REDO MOTHERS DRESS

I would say lose the sleeves. The body of the dress is gorgeous, but those poofy sleeves drive me nuts!

I think it's lovely as is-- I wish MY mom had had taste like that, but she wore suits to all three of her weddings!

Lose the sleeves, but if you can add straps to it.

The dress honestly looks great, just remove the sleeves.

This is probably one of the best ones I've seen needing the least amount of alterations. Just get rid of those 80s poufy sleeves. :o)

I agree that removing the sleeves would be a great start--it will feel like a completely different gown when you do that.

Where are you located? I would seek out a seamstress with design experience to help you re-imagine the dress and execute the new design. If you can find someone in your area who specializes in custom dresses, I think that's your best bet.

Definitely do research and try to find an independent seamstress who has worked with wedding dresses. If I were altering that dress, I think I'd actually try it as a halter or with a high neckline of some sort. Absolutely ditch the sleeves.

I think it would be stunning with the sleeves removed and off the shoulder short sleeves added in a lace similar to that at the bottom of the dress.

I would also consider finding people that work in a costume department. What you are describing is something that I used to do all the time with costumes, sometimes bridal gowns. Taking one dress and changing it here and there to either fit another actor, or have a different look for a new show.

From what I'm seeing it looks like a pretty decent fit. I agree with others, Just take the sleeves off then go from there.

This dress is proof when I say that not all the dresses from that time had sleeves that looked like this: (in the picture)