Hi Brides, 

 This dress was not from my boutique but the bride asked me if I could do some alterations on it, and I agreed because June is not a busy month for weddings.

 This dress had no bust support, and with the back being cut so low there was nothing to hold the bride in nor hide a traditional bra. I raised the back line, boned it in three places to give it some structure and added buttons and loops to the centre back to allow the bride to get in and out. She also needed the dress running in under the bust and I added in sleeves at the bride's request, which was quite difficult because of the shape of the armscye (armhole). This cut away section needed a mock sleeve to allow the head of the sleeves more easement so that the bride could move.

 These were all extreme alterations that cost a significant amount. The bride and her mother trusted no one else except for me to be able to pull them off.  I asked the bride what made her purchase a dress that required so many alterations and she said that she fell in love with the lace. Brides, PLEASE first consider the fit and structure and quality of a dress before committing to purchasing, because even those dresses made from lovely fabric might need a lot of work to make them work! 

 I’ve been altering quite a few gowns from other boutiques, something I don't usually enjoy doing. I find the changes the brides have wanted have been expensive. Some of these changes are to the pattern-making of the gowns, where brides have been mis-advised by sales assistants about what could be changed in the dress. Brides need to be more informed before making such a large purchase, and they should be able to trust their sales assistant with this information; however, often it is knowledge that only a seamstress would have. 

Brides, sometimes it’s just best to choose another dress.

Follow link for video of alterations

https://youtube.com/shorts/yY7jLYtKeyA?feature=share

 Connie xox