Modesty Alterations for a not so modest bride

bridesontherun

I purchased my dress 2nd hand. It's panels of lace top to bottom in horizontal lines. It's Also a low cut V Neck. When I put it on it feels like my breasts are going to fall out, even though I know better as I have a fantastic bra underneath. I'm never going to be able to match the lace or the color. It's an eggshell white, almost antique lace looking, but not that deep of color. My preferred neckline is V-neck, I wear them almost daily, and am very comfortable with even lower cut ones. I'm a fan if you've got it flaunt it, but I don't want to feel like they are going to fall out any moment.

I'm a pretty accomplished costume seamstress in my spare time, so I've always done my own casual alterations. I have no experience hiring a seamstress and how to know what their qualification level is, or how or what to even ask for. I know I don't want a Frankenstein dress where the modesty panel doesn't go with the dress at all, and matching it would be impossible, and it fits like a glove so there's no taking it in and using the extra fabric.

So I'm thinking a beaded/crystallized lace appliqué in the V of the V- neck should solve that problem? But I've also been considering a more elaborate design. What if I had the seamstress make a sheer panel that ran the length of the V on both sides and the bottom all the way to the top of the shoulder, and even around the back of the dress (which is also a V). And then crystallized the panel with a design in the crystals that compliments the lace. I could add a matching crystallized sash, and even have them make a cap type sleeve. Has anyone seen a dress or alterations like I'm describing? I'd love to have an image to show the person who will be working on my dress, my vision. I can't imagine it's unique...

Or has anyone done any alterations for modesty, that are not *that* modest? Any tips or pictures welcome. I have scoured the internet and Pinterest, but maybe I'm just not using the correct key words?

blabla89

Do you have any pictures of your dress? The ladies here usually have great ideas but a visual of what you're talking about really helps.

MandyMost

bridesontherun said:

What if I had the seamstress make a sheer panel that ran the length of the V on both sides and the bottom all the way to the top of the shoulder, and even around the back of the dress (which is also a V). 

As soon as you said this, I thought of this dress...

It's obviously different from what you're describing, but it has the sheer lining around the v-neck. I can't say without seeing the dress, but I think something like this might be much chicer than doing a panel at the bottom of the v!

buttercup1958

@MandyMost

I agree with mandy. I think adding the sheer lining would look really classy with your dress and not take away from it.

atlastmrsg

Just be careful with bedazzling.  It can look really costume-y or Toddlers and Tiaras when you start adding crystals.

theartistformerlyknownas

I think it can look really pretty, and still sexy because it's sheer. You'll feel more secure with that illusion neckline there, but still be able to see through it. I would definitely ask to see examples of the seamstress' past work to know it's something she's capable of.

doeydo

I think adding a little sheer material to the bust area might help you feel more secure but still sexy.  Below is kind of what I mean:

bridesontherun

Thank you ladies! I do like the sheer panels, but I would really want to bling it. Not toddlers in tiara style, but more vintage Hollywood. And @atlastmrsg‌ that issue of becoming costume-y is a real concern, as I am an amateur costumer! There's a line there and I may first have to go over it and come back.

I have a consultation on Friday to see what can be done.

Here's the picture of my dress as requested. However, the model seems to have hers already altered as mine seems to be way lower cut and wider on the V on the chest. Mine is ivory, not quite as white as this photo seems to display.
http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mnhM2aE3HhOwvuL9co-YTXw.jpg
sorry I couldn't get the actual photo to post in the thread

theartistformerlyknownas

The model may just be wearing fashion tape.

hyechica81

my wedding dress was a mori lee 3090 with a sweetheart neckline but not a deep sweetheart with one shoulder strap which i was not comfortable with so i ordered a second strap to add to the dress.

my church i grew up in and got married in required me to be covered for the ceremony i had to have a small bolero made up

this was me with my altered top two straps instead of one

bridesontherun

@hyechica81‌ That is a really good alteration, it looks like it was always meant to have two straps!

bridesontherun

@lolo883 ‌ the model may be wearing tape, but the bottom of the ve is set much higher on her bosom than mine is, I don't think they achieved that with tape. Perhaps post processing editing, or perhaps hers just fits better than mine. My V goes all the way under my breasts to where the bottom of my bra is. And when moving around it can cause the V to shift and show my bra cup on one or the other breast. I tried pinning part that goes over the bra cup to the bra I was wearing, and even that didn't help the sifting when say, getting up or sitting down. I have a photo of me in the dress somewhere. I'll see if I can find it...

bridesontherun

Here is a picture of me in the dress so you can get some ideas perhaps to provide a bit of coverage, but still keeping the dress cohesive.

buttercup1958

I think adding lace with some amount of tiny beading would work. That way it will support, tie into the lace already on the dress, and add that sparkle you wanted.

bridesontherun

buttercup1958 said:

I think adding lace with some amount of tiny beading would work. That way it will support, tie into the lace already on the dress, and add that sparkle you wanted.

How do you get lace that "goes" but doesn't "match"?

NYCMercedes

Take the dress to the store and see what coordinates with it. Are you wearing the black accessories? If so, you could add black trim.

bridesontherun

No on the black. My wedding colors are grey and blush, but I'm not sure on adding color. It may make me feel it's just another event instead of my wedding. I have my appointment on Friday for alterations. Mostly I was just looking for ideas to bring up, or how to best describe what I'm thinking in my head. You ladies have come up with some that are close and will help! Seems I just may end up being one of a kind Also my alterations specialist is a lovely person, but I'm afraid if I leave the creativity up to him things may go a bit overboard.

hyechica81

a good seemstress can alter a wedding dress to add on things and make the dress look like it was always there on the dress.


often times when they are not good at what they are doing the stuff added on will look added on like the china knockoffs

i would go in show him photos and tell him what you want done or find out what can be done and cant be done so you are all on the same page.

when i did my dress shopping i knew i wanted some kind of straps or cap sleeves or half sleeves and i was able to find a dress i loved that fit that requirement