Do open back dresses have more wiggle room?

Each seam on the side usually has a little extra fabric built in so it could be altered, but im not sure about 3 inches.

Eh, they do, but I don't know about 3 inches. The straps might fall off because they're being pulled forward. Usually higher end designers have a good 2 inches to play with, but not more than that, because 2 inches is usually the difference between sizes.

Hmm...Open backs have a tiny bit more wiggle room, but I wouldn't say it's a huge difference. the bust area will still be cut in a way that is for smaller breasts so you might feel squished down/spilling into the sides.

Maybe buying an inexpensive dress and having beading put on to the top area and straps would be more comfortable and affordable? Will for sure save you money in alterations, as taking apart the whole bodice will get pricey

I remember when I did pageants as a teen, a lot of the girls would buy plain dresses and bead/rhinestone them themselves for a much better price,

try this one: https://www.lulus.com/products/taliana-white-lace-button-back-maxi-dress/704532.html?VSSugg=True&amp%3Brrec=true&amp%3Brrec=true

No. Open back dresses have about 1/2 grade on each side of "wiggle room"/aka material and about 1.5 inches in the waist. If your dress is too small in the bust by 2 inches -- that is like going from a 36D to a 36B. Take your measurements with tape, and compare it to the dressmaker in the size chart. Google it if they don't have it handy. If you are not within 1 inch of those measurements, keep looking. I went through this and let me tell you -- it is NOT fun.

I'm not going to be able to describe this well, but bear with me.

If an open back dress is designed for a certain bust, it's designed so that the dress falls appropriately from the shoulders to the floor with that bust measurement in mind. If you are a lot bustier than the dress calls for, your boobs will pull the front of the dress forward and the shoulder strap that goes around the back part of your shoulder will get pulled forward as well, instead of dropping in a nice, smooth line down the back. It won't look quite right or feel comfortable/secure. If the bust measurement was off by an inch I think it would be workable, but not three inches.

If you are on a tight budget and would consider a pre-owned dress, I highly suggest StillWhite. I got a $**** Mikaella gown for $400 and it fits me almost perfectly without alterations (perfect fit with a belly full of food, a little loose when I've only eaten a light breakfast).