MY SECOND HAND, HAND MADE, ONE OF A KIND WEDDING DRESS | Laura Melhuish-Sprague

[@idaslpdhr]

You said that 'OK it wasn't a £20,000 pound dress', but It was Laura, it was totally you, you designed what you were comfortable in, and you looked amazing, so it may have cost £1,000, but it looked a million dollars, I was a designer and what you did was incredible, and a lot of people blow the cash and end up in debt before they have even started, believe me I know, You did exactly the right thing, and I bet nobody knew any different because in the end they were there for you, nothing else

[@dialygarayua9144]

Your are so talented, you did create a timeless, romantic beautiful wedding dress. You could do this for a living, having brides come to you with dresses to be change ,just like the bride wants.

[@dialygarayua9144]

So true,Cause it is really hard to find a dress with all the details you want.

[@mael2039]

I used to watch say yes to the dress with my grandma every week and lemme tell you, the 20k dresses definitely aren't always the prettiest ones, on the contrary

[@malintaikko6818]

I gave my wedding dress to a group of ladies that makes tiny dresses that they give to a hospital, to babies who are born sleeping ❤️

[@Claudia_K.]

This is very beautiful.

[@natalieelliott4331]

That is the most beautiful gesture ever!

[@natalieelliott4331]

That is the most heartfelt gesture ever!

[@katb5323]

I did the same thing, they made 5 little gowns from my dress 🙏

[@kblain8028]

How special. What a touching thing to do for families who are in such a sad situation 🤍Kx

[@monicateeling8693]

The best vlog from the girl who wore the most stunning dress ever. Such a refreshing humble beautiful idea to design your own special wedding dress using such a classic cut dress as your inspiration 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 A true role model. 💕

[@patriciam5523]

Loved that you bought a second hand dress and made it your own. I hope this video inspires people to do the same. It turned so BEAUTIFUL! ❤❤❤

[@jesssmith1560]

When I saw your dress on Instagram my jaw dropped. It is absolutely stunning and totally you. Under £1k?! Id assumed it was >£10k! Incredible job - and thank you for showcasing more sustainable options. Beautiful dress and beautiful couple.

[@mariepeterson7250]

Your dress was more beautiful on you than any of the others you tried on and filmed. I applaud your creativity. You were a stunning bride. Such a great idea to alter an existing gown.

[@kristinwerner5519]

This dress was a triumph in absolutely every regard - price included! A great video!

[@cassieprobert6456]

The wedding wishing well foundation often ask for dresses for brides that are to be married at short notice due to terminal illness of the bride or groom. They often put out calls for help in specific areas where they need suppliers to come forward. Also, some neonatal charities take wedding dresses to be used as christening gowns for the poorly little ones. Both very worth while thinking about. You looked stunning and I wish you and oli all the happiness in the world. Xx

[@janicemclelland1070]

Laura, your dress looked as if it was just perfectly designed and made for you. You looked absolutely breathtaking, the epitome of sheer elegance. Xxxxx

[@claireangier3322]

I loved this vlog. You have such lovely ideas ... the pieces of your mum's wedding dress and Ollies grandmothers💞 The diamonds were a brillant idea. The photographer did a stunning job, the way it was shot it looked like a celebrity wedding. You both looked fantastic also the surroundings helped a little. 😂💎❤ Love and best wishes to you both. xx

[@maggiep3129]

Originally, it probably was a £10,000-15,000 dress. You were simply a VERY smart shopper and managed to buy it at a much more reasonable price…..and then you and the seamstress turned it into a gorgeous one of a kind creation. Well done!

[@carolynmarie4008]

Your dress was so elegant. I love the romantic look to it. And I like that you are a practical girl and you didn't spend away your future on a wedding dress.

[@Claudia_K.]

Such a lovely dress! Well done! I got my wedding jumpsuit (got married yesterday 🥳) in the sale, as it was “last season”. Instead of 1000€ I spent 300€ for a totally chic and special design. So I advice anyone in the market for wedding outfits to have a look in the sale! Also, im planning to dye it a pastel colour so I can wear it to other weddings/occasions etc. x

[@stelladowsett7151]

Congratulations Claudia❤️. That’s a great idea. You’ll be able to relive those happy memories every time you wear it.

[@SamarkandChan]

What was the name and model of your jumpsuit? Sounds fab

[@Claudia_K.]

