Reviews (9)

Not a scandalous tell-all but a beautiful, respectful book!
Finally, a beautiful book that is a little different - no scandal or inuendo - just wonderful text about the wedding event of the 80's, with different and detailed photos and sketches about how this magnificent wedding dress (at the time) came to be, including Diana's involvement. Additionally, if you are into sewing or dressmaking as I am, it gives an added dimension. Quality book which has been unavailable in Oz, even now.Thanks Amazon!

incomplete
While most of the pictures were well thought out, as was the general layout of the book, it seemed to me to beg for moresolid information. The Emanuels say they purposely made the design complicated so to make copies difficlt, yet the dress itself, other than the admitted elaborate embellishments, was actually fairly basic; full gathered skirt, fitted boned bodice, large puffy sleeves, rounded neckline. They dismiss the major criticism of the dress--it's extremely crumpled appearance caused by the choice of fabric and simply say they thought it made the garment looked better that way when Diana exited from the carriage at St. Pauls. It looked crumpled and creased, kids, and was likely the cause of inexperienced designers fairly recently out of school not anticipating how taffeta--even heavy weight taffeta--wrinkles. There were also virtually no real construction details--information regarding the actual construction, the boning placement, the yardages used (the layers of petticoats were just described as 'many'), the linings and that sort of thing. Surely at this late date including diagrams of the patterning couldn't be a state secret but would tell a lot about the dress from a technical angle.
You Wouldn't Think You'd Be Able To Make A Book Out Of A Dress...
But you can, they do, and it works! A lovely book that proves the interest in Lady Diana Spencer/Diana Princess of Wales continues and likely will for a long, very long, time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1961-    2. Clothing    3. Design    4. Diana,    5. Fashion    6. Monarchy And Aristocracy    7. Photo Essays    8. Photoessays & Documentaries    9. Photography    10. Princess of Wales,    11. Subjects & Themes - Fashion    12. Wedding costume    13. Photography / General   

Editorial Review

Though ostensibly a how-to manual on wedding gown construction, this magnificent book teaches all about advanced dressmaking skills, and its principles can be applied to creating many other types of haute-couture-style gowns. The very thorough text details all aspects of fabrics and construction: the unique characteristics of each type of fashion fabric, including extensive information on manipulating lace; preparing the muslin mockup (a necessary first step to ensure a perfect fit); adjusting the bodice, sleeves, and skirt and joining them all together; adding ornamentation; and handling bustles and trains. The final chapter presents all the specifics of making four gowns of different styles. The novice and even the advanced sewer will learn much here, and perhaps best of all, pattern-drafting experience is not required--the author works her transformations on purchased patterns. If you're ambitious enough to make your own wedding gown, this book is absolutely essential, but even if you're hiring someone else to custom-make your gown, you'll find this an invaluable guide. And anyone pursuing a dressmaking career should have this important reference work on the shelf. --Read more

Reviews (18)

Great book!
I bought this in addition to Bridal Gowns:How to Make the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams. This book had some different ways of approaching the same topics in the other book so it was nice to have a different perspective. She goes into detail on fabrics and lace and how to use them, bustles, embellishents and takes you step by step through the making of several of the gowns you see in full color in the "gallery" in the front of the book. Also includes detailed construction techniques to give the dress a couture look inside and out. I would highly recommend this book!

bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear
This is a very good book with all the details you ever want to know on how to sew a wedding gown.
fine techniques but outdatet style for Europe
If you have a strong interest in making bodices this is a good book to add to your collection.
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Subjects:  1. Clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Dressmaking    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Wedding costume    8. Dressmaking & tailoring    9. Weddings   

Reviews (5)

bridal gowns; how to make the wedding dress of your dreams
Very informative I will use the book alot

Wonderful Resource
I am in the Bridal Alterations business and also sew weddings on the side. I am just starting out and wanted to learn more about the insides of wedding gowns. I have used other books by these women (Fit for Real People) to teach sewing classes in local fabric stores and knew they'd put out a great product. Inside they tell you what fabrics to use for interlining, interfacing, step by step construction, patern fitting, and more. There's even a checklist for constructing a wedding gown and yardage and instructions for making petticoats. I REALLY recommend this book!

