A lace Wedding Bolero is an excellent alternative to traditional wedding accessories. Boleros are flattering for all body types and can be worn with many styles of wedding dresses. A bolero can be purchased or you can make your own.
What is a Wedding Bolero?
Although it is most commonly associated with the Spanish dance, the bolero is actually an open-fronted jacket. Bolero jackets can have either long or short sleeves and are often sleeveless. Brides often wear unique wedding bolero jackets to formal weddings. They are usually made of satin, lace, and fur. Boleros, which are similar to shrugs, are often worn in place of sweaters or shawls. Boleros for weddings are often worn with mantilla veil in traditional Latin American weddings to honor their Spanish heritage.
Types and uses of Lace Wedding Bolero
Most lace boleros made of embroidered tulle are the most common, but they can also be made with finely crocheted and knitted thread. A satin bolero is often worn by brides for winter weddings. The overlays are usually lace with repeating vines or flowers, while sheer boleros have lace embroidered along the sleeves.
Boleros can be worn over a ballroom wedding gown. They are best paired with a strapless or spaghetti strap dress. Sheer lace boleros are better for heavily beaded gowns. The dress does not need to be too dominant. Bolero accents can make simple wedding dresses look amazing.
How to make a Sleeveless Lace Bolero?
- Tools and Materials
- Sewing machine
- Heavy cotton thread (the exact same color as the Lace)
- Pins
- Lace material (approximately 2 yards)
- Measure tape
- Chalk
Instructions for Assembly
Measure your bust using the measuring tape. This measurement will help you determine your bolero’s fullness. Measure the length of your neck from your waist to three inches above the ground. Also measure the width of your shoulder from the tip to the bottom. This measurement will be used to cut the piece of the bolero back. Next measure your neckline to three inches below the bust. This will determine how long your bolero should be.
Use your measurements to trace an outline of the chalk on a large piece paper. This could be tissue paper for gift bags or a paper grocery computer bag. Use your back measurements to trace the back piece. Set aside the pattern. Each of the front pieces can be traced by measuring your bust, then dividing it into fours and adding an inch. If your bust measures 34 inches at its widest point, then each of the front pieces will be 9.5 inches in width. The length of the pieces should equal the distance from your collarbone to three inches below the bust. Once you have traced both pieces, cut them and place aside.
Lay the lace material on its side and secure the back with straight pins. Cut the piece leaving about a half-inch extra fabric for seams. Continue with the other front pieces. Then, remove the pins from the paper and repeat the process.
Right sides together, pin the front pieces to each other with straight pins. Leave enough space to sew the hem along the edges. Start at the top and stitch the lace wedding blouse pieces to the shoulders. Before you start stitching the sides hems, mark where the arms will be with chalk. Turn the material upside down and place the bolero on your shoulders to determine the size of the openings. Holding your arms out straight, hold the seam with a helper. This will allow you to move your arms comfortably. You should not have the seam so tight that it is difficult to move your arms without the bodice riding up. To complete the assembly, stitch the sides.
Fold approximately one-half inches of material into a hem and iron flat. Stitch to keep the lace from fraying. To confirm the fit, try it on and hand wash any chalk marks that may remain.
Where to Buy?
There are many companies that can sell lace wedding bolero if you don’t have the time or expertise to make one. Order as soon as possible to allow for adjustments if it doesn’t fit properly.
- Mega Faux Furs
- Tulip Bridal
- USA Fashions
- Wedding Bolero Uses
Your bolero is not necessary to be packed away after the big day. Add a bright pin to your bolero and pair it with slacks and a nice lace shirt. You can get more use from the bolero if you pair it with pants. A bolero can be worn with pants to go out with your husband for dinner.