Help! What to do with my project dress?

Lena+Davey

Hi everyone,
This is my first time posting and I'm really in need of some advice/discussion! I'm getting married in 6 weeks and I'm starting to panic. I did what everyone says NOT to do when getting a dress - first I bought a dress online, then I decided to do the modifications myself. Although I loved the overall shape of the dress when it arrived, I hated the cheap-looking optical white lace covering it, so I decided I'd replace the layers of lace with with chiffon and cluny lace (I'm pretty comfortable with my sewing skills, although I'm no seamstress). I have the bodice and the first few tiers of lace and chiffon, but I'm becoming overwhelmed with how much I have left to do...and I don't know if it will look right when I'm done anyway!

The photos (sorry they're so poor, my apartment has terrible lighting) show the overall structure of the dress with all the original lace layers I'd have to replace and the modified bodice and the first 3 lace and chiffon layers I've done (though the color difference between the lace and chiffon looks less awful in person than it does in the photo).

So...any thoughts? Does the cluny lace look tacky with the chiffon? Should I just use chiffon and ditch the lace? Or should I save my sanity and my time and head down to David's Bridal (despite my very tight budget)? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

wandajune6

I can't tell what I'm seeing nor do I really know the goal.

I think you need to think through what you're capable of handling. If you buy a dress off the rack at David's or online at Target or something like that, you may have the time to get any necessary alterations done. If you are looking for the safe option, I'd head to David's ASAP.

I think you need to be honest with yourself about what you can realistically get done before the wedding, particularly considering the craziness that happens as you get closer to the date. You also need to decide how "perfect" it needs to look.

You could also consider taking it to a tailor to see what can be done.

We can't tell you what to do but think through how you handle stress.

Good luck!

climbingsingle

Honestly, I would go to DB and find an alternate dress. 

Knottie37373131

I would head to Davids bridal and find an alternative. I am all for shopping and searching for cheap options. I am definitely going to go to Davids bridal for my dress. I even found my reception dresses at Rue 21 for $25 dollars. I got two of them so I have options, but when it comes to the wedding dress I want to know I have something that will look good on my wedding day.

Senecaf

That is a lot of lace to replace. Have you already purchased your fabric? I think I can see your vision but, sadly I don't think it is worth it. It will probably not meet your expectations. And will be a lot of work in the next few weeks.

Lena+Davey

Thank you all so much for your responses! I think you are absolutely right, and I'll try to look for another dress this week. I really needed to just hear some other opinions on the situation! I was trying to make it work without paying for TWO dresses, but I think getting another one is the best decision. This will save me a lot of stress in the next few weeks. Thanks for being such a great community!