Any seamstresses here?

[Cerseilannisterinthesnow]

I have my dress home bought as a sample from eBay from a closing down bridal shop and this was the last one in a 12, I think the one I tried on in the shop that I fell in love with was a 14.

Anyway I've tried it on and it's too tight around the back, we can't get the hook and eye fastened to zip it up, it has a bra strap style strap that you fasten then the hook and eye then zip. I really don't want to lose the zip as i feel it will spoil the dress and it fits fine otherwise any idea what can be done? I am waiting on a seamstress to get back to me

Just to add my bridesmaid says it's too small by about 3-4 inches at her estimate

Have you got enough time to lose some weight? The difference between a 14 and a 12 isn't that much. I've gone from a 12 to a 10 in about 8 weeks mainly by cutting out snacks.