Post # 1
Member
1284 posts
Bumble bee
I’m very excited about my new dress. My only regret (besides the damn price, lol!) is that it’s very plain and lacks a sexy back like so many of the dresses I’ve been coveting. Granted, I was going for “classy/elegant” but a little hint of sexy would be nice too 🙂
Here’s the back of my dress now (obviously too big–I bought the sample).
Here’s an example of th backs that I’ve been loving latley. This one is from the same designer as my dress, actually! Do you think it’s possible for alterations to make my back look this way? If so, where does the fabric come from – do I need to find it myself?
I would really appreciate hearing your opinions and seeing any photos you have if you’ve done similar alterations. THANKS!
Post # 2
Member
918 posts
Busy bee
I have a limited amount of experience with bridal gowns but I am a seamstress so this is a mix of opinion/professional advice. All of this really depends on the structure of the dress. I would hesitate to do a lace panel because I don’t think it will look right with the crystal belted waistline in general and realistically, the lace panel would wind up *maybe* 4″ tall because the back of your dress is already 2+” lower than the inspiration dress. If you are looking for a sexy back, I would suggest asking if the top of the dress can be lowerd by an inch or two in the back and forgo the lace.
PS If you absolutely insist on the lace, I would source it yourself.
Post # 3
Member
1284 posts
Bumble bee
Thank you for commenting, it’s really helpful.
Post # 4
Member
41 posts
Newbee
I agree with the PP, the lace wouldnt really fit with the style of this dress, especially with the chunky belt being right there. I think though if you cut the back lower to be a deep V, that would be really sexy, gorgeous, refined and classy! But it might make it hard to wear a bra.
Post # 5
Member
1284 posts
Bumble bee
Thank you for the comment! I think I will do a little bit lower “V” then, assuming the structure is sufficient for that. I’m not wearing a bra (just sewn in cups for my barely there ta ta’s) 🙂 so I should be good to go!
Post # 6
Member
2804 posts
Sugar bee
While a talented seamstress can do anything, that doesn’t mean it should be done. I am with PPs that I don’t think it would suit the dress. I also think it might be extremely expensive. So you might be better off looking for a new dress.
Post # 7
Member
1284 posts
Bumble bee
Good advice, thank you! No more dresses for me – this is already #2. I’m so ashamed. I didn’t expect this wedding to make me feel so crazy 🙁 Appeciate having a sounding board and helpful comments here to help me through this!
Post # 8
Member
18 posts
Newbee
You can definitely alter the dress to lower the back and adding some understated sexiness. I added lace to my reception dress. bought a pretty cheap plain white dress in the shape and neckline I wanted. I took it to a reputable alteration place and they added the lace and lowered the back (with the help of boning). The place I went to had quite a few different lace to pick from, I didn’t know where to begin if I had to find my own lace. I believe they just included the lace in my invoice.
Post # 9
Member
1284 posts
Bumble bee
gardenbride2016: wow I’m so impressed! And inspired too….thank you so much for sharing this!
Post # 10
Member
4243 posts
Honey bee
Your dress already looks gorgeous as is. If you’ve already spent an arm and a leg on two dresses, don’t spend a ton of money altering this already gorgeous, simple-yet-stunning dress. It looks beautiful as it is. Despite not being “sexy” per se, the cut of it and how it fits you makes the dress “sexy” if that makes sense. This is a classic look that you will NOT regret 10 years down the road. Don’t change a thing.
Post # 11
Member
1284 posts
Bumble bee
Thank you….I have no idea why this dress process has me feeling and acting so crazy. I’ve never been this way before about anything. It’s just constant anxiety and second-guessing ☹️ Thank you for taking the time to help! Appreciate it!
Post # 12
Member
2 posts
Wannabee
Please let me know what you ended up doing with your dress?! So refreshing to find someone who was in the same boat! Loved my dress when I bought it but now I want a different back or a new dress and I feel so ashamed! Why has it made us like this?! Thank you for posting made me feel better!!
Post # 13
Member
1284 posts
Bumble bee
alijali1 : I ended up leaving it as-is and loved it! I’ve come to believe that it’s wayyyyy too easy to get sucked into Pinterest, etc. and think you want something that in reality you may not. For me, I would obsess over all these low back sexy dresses, but in reality, that’s not really my style nor was it flattering on me! I’m really glad I left my dress the way it was — once it fit properly it was plenty sexy and frankly, I’m in the process of reselling it so I’m glad I didn’t damage the integrity of the dress (I’m hoping since it’s couture that someone will prefer buying it in its original form). Good luck with your decision….try not to worry so much and remember there is a reason you picked this dress!!!! PS here is my dress post-alterations 🙂
Post # 14
Member
2 posts
Wannabee
anothernewbee16 : thank you so much! What great advice and you’re so right – have been sucked in by Pinterest and all sorts!! You looked amazing! X
Post # 15
Member
1284 posts
Bumble bee
alijali1 : There is just so much pressure to make everything so picture-perfect. It makes brides crazy! Post a pic of your dress and what you’re thinking of doing! The bees are always so helpful 🙂
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