Attire & Accessories Forum

Grandmother's Grace Kelly Dress - How to make modern?

My grandmother and mother wore the same dress.  It's very Grace Kelly, except there is no lace.  It is all an off-white satin with buttons down the front bodice and a full ball gown skirt.

I'd like to wear it for the ceremony, but I really don't like the style!  It's too conservative for me.

I'm not a vintage-type bride, so I want the dress to look modern.  Ideas?

Also, where could I get it altered (significantly altered!).  Are there any experts in the USA for making vintage dresses modern?

Re: Grandmother's Grace Kelly Dress - How to make modern?

  • Can you post a picture?
  • Have you asked your mother and grandmother how they would feel if you significantly alter the dress?  If they both wore the dress I woudl be concerned about their feelings.

    Another option would be to wear the dress "as is" for the ceremony and then have a different party dress for the reception.
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  • Why would you want to wear the dress if you're just going to significantly alter it? It sounds like you don't like how it looks at all. Can you take a piece of the dress and incorporate it into a dress you pick out or your veil or bouquet? I'm wrapping my bouquet in a piece of my Mom's dress. If you are dead set on wearing this dress you don't like I would suggest trying to research seamstresses in your area, maybe post this on your local board.
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  • Can you maybe just have a photo shoot done in the gown beforehand? Maybe some retro cute engagement pictures? Altering the gown that much kind of defeats the purpose of wearing it.
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  • I see y'alls point (yes I'm from TX lol) about altering it, which changes the exact reason of wearing the dress.  I suppose I just want to take the long sleeves off and make it a strapless, halter or small strap dress.  I'll need to alter it anyways, because when my mom wore it she was a 32F and had a 25" waist....which is NOT me!

    I think both of them would be okay with me altering it.  I know my mom altered it in the 80's already from when my grandma wore it in the 40's.
  • If you want to alter it that extensively, it might be better just to purchase a gown you like.  At least that way you'll know what it looks like on you.
  • I would recommend you take it to a seamstress to see what is possible and what you might like.  It might be possible to make it sleeveless or strapless, or change the neckline.  

    You mentioned Grace Kelly's dress -- maybe if you want that kind of look you could see about making the dress strapless, then adding a lace or chiffon overlay to the bodice to create an illusion neckline.  Those are very trendy right now, but would preserve some of the original look and silouette of the dress.   

    All of these alterations might not be cost effective, but I really like the idea of wearing the same dress that has been altered to fit you and your personality.
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