Okay, so I’ve been obsessed with the idea of a gothic red wedding dress for, like, forever. I finally decided to just go for it and document the whole crazy process.
Finding the Inspiration
First, I spent hours, and I mean hours, just scrolling through images online. I wanted something dark, romantic, and definitely not traditional. I was looking for deep reds, maybe some black lace, and a silhouette that was more dramatic than fluffy.
The Hunt Begins!
I started hitting up all the local bridal shops. Big mistake! Most places looked at me like I had two heads when I described what I wanted. They kept trying to steer me towards ivory and blush, ugh. I did find one shop that had a couple of darker dresses, but nothing that really screamed “gothic queen.”
DIY Time?
After striking out at the traditional stores, I started thinking about maybe getting something custom-made or even… gulp… trying to alter a dress myself. The thought was terrifying, but also kind of exciting.
I am not good at sewing at all, I just thought I could try it.
The Alteration Adventure
I found a simple, red dress online that was kind of close to what I wanted. I also ordered some black lace appliques and a few yards of black tulle, hoping I could somehow Frankenstein it all together.
- Step 1: Panic. I stared at the dress and the materials for a good hour, completely overwhelmed.
- Step 2: YouTube tutorials became my best friend. I watched so many videos on how to attach lace and work with tulle.
- Step 3: Slowly, very slowly, I started pinning the lace onto the dress. It was messy, and I definitely pricked myself a few (dozen) times.
- Step 4: I hand-sewed the lace, because I don’t have a sewing machine and, I also don’t know how to use it. It took forever, and my fingers were killing me.
- Step 5: The tulle was another adventure. I wanted to add some layers to the skirt for extra drama. Let’s just say there was a lot of trial and error (and a few tears) involved.
The (Almost) Finished Product
It’s not perfect, not by a long shot. The stitching is probably a bit wonky in places, and the tulle is maybe a little uneven. I still get a huge smile every time I look at it. It’s dark, it’s dramatic, and it’s definitely me.
Finally, it is done. I made it!
