Alterations advice

I chose a similar dress and the floor model was a size 12 (I'm a size 6). The assistant clipped it well to show me what it would look like, and pointed out that the cleavage space will be smaller because the overall size will be smaller. Are they ordering you a smaller size, or will you have to alter that one? Once the straps actually fit you it'll tighten up the entire front of the dress. They'll also likely be further in on your shoulders, which will close in some of the gap in the v-neck. From the picture, it really doesn't look bad. It shows off your toned chest and back, which is quite flattering.

I also have a smaller chest. My dress comes with built-in cups, but when it comes in I'll see how it fits and may opt to tape the girls up to give them some lift.

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I tried the sample on in a 6 or 8 (I can't remember) and they clipped it. This is a 4 and I quickly tried it on when I picked it up because I was afraid it would be too small! I'm looking forward to seeing it pinned up. I've tried it on several times since with different garments underneath - none of which work, except the fashion forms stick on enhancers (https://www.fashionforms.com/product/le-lusion-second-skin-2/?v=7516fd43adaa) - I just worry if they'll stay all day.... they also have these https://www.fashionforms.com/product/silicone-skin-cleavage-enhance/?v=7516fd43adaa - which are what I wanted but bloomingdales didn't have them in stock where I bought mine....

It's so easy for the men - take a shower and put on a suit......

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Lol yes it's definitely easier for men, but it's us brides who are the main attraction. I've used stick-on cups before they stayed on fine. Mine had a clasp between them though that would show with such a low v, so make sure whatever you buy doesn't have that. When will the alterations be done? I'd hold off on buying anything until you've tried the dress on after alterations. It may fall differently.

I have a dress with a similar kind of cut in the front it isn't backless but the back is all lace so you can see any kind of bra strap back there. The dress has built in cups but for more support/ommph my seamstress put in padded cups and altered the straps to "keep the girls high" she said. I decided not to go the stick on route because my coworker told me about her experience dancing so much she sweated the sticky stuff off and things were sliding around the rest of the night. The picture is me wearing the dress with the cups added. Hope that helps!

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Oooh, so pretty!

I'm definitely going to ask about adding something beyond what's in the dress already!

Any thoughts on belts ladies????

Adding in cups during alterations can help a little bit. The problem though is without a back to the dress you can’t like push and hook everything in, it’s almost like wearing a bra without the back hooked closed. You could try a Nubra. They stay on great and you can position the cups in different ways to create different kinds of cleavage (more/less cleavage, higher/lower neckline). You do need to watch it with how low the front neckline is though so you’re not seeing the Nubra. Check out the Nubra videos for application and see if that helps you get a better result with the sticky bras you already have?


https://www.nubra.com/push-up-plunge.html

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I think your dress looks beautiful without the belt! Were there any belts you tried with it? Also along with the cups she like took in the straps which helps keep everything lifted without a back.

I agree that well-placed push-up cups/pads can do wonders, even with a backless dress. When the bodice is altered to fit you fairly snuggly, the push-up cups should lift your natural chest up, and potentially in (cleavage!!!). I agree that your seamstress may also suggest shortening your straps a little to lift the dress up a bit on your torso. Daughter is a 36DD and has never needed a push-up bra or padding in her life, until they were trying to get the fit exactly right on her wedding dress. We never expected it, but the "right fix" was adding two sets of cups/pads to her dress bodice (despite the significant built-in structure of the dress). The seamstress sewed a pair of push-up pads into the dress bodice to lift daughter's chest up and then added smaller second pair to fill a small gap between the top of daughter's breasts and the upper edge of the dress. The result was amazing! Daughter looked like the dress had been designed specifically for her body. Like I said, the LAST thing she anticipated needing was padding and it worked wonders. Let your seamstress work some magic! (Beautiful dress -- you look awesome!)

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No doubt, the straps have to come up!

I'm sure the seamstress will know what to do about cups - the dress has some structure built in, but I think it just needs to be taken in everywhere (except the waist).

Sounds like all I will be wearing underneath will be smoothing shorts (i.e., spanx).

I don't think I need a slip - especially one with added poof!

As for the belt - I ordered a relatively reasonably priced one from etsy that I won't be devastated if it doesn't work out (some are really expensive, but I found one for around $50)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/690753094/opal-bridal-belt-with-clasp-thin?ref=also_bought-1&pro=1&frs=1

I thought opals would be pretty and my hair comb/clip thing has opals too

I'm getting excited how everything is coming together! Between song lists for the dj, picking out the food, and my wardrobe, wow! This is really happening!