DIY bridal belt

Like I said in a recent post, my best friend in the universe recently got married, and I had the honor of contributing to her wedding day wardrobe.  She wanted a sparkly belt to go with her simple, but elegant dress, and I talked her into letting me make it (I think we both felt pretty nervous about it). 

The inspiration was J. Crew's Medallion jeweled sash.    

photo credit: J. Crew

Megan liked the inspiration belt, but wanted one that was much thinner (only half an inch wide), a little less blingy, and that clasped in the back instead of tied.

In my version, I imitated that starburst cluster on a smaller scale with beads, and added in some smaller bead and crystal groupings.  For the closure, I sewed on two hooks and eyes.



It was a little stressful to make something that would be worn on such an important day, but a lot of fun, too (you know, when I could stop freaking out about whether she'd like it).  All that beading and handstitching went a lot faster than I expected, too, especially accompanied by some good tv (for this project, it was episodes of My So Called Life).  The Swarovski crystals were purchased at M&J Trimming and most of the beads came from Michaels.

And here is the lovely couple, on their wedding day:

It was such a wonderfully happy wedding!

(wedding photos by sweet Chelsea, who shared with me since I stupidly forgot my camera that day)