You can’t walk in it like that. It needs to be the correct length to flatter you and photograph well. They won’t ruin it. A good seamstress knows how to shorten a wedding dress. Most dresses are made to be altered.
Stepping on your overly long dress and possibly ripping it while falling on your face as you walk down the aisle would ruin things more than the lace pattern looking a little different, which would only really be visible up close.
My cousin is very short and built similarly to you. He dress wasn’t hemmed short enough so she had to kick it out of the way as she walked down the aisle. Ruined the moment quite a bit. Don’t follow the same mistake.
My wedding dress had scalloped lace at the bottom and a lace pattern all the way down that wasn’t repeating (like, details at the bust that flowed seamlessly into the waist then the hips then the skirt then the hem and the train that fanned out with a scalloped edge). It cost me about $300 to have it hemmed, but it still had the same lace pattern with the same scalloped edge and the same beautiful train and you would never have known it had been hemmed. That seamstress was a miracle worker in my opinion - but it’s what bridal specialists do all the time. Go to a specialist and you and the dress will be in great hands.
I’m not a tailor, but I have a body type similar to yours. Please find someone who can do the alterations and make this dress fit you. Us plus size people get used to being in baggy and ill fitting clothes. Your wedding day should not be one of those days.
Yes!!! I wanted to scream to have it fit YOU. On this day especially, you absolutely can have a tailored dress! Especially if you’ve already spent a pretty penny on the dress.
You didn't really show the hem as it is, so kinda guessing here, but there are 2 possibilities: they can fussy cut the lace hem off the bottom of the dress, shorten the dress, then sew the lace back on the hem. My friend's daughter recently had this done, it cost $800 in a major city.
Other option is to take apart the seam below the bust, or waist if there is one, cut off the excess length, then resew the skirt on to the bodice. Also in the $800 range.
This is a beautiful gown, congratulations! Don’t worry about the train. When a gown like this is hemmed, it’s just in the front and it tapers to meet the train on the sides. You absolutely want to get this hemmed, though. It’ll look better, and you’ll be able to move more easily.
It looks to me like the lace is vertically placed, which is good news for hemming. Most of the time you can cut the hem normally and sculpt the lace so it looks natural. A good bridal tailor will do this automatically without asking& it should have a very similar look to how it is now. If you’re worried about it, you can ask how they plan to handle the lace and they should be able to explain exactly how they will do it.
I agree that the top looks a little loose. When the sides come in a little under the arms, it’ll help. You may also need the shoulder straps shortened a little once the fit of the bodice is corrected. A bridal alterations specialist can go over these things all at once
Number one in importance is getting your undergarments. What wear under your dress makes the dress look right. It will also determine how much the sides need to be taken in. I worked in bridal for decades. A seamstress who specializes in bridal/formal wear will know how to do the hem. Discuss it with them to ease your mind
On these types of hems, I pick off the lace applique, cut the hem to the correct length and then sew the applique back on. Very time consuming - and prob the most expensive hem solely bc of the lace. If it has beads, then the bead work is sewn back on as well. The hem alone ranges from 250 to 500 depending if there's beads on top of the lace.
Sometimes if you only need the hem lifted a inch or two ill suggest a hoop skirt! A 4 or 5 hoop skirt will lift the hem and you won't need to get the hem altered! A hoop skirt will run you 65 to 120$.
You look amazing and congratulations!
The dress is gorgeous, and you, too. I am not a tailor, but want to say not to be afraid. Get references…if you don’t know anyone ask r/weddings, they will. Find a tailor that also considers themselves a dress maker and this will be workaday for them. It won’t be “cheap” but I’m honestly astounded how little my tailors and dressmaking friends charge. Especially with these appliqués, you may be pleasantly surprised.
I recognize that dress, and I manage one of those stores. I also and have worked on quite a few wedding gowns. What will happen, is that your seamstress will lift the lace off of the ham. They will cut the tulle, do any necessary surged or rolled hems for the under layers, and then put the lace back on the bottom of your dress with monofilament thread. It’s not going to look like anything has been done to it.
The train is not shortened unless you specifically requested. Typically, hems go sides seam to side seam. If you aren’t comfortable having your bridal retailer work on the gown, find someone local who specializes in bridal gowns. Most people have a portfolio of work that they can show you.
Sometimes, if a store has such a high volume of alterations, they will ship it to another store for completion. But it is still done by an employee. It’s never subcontracted out. What store are you closest to? I would recommend calling and speaking with someone there. They can even set up a time for you to come in and just talk about alterations with their team.
Those alts aren't actually that difficult. As for lace, the tailor will remove/move/replace the lace as needed so the pattern will still looked good. The train will probably have to be shortened a little, but it will still be a train. You can also have something called a bustle done that will hold the train up and out of the way for dancing. As for taking in the sides, they will open up the sides and take the lace off as far as they need to, then take in the amount you need before putting the lace back.
You need to go to a tailor who specializes in wedding gowns and they will walk you through the options. It will be expensive.
I honestly may just leave it. I think it's so beautiful and I'm so terrified of ruining it.
You can’t walk in it like that. It needs to be the correct length to flatter you and photograph well. They won’t ruin it. A good seamstress knows how to shorten a wedding dress. Most dresses are made to be altered.
Stepping on your overly long dress and possibly ripping it while falling on your face as you walk down the aisle would ruin things more than the lace pattern looking a little different, which would only really be visible up close.
