Major alterations??

What are your concerns? It looks nice. Those are questions I would ask a seamstress. The skirt seems to be more of a fitted a line almost trumpet.

I doubt it. That skirt is meat to be an A-line not trumpet. IF it’s possible it might cost you as much as a new dress. You might just be panicking but can you go this weekend to look at off-the-rack dresses? Try on trumpets and mermaids.

I'm trying to figure out how to make it feel more sophisticated or interesting. I didn't want the predictable dress.

View Quoted Comment I had a trumpet that I loved and had years ago... But with memories from then too... I donated right after my fh and I met....

I’m sure it can be done, but it will likely cost more than just buying a new dress.

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I feel you can dress down any dress or dress it up. I feel A line is sophisticated. I think mermaid is more to add a sexy appeal which if that is what you want go for it. I think the type of veil, jewelry and hair style will determine how sophisticated. Maybe add a sparkling belt? Are you having dress regret?

I went about 5 months out and ordered a dress from David's Bridal. They did end up rushing it, but that was for a designer dress that they made. So if you're really not feeling it, there are options. Maybe a belt would help? Change the sleeves?

View Quoted Comment Well THAT dress had to go. 😘 But perhaps go ASAP to try on a few more to either confirm you got the right dress for you, or the new one will jump out and say “THIS is it!” 🎉

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I've had second thoughts for a month or two... Trying to talk myself out of it... trying... lol!

This is another view of it - I'm an hourglass... Maybe the issue is just that it needs altered. And majorly shortened, I'm 5'1" without heels.

Front and back on a real person, not me... lol!

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Maybe I should do this!!!

The dress is so beautiful. My dress is also an essence of Australia and those dresses are too much. I have two dresses, one from Davids and the other from essence. I'm not wearing the David one by the way. But with the Davids bridal brand, my dress came in 2 weeks. But i would definitely reconsider the dress. Its just so pretty.

View Quoted Comment Lol understandable. It's hard seeing other dresses bc we think this one is prettier. Can you exchange?

I am sure it can be done but the cost of it probably will not be worth it for you to still not like it. I would go and see if you can find one off the rack that you like.

View Quoted Comment You would or wouldn't reconsider? It is so pretty.

I just saw a description on a salon page. It's supposed to be a 'fit and flare'....

I think it's possible to alter an a-line to a trumpet skirt, but you'd need to consult a seamstress to be sure, because it would depend on how much extra fabric there was in the dress, what the material is made of, and how it fits you. A subtle A-line wouldn't flare out much after the hips/legs and might look more like a fit-and-flare dress than a full trumpet/mermaid skirt because there just wouldn't be a ton of extra fabric. A seamstress would know best and could give you a cost estimate as well, because I imagine it would be a bit more expensive that a simple side seam alteration or hem on an uncomplicated fabric.

As for the back, it might impact the structure of the dress and how it sits on you. Typically dress backs have some role in supporting the dress on you, and if you just removed fabric the front might not have enough structure or be cut in a way that the dress would still hang appropriately. Again, consulting a seamstress directly would be the best way to get answers to your questions, and a better idea of what the cost might be.

Major alterations can be expensive. I think most of the time its most cost effective to buy the dress you actually want than buy a less expensive dress and try to change it into the dress you want. While all situations are different, typically if you want to majorly change more than one thing, it's probably better to choose a different dress.

I talked to my fiance - he had no problems with me wanting to switch my dress if I want to! In fact he insisted that I go try on others so that I am sure.

Dress appointment for tomorrow... The saga continues... lol!