The bridal gown is one of the centerpieces of any wedding, but what happens if you cannot find the perfect one? Perhaps you are hoping for a unique gown, or one that fits in with your wedding theme, or maybe you are just not a perfect size 6. There are are many good reasons why a bride might decide that she wants to have a dress made especially for her; here is what you need to know to design the wedding gown of your dreams.

The first thing to keep in mind is that when I say that you can design your own wedding gown, I am not suggesting that you attempt to make it yourself! Unless you are a professional seamstress, the result of a homemade gown is rarely going to be perfect enough for a bride to wear on one of the most special days of her life. A seamstress who specializes in custom bridal gowns should be the only person you trust with such an important project. Be wary of anyone who tells you that they can reproduce a designer gown for a fraction of the price; this is not a person who is going to deliver a high quality wedding dress. There are many excellent reasons to opt for a custom bridal gown, but in most cases, saving money is not a realistic one (although you will not have to pay for alterations on a custom gown).

When you are interested in designing your own bridal gown, the first step is to do your research. Look through magazines and on the internet to get a sense of what appeals to you. The chances are that you will not come across one gown that has all of the features that you like; if that were the case, you could just order that one and be done with it. At your first custom consultation, you should be prepared to show the seamstress ideas of what you would like. It is perfectly fine to say, "I like the top of this gown, the bottom of that one, and the color of a third gown". A talented designer will be able to help you see how all of the various parts and pieces can serve as inspiration for one fabulous gown.

Many brides will have tried on a number of wedding dresses before realizing that they would be better off having a gown custom made. This is very useful, as it can give you a good sense of what is flattering to your body and what is not. Don't worry if you are confused about all of the different options! The seamstress will be able to guide you. She will also be able to make suggestions on how to best highlight your favorite features of your figure and to camouflage any problem areas. Be open to her ideas; you might not come away with the exact bridal gown you initially envisioned, but you may well end up with something even more beautiful.

Once the basic shape and style of your gown has been determined, you will be able to make choices about the fabric, color, and any embellishments. This is a lot of fun! You will get the chance to explore various trims and notions until you find one that you simply love. The options will be wide open, ranging from traditional lace to glamorous crystal beadwork to delicate embroidery.

When you have finished deciding the basics for your custom bridal gown, it will be time to think about the veil, jewelry, headpiece, and shoes that will make your entire ensemble look perfect. After all, when you put that much effort into designing your dream dress, you don't want to overlook the accessories to coordinate with it. Many brides will opt to have custom bridal jewelry and headpieces designed that play up the most special features in their one-of-a-kind gowns.

Designing a custom bridal gown can be one of the best parts of planning your wedding. It is a luxury that every bride deserves. To know that for one day, you will be attired in a handcrafted custom gown unlike any other is a magical feeling.