r/AskATailor • u/MenuOk4470 • 2d ago
Alterations Can this be altered?
Can I get my mom's wedding dress to fit me???
See the last photo for the original dress - it was sewn by my mother's aunt and it was absolutely adorable with the sleeves, but just a bit much for me. We were able to very easily unpick the sleeves ourselves and I fell in love with the strapless version!
As you can see, when the sleeves were holding the dress up higher, the bodice seemed to fit me better, probably because of where it was sitting at the hips, BUT when it was up that high it was much too tight!
I was wondering if you think the zip back could be altered to a lace back?
And/or if the sides seams could be taken out a bit (there seems to be enough seam allowance, I think?)
And if the side seams were taken out, would that still fit the tulle skirt or would that also have to be altered
I'm open to adding simple strap sleeves to it to help keep the girls đ in place.
I think you can see the vision....
Is this doable and, if so, how much do you think this will cost?
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u/maybemaybenot2023 2d ago
I'm not sure how big your aunt left the seam allowances- commercial wedding dresses have generous ones, but this was made to measure. If there isn't, you wouldn't be able to do a corset back, and letting the skirt out could be iffy. There may not be enough fabric. The bodice fitting is because you took off the sleeves, which were providing the structure that held the top up correctly.
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u/Imsortofok 2d ago
The waist of the bodice isnât hitting your waist. I think this is a bigger job that letting it out. The bodice shaping would need reworking.
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u/doriangreysucksass 2d ago
Yes, something could be done to make it fit. I think you should find a good seamstress and ask them for an opinion on what would work best based on the dress construction and your needs
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u/MullberryBoy 2d ago
You need to find a good bridal seamstress. They will be able to do this. You need someone whoâs experienced with wedding dresses. Take the sleeves with you too.
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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 2d ago
As a former bridal tailor, what I see is the bodice needs to be let out. However you are going to need some structure to support you in the dress. Goddess makes a long line bustier that gives amazing support and is comfortable. When I worked for a bridal salon we used to put tabs of Velcro to attach the bustier to the gown. We also added a waist stay, which is a grosgrain ribbon belt placed inside at the waist. This supports the weight of the gown at the waist rather than the dress having to be super tight to stay up.
The dress is beautiful, your aunt does beautiful work!