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Dedicated September 2019

Wedding Dress Restructuring Need Help!

Teresa, on May 6, 2019 at 10:54 AM Posted in Wedding Attire 0 4

Any seamstresses or brides with experience on the topic of restructuring a wedding dress?

So, through certain events that happened about 10 years ago I bought a wedding dress and I still have it. I thought that I would save money and just wear the beautiful dress I already have. I figured that I would have to do some minor alterations on it but i've tried it on and it needs major help!

The dress is styled as a two piece illusion A-line. The bodice has a seam that makes it look like it's separate from the skirt when it's really not. I hate this because it looks outdated to me and also adds bulk to my tummy area which I don't want to draw attention to at all. Also the halter top neckline completely misses where my bust should be.

My idea is to have the dress restructured. Remove the back of the bodice to make it a low back style and remove the halter band in order to add thick straps...like a t-shirt style bodice. Sew the seam of the bodice so that it's not noticeably sticking out...giving an illusion that it's one piece. Has anyone gone through the process of wedding dress restructuring? Any seamstresses who can give advice?

I know that buying a new dress is an easier option but if I can use the one I have and pay for alterations even if costs $300-$600 I would do it because altering the dress would still be cheaper than buying a new dress at least from what I've seen online.

4 Comments

  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Yikes. Sounds like major work and it may cost more than $300-$600 to alter. Is that an actual quote or a guess? You may want a quote from a seamstress first.

    I bought an adorable discontinued wedding dress for less than $200. Can you call a few bridal shops and see what they have in stock and their prices? You may be happier with a newer style dress that looks beautiful on you.
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  • Melissa
    VIP October 2018
    Melissa ·
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    Though I'm not terribly familiar with restructuring, I will chime in and say that my very basic alterations (taking in the top, shortening straps, hemming and just minor tweaks) were in the $400 range. For what you are looking to do, I would anticipate it to be a LOT more. While I see your idea and get why it makes sense, I would absolutely reach out to a seamstress to find out what those sorts of things will cost you - and honestly I think you'll be surprised! It may be worth it to just get a new dress. Good luck, and keep us posted!


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  • T
    Dedicated September 2019
    Teresa ·
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    The price is a complete guess. I'm meeting with a seamstress this weekend. I'm working on going to some bridal shops in the meantime to see if a dress stands out within a budget. I'm crossing my fingers that I can find a way to wear the original dress.

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  • M
    Devoted May 2019
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    I had to have a whole layer added to my dress because I wanted it to flare out more. Since it is a sheath dress and lays kinda more flat than I wanted she had to add it under the two other layers. She also had to make my sleeves larger, hem one layer, replace the cups, take it in, add a belt, add some support ribbing, bustle, and probably other things I can’t remember lol. Anyways, it cost around 510$. Am I happy when I put it on? Yes. My dress is sitting around 2000$ in cost right now after alterations and taxes when I first bought it.
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