How To Turn Your Wedding Dress Into A Christening Gown

How To Turn Your Wedding Dress Into A Christening Gown

SUMMARY:

  • You can transform the gown into a Christening dress if you have sewing skills. You can also hire a professional for the process.

  • After the baptism, you can hire a professional to clean and preserve the gown.

 

A wedding dress is one of the most beautiful garments a woman will ever wear, as it holds the memories of love, commitment, and new beginnings. 

Instead of letting it be stored away, many brides give it a second life by transforming it into a christening gown. This beautiful idea allows your little one to wear a piece of family history on her special day.

Beyond the sentiments, this trend is also about sustainability. Rather than purchasing a new gown, repurposing your wedding dress into a christening dress creates a timeless keepsake. 

In this guide, we will walk you through both DIY ideas and professional options to create a christening gown from a wedding dress. 

So, without a wait, let’s start!

Turning Your Wedding Dress Into A Baptism Gown: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Choose the Best Parts of the Dress

Start by looking at the details you would love to see in the christening gown. 

Wedding Dress Part Christening Gown Use
Lace Sleeves Cuffs or trims
Veil Overlay or matching bonnet
Satin Train Main fabric body
Buttons Decorative back closure
Beads Accent along the hem or neckline


 

Tip: Even small details like a single lace or tiny buttons can hold special meaning. These little touches can beautifully enhance the design of a christening gown, so take your time and choose each element carefully.

Step 2: Go for DIY or Hire a Professional

Once you have chosen which parts of your wedding dress you would like to use, the next big decision is whether to create the gown yourself or hire a professional.

Both options have their advantages. Let’s read about them in detail.

  • DIY Approach

If you have sewing experience, making the gown on your own can be a rewarding process. It allows you to stay closely involved with every stitch and design choice, creating a baptism dress that feels more personal. 

Patterns for christening dresses are widely available online, especially on sites like Etsy or through sewing forums. Through them, you can easily get the detailed sewing instructions and inspirations. 

Sewing it yourself can also be more budget-friendly, as your main investment would be your time and creativity. 

  • Hire a Professional 

If you want your gown to be crafted with utmost care and detail, working with a professional would be a better option. An expert will surely help in creating the christening gowns with a polished and heirloom-quality finish. 

This option is the best for families who want the gown to be passed down through generations. While the cost of hiring a professional may range from $100 to  $500, the investment provides peace of mind and ensures that the delicate fabrics and details are handled with care. 

Step 3: Select a Christening Gown Style

After all this, the next step is to choose a style that best reflects your vision and makes your baby girl look beautiful. 

Popular Styles to Consider:

  1. Classic Heirloom - It’s a full-length gown crafted with flowing satin and delicate lace. 

  2. Modern Simple - A clean, minimal design with gentle lines. 

  3. Princess Style - It has puff sleeves and gathered sleeves. A perfect choice for a fairytale feel.

  4. Vintage-Inspired - It has antique lace, high necklines, and vintage detailing. 

Step 4: Personalize with Meaningful Details

What makes a christening gown truly special are the little personal touches that carry your family’s love and history. Honestly, these details transform the gown into a keepsake that tells a story. 

1. Adding the initials 

A delicate stitch of your baby’s initials, yours, or even both on the gown will add a perfect, intimate touch. In this way, you are making the gown a part of your child’s story. 

2. Sew in the Baptism Date

Having the baptism date sewn into the lining is also a unique way of creating something meaningful. 

3. Adding the Family Symbols or Charms

Small crosses, medals, or heirloom charms can be worked into a design or attached to the gown as accents. These little details perfectly strengthen the connection across the generations. 

How Long Does It Take to Turn the Wedding Dress into a Christening Gown?

The time to transform a wedding dress into a christening dress depends on whether you’re sewing it yourself or hiring a professional.

  • With a Professional Seamstress - 4 to 8 weeks

  • DIY Timeline - 2 to 3 weeks 

Note: If you are hiring a professional, it may take a little longer. Because christening seasons (often spring and around holidays) can get busy, it’s best to book a professional several months in advance.


Don’t Just Transform The Dress, Treasure It With DressPreservation.com

Turning your wedding dress into a beautiful christening gown is a heartfelt way to carry your family’s memories forward. But after the celebrations, preserving this precious gown is just as important as creating it. 

Hire a Professional for Preservation 

The best way to protect your gown is to trust experts like DressPreservation.com, who specialize in preserving wedding and christening dresses. We know how to handle the delicate fabrics and intricate designs, ensuring that the gown’s quality won’t fade over time. 

So, want to keep your girl’s christening gown looking flawless for years to come? Then contact DressPreservation.com today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Christening Gown from a Wedding Dress

Can you really make a christening gown from your wedding dress?

Yes! Many mothers repurpose wedding dresses into beautiful, heirloom christening dresses with the help of professionals or DIY kits.

How much does it cost to make a baptism dress from a wedding dress?

The cost to transform a wedding dress into a baptism dress ranges from $150 to $600, and can be even higher. It all depends upon the design, pattern, labor cost, age, and condition of the wedding dress.

Is it better to make a christening dress yourself or hire a seamstress?

Both options for making a christening dress are fine, but the selection is made according to the time, budget, desired level of customization, and more.

Can you make a baptism outfit for a boy from a wedding dress?

Yes, you can make rompers and mini suits as baptism outfits for a boy from a wedding dress.

What’s the timeline to make a christening gown from my wedding dress?

It takes around 4 to 24 weeks to make a christening gown from a wedding dress.

Previous Article Next Article

About Author

Post By
Emily Harper

Emily's deep expertise in textile conservation enables her to offer invaluable advice and personalized solutions for brides seeking to preserve their wedding gowns.