Post # 1
Member
8 posts
Newbee
Hi all!
I am new to the site. Thank you for taking the time to read my post!
I bought a strapless dress from David’s Bridal. It came with boning in it. I am getting it altered at a place outside of David’s – because I am wanting possible to remove the train so that I don’t have to have a bustle (I personally just think bustles look kinda weird on me?!) – David’s alteration people told me that they are not allowed to change the look of the dress, so they woud not be able to do that for me. Plus David’s was pretty expensive in terms of alteration cost, so I found someone else…
Anyway, when I took the dress to her and put it on for her, she actually recommended that I do not wear the corset and remove the boning from the dress. She said she would sew in padding in the bust and that she would tailor it to form fit my body.
It just made me nervous when she said she wanted to take out the boning?! I think it looks fine with the boning currently. I guess I am worried that it will make my dress sag down or fit funny?
Does anyone else have experience with this? I’m sure it also depends on your body type. I am 5’5″ and weigh about 130 lbs. I am a B cup.
Pictures are below of me in my dress – this is when I first purchased the dress from David’s – no alterations yet!
Post # 3
Hostess
23925 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@karenlee07: Welcome to WB! I LOVE your dress, it’s so gorgeous on you! I think you’re right – I’d be totally nervous about removing the boning as well. Could you take your dress to another seamstress for a 2nd opinion?
Post # 4
Member
4742 posts
Honey bee
@karenlee07: The boning gives the dress shape, or so I thought…. I wouldn’t let them take it out without hearing more from the bees. And, a warm welcome!! 🙂
Post # 5
Member
8 posts
Newbee
@pengoala: Thank you so much for your reply! Yeah I think I am panicking about removing it.. I don’t really know WHY she wants to remove it? She insists it will fit me better without it and be more comfortable. Granted, it’s true that I haven’t tried to sit in it yet, so maybe it will be uncomfortable?!
I could take it to another seamstress for a 2nd opinion yes, or I guess I could tell her I really want to keep the boning in..
Thank you so much again for your opinion! 🙂
Post # 6
Hostess
23925 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@karenlee07: Whereabouts are you located?
Post # 7
Member
8 posts
Newbee
@pengoala: southern california 🙂 La Mirada to be exact! which is near cities like Fullerton, Brea, Anaheim.
Post # 8
Hostess
23925 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@karenlee07: Damn, I was hoping you’d be in the SF Bay area. I’d refer you to the lady I used for our wedding! 🙂 Loved her. But yes, definitely no removal of boning!
Post # 9
Member
2517 posts
Sugar bee
@karenlee07: I thought it HAD to have boning if it was strapless or it wouldn’t stay up – no matter how well it fits. Imagine having a dress with spaghetti straps that fits you well, but cutting off the straps and hoping it still supports you…
Post # 10
Member
2914 posts
Sugar bee
@karenlee07: My seamstress (5 stars on Yelp and also makes bespoke wedding gowns) is trimming my boning, since it hits at an awkward place on my short body.
Maybe that’s what she means? It’s not going to be fully removed, just trimmed so that it hits me at the same spot and keeps in proportion, since i’m petite.
Definitely get a second opinion!
Post # 11
Member
2532 posts
Sugar bee
@karenlee07: I think it looks great with the boning personally… I have no idea how it would stay up without boning to be honest, but then again I’m not expert! I almost wonder if she wants to take it out to make it easier on herself- ie not having to work around the boning for alterations maybe?
Post # 12
Member
7924 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I wouldn’t remove the boning…how is it going to stay up without being super tight?
Post # 13
Member
2381 posts
Buzzing bee
I would never remove boning from a strapless dress. That’s what gives i shape and structure. If it had straps to keep it up, sure. I’d get a second opinion, and see if you can find someone that specializes in formal dress alterations. Wedding, pageant, prom, debutante, etc. All those styles of dresses have the same overall style and have to stay in place for hours.
Post # 14
Member
8 posts
Newbee
Thank you all for your replies! I think you guys are right and I will leave the boning in! Thank you so much, this was very helpful! 
Post # 15
Member
9557 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
When I first got on wedding bee I posted asking if anyone had dresses without boning. Several of the women that replied had strapless dresses without boning, so it certainly isn’t a requirement. Especially since you aren’t very busty. And it would likely be more comfortbale without boning! So I don’t think it’s a ridiculous thing to propose. I would tell her your concerns and see what she says. Your dress looks like pretty sturdy material, so it may be that the material is enough, on it’s own, that it will stya up after alterations. Here’s the old post, if you want to read:
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/anybody-with-a-wedding-dress-without-boning#axzz2v27AXBSm
Post # 16
Member
1928 posts
Buzzing bee
I’m pretty sure in a strapless dress you need to keep the boning for it to stay up! I def wouldn’t take it out!
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