Copy a Royal Wedding Dress

The wedding dress worn by Kate Middleton, now Duchess of Cambridge, was certainly stunning. If you are a skilled dressmaker, you might want to make a copy of this dress for yourself. If you are deciding whether this is a project you should undertake, I have tried to do some of the homework for you. The list of materials needed for a dress like this are considerable!

Based on Butterick pattern 5731 I have calculated the costs of a facsimile gown made in affordable bridal fabrics from a source such as Fabric.com. The fabric costs alone will be close to $90 for a size 10 gown, as shown on the table below.

In making a decision about whether to tackle this advanced sewing project, consider more than simply the cost of fabric. The list of required notions is long and includes two zippers, seventy covered buttons, over six yards of horsehair braid, and much more.

This gown requires much fitting, since the bodice and sleeves are designed to fit close to the body. Sewing techniques include lining, underlining, boning and sewing lace seams. The construction of the gown requires enough space as well, including a table beside the sewing table to support the heavy skirt. You will also need a safe, lint-free place to store the gown between work sessions. A steamer is also a valuable tool in handling the layers of tulle and netting.

If you have the dressmaking skills, the time, the tools and the space, this gown is a worthy project. The resulting gown will be a masterpiece with your own individual touch as you select the fabrics you want and fit it to your own figure.