My Vivienne Westwood After-Party Wedding Dress & 20 Party Dresses You'll Love...
Even if you're not ready to say, 'I do'.
I know you think I’m getting carried away.
First I go and mention Victoria Beckham’s fifteen engagement rings and now wedding talk. I’m calm, don’t worry. Obviously we’re nowhere near that point in our relationship, but since we’ve hit the two-month mark I thought I’d share a personal moment. Why begin with the topic of my wedding after-party dress, not my actual wedding dress? If you must know, the story of my after-party dress is a bit more dramatic and in the process, I ended up creating my dream dress. Also, party dresses don’t have to just be for the bride! Marriage may not be for everyone, but fashion should be. There are lots of life events worth celebrating that don’t include two people professing their life long commitment to each other.
However, you could profess your lifelong commitment to me by subscribing. Thanks.
The process of choosing a party dress can be a bit overwhelming—whether it's for your wedding or not. I searched and scoured the internet all in the name of love (for you.) I’ve rounded up my favorites below, from sheer and sexy, to embellished and mini.
Okay, back to me.
My wedding dress design process began in 2019, and my Mom and I met with the couture studio at Vivienne Westwood in London. At the same time I (stupidly) hired another designer to create my wedding after-party dress.
I won’t go in to lengthy detail about my wedding but if you’re interested you can read Vogue’s play by play. My original wedding was scheduled for June 2020 at Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany. In March of that year, my Mom suddenly passed away. Then, there was the Covid of it all, so like many couples we postponed until May 2022. We actually had a small marriage ceremony in 2020 but that’s another story.
In a turn of events, two months before my wedding, the designer—who shall not be named—informed me that the after-party dress wouldn’t be ready in time.
The tea is they actually never started making it, despite taking a hefty deposit. Luckily, the Vivienne Westwood team stepped in and we created the literal dress of my dreams.
Grace’s embellished evening dress was particularly special - the ‘delicate drape’ gown was crafted and hand-dyed in a bespoke pale pink beaded tulle. It was beautiful to see everything come together for her special moment.
~ Brigitte Stepputtis, Head of Couture at Vivienne Westwood
Before you start…
I’m fully aware of how incredibly privileged I was to have the opportunity to wear a custom couture Vivienne Westwood dress in the first place. I know this is not the norm and totally O.T.T. Some would say, high-key high maintenance. I don’t ever take that for granted and working with the Vivienne Westwood team on my wedding looks was something I’ll forever cherish.
Creating a custom couture dress in less than two months is pretty much unheard of. Especially since I wanted a dress that fully felt like me and was totally unique. I pulled a lot of inspiration images and meshed together ideas from existing Vivienne Westwood dresses. It’s safe to say I was a ‘hands-on’ bride. As you know I love a corset, and this is Vivienne Westwood for God’s sake, so that was obviously a non-negotiable. I didn’t want anything too ‘bridal,’ so I opted for pink instead of white and chose a sheer design with visible corset boning—because why not? We went through rounds of dyeing different underwear options to match the exact pink hue of the dress, aiming for a bodysuit-like effect. The knickers that made the cut were from the U.K grocery chain, Marks & Spencer. I didn’t try on the dress (or the underwear) until two days before the wedding due to the time crunch. I audibly gasped when I saw the dress on the hanger, and the goal was to make everyone else gasp when they saw me. I’d like to think my Mom would have approved.
For my brides, forget the trends.
If you’re lucky enough to have an outfit change at your wedding, own it and stay true to yourself. No matter what your budget, you’ve got to pick outfits that feel like you. I’m begging you to forget the trends and forget what your friends wore to their wedding. I know someone close to you will give their input, but wear whatever will make you feel best. The location, the weather, and type of event will partially dictate what you wear, but please make sure you’re comfortable. I threw off my shoes five minutes in to dancing so I’m not one to talk on the shoe front, but you get my point.
Even if you never want to say, ‘I do’…
I’ve found twenty unique dresses that are perfect for both a wedding after-party or just a really fun event. Be sure to send me an invite, okay?
Sheer and Sexy
I know this may not be for everyone, but if you’re feeling bold take a page out of Camille Charriere’s book. Of course, there are variations in how sheer you can go, but I personally loved the idea of a semi-sheer fabric for my dress. Sheer fabrics can range from delicate lace, like Vivienne Westwood’s Lace Minerva dress, to shiny sequins, like Stella McCartney’s maxi dress. Please just make sure you're wearing the right undergarments à la my Marks & Spencers knickers! Also, try the dress on before the party, under all different lighting conditions and with a camera flash. Trust me.
Cinched, Draped, Sculpted
Arguably my favorite category, but you already knew this. Whether it’s draped or corseted or all of the above, these silhouettes are extremely flattering and accentuate your figure. We love a bit of body. For a more casual draped option, try Paris Georgia’s Remmy Dress. I think it would also be perfect for a daytime party. If you want a bit more drama, Danielle Frankel’s draped tulle mini dress leans in to bridal without feeling too on the nose.
The Little White Dress
I know some of you would prefer to wear all white for wedding related events. Calm down, I’m not judging you. Even if you're not the marrying type, I love the idea of wearing an elegant little white dress to a summer party or pairing it with flats for dinner on holiday. For a more minimal look, try Khaite’s Mags dress. However, if you want something a little more feminine I love Magda Butrym’s Rosette mini dress. Just be sure to try it on at home and lift your arms above your head to gauge whether you can actually party in it without giving everyone a show.
O.T.T Embellished Minis
This is for when you want to go full on and be the center of attention. What better time to do that than at your wedding? To be honest, even if you’re not a bride these dresses deliver statement making party attire. Channel nineties Naomi and party the night away in a Versace chainmail dress. If you’re more of a Blair than a Serena, Oscar’s pink scalloped mini offers just the right amount of whimsy.
Sleek and Slinky
Not every party dress has to be a mini and there’s something effortless about wearing a long slip dress style. It feels sensual without feeling too much. Famously worn in the 90’s by Kate Moss, slip dresses move with the body which make them perfect for dancing. If you feel like donating an organ, look no further than vintage Dior’s crepe halter dress. Ideal.
Since you know a lot more about me now…
It would be rude of you not to comment. You can relax knowing next week’s newsletter won’t be anything wedding related. Don’t worry though, I’ve still got my eye on the prize here. However, if you want more wedding content be a doll and let me know. Naturally, I have a lot to say on the topic, but that’s why you love me.
See you next Friday,
XO XO
Grace
Your wedding dress started the trend! EPIC!
I absolutely loved this - as someone who didn't have any "extra" elements to their wedding (thank you, Covid) I am a little jealous!