Historically-Based Wedding Dresses for Theme Weddings

Also see: Gallery of Very Merry Seamstress Wedding Dresses

One way to bring the romance of the past into your wedding ceremony is with period clothing. To find out more about historically-based wedding dresses, Lovetripper.com interviewed Very Merry Seamstress, whose creations have appeared on Christina Aguilera's tour dancers, in Showtime's "The Tudors, Royal Stylemakers," in Renaissance faires throughout the country and in Simplicity catalogs. In the following interview, Very Merry Seamstress owner Heather Piper tells brides how the proper wedding silhouette can summon the spirit of the past.

Theme weddings are becoming increasingly popular.  What do you feel is  the reason why so many of today's brides are turning to the past for inspiration?

I think we romanticize the fashions of the past.  What woman wouldn't love the opportunity to wear full-hooped skirts  tidy bustles, Antoinette's panniers or an elaborately beaded gown from the Elizabethan era?  It's a chance to travel back in time and experience a bit of romantic fantasy for that one special day.  It's almost too glamorous to resist!

Although many of your wedding dresses are Renaissance-influenced, can couples request wedding garments inspired by a different era from Very Merry Seamstress?

Absolutely.  We can make clothing from any era in history.  We can also make
movie reproductions and we can even create a gown based on customer sketches
or historical portraiture.

What is the most requested wedding dress in your collection?  What do you feel is the special appeal of this garment?

Our most popular gown is the 'Irish' overdress ensemble.  It's not a historically accurate design, but it's extremely popular because not only is it affordable, it's pretty and romantic too.  It's perfect for weddings with a historically or fantasy inspired theme.

Accessories play a major role in achieving a period look.  What accessories does Very Merry Seamstress offer?

We offer everything from hats, to footwear, to underpinnnings and jewelry. In fact, there's little we don't offer.  If you don't see it on our website, just ask.

While attention is mainly focused on the bride's gown during a  traditional wedding, at a theme wedding the groom's attire is equally as  eye-catching.  What clothing items do you recommend for grooms who want to  don period attire on their wedding day?

It depends on the era they're looking to portray.  For a generic Renaissance theme, we offer simple, affordable ensembles consisting of peasant shirts and breeches.  For those who wish to be a little more historically accurate, we offer exquisitely detailed custom made leather doublets.

What advice can you give to couples on a budget who wish to have a theme wedding?

When ordering bridal attire from your company, how far in advance should the bride contact you?

Wedding parties should contact us a minimum of 6 months before their wedding date.  Orders must be placed a minimum of 4 months before the wedding date.

Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about Very Merry Seamstress?

We offer customized, made-to-measure clothing for our customers.  Everything is custom made to each client's specific fabric, trim, color and size specifications.  Our clients work one-on-one with me, the Very Merry Seamstress, to ensure a flawless shopping experience.  We're currently working on two new lines:  A full line of corsets and a full line of modern clothing with a 'steampunk' flair to it.

For more information:

• visit www.verymerryseamstress.com

Photos courtesy Very Merry Seamstress