A Good Guide, But Know How to Sew
I was toying with the idea of making my own dress and bought this book. The author is very knowledgeable and the text is well-written. However, if you are a novice you do not want to ACTUALLY attempt a dress without either a.)guidance, or b.)other books to walk you through. This is written for those who truly understand patterns and sewing. However, if you don't sew it is a great book to understand what things you should be looking for if you are having it made by a dressmaker, and the types of fabric/necklines/veils, etc. If you're expecting a step-by-step this is not the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Millinery    8. Patterns    9. Sewing    10. Wedding costume    11. Dressmaking & tailoring    12. Fashion design    13. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    14. Weddings   

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Beads & Beading    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Dress accessories    7. General    8. Jewelry    9. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    10. Reference    11. Seasonal    12. Wedding costume    13. Weddings    14. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (10)

Survival guide for M.O.B!!
This book was great.It is written with humor and insight, and I probably would not have appreciated it before this adventure we call "being the M.O.B".It is definately worth every penny.

You'll laugh, you'll cry -- you know the drill =)
This is basically an autobiographical comic short story, with wacky illustrations to add to the fun.I bought it as a Mother's Day present for my mom right after I got engaged, and we read it aloud together in our favorite spot on the front porch, passing the book when one of us was overcome with laughter -- or tears.Ilene Beckerman can really write, and she does it with devastating humor and tear-jerking poignancy as she explores -- from the front row view of the mother of the bride -- the fun, the fights, the work, the tears, the trials, and often the complete insanity that all contribute to the creation of a beautiful wedding.At the same time, she critically (and beautifully) examines the complex relationship between a mother and her daughter.This short little gem will help you remember the things you appreciate most about your mother, your daughter...or both.

A Great Gift
When my daughter became engaged, I got three copies of this book as gifts. I loved it so much that I have given away the two extra copies that I received to friends who will soon be MOBs! Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Case studies    4. Family/Marriage    5. General    6. Humor    7. Mothers and daughters    8. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    9. Planning    10. Weddings    11. Women    12. Biography & Autobiography / Women    13. Biography: general   

Reviews (1)

Three-time bridesmaid laughed myself silly!
Before I start, I must include this disclaimer: I'm an unabashed booster of this book, as Ms. Ilasco selected five photos of weddings I shot (the "Kathy and Carla" photo is one), and four photos of weddings I was in. But I am only one of dozens of contributors to this amazing collection!
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Subjects:  1. Marriage    2. Popular Culture    3. Popular Culture - General    4. Reference    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - Marriage & Family    8. Weddings    9. Family & Relationships / Marriage   

Reviews (2)

Good foundation for not forgeting anything
This is a short, quick book that stays on track with all the must-haves, must-asks, and must-dos of wedding planning.You should pair this with something more flowery if you want to get into the gorgeous details of your wedding, but this is a basic essential for those of us who didn't want to forget anything!I used this to make my own checklists, agendas, plans, schedules, etc. in Microsoft Word and Excel (but you can also use the book as is).
Covers all the bases and keeps you on track!!
This book covers all the bases.I chose this based on the simplicity of it when I skimmed through it.I wasn't looking for a planner, but a book that told me exactly what steps I needed to take so I wouldn't forget anything.This book covers every detail of your wedding, breaking down every task that needs to be done.It also had lists of questions that you should ask photographers, caterers, musicians, and all the other people offering serves to you.There were also song lists, which was really neat too.This book really got me started on my wedding plans.I took this book, and typed out checks lists for each month building up to my wedding date, and it's been So helpful to keep me organized and on track.Plus its so inexpensive!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Marriage    4. Reference    5. Weddings   

Reviews (5)

Rip off
This is small (about 5"x8") 140 page paperback book.Way too overpriced for the content. I ordered it to get info on fixing a gaping front neckline.The information was not adequate.I got my answer from an experienced seamtress.

Outstanding Book!
I am in love with this book.Never before have I found such comprehensive information in one little book.She covers how to do beading, preserving, all sorts of alterations, and even a pricing guide if you want to become professional!I highly reccomend this book to anyone who wants to sew wedding dresses for fun or profit.

gave me confidence
I've been sewing for 27 years, 15 of which I have sewn for the public. A position for an alterationist at a bridal shop became available, so I bought this book to sharpen my skills. I now alter wedding gowns full timeas my own business in my own home.What a wonderful book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alteration    2. Clothing and dress    3. Dressmaking    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Wedding costume   

Reviews (1)

Quite insightful!
"How to Buy Your Perfect Wedding Dress" by Ronald Rothstein, et al, basically deals with the the selection of a wedding dress.The authors went into details of what dresses are suitable for what body types and they touched on factors such as the silhouettes, sleeves or no sleeves, trains, the back, necklines and bodies. They also provided information on accessories such as veils, shoes, lingerie, and gloves which are quite helpful to the bride-to-be. In addition, the authors also gave advice on where to get the wedding dresses, and how to take care and preserve the them.Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Marriage    5. Reference    6. Weddings    7. Marriage, family & other relationships    8. Reference / General   

Reviews (2)

Beautifully Written
I loved this book. I've always thought that clothes can be so evocative of other times in my life, they are so imbued with memories and emotions and Ms Picardie has captured this. I've always enjoyed her articles in UK Vogue and could not put this book down. It really is gorgeous, and her descriptions of her mother and sister and relations are beautiful.

