Capes

Add a cape, overskirt or train

These are the biggest changes you can make without touching the dress itself. A cape, a detachable overskirt or a removable train sits on top of the gown, so you get a dramatic ceremony look and can take it off for the dancing.

Which one?

• A cape hangs from the shoulders or the neckline. Tulle with lace on the edges is the most common, and it's the gentlest first project: a simple one needs no pattern at all.
• A detachable overskirt wraps around the waist and fastens at the back, adding a full tulle or satin skirt over a slimmer dress. It's two looks from one gown.
• A removable train attaches at the back waist with hooks, snaps or buttons, so a dress with no train gets a long one for the aisle.

Attach it without harming the dress

Hooks and thread loops, tiny snaps or a hidden waistband all hang something on a gown without stitching through it. Fasten at a seam or the waistband, where the dress is strongest, and try it on with the dress before the day: a heavy cape can drag a strapless bodice down.

How other brides did it

• All about the cape (Esther Makes Adventures): a tulle cape with a curved yoke and an organza collar, with beaded lace placed on a dress form.
• The wedding cape (Becca Made That): a silk and lace cape made without a pattern. It hooks onto the gown with a thread chain, so nothing is sewn into the dress.
• A detachable tulle overskirt with a train (video, THE SEWIST): made for a client.
• A beginner's detachable tulle overskirt (video, LarryB Threads).
• A one-hour wing cape (video, One Blushing Bride).

Want someone to make it?

Tania Maras, in Canberra, makes custom bridal capes and ships worldwide. There are more on the Makers page.

What you'll need

• Soft bridal tulle: for a cape or overskirt. Soft tulle drapes and stiff tulle stands out, so feel it before you choose.
• Lace trim or lace appliqués: for the edges.
• Organza: for a collar or a crisper cape.
• Small snaps and hooks and eyes: to attach it without sewing into the gown.
• A dress form: makes placing lace on a cape far easier.

Walk in it, sit in it and turn around quickly before you call it finished. A train that looks lovely standing still can catch on chair legs.

More ways to make the dress yours: adding sleeves or straps, adding a bustle, or start from all the projects.