Color

Dye it or add color

A white dress doesn't have to stay white. Brides dye whole gowns blush or blue, dip-dye just the hem, or color only the tulle. It's the most dramatic change on this site, and the one where a test matters most.

Check the fiber first

Every write-up below says the same thing: find out what the dress is made of before you buy dye. Cotton, silk and rayon take ordinary dye. Polyester, which most store dresses are, needs a dye made for synthetics and hot water. A dress with several fabrics will take color differently on each: in one project below, the satin went soft blush and the lace went deep plum. That can be lovely, but it should be on purpose.

Test on a hidden seam

Cut a scrap from the hem allowance or an inside seam and dye it first. Let it dry fully, because wet fabric looks darker. Thread is often polyester even in a cotton dress, so check that the stitching took the color too.

How other brides did it

• I dyed my wedding dress (Domestication Station): an ivory satin-and-lace dress dyed in a tub. The satin went blush and the lace went deep plum.
• Dye your wedding dress (Alayna Cole, Offbeat Bride): a polyester dress dyed blue with a polyester dye in a washing machine.
• A pastel tulle veil (A Practical Wedding): dyeing tulle a soft pastel. This one is a sponsored post for the dye brand.
• How to dip-dye (Rock n Roll Bride): the ombre method, shown on a silk skirt and table linens.

Want someone to do it?

Renegade Bridal, in Texas, dyes gowns bought elsewhere, ombre included, according to their Offbeat Bride listing. A local dry cleaner that does wedding gowns may also know someone.

What you'll need

• Dye for synthetics for polyester, or all-purpose dye for cotton, silk and rayon.
• A large tub: big enough for the dress to move freely, or it dyes unevenly.
• Long rubber gloves.
• Color remover: in case a test comes out wrong.

Dye more fabric than you think: if you're adding sleeves, a cape or a sash, dye that tulle or lace in the same bath so it all matches.

More ways to make the dress yours: adding a cape or overskirt, remaking your mom's dress, or start from all the projects.