A warm, rich survey
MY MOTHER'S WEDDING DRESS: THE LIFE AND AFTERLIFE OF CLOTHES isn't just about clothes, but about their relationship to human lives. Stories of the author's family, friends, and the fashion business blends with reflections on clothes in culture to consider much more than just style trends. Stories of the author's unusual wedding dress, her own first party dress worn as a child, and inherited family clothing with the power to bridge gaps in relationships and even the living with the dead makes for a blend of memoir and fashion industry encounters with supermodels and designers alike. A warm, rich survey evolves.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Clothing and dress    5. Fashion    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Wedding costumes    8. Women    9. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding    2. Bodybuilding for women    3. Brides    4. Consumer Health    5. Exercise    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health and hygiene    8. Health/Fitness    9. Nutrition And Diet    10. Exercise & workout books    11. Health & Fitness / Exercise    12. Weddings   

Reviews (1)

Before You Sew Your Wedding Dress
This is a nice reference book if you are trying to decide whether to purchase a ready-made wedding dress, whether you have the sewing skills to do so, or if it will be economical.The book provides a lot of informationin assisting you in designing or choosing your wedding dress design.It isa book you would want to take to a discussion with a professionalseamstress to aid in designing your dress.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Dressmaking    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Wedding costume    7. Handicrafts    8. Weddings   

Reviews (41)

why get married?
people are very divided on this book, but i wasn't into it. i guess the author is trying to be funny but she is so shallow, petty, and self centered, it seems to me that she wanted a wedding and not a marriage.last time i checked i enjoy hanging out with my husband, don't really care if he beats me at scrabble, or uses my shampoo.because those things don't matter.i guess if the book was funnier or more insightful i could have gotten beyond the whinning.but when you start the book basically complaining that you went to st. lucia, i can hardly relate.

Great for anyone who's newly married
I love this book!The first time I read it, I just could not stop laughing.And now, after a year, I am rereading it.It still cracks me up.I can relate to so many of the same experiences which Jenny Lee writes about.It is a very light fun read.Her writing is comical and very easy to read.I just bought her newest book "skinny bitching" and can't wait to start reading it.

I Do. I Did. Now What?! Life After the Wedding Dress
While it was a fun book to read, it was not at all what I thought it would be.I was looking for a book to help me with my nerves about my own wedding.The book jacket promises; how to meet other couples, cleaning compromises, and other mysteries solved.I really didn't see what mysteries it solved, nor to it answer any of the other promises.Like I said before it was fun to read, its short and quick, but does it answer any questions, I didn't think so.I also read The Conscious Bride by Sheryl Nissinen.When I looked at it the first couple of times I thought it was a book trying to talk you out of getting married, not so.It really makes you think about different aspects of your engagement and relationship, now that was a helpful book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Humor    2. Interpersonal relations    3. Love / Sex / Marriage    4. Marriage    5. Topic - Adult    6. Topic - Relationships    7. Weddings    8. Women    9. Family & Relationships / Marriage    10. HUMOR / Topic / Relationships    11. Humour   

Reviews (2)

Motivating, but nothing we didn't already know
This book is motivating for any bride-to-be as it provides practical tips and realistic goals for weightloss.However, don't be fooled by the title...it does not provide an actual diet.Basically the book justinspires you to eat anything with moderation and to exercise.That issomething experts have been recommending for decades.In essence, nothingnew is established.You're better off buying a bride magazine.

