Should I alter my dress??

[diddyanne1973]

Hi all. I've been looking for a coloured Tea Length gown for my wedding next year but haven't been able to find what I'm looking for. However, I have decided to buy a full length gown and have it shortened to just above my ankle.

This gown also has 3 layers of tulle on top of the coloured skirt. I'm asking for opinions on the following alterations please as I'm getting cold feet the more I think about it:

1. Shorten to just above my ankle, same length all the way around (I'm 5'7" and plan to wear medium heels)

1. Remove 2 layers of tulle from under the top layer to enhance the Dusky Pink colour underneath.

1. Change the back zipper fastening to Corset style

Opinions on whether these alterations would work or whether they would spoil the overall look would be greatly appreciated

I am no expert but I think option 1 would look good.

I like the idea of shortening it, I dis the same with mine and was so nice to be able to dance properly!

I wouldn’t mess with the back itnis very hard to adjust a back and have it look good (didn’t realise til I saw the pictures how bad mine looked at the back 🙈)

Personally I wouldn’t take a layer off either, it’s nice at the moment and you’d lose the embroidery on top and there’s such a big risk of it getting damaged in the process. My friend had to buy a whole new dress cos she ruined her first one trying to dye it.

The V neck at the back won’t be very compatible with a corset style. You would have to make allowances for the eyelets/loops, lacing and a placket and it would look a bit clunky. The back is nice as it is. Why do you want to lace it?
I think it’s a really nice idea to have it shortened to ankle length though.

I want to leave the top embroidered layer and remove the two layers underneath so that the colour is more prominent

If you remove tulle from the skirt to enhance the colour, isn't there a danger that the bottom will look a different colour to the top?

From what I remember the top is only a single layer but its pleated.

Have you already bought it? Seems a lot of alterations to make.

how about these tea length ones with corset backs?

www.fairygothmother.co.uk/products/exposed-boning-corset-style-wedding-dress-om-marisa-1

or much cheaper! (Probably pants quality …)

m.aliexpress.com/item/1005001810231834.html?gatewayAdapt=Pc2Msite

or this is beaut and a bargain, but no corset back

www.bhldn.com/products/odelia-bodysuit-nandita-skirt?ref=cj&cm_mmc=CJ--Affiliates--Skimlinks-_-11637887&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=cj&utm_campaign=affiliates&utm_term=Skimlinks&utm_content=11637887&utm_kxconfid=v3sdi9ewh&cjevent=ea420a4e1aa811ed802100f50a180510&cjdata=MXxZfDB8WXww

or various tea length corset back ones here - you can add sleeves or lace more easily than some of the alterations you’re speaking of in yours

www.wed2b.com/wedding-dresses/lace-up--tea-length

The length alteration sounds good, but personally I wouldn't mess with the tulle. If you want to bring out colour, I would look at getting some lace appliques sewn onto it instead, and/ or wearing some colourful jewellery. Find a creative seamstress who can offer some suggestions.

I also wouldn't bother with the corset back but that's personal preference really, I'm sure a good seamstress could do it if it's something you really want. Make sure you get someone experienced though.

OK, so I've found some pictures of before and after tulle layer removal and shows the effect I'm looking for, not quite so big at the hips and shows the under colour through the outer layer much better. I'm also thinking that after these have been removed that it'll look even better shorter. What are your views?

These before and after shots are also very encouraging. This is the length I've been dreaming of

I think it will look nicer wider if it’s shorter. More tea dress style. Why not have one made exactly how you want it rather than alter an existing one?

If you're having (and paying for) that many alterations but haven't already bought the dress, why not find a good dressmaker and get them to make you exactly what you want in the first place?

If you haven't bought the dress the you are thinking of altering do any of these fit the brief?

www.fairygothmother.co.uk/products/lw-zinnia-ivory-tulle-longer-tea-length-wedding-gown

Available in other colours.

www.fairygothmother.co.uk/products/tea-length-satin-and-organza-wedding-dress-rd-jenny

Comes in different colours

www.fairygothmother.co.uk/products/tea-length-wedding-dress-with-the-most-flattering-crossover-satin-bodice-rd-susan

Listed as wide choice of colours available

www.fairygothmother.co.uk/products/pretty-tea-length-bridal-gown-with-a-french-and-corded-lace-bodice-rd-cora

Under skirt come in rose.

Good luck I hope you find your dream dress.

I’d keep all the tulle and just have it shortened. I absolutely love the slightly shorter length dresses.