Moms' Wedding Gown

Thousands of women carefully store their wedding gown away hoping that one day either their own daughter or someone else special to them will again wear it.  The thought is warm and loving but the sad reality is that it seldom happens.  The current bride most often wants her own gown or thinks her Mom's gown can't be cleaned, won't fit her or is out of style.

If you have any desire to wear your Mom's gown or any other which might be offered to you, make an appointment to consult with one of the experienced seamstresses at Aliber's Bridal.  She will be able to advise you if it is actually feasible for you to wear this gown on your special day or if the idea should be dropped.  There may be some things about the gown which you do not like.  Our seamstress can make suggestions for changes and work with you to incorporate your own style and ideas.

We have worked with several brides recently to make major changes to previously worn gowns.  One Mom's gown was sixteen inches too small for her daughter.  Because there was a matching lace shawl available, we were able to use that in the shoulders to drop the empire waist to the correct alignment and change the zipper to a corset back with a modesty panel.  Bell sleeves were added, again using lace from the shawl to cover the larger upper arms of the new bride.  What a surprised Mom we had at the final fitting!

Another gown was reduced from a size 18 to an 8.  Still another gown experienced a major make-over when the sleeves were removed and the bodice changed to a tank top style.  The high back neckline was lowered by numerous inches for a more modern look.  Again, it was a very surprised mother whose gown it was originally.  Don't rule out any options until you make appointment with our seamstress.

We have been amazed at how some gowns which had not been properly stored have returned from cleaning. The professional cleaning service we use can work wonders with gowns which were previously thought to have been beyond help.

Consider "harvesting" some part of that heirloom gown to add a detail to your own gown.  It could be used to make a sash, a bow, lace as a new trip or ties for your bridal bouquet.  Lace could be cut to form a heart applique on the gown's slip.  Dates of both the original and the current weddings might be embroidered on the older fabric and appliqued on the slip.  One family of three sisters took their grandmother's gown and each took a piece to add a different detail to their own gown.

A wonderful sentimental approach is to display your Mom's gown (or your grandmother's) with a photo of  her wearing it on her wedding day at your reception.  Imagine having both the bride and groom's Mom's gown on display as guests enter your reception.  What wonderful conversations they would invoke while the new Mr. and Mrs. are off having their photos taken!