Alterations on a lace dress

Holding back the dress to fit.

How it fits without holding it.

My opinion is that you are better off buying it to fit you. I've heard that if you need to go down more than a size it's a lot of work to get it altered so I would think pretty pricey. It also probably depends on where/ who alters it. Good luck on your decision

Thanks @Erin

I had a lace dress and it was two separate pieces with a lace overlay and a satin slip underneath. My alterations cost a little over $300, which included a hem, sides taken in, two point bustle, and a belt sewn on.

Thank you all! Very helpful

The dress is beautiful! Definitely a bargain if you can buy it used. And like someone else said, it's probably not far off from what you'd have to order anyway. My dress is very similar with all of the lace detail, and a b*tch to alter. I had it taken down about two whole sizes in every place but the hips. My seamstress was a friend's mom, and she told me that if she does the alterations at the bridal salon where she works, it would be ~$660, but if I let her take it home and work on it during her down time, she would only charge me $440. & She did a beautiful job! Ask around - chances are, you know someone who knows someone who's a seamstress!