@@SamarkandChan It’s by Whistles and it’s their Victoria Lace Jumpsuit. It is, however almost sold out in all sizes now on their website, but it’s even further reduced! But maybe you’ll find it second hand. Good look! I’m wearing it in my thumbnail. ☺️

[@amandanicholson2409]

Have you ever thought about taking it back to the seemstress and getting it split into a skirt and a top? That way you can sell the skirt and keep the top to wear on special occasions like your anniversary.

[@mugglemom9135]

I've always loved the tradition of having christening gowns made for your children using the fabric from your dress. Perhaps you could do that, too. Love the dress, by the way, and it hurts to think about cutting it up, but at least it would still be in the family. ❤️ Many blessings to you both.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Yes, I love traditions like this; top tier of the wedding cake used as a Christening cake used to be very popular too.

[@gigss3439]

What a fabulous idea!

[@stelladowsett7151]

That’s a lovely idea❤️

[@jea6474]

Greetings from Nova Scotia!🇨🇦. Your wedding dress is gorgeous- timeless, stunning and perfection! You are so wise to go this route - options are always available in life - with confidence, vision and skills - you have created perfection for you!

[@theresabclayton]

What a wonderful story of how you saved and also got exactly what you wanted for your big day! Your dress is beautiful. Save it for your daughter.

[@stknmggs1788]

So smart! You did so well planning the wedding! I loved your dress and now I love it more! Such a great freedom to reuse and make it your own and keep the $ for your own priorities.

[@lisaberg125]

So beautiful and elegant 😍 love the story behind it

[@valeriehill6382]

Fabulous story, you are so talented, the dress looks amazing and you looked totally stunning 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🤩

[@dianemassey9420]

Wow i just loved this!!!. I'm so glad you got your dream dress & what a way to do it. You looked absolutely stunning by the way & the idea about the earrings at the end absolutely perfect 👋👋💖 xx

[@anna-lisa4132]

Love this! I did the same with a second hand Vera Wang! Had it re-lined and added my own vintage lace layer to make it my own 😍

[@juliemcmahon7888]

I absolutely love your wedding dress and you looked beautiful!! I congratulate you both and hope when my daughter gets married she takes note. So many get into debt for a dress and All brides look lovely ❤️

[@susananthonypeagram584]

Well done Laura, choosing a second hand dress. And how beautiful it looked! Xx

[@rebeccavalentina9824]

The most beautiful dress I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning. X

[@bredawynne5315]

I just watching your vlogs but I can't express just how stunning your dress was and that you didn't just fall for the 'big fancy dress shop' type of pressure. It just seems more authentic xxxxx

[@bredawynne5315]

Love watching

[@matildadevere785]

My goodness Laura this video is a sign from the universe! I’m engaged and in the middle of the wild dress hunt ride and have recently been searching on still white and dreaming of doing exactly this! Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Your dress turned out incredible

[@piskie281]

What an amazing story. When I saw the first video, I thought ‘that’s so her’. It’s beautiful !

[@natlawrence5787]

I think it was way nicer than anything you tried on and when I first saw it just thought it was so you... timeless elegance

[@flamingoliz]

Laura, your dress is so beautiful and dreamy. It was a perfect representation of you and your classic style. I love that you reused a dress and had it made over to be truly yours. Because your dress doesn't have that much lace or ornamentation, I am not sure about sending it to a charity where it would be cut up for burial outfits for infants. It's such a beautiful dress that it would probably be well served donated to a bride in need or sold and the money donated. Thanks for sharing about your dress, it turned out more beautiful than all the other dresses on you. ❤

[@patjennings3760]

Aww so beautiful. My daughter donated her dress to a hospice ward. 🥰

[@jacquieincolour9084]

Thank you for that amazing, amazing story with pictures and details and thought and design process and timelines!!! That was so interesting to see and hear!!! 👏👏👏😃. That it is a gently used, second hand dress but looked sooooooooooooo YOU on the day is absolutely inspiring!! Brilliantly done! I hope you start a wave of this happening. So clever and so beautiful. What more can you ask for?! Well done. 👌👌👌😉 And thank you so much for sharing this as well as the wedding. This is the video I didn’t know I wanted!!! 👍👍👍😄 Yeah!

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

So sensible and the dress was beautiful. Ramble on all you like m'dear.💎💎 Diamonds are a girls best friend too💕!

[@tiffanyarmstrong6065]

Grace Kellyesque stunning, timeless, absolutely gorgeous perfection! Thank you for sharing. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and fulfilling adventures🥂

[@Al-cd2bk]

Congratulations on your marriage may you have many wonderful years and memories to come . You made the right choice with the earrings and your dress .

