Wedding dress alterations - is this possible?

[DearDiary321]

Hello!
Just wondering if there are any seamstresses on here that could help please?

I really like this dress (absolutely NOT paying over £2k for a dress), not overly fond on the criss cross back but I like everything else.

graceloveslace.com/collections/wedding-dresses/products/honey-silk

I have been trying to look around for a budget friendly version of this dress and came across this:

www.asos.com/pretty-lavish/pretty-lavish-bridal-backless-satin-slip-maxi-dress-in-ivory/prd/202375569?acquisitionsource=com.sec.android.app.sbrowser

Would it be possible for a seamstress to
A) remove that panel across the back and alter the straps
B) make the dress a bit more fitted round the hip area

Or am I clutching at straws here?

I know the quality won't be the same, obviously the Grace Loves Lace one is silk, but I absolutely do not have the budget for that.

I am looking at spending no more than £500 on a dress.

I like plain ones that are fitted and then flare out a bit and that have a train. Neckline, it could be V neck, cowl neck, square neck etc. Just not halter neck or strapless. I'm 5ft 7, size 10 with a small chest.

If anyone has any recommendations that would be great!

Thanks

You could try the Asos one, but it will be difficult to do high end adjustments if the material is poor quality?

Alternative ideas:

www.ghost.co.uk/olivia-dress2-d04g012-m12?pk_cid=1&pk_keyword=5059814081823&pk_medium=multifeeds&pk_campaign=Google&pk_source=Google&pk_content=ClothingAccessoriesClothingDresses&utm_source=Google&gclid=CjwKCAjwgaeYBhBAEiwAvMgp2rNKIV17ou9ykVLJJDCu_XUDOW43DsdiySRpzVY4lyJujyD3VWi9exoC520QAvD_BwE

www.coastfashion.com/satin-cowl-neck-midi-dress/ACC01594-184-18.html?istCompanyId=ea18716d-5d4c-45d1-97b5-44f5ccef03c7&istFeedId=804fbb78-ffa6-4f49-ab7a-570411b233ee&istItemId=pptixwlpx&istBid=t&gclid=CjwKCAjwgaeYBhBAEiwAvMgp2tgEzIXMP1vMehjuaCxk9rPtSmTV00fxZIrxcbezSCt3PTKkbN5iEBoCGGAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/jenny-yoo-sylvie-cowl-neck-satin-gown_R03983413/?previewSize=16&cm_mmc=PLA--Google--WOMENS-_-JENNYYOO&POR=Y&gclid=CjwKCAjwgaeYBhBAEiwAvMgp2hpo3pplVW6gWokYajJpO7IfBOsv4Ufr6D1rXqCqtweBjy3T84kf3xoCxSoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#colour=PROSECCO

www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/pretty-lavish-sabine-v-neck-satin-maxi-dress_R03913705/?previewSize=10&cm_mmc=PLA--Google--WOMENS-_-PRETTYLAVISH&POR=Y&gclid=CjwKCAjwgaeYBhBAEiwAvMgp2mcNhFMrqeggDgJC8w2ZC07qnSyXsS7YMN2aPaq-gOKivUhzFBo_4xoCrzEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#colour=IVORY

Ooo thank you so much!
I LOVE the Jenny Yoo one - I haven't come across that one before. Gorgeous

I agree that the material of the asos one would make it very unlikely to have proper alterations done. I'd keep looking for something that needs no, or only minimal alterations.

www.johnlewis.com/whistles-sylvie-bodice-wedding-dress-ivory/p6047877

www.next.co.uk/style/ls264242/p80094#p80094

www.karenmillen.com/italian-structured-satin-strappy-maxi-dress/AKK02616-3.html?color=592

Thank you so much, I quite like the Whistles one!

Thanks for your advice, I will avoid the Asos one 😊

I assume you have also looked at ebay, vinted, preloved etc? My wedding dress was Maggie Sottero, and at that time, was nearly £3,000 new!!!! I got it from ebay for £499. Still, alot of money, but must more affordable. The bride had specifically not altered it, as had planned to sell it on afterwards.

If you know the brand/style you are after, you might find the exact one, but much cheaper. Just an FYI- Don't be tempted buying from any Chinese sites (often not clear they are based in China). There are rare, good suppliers there, but the vast majority aren't. I learnt the hard way and I've since used the 'dress' they sent as a halloween outfit!

This one in the nude shade? www.jarlolondon.com/products/roxanne-navy?variant=1082522566663

Top of your budget, but have you gone to look in places like Wed2B?

www.wed2b.com/diaz
www.wed2b.com/sidney

Also Monsoon Bridal:

www.monsoon.co.uk/wedding-occasion/the-bride/wedding-dresses-/?gclid=CjwKCAjwgaeYBhBAEiwAvMgp2vl6x0Tmu9qrkDXhRNonxdvkatHBIvWxCx7xGon9WjM6Qk-TM6B6BRoCi48QAvD_BwE

Wed2Be is on my list of shops to visit soon, I've not had the courage to go into any shops yet. It daunts me 😂
I had saved the second link you sent me already 😊 but thank you for the top one!

Thank you! Unfortunately its probably a bit too off white for me I think

I've had a quick look yes 😊
My plan is to go try on the fancy Grace loves lace one or a similar one to check that style actually suits me and then if it does, then I can get one second hand. Although all the ones I've come across so far have had lots of alterations. But I have plenty of time to look.

Hahaha I absolutely love that you've used it as a Halloween costume! At least it came in useful for something, if not your big day 😂

Definitely will be avoiding those sites.
I've seen a few really high rated Etsy shops but that also just worries me. At least with a high street shop I can just send it straight back