last year my GD's Sr. prom dress, but when I made my prom dress I had been sewing for 8 years, and had already made several 'formal' dresses.

If you want to see the prom dress I can post a link.

if you don't feel really comfortable with (first) the pattern and (second) the fabric then this will not be an enjoyable project.

Let us know what you decid. Carolyn

My suggestion is to lay bedsheets on the floor under your work space so you don't get your bridal fabric dirty by accident. I have made a wedding gown and several bridesmaids gowns. The ascots I created for the groomsmen in the second wedding were featured in an issue of Bride's Magazine many years ago (still have it in the attic).

Mary

I made my daughter's wedding dress in 1992. I used a small book I found that helped a lot with the little details you don't think of at first(such as the suggestion of the bed sheet above). I also wrapped a sheet around the part of the dress I was not working on so it wouldn't get dirty as I moved around the sewing maching. We went to a bridal salon and she tried on several dresses. We then went to the car and I quickly sketched the things she especially liked(neckline; sleeves). I ended getting two patterns - one for the sleeves(as she wanted set in lace in the sleeves) and one for the rest of the dress. I then had her come over and made the bodice of muslin, so I could be sure it fit well, then used that for the pattern to cut out the satin. My main worry was not to get a run or catch in the satin - I told her at one point that if I did that we'd have to applique something all over the skirt. Luckly, that didn't happen. The only real problem (which I still see in the pictures) is a slight puckering of the seams. Guess I needed longer stitches there. We got some very expensive lace and I had to hand sew and piece it to the bodice which came to a point in front and back. Considering I hadn't done much sewing since she had been in the eighth grade, I was happy with the job I did.
But, it was all worth it to see how pleased she was with it. And, of course, as with all brides, she was beautiful in the dress.
I may still have that book. If so, I'll let you know and maybe I can mail it to you, or tell you the title to see if it is still around to buy.
Oh, one last thing, start as early as you can - you'll need every minute. Good Luck
Sally

Emma, I was married in 1983, too! I asked my mother to make my dress and she flat refused, in the interest of having us still speaking by the time the wedding came around. She wasn't comfortable taking on something that complex (even though my dress was pretty simple, as wedding dresses go), and she didn't want me to be unhappy with it. So I proceeded to charm my mother-in-law-to-be into making it. It came out fine. My mom made the bridesmaids' dresses.

Donna

Ladies, I really appreciate all the comments and suggestions. I certainly am going to use the idea of the sheets. To me that seems like it will be the biggest challenge. I have pretty much finished the dummy dress (I call it) with many fittings and adjustments so it fits nicely. She gave me the go ahead to order the specific material that she wants. It is a vogue pattern and I just hope it will look as lovely as what I am hoping it to turn out to be. I have been sewing ever since the 8th grade and won't tell you how old I am (Ha). The size won't bother me so much since I have made slip covers and drapes. It is the color white and keeping it clean. I do think the suggestion of keeping a sheet around parts of the dress is a good idea and I will look into the books. Thanks every so much.

Please post a pic when you're finished, if you can...and good luck (I'm sure it will be beautiful!).

Mary