[@lindalagarce8996]

In regards to your dress, 8 think you did a superb idea in getting one that was used and making it your own. In regards to what to do with it, here in the US, there is a charity that accepts wedding dresses and they make still born baby gowns out of them. I love that idea and if I still had mine, which I gave to a friend who needed one, I would do this type of charity. You were a beautiful bride! Loved it! Hugs and love from Texas!

[@lesleyb26]

That dress was meant to be, you looked beautiful 😍

[@karenmarks5333]

Such a lovely thing to do to make sure you had your perfect dress . It was so nice to see your process ✨️ It was, without doubt, the most gorgeous dress & your seamstress sounds wonderful xxx

[@sallyowen1177]

Your dress was stunning , I would never have guessed that you had done it on a shoestring, you looked so gorgeous and it was so personal to you , well done xxx

[@faywickens2036]

Laura, thank you for sharing your story with us and for being so transparent about your earrings, which I adore! When my endowment matured, I invested in an upgrade diamond for my engagement ring instead of a sports car and I’m so glad I did. That car would have been long gone now and I have so much pleasure out of my diamond ring every day and get so many compliments. I have been looking at studs too but nervous spending so much money on something that could I could more easily lose, as opposed to a ring. I’d love to hear more about the stones, ie colour, clarity etc if you wouldn’t mind sharing, and if they are screw back etc. love your videos and your wedding day video, so dreamy. Think you are so wise and sensible going for a more affordable dress. It seems like such a lot of money to spend on a dress for one day when the money could be put to better use and you still get a dress you love but at a snip of the price . I did this too. 🥰 xxx

[@cathyquilts2609]

What a lovely story!! I found my dress years (and years) ago on a clearance rack for 50 US Dollars. Silk charmeuse skirt, gorgeous lace bodice similar to yours, but 2” too long with short sleeves and a high neckline. I cut off the sleeves, converted the neckline and ended up with a boat neck sleeveless bodice. A borrowed petticoat made the skirt swish and ended up at the perfect length. I loved your story and journey, you’ll always feel better about your decision to go your own way! Many people shared your story over on Josie’s YT channel, I had to come over and see the result, now I’m a new subbie from Georgia, 🇺🇸 USA!!

[@yvette702]

The dress looked beautiful. Completely your style

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

Brilliant and Beautiful, Laura.✨🤍

[@kristinlanorvegienne7778]

You are one smart lady. Diamonds are forever. And your dress was perfect and beautiful on you. Congratulations from Norway 🇳🇴🇬🇧

[@jayembee7067]

I think it was a beautiful wedding dress and I love love love your thinking and hope more people follow your lead. Your reasoning is so thoughtful and I’ll bet your children appreciate choosing the earrings too. I know I would. ❤️ from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@rosieposy8]

Love this story. I had my dress made abroad and it was different and special but I didnt want to spend a huge amount on it. I think it's sensible to pay less and your dress was stunning and you looked so beautiful. Sustainable, unique, cheaper - what a knockout! I dont think a 20k dress would have been any better or brought more Beauty joy or happiness.

[@alaine57]

You made the right choice. Looks beautiful and especially on you.

[@tn763]

Laura, your dress is even more 'you' (and even more beautiful) than I could have ever imagined. I love that you went this route, so true to you in the most elegant, creative, and special way! I see the wedding dress and process much like the way I see your house, a transformation into something so beautiful. I am so happy everything worked out for the wedding. Not just your home but now your wedding is an inspo. Congrats again on your happily ever after.

[@jessicamasters8712]

You’re so talented! An absolutely beautiful dress and I love the story behind it. Thanks for sharing - you’ve inspired me! x

[@andrewford9287]

Hello Laura I came to your vlogs late but have watched them all I love watching you & Ollie & you are my Friday evening treat to myself… your DIY adventures are incredible. What you two achieve is nothing shot of amazing!!! I haven’t watched your wedding vlog but I can honestly say that today’s vlog was so lovely You showed a vulnerability that was so endearing… and I mean that as a complement.. I am going to watch your wedding vlog now You are a true sweetheart & I wish you and Ollie the world Love to both of you Andrew 💐💜xx

[@sammychan7432]

What a lovely recounting of your experience. As you say, you didn't have close friends who had recently gone through this process to give you advice, so it is great that you have passed on some of these insights so other people in a similar moment in their lives can enjoy some useful input. I didn't realize those wedding dress sessions at shops were charged for! Beautiful end result!

