Wedding dress train

That dress is gorgeous on you! You should do what you want with it. If you don't want the train, then I would have it cut short. I agree with Michelle on the 4 inches or so from the and color giving you the best of both worlds.

As a side note: "Already defending myself because seamstress said she doesn’t know why I purchased this dress when I want to remove some/all of the train." You shouldn't feel like you need to defend yourself - this decision affects no one except *you* - if I were you, I would find a different seamstress and tell that one she needs to keep her opinions to herself in future AND I would be writing a review indicating she makes comments like that.

I think it will look beautiful either way. My vote is for you to go with your gut though. It’s your dress, your day, your vision, so don’t let the seamstress (or someone else) guilt you into doing something that is a doable alteration. I imagine it may be quite expensive and timely to remove the lace, cut/hem it, and reattach the lace if you want to do the first option, but, if you have the funds and time, then they should be able to do it (if that's what you want). The second option may be less costly and timely, as not as much lace will be kept.

I also never pictured myself with a train (and mine is far longer than yours). I have my first alterations appointment tomorrow. I'll likely plan on wearing it, as is, for a few photos before the ceremony and the ceremony itself, and then it will be bustled for the rest of the day/night and photos. Do you plan on having it bustled? I'm not sure what type of bustle I'll have, but a friend of mine had hers bustled the whole time (and no one noticed!). She decided a few weeks before her wedding that she didn’t like the train, so she didn't have enough time for additional alterations.

This dress is gorgeous! I can see why you picked it. Go with your vision and don't let anyone persuade you otherwise. I think what you're asking for makes sense, but I'm not experienced with how difficult it would be. Maybe get a second and third opinion from different seamstresses?

Such a beautiful dress! It's a pity to cut this train

I honestly do not care for the bustle. I would trim it to a little longer than your under layer, and if your seamstress has a problem with it, find another! Gorgeous dress!