Real Bride: Sam’s Champagne Wedding Gown at Claridge’s
- Ruth Bridge
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
December 2024 | Claridge’s, London
When Sam first reached out—referred by a lovely dressmaker who couldn’t take on her project—we quickly started to uncover her vision for the perfect dress. She had a vision rooted in timeless elegance: 1950s glamour, a ballerina-length skirt, long sleeves and hints of gold. But what really struck me was how unsure she was that her dream dress could exist.
Sam and her partner had been together for years, engaged for a while, but like many of us, life kept getting in the way. When the time finally came to plan the wedding, she was ready to wear something truly her. Something that celebrated her figure and her style, without compromising on comfort or sophistication.
The Design Process
We began with a chat about what she loved—and what she didn’t. With a gorgeous hourglass silhouette and fuller bust, it was important to her that the gown gave shape and support, without drawing attention to just one area. She already knew she wanted a corseted bodice, full skirt, sleeves, and a soft gold tone woven through the look.
Originally, we played with the idea of a boat neckline. But once we tried it out in a toile (a mock-up of the bodice), it just didn’t feel right. It was too busy and didn’t let her shape shine through. So we refined things, searching for something cleaner and more striking.
That’s when I found a beautiful 3D lace made of ivory and champagne floral embroidery with the perfect wintry feel. It tied in effortlessly with her Claridge’s December wedding and added the depth and detail we were looking for.
We layered the lace over a structured champagne corset to create a semi-sheer overlay with a sharp V-neckline—elegant, timeless, and reminiscent of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. The sleeves and back fastened with rows of delicate, hand-covered buttons for that touch of couture finish.
For the skirt, we worked with layers of champagne duchess satin, gold organza, and the softest ivory tulle. I cut the tulle panels individually so that as Sam moved, the gold beneath would catch the light —subtle, but full of movement and romance.
Her bridesmaids wore black satin, which made the soft gold of her dresssing. And seeing her walk through Claridge’s in that glowing light — confident, radiant, totally herself — was such a full-circle moment.
A Few Words from Sam
“I really didn’t know where to start when I initially thought about having a bespoke dress made. I met with two other dressmakers prior to receiving Ruth’s details. I have to say, I was disappointed. The initial consultations didn’t live up to my expectations… From choosing fabrics to creating a mock-up, Ruth quickly understood the style of dress I envisaged. She was very accommodating, particularly when I wanted to make any changes. I wanted 1950s glamour, and that’s what I got. My beautiful dress was made with delicate lace, champagne gold satin and soft tulle. I would highly recommend Bronwen Bridge to any bride who wants a unique dress and a truly bespoke experience.”
Why Go Bespoke?
Sam’s story is such a lovely reminder of why I do what I do. She didn’t want to spend hours in bridal shops trying on samples that didn’t feel quite right. She didn’t want to stress about alteration appointments and whether a pre-made dress could actually work with her shape. Going bespoke meant it just fit. Her body, her style, her moment.
From the first consultation to the final fitting, it was all about creating something that made Sam feel at home in herself. Watching her grow more confident and comfortable in her dress with each fitting reminded me why I love creating bespoke gowns. It was truly rewarding to see her feel so amazing in the final design.
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