Lessons Learned from Making my Own Wedding Gown
Creating my own wedding gown and veil was more than a project; it was the start of something bigger—the origin of Johari. I wanted something that would reflect my personality and make me shine on my wedding day. I wanted my guests to see me in the dress, not just the dress. When I couldn’t find that perfect piece, I decided to create it myself. Along the way, I fell in love with the world of bridal. Here are the lessons I learned while bringing my gown to life—insights that may guide you in finding the perfect wedding attire of your own.
Have an open mind.
I had a great time sketching up all kinds of ideas for my wedding gown. It’s such a fun task, and then I chose one and saved it somewhere out of sight until I was ready to start making it. The great thing about making my dress was I had a much shorter lead time, so I could wait a bit before starting it. I started wedding planning and when we chose our venue, a place very different from my original plans, I realized my original gown ideas didn’t fit the vibe. So I completely sketched something new, and I’m glad I did. I still loved my original sketch, but I’m glad I let the process take course and made changes that felt right. This leads me to my next lesson…
What’s the rush?
Now I know there are timelines and lead times to be mindful of, but if your plans are to wed two years plus in the future, take a breath and enjoy the process. You don’t know what inspiration will come once you start looking for ideas and visiting venues, or even attending other weddings while you're in the midst of planning. The last thing you want is to jump the gun and rush into a dress before you’re ready. Trust me, I get it, it’s exciting and the urge to immediately run to a gown appointment can be strong. But it will be just as exciting three months later.
Hold on to what’s important to you.
With so many opinions and countless options to consider, a great starting point is thinking about what really matters to you. My big thing was fabric, I wanted my dress to be silk, that was my non-negotiable. I knew I wanted a dress with very little embellishment, so a beautiful fabric was very important, as there would be nothing to distract from it. It’s okay to stand your ground on what you want, because at the end of the day you’re the one getting married, and you should feel like the best version of yourself. Lean on friends and family that will help support your vision, and trust yourself to make choices that reflect your personal style and who you are.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone…just a little.
It’s my philosophy that one should feel like themselves on their wedding day, but the best, most epic, amazing, version of themselves. But who you are as a bride might be a little different than your day-to-day self. Most of us aren’t accustomed to dressing for galas and or balls every weekend (if only!). So what we want in a gown, veil, or even shoes might be something new or a mystery until we start trying things on. Embrace the process, and it can be really fun! Remember it’s not a task, but an activity you get to share with friends and family if you choose. I truly support the solo shoppers out there as well!
I wasn’t too cool for a veil.
So, oddly enough, I actually wasn’t planning on wearing a veil—which is wild, considering I now design them! My reasoning? Basically, I thought, "Everyone wears a veil, so I’m going to be different." But the moment I put that long piece of tulle on my head, I have to say, I felt amazing. The veil is like the icing on the cake—it just adds that something special. If you’re not into it, don’t feel pressured to wear one. But, if you’re even slightly on the fence, I say try one on! Experiment with different lengths, maybe something simple or a little embellished, and see how it feels. You might just surprise yourself!
Making my wedding gown forced me to lean into the process even further, I had to make decisions with my gown and veil and trust that they were the right ones. Honestly, it was a great added experience to planning my wedding. In the end, the journey of creating your wedding look should be an enjoyable one. Have an open mind when exploring new ideas, and allow yourself the time to refine your vision. As you start to make your style choices, remember they should reflect your bridal style, and it’s okay for that to evolve as you plan your wedding. The result will be feeling incredible on the wedding day, and ultimately, that’s the goal.
What’s one thing you’re holding onto for your own wedding day look? Comment below with your non-negotiables!