[@lorikegley3327]

You are brilliant! That dress is stunning!! The price iwas so good!!! You look so beautiful!! 💗💗💗

[@kristincheever2145]

Brilliant choices, you looked absolutely stunning. I love your choice of the diamonds, instead of an expensive dress. Styles change, your diamonds will be a wonderful heirloom for your future family! ❤️🤗❤️

[@hobbytime9958]

Beautiful dress! Well done! My wedding dress is not in our attic. I bought a fancy iron lattice mannequin that the dress has been sitting on as part of the decor in our bedroom for the last 17 ywars. I was able to look at it now and again while watching your video.

[@barbhuber7502]

Your dress was beautiful and absolutely a classic. I have been through weddings with all three of my daughters. The last one to get married had a similar story to yours. Her dress came from a friend of another of my daughters’ but was just what she wanted. A few alterations, expensive but no where near the cost of buying one. You are so smart to use the money for your earrings. That is something you can wear and then remember your day forever. All three of my daughters and I did the table flowers and that’s a memory I will treasure always too.

[@suzanneeggington5356]

I love how creative you are. Pure elegance and just so beautiful

[@rebeccafrancis8227]

Such a precious story!! You have a head on your shoulders about life and what is important!!! Congratulations!!!

[@angiepicturethis]

Gorgeous! Congratulations!

[@mechellepillay8801]

You made such an elegant beautiful bride. Everything I thought you would be💐

[@debrap947]

Awesome choice to go second hand! You were one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen...the dress, oh my goodness!!! 😍

[@cambbrown6205]

Stunning dress, I would find it very difficult to part with it. There is hospice charity, in Kent, that have a bridal collection of all donated wedding dresses etc in just one of their stores. I'm not sure how common that is, but I thought it was an excellent idea.

[@sharonaxelrod4608]

Such a good choice. You looked perfect in it. Best wishes for a wonderful future.

[@tracyjohnson2992]

My mum made her own wedding dress and when i was little she cut her dress up and made me a party dress out of it. It was beautiful and she looked amazing in her dress too. I know the price of wedding dresses have sky rocketed over the past couple of years because of the lack of production an transportation of goods during covid. I think you made a fantastic job and so did your seamstress the dress looked absolutely perfect and you just radiated in the dress. the both of you looked amazing i especially liked the part of the video when you both got in the boat and it reminded of James Bond Movie. lol I am so glad you are both very happy and i wish you lots of love health wealth and happiness for you special journey together. God bless you and your combined families and friends. All the best.

[@natashalamptey2273]

I'm picking up my wedding dress tomorrow morning and having seen your video wish I'd known about "stillwhite"! Your dress was absolutely breathtaking and the most 'Laura' imaginable. Brava!

[@Britbabe53]

So many fabulously thoughtful decisions. You looked gorgeous!

[@kimapel9539]

ALWAYS go for the diamonds over any dress! Beautiful journey and thank you for taking us along.

[@amritadash9180]

I loved that you considered going in for a 2nd hand dress and stuck to ur decision. You looked like a million bucks!! Just goes to prove anything that has our heart , makes us look good, even without a brand or a price tag. Well done you and congratulations !!

[@lunarfaerie8552]

I can’t think of a more perfect way to achieve the dress of your dreams! I’ve listened to friends talk about their wonderful experiences in wedding dress shops “we were given free champagne and macarons and everyone was super-nice and helpful in guiding me to the right dress etc” In reality every one of them, bar none, ended up with a MUCH more expensive dress than their budget because, of course, the more expensive the dress the higher the profit margin. Those lovely glasses of champagne and macarons are included in the cost of your dress, as is the fancy lighting and decor etc. Your dress is beautiful and you looked stunning in it. The fact you put a lot of thought into it meant you were easily able to appoint a dressmaker/seamstress who benefitted from your vision of the dress. I also think you were genius to spent the saved money on earrings! As you said these are pieces to be left to children and, as high quality diamonds are an investment, if you have a son they can convert the diamond to something they have a passion for.

[@kirstyboothway3351]

I would totally do this! love that it was half 2nd hand and half hand made. It looked SO SO stunning!!

[@anitabraden2741]

Thank you for sharing! Fantastic idea and of course who wouldn't want diamonds that you can wear everyday! I will definately be talking to my daughter about second hand dresses! ❤

[@belindagill8774]

I love that you had a second dress and turned it into your own I did a the same I was donated the dress from a friend and another freind changed it into my dress you had the most beautiful dress you are definitely right to buy some really good bits if jewellery something that can be an heirloom

[@artifactartstudio107]

Such a great story. Personally I think your dress is gorgeous, and you looked stunning in it. Thanks for sharing all your experiences.

