Joanna Bell Bridal and Evening Dresses

Individually designed and handmade wedding gowns

Joanna Bell is a long-established New Forest-based dressmaker, who designs and creates beautiful bridal wear in all styles and designs. Creative, committed and hugely passionate about her craft, Jo works closely with each client from the very first sketch to the final fitting to bring each beautiful and unique dress to life. 

Outfits for the entire bridal party

Jo's creations include the mothers of the bride and groom, bridesmaids flower girls and page boys, plus waistcoats and bow ties for the groom, best man and ushers too - all coordinated to add to the style of the day. 

All Jo's designs are unique and all fabrics, trimmings, beading and embroidery are sourced for each individual dress.

Evening wear, prom dresses and alterations too...

During her 35 years working in the wedding industry, Jo has created a diverse selection of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, grooms' waistcoats, mother-of-the-bride outfits and also evening wear for all occasions. Jo also makes prom dresses and outfits for special occasions - such as dresses for Ascot.

She will also make alterations to those much-loved outfits without which you cannot survive!

Bridal inspiration

Beautiful gowns for all seasons can be seen on Jo's website

Elegant summer bridal gown

For her summer wedding, Lucy wanted a soft elegant style with some lace involved. Jo created a soft silk satin crepe dress in a sophisticated sculptured style with a lace-fitted bodice. The neckline and sleeves were edged with ‘leaf fronds’ from the lace to create soft edges. 

Heavy weight silk satin crepe was used for the bias-cut skirt, creating a semi-fitted, draping effect with a flare at the hem. Find a beautiful photo of Lucy with her parents in the gallery below.

For details and photos of Lucy's wedding click here  

Stylish winter wedding gown

Meanwhile, Anne-Marie's Christmas wedding, marrying from her family’s oak-beamed home, required something to cater for the cold weather during the day and then enable her to have fun at her dance reception.

So Jo created an empire line dress in silk damask in gold and ivory with the skirt in gold duchess satin.  For the day Anne-Marie wore a beautiful overcoat to complement the style of dress. 

The bridesmaids were in red and gold – warm and atmospheric, very ‘Christmassy’! 

For details and photos of Anne-Marie's wedding click here

Gorgeous autumn bride's dress

Catherine’s wedding dress was to be ‘on stage’ with fabulous autumn flowers in a country Church in Devon, followed by a marquee reception in the family garden. How beautifully coordinated was her wedding outfit based on a long-sleeved silk zibeline gown, the stiff fabric providing a wonderfully sculptured shape, with a fitted bodice flowing into a full A-line skirt held firmly with a net petticoat. The neckline and cuffs were edged with beautiful glass beads and crystals in an arched design. 

For details and photos of Catherine's wedding click here

Floral spring wedding dress

Julie's was a large spring wedding with the theme of flowers. The ceremony was in a traditional church and the reception was at a large golf club. Just look at the waistcoats! Click the photo for the details. 

Click here to see the dresses Jo created for many more wonderful weddings!

And read here about the process of creation.

New Forest designer and dressmaker Joanna Bell

Jo has been designing and making bridal gowns, evening wear and dresses for special occasions for over 35 years. From a degree in Fashion and Textiles to working for London’s top costumier making costumes for the major west end shows, in 1993 she set up her own business, designing and creating bridal and evening wear.

Within your wishes, using your ideas together with the style of the occasion and her experience, Jo will design a gown you will truly love. From start to finish, the cut to the final beading, Jo does all the work herself with you involved as much as you wish. Fittings are informal, inclusive and enjoyable as many happy customers will testify.

Individual designs to suit figure, personality, style and the atmosphere of the occasion

Take a look at the photo gallery below...

And then get in touch with Jo for an initial, informal chat about your wedding plans!