How to make yours a more-perfect union
Authors Robyn Flipse and Jacqueline Shannon have written a book that's loaded with great information for brides-to-be and others interesting in shedding some pounds on a deadline in a sensible way. I bought "The Wedding Dress Diet" for a bride-to-be who wanted to lose "exctly18 pounds to get down to my fighting weight of 112." She read thebook, loved it, and reported yesterday she was right on schedule to attainher goal. Now, here's the surprise: before giving my friend her gift, Iread it myself. I started flipping some pages in the bookstore to get asampling, and soon got hooked. When I got home, I read the whole darnthing. It's brilliantly organized, very well written and liberallysprinkled with humor. The nutritional and exercise tips and the advice onreducing stress can be used by men as well as women -- whether or notthey're headed for the altar. Here's a handful of rice tossed in thedirection of Flipse and Shannon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diets - Weight Loss    4. Health and hygiene    5. Nutrition    6. Reducing diets    7. Reference    8. Weddings    9. Weight Loss    10. Women    11. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (8)

Much more traditional than you'd think...
The cover and the title of this book imply a funny, light-hearted, less-tradtional approach to the adventure/ordeal of planning a wedding.In truth, other than stressing the importance of doing what you want, rather than what you're being told you *should* want, this book is very traditional in its advice and approach.While the author does mention a few less traditional weddings in passing (mentioning marrying while skydiving numerous times), none of her advice is geared toward anyone actually taking one of these paths.Also, she seems to assume that every reader has the average $20,000 to spend on a wedding.One would think that a "best friend" might have had a few cost-cutting hints here or there.I give this book only two stars because it does not live up to its appearance.It's perfectly good for those of you having a traditional wedding; just make sure you have lots of money to spend if you're going to follow the advice.

Helpful, earnest and humourous!
With the plethora of wedding books on the market today, it's interesting to find one that strays a bit from the norm. With realistic reactions, numerous 'case studies' about other wedding, and interjected 'wedding myths' throughout the book, it's a quick read, a helpful guide to getting married, and a sets a good tone and perspective on the craziness of weddings, verses the serious commitment of marriage. It would be perfect, except it's really geared towards the bride in a 'her wedding not his' sort of way at some points, which i don't personally care for. However, I still highly recommend the book.

Everyone needs a "Girlfriend" at a time like this
My man and I are planning our wedding and I am a wreck.This book made me laugh and think and get really excited.I recommend it to anyone that is planning a wedding, especially if you don't have a lot of friends who have planned weddings recently. Lara gives great advice and backs it up with ideas and antecdotes. A must read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Reference    2. Weddings    3. Family & Health    4. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (3)

A must for all the brides
Wonderful book with loads of sketches and ideas. Very helpful if you are deciding on your gown ,bridal or not, and all its details. Plenty to choose from.

Lots and lots of fashion sketches
I like this book very much since it has lots and lots of fashion sketches, and so many ideas to work with. It's very good for designing.

Skip ahead to the synopsis...
I borrowed this book from a friend and I am so glad that I did not buy it.Reading through the table of contents it would appear that this book has exhaustive coverage of bridal gowns but I found that this was not the case.I felt like I reread a lot of the same information more than once.If you do decide to get this book, save yourself some trouble and skip most of the middle chapters and go straight to the synopsis by body types.Most of the information that is pertinent to you from the earlier chapters is repeated there (This book could stand to be better organized.)
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Reviews (2)

Beautiful Quotes
The book has various photos of gowns dating back in history and until now, some photos are more wedding snapshots. It has a little bit of history behind the wedding dress and what i found the most exciting was that on every second page was quotations about celebrating love and marriage. I found the quotations more interesting than the photos themselves.

A beginnes book
I rate the book as being very good, but it could be better.It had nice style, but not quite what I was looking for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Reference    6. Wedding costume    7. Weddings    8. Sale Books   

Reviews (27)

Full of Usefull information
If you already have Bridal Bargains, keep in mind that this book is just an expansion of their wedding gown chapter, a very large expansion. At this point, they are covering this topic on their website, and as far as I know no longer publishing this book.Since I dreamed about my wedding gown since I was 10, I bought this book anyways because I wanted more details on the different manufacturers.
Good review of bridal gowns
I bought the book to get an idea about the bridal gown industry and how best to go about buying my dress.I read the book and the most useful items to me were as follows:The designer guides, with dress sizing, and reputation.The price guides.The dress characteristics (eg bodice, style descriptions).The websites of designers. The only thing I thought the book was lacking some of the newest designers, and their reputations, etc. Otherwise, thought it was a worthwhile investment.

Bridal Shops are Scared by the Fields because they are savvy
The Fields do know what they are talking about.On all the subjects they care to write about from what I can tell.Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Consumer education    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Reference    5. United States    6. Wedding costume    7. Weddings   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Planning    3. Reference    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Wedding costume    8. Weddings