[@helenJ72]

So lovely hearing the story of your dress. Sounds like it was all meant to be. You looked beautiful in it Laura.

[@nevisscot7697]

You really are the lovliest girl ....the most beatiful bride second to none.i applaude you on your choice of not to buy an expensive over the top dress.i hope you have launched the idea to all brides.congratulations to you both...

[@tararuest4737]

Thank you for sharing your dress process. I wish i had of done the same. I too had horrible dress shopping experiences. in the end i just bought a dress that i loved the top of and called it a day. I think your dress turned out beautiful and the most important of all things, i made YOU happy. Congrats to both of you.

[@cindymarie2475]

It was fun and great advice! If they can not get diamond earrings… they could use toward venue or honeymoon.

[@susandenniscook9271]

You’re a wise lady! I love the decisions you made regarding your wedding dress and the earrings as well! The final design of the dress is stunning. I felt that way when I first saw images of you wearing it in the videos you released a few weeks ago and had no idea at that moment that it was partially a second hand dress. I just thought “what a stunning dress Laura chose”!

[@jmg1619]

That’s what I would call 100% creativity. Lovely idea! Good on you for trying and enjoying the journey of making your own dress. 😊🌼👍

[@katereynolds1520]

Really clever Laura! Your dress was absolutely stunning and you looked amazing in it. I'm sure you will have inspired many women to do the same kind of thing. Xx

[@superfancyschmancy]

I thought it was the most stunning and beautiful and fitting wedding dress ever - can't believe it's second hand and then altered that way, wow!

[@borculo1]

Your dress turned out so gorgeous. Exactly the right style for you.

[@kimberlybrown972]

You looked stunning! I loved your story about the dress. Such confidence and bravery. It was all meant to happen the way it did. You in the dress was priceless.

[@darquisekrysciak8732]

Your gown was perfection 🥰🇨🇦!

[@yellowtulip14]

You're so clever, Laura. And so sensible. Beautiful dress and beautiful bride!

[@ninjakittyX]

Laura you are truly an elegant lady, this was a beautiful video and has inspired me to look into a similar process to make my own wedding dress. You came out with something magically personal and I thought it looked absolutely stunning on you

[@cdron23]

I would totally LOVE to see a few close ups of how the overdress was attached, this is an awesome idea. Thank you for the transparency, i'm sure it will help lots of brides.

[@bethanellis5311]

Your video is so inspirational. Wish internet search engines had been around when I got married. I was fortunate that my mum made my dress for me. Thank you for sharing your journey. Definitely something to think about when my girls are at the marrying stage. 😊

[@copperhead2694]

So beautiful! It’s simple but elegant and you look like Kate Middleton 😳 so gorgeous and regal .

[@sandiwalker761]

What a fabulous video. Loved the whole story of that beautiful dress that was perfect for and on you. I think your time & thought made it more special than one off the rack. Don't get me wrong, one off the rack would have been beautiful on you but yours had meaning. & that makes it more special. Thsnks for the video.😊 Sandi

[@caz3949]

That dress is truly the most beautiful creation ❤️

[@christinec87]

The most beautiful dress, it’s so elegant and really suits you! Gorgeous!

[@gracesmith6199]

You were quite right, you were beautiful. I wish you both all the best .

[@alisedelacey7138]

Beautiful story…love the charity idea with your dress🇨🇦😊❤️

[@NAinLondonia]

Laura, you’re incredible! So much creativity and patience to make this happen. It looked unreal!

[@susanbrowne5544]

Lovely idea to buy your dress second hand, the love and excitement in the dress passes from one bride to another.

[@sarahoehrtman623]

Love your dress story. I'm glad you went that route. It's absolutely one of a kind gorgeous dress 🤍

[@pippatyce5824]

This is so humbling and being a minimalist I am definitely impressed and in wonder of your choices with the wedding dress. I’m so glad h to e venue got sorted out too, I can’t imagine the stress. Congratulations again x

[@F-J.]

You looked absolutely STUNNING on your wedding day.

[@helenalexander2567]

Oh Laura I think you should go into the wedding dress design business wow you looked a million dollars for a fraction of the price. But more importantly you got the dress that made you feel comfortable, happy and elegant on the most important day of your life. As for what to do with the dress now oh you truly have one of the kindest hearts in the world, giving it away to someone in need oh you are beyond words. You and Ollie deserve all the happiness in the world. Have a lovely day xxxxxx

[@ayishaadetoro]

Traditionally wedding dresses are made into christening gown. I've always loved the tradition. You still get to keep the meaning behind the gown by passing it on to your children without them having to wear it on their wedding day.