Upcycling My Wedding Dress

We have some seamstresses around our city that seem on the border of altering gowns, making them and selling designer's gowns. Maybe check that option.

View Quoted Comment What are some of them, so I can research?

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Oops. The first one I was checking on no longer does alterations. Orange County Wedding Salon | Love and Lace Bridal Salon

I had not checked their place since the covid stuff happened.

This place mentions more alteration services. It just seems that a fancier seamstress (and some boutiques) offer a variety of options. Sorry. I forgot to say Orange County california.

Tailoring & Alterations | Brea, CA | Dantella Bridal & Tailoring

"Our team of professional seamstresses have more than 30+ years of experience working in the Bridal Industry and are skilled in hand beading, re-sizing dresses, hand lace work, etc., to make your dress fit custom to your body"

I just meant that this type of store might be found elsewhere. A qualified seamstress can even start from scratch.

View Quoted Comment Thank you for all the options, I will definitely look into them!

That’s so nice you’ll be wearing your moms dress! Congratulations!


I took my dress to a small laundromat/seamstress. It is just her and her daughter who own and work there. Although, all she did was alter my dress, I believe she would have been able to transform a dress completely!
I think what’s most important is you find a seamstress who is recommended to you by a person you know, not solely on reviews. Maybe ask your family to ask around if any of their friends use a seamstress, even just for regular pant hems, etc.

Then you can ask the different seamstresses you find if they would be willing and able to work on it. Look for seamstresses that have a lot of before and after pictures on their reviews or social media.

And lastly, be cognizant of weight fluctuations. If you get the dress to fit to your body too early, you might run the risk of having to change it again. Good luck and can’t wait to see pictures!

Someone also posted about getting a full custom dress done through a seamstress and paid $800 for it. So something should work out. That discussions is at: https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/dress-prices/a778724fd2db8840.html

View Quoted Comment I will check it out!