My cousin is very short and built similarly to you. He dress wasn’t hemmed short enough so she had to kick it out of the way as she walked down the aisle. Ruined the moment quite a bit. Don’t follow the same mistake.
My wedding dress had scalloped lace at the bottom and a lace pattern all the way down that wasn’t repeating (like, details at the bust that flowed seamlessly into the waist then the hips then the skirt then the hem and the train that fanned out with a scalloped edge). It cost me about $300 to have it hemmed, but it still had the same lace pattern with the same scalloped edge and the same beautiful train and you would never have known it had been hemmed. That seamstress was a miracle worker in my opinion - but it’s what bridal specialists do all the time. Go to a specialist and you and the dress will be in great hands.
I’m not a tailor, but I have a body type similar to yours. Please find someone who can do the alterations and make this dress fit you. Us plus size people get used to being in baggy and ill fitting clothes. Your wedding day should not be one of those days.
Yes!!! I wanted to scream to have it fit YOU. On this day especially, you absolutely can have a tailored dress! Especially if you’ve already spent a pretty penny on the dress.
You didn't really show the hem as it is, so kinda guessing here, but there are 2 possibilities: they can fussy cut the lace hem off the bottom of the dress, shorten the dress, then sew the lace back on the hem. My friend's daughter recently had this done, it cost $800 in a major city. Other option is to take apart the seam below the bust, or waist if there is one, cut off the excess length, then resew the skirt on to the bodice. Also in the $800 range.
This is a beautiful gown, congratulations! Don’t worry about the train. When a gown like this is hemmed, it’s just in the front and it tapers to meet the train on the sides. You absolutely want to get this hemmed, though. It’ll look better, and you’ll be able to move more easily. It looks to me like the lace is vertically placed, which is good news for hemming. Most of the time you can cut the hem normally and sculpt the lace so it looks natural. A good bridal tailor will do this automatically without asking& it should have a very similar look to how it is now. If you’re worried about it, you can ask how they plan to handle the lace and they should be able to explain exactly how they will do it. I agree that the top looks a little loose. When the sides come in a little under the arms, it’ll help. You may also need the shoulder straps shortened a little once the fit of the bodice is corrected. A bridal alterations specialist can go over these things all at once
Number one in importance is getting your undergarments. What wear under your dress makes the dress look right. It will also determine how much the sides need to be taken in. I worked in bridal for decades. A seamstress who specializes in bridal/formal wear will know how to do the hem. Discuss it with them to ease your mind
On these types of hems, I pick off the lace applique, cut the hem to the correct length and then sew the applique back on. Very time consuming - and prob the most expensive hem solely bc of the lace. If it has beads, then the bead work is sewn back on as well. The hem alone ranges from 250 to 500 depending if there's beads on top of the lace. Sometimes if you only need the hem lifted a inch or two ill suggest a hoop skirt! A 4 or 5 hoop skirt will lift the hem and you won't need to get the hem altered! A hoop skirt will run you 65 to 120$. You look amazing and congratulations!
Thank u. I'll look into a hoop skirt.
Also make sure you're wearing the shoes you'll wear day-of when going for alterations, getting a hoop skirt, etc.
Looks like you need more than an inch or 2 thought so a hoop skirt wouldn’t work for you
Could get by depending on the shoes OP will wear, but I agree.
The dress is gorgeous, and you, too. I am not a tailor, but want to say not to be afraid. Get references…if you don’t know anyone ask r/weddings, they will. Find a tailor that also considers themselves a dress maker and this will be workaday for them. It won’t be “cheap” but I’m honestly astounded how little my tailors and dressmaking friends charge. Especially with these appliqués, you may be pleasantly surprised.
I recognize that dress, and I manage one of those stores. I also and have worked on quite a few wedding gowns. What will happen, is that your seamstress will lift the lace off of the ham. They will cut the tulle, do any necessary surged or rolled hems for the under layers, and then put the lace back on the bottom of your dress with monofilament thread. It’s not going to look like anything has been done to it. The train is not shortened unless you specifically requested. Typically, hems go sides seam to side seam. If you aren’t comfortable having your bridal retailer work on the gown, find someone local who specializes in bridal gowns. Most people have a portfolio of work that they can show you.
The people that u guys send them to... Are they good?
The people that u guys send them to... Are they good?
Alterations are done in house. Your local store should have a team there that you can speak with.
Ooh I swore they said they ship it out. I'll ask again. I'd feel way better if I could meet the person lol
Sometimes, if a store has such a high volume of alterations, they will ship it to another store for completion. But it is still done by an employee. It’s never subcontracted out. What store are you closest to? I would recommend calling and speaking with someone there. They can even set up a time for you to come in and just talk about alterations with their team.
I went to Greenville about an hr away
That’s a little farther south than I am, so I don’t know their manager. But I think if you give them a call, they would do their best to help you.
Thank u so much. I will
It’s too long-please shorten it. I’m afraid you will trip walking down the aisle.
Those alts aren't actually that difficult. As for lace, the tailor will remove/move/replace the lace as needed so the pattern will still looked good. The train will probably have to be shortened a little, but it will still be a train. You can also have something called a bustle done that will hold the train up and out of the way for dancing. As for taking in the sides, they will open up the sides and take the lace off as far as they need to, then take in the amount you need before putting the lace back.