gifted wedding gown altered ?!

silia88

Well, I obviously need help and some brainstorming.
Here's the thing: My grandma used to own a bridal store and had some gowns stored for 20 years. A few days ago I paid her a visit and I found THE dress!!! However, there are two disadvantages regarding it.
1) the zip won't go up (and I doubt it will, even if i have it loosened)
2) the neckline is too high for me. I'm only 5' 2' and seem to be covered in fabric.
Any ideas as to how alter it without destroying the beautiful embroidery???
We have thought of making the back a keyhole one and adding a pale pink ribbon, but what shall we do with the front??

Ven&Radio

Maybe a seamstress could rework the neck into a V or halter style?  The dress is very pretty, but you're right, that neckline needs an update.

RebeccaFlower

Find the best seamstress in your town. However, be prepared that these types of alterations don't come cheap. 

silia88

You're exactly in my mind!!! I was discussing about a halter neckline or if possible a V- neck one!!! Let's hope, that it won't cost that much.......

emz101

I actually really like the neckline, it almost looks to me that the waist needs to be lowered if that is possible. I agree with the others find the best seamstress and be prepared to pay a good chunk.

msuprincess04

I like it the way it is. I'd probably get rid of the collar that actually sits against your neck, but that'd be an easy alteration. The rest looks great, and not too much fabric at all. It's illusion lace, so it's not heavy and adds interesting detail.

hyechica81

if the dress was properly stored after all these years a good seemstress should have no problem altering it tell them you want it to look modern you want the high neckline removed some of the lace on the neckline needs to go maybe adding the keyhole back do you like the cap sleeves 

you know what would look good if you took spagettie or thicker straps and attached it to the inside of the dress and had the lace overlay over the straps it might look good 

http://www.dhresource.com/albu_127594102_00-1.0x0/thick-straps-satin-champagne-bridal-wedding.jpg straps like this and the lace going over it 

NYCMercedes

Look through magazines and go to a couple stores to try on modern gowns to see what neckline you like. Then take a picture to a seamstress for alterations. I can see it strapless, spaghetti straps, or even just a sheer jewel neckline with a slip under. It's beautiful.

cathy19890

I have been seeing a lot of this type of neckline recently:  http://www.rosaclara.es/images/colecciones_web/two_2015/foto1/vestido_de_novia_two_8A103.jpg  It looks like it could be a pretty simple conversion.

silia88

Oh!! Thank you so much for replies!!!! I am considering 3 options:
1) adding cap sleeves and lowering a bit the neckline
2) widening the neckline to be more bateau-like (and show some neck instead of choking in fabric)
3) cutting a little bit from each side to make it a halter one (and show some shoulder).

The worst is I like it really much the way it is,but think it doesn't suit me...

Ps. I noticed that with high heels (much needed as my groom is tall) the dress becomes ankle-length....

Sorry for bothering you, but it's a unique gift and since such styles have been back in fashion I feel like wearing It...