Alternating Ideas For Old Dress

NicRen17

My grandmother passed away back in December. Before she passed, she handled down her gown to my cousin (her granddaughter) for her September wedding. My cousin used the buttons from the dress for the back of her own gown. My cousin kindly gave me the dress for use for my own wedding in November. The dress was never preserved and I believe at one time on a metal hanger. the top portion is very discolored. There is some beautiful parts of the lace that could be re-used into something different but I have no idea how to detach it or what to re-used it for. My mom thought one of the sleeves could be used to wrap the stems of my flowers in. I would like to use some for may be an heirloom piece. I am at loss here.

I did try soaking the top in warm water and a mild soap. It did remove some of the discoloration but I think the rest is set in from time.I am in awe of how beautiful is must have been back in my Grannie's day.

Here are some photos of the dress. Pardon my cat, he was very interested in my doings.

kvruns

My mom makes baskets (Longaberger type) and she made my flower girl basket and then used part of her veil around the top edge of the basket and maybe the handle too.  Maybe you can do something like that with a flower girl or ring bearer if that person is also a relative of your grandmother?

NicRen17

That's a super sweet idea! Unfortunately I don't htink I am going to have much of a bridal party (including a flower girl) and if I have a ring-bearer (which I probably will) it will be my fiance's son who had no connection or relation to my Grannie (my dad's mother). 

I am thinking of taking the back portion and making a handkerchief to carry (my something old?) but I worry taking apart the dress will cause the lace to fray and fall apart and I'll ruin it.

I've thought of cutting the top off and using the tulle as a petticoat to my own dress and give it some boost. It would probably need to be hemmed due to the original train of the dress.

msuprincess04

I can't see the photos, but what about using the lace in a headpiece as a flower accent somplace? Another option is to simply cut a small piece and have it attached to the underside of the dress, that way it's still there. I actually really like the idea of using it to wrap your flowers in. As it doesn't sound like anyone plans on using the dress as a dress, I wouldn't worry so much about making it unusable.

NicRen17

Oh bummer. It must have been because it was linked from my email.

I'd have to look into the idea with the headpiece/veil. I have a veil but I am still looking into a headpiece. 

Its definitely nothing anyone would want to wear later. I am just hoping to have it "white" enough to use. There are a lot of colored spotting.

blabla89

What kind of shape is the skirt in? Do you like it? Maybe you could take it to a seamstress and have a new bodice custom made.

OliveOilsMom

You could try to take it to a reputable dry cleaners to attempt to get the stains out.  But make sure you find someone that has good reviews online for the type of work you need.  Maybe start with getting dry cleaning recommendations from co-workers and friends.

If you are afraid to cut it, you could always go to a seamstress and have her do it for you.  Again, get recommendations for one.

NicRen17

The skirt is just a plain looking tulle. It wasn't even originally hemmed. Thanks for the ideas!!

Giaspo

The gown is beautiful and it is wonderful that you want to use it. I've seen where brides have had a heart shape cut from the lace and then stitched into the inside of their gown. No one can see it though, if you don't mind that. I did this with my dad... He passed before my wedding and I took the saint medal he wore every day and stitched it inside my gown, over my heart. It was easy to do and meant a lot. Good luck!

ILoveBeachMusic

I think both the ideas of wrapping some of the lace around your bouquet and having an handkerchief made are wonderful ideas. Even if the ring bearer is related to your grandmother, a pillow made from the lace would mean something to you. My daughter is using the pillow that my ring bearer carried in my wedding 32 years ago. If it had been made from lace from her my grandmother's gown, it would be even that more special.

novella1186

I agree with PP; take the dress to a seamstress and have her remove the lace for you to avoid serious damage. There are different types of scissors that can help avoid frayed edges and whatnot, and certain ways/places to make the cuts that could make a difference. 

You could remove some of the lace and use it as an applique on a clutch (which you could then use even after the wedding). I also like the idea of having a handkerchief to carry made from the dress, or something wrapped around your bouquet.