Hemming a dress with train

Is the lace all the way up the white, or just at the train? Anything in which has the lace on it, the lace would have to be moved to keep the current pattern. The straps could be shortened which would bring the dress up without moving the lace, but that only goes so far. With a dress that detailed in lace (and possibly crystals) any short of major alterations like that (a 7 inch alteration is major) may be very costly and could possibly not come out the way you want it to.

Do you have somewhere in mind to get the alterations done? If so, I would bring very detailed and close up pictures to them to ask if it's even possible before purchasing. They may say yes, but the price would be too much, yes and its in your budget or no, it would be too difficult. But be aware, any change with that much lace is intricate and tough work and often involves re-hand stitching the lace back on.

View Quoted Comment Thank you for such a detailed answer. There is laces all the way up and down the dress so that was my concern. I think the alteration would have to be too much with the height difference.

Hi Kari,

I had the same problem. the dress I bought was long. in fact every time I buy clothes they will need to be altered because I'm short. I am looking at the picture you posted. I don't think the bottom needs to be touched at all. if you are shorter the bottom lace will just spread out and form a heart shape . The only thing you need to worry is the front. The picture doesn't show the front of the dress. If the front has a slit or an opening then you should be fine but if not, you may have to alter the front so you wouldn't be stepping on it. and yes Oriana is right. the strap could pull several inches and also if you are planning to wear a high heels, that would also help. you can also wear a petticoat to help bloom and spread the bottom.

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This is the front. It has lace detail from the bottom to the hip I’ll add more pictures if I can

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this will help spread the bottom lace. it will also create room inside for your feet so you don't trip. I found this in amazon but you can also look at etsy or walmart. don't lose hope girl. everything is possible you just have to find the right person to help you

Often the lace on the bottom of wedding dresses is removable - it's tacked in such a way that it can be removed in alterations, the skirt shortened, and then the lace re-attached.

I would double check with an alterations person first, but it might be possible without too much expense. The only other issue I foresee is that when you remove length, you are also removing some of the volume in the bottom, naturally. So the shape may not be as broad across the bottom as you might hope.

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Thank you!!