Adding Straps to My Dress

housedivided319

Hello Ladies! 

First, I would like to introduce myself.  I am Dara...getting married September 16, 2011 in Raleigh.  We've been engaged since September 2010, but I haven't gotten much planning done, so with 2011 upon us, I'm starting to stress a little bit.  I just haven't really felt like a real bride, but I think I will if I can make a decision on my dress.   

I found a dress that I love at Victorian Rose bridal, but found the same dress online for anywhere from $300 - $500 less.  The sites I was looking at included Victoria's Bridal Couture and House of Brides.  Anyone have any experience ordering from sites like these?  I was thinking if I ordered with a credit card, that would give me the best recourse in case the appropriate item wasn't shipped, or was damaged, etc., I could always dispute the charge through my credit card company.  

My original concern about purchasing the dress online is that I would like to have straps added to the dress, in addition to a little embellishment.  My dress is all lace.  I discussed these alterations with the consultant at Victorian Rose, and she indicated that they could order extra lace that would match that on my dress to add the straps, in addition to ordering and affixing the embellishment.  Victorian Rose will obviously not perform alterations on any dress not purchased through their boutique.  In following the boards, it seems that Olga may be the way to go, but I'm not sure how/if I would be able to get extra lace for the straps that would match my dress perfectly.  

Does anyone know if this is something that would only be sold to qualified retailers?  Any suggestions?  

I would appreciate any help or advice you could offer.  Thanks in advance! 

jmp0930

First off I would like to say hi!!! We are wedding weekend buddies (im getting married Sept. 18th). I haven't heard much reviews on the two sites you are referring to but Pearls Place seems to be a very popular place to get your dress for less. They usually have all the dresses you could ever want and they can end up saving you lots of money. I would call them and see if they have your dress for less and see if you can order the extra fabric through them. If you can get the fabric then I would def. recommend Olga (but call soon). She's doing my dress and I called her in November to schedule my fittings. Hope this helps and I look forward to hearing more about your wedding!

pirategal03

I've heard good things and bad things about House of Brides regarding their bridesmaid dresses.  Some people have had trouble getting them shipped in time, others have had no trouble at all.  I haven't heard any comments about their bridal line.

I don't recall anything specific about Victoria's.

I think that any reputible seamstress would be able to help you add straps.  Would it be possible to order the dress in an extra long size, so there would be extra material after hemming?

NcsuPsych

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina_adding-straps-dress?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:115Discussion:9ff1ecbd-4821-4cda-a72e-5a8d825dd652Post:31410b33-5832-46f9-9d80-bcdc9b3fcb4a">Re: Adding Straps to My Dress</a>:
[QUOTE]I've heard good things and bad things about House of Brides regarding their bridesmaid dresses.  Some people have had trouble getting them shipped in time, others have had no trouble at all.  I haven't heard any comments about their bridal line. I don't recall anything specific about Victoria's. I think that any reputible seamstress would be able to help you add straps. <strong> Would it be possible to order the dress in an extra long size, so there would be extra material after hemming?</strong>
Posted by pirategal03[/QUOTE]

This was my thought extactly. When I ordered my dress online, it had a lot more extra length (I measured my length wrong). It would have def. been enough material fabric  to make straps.

Also, be sure to check BBB and see if the website has any reviews or ask here.  I didn't get my dress from pearl's place, but it was from a site similar. Ordering via them + extra length still came out to be over $400 cheaper than ordering through the B&M store.

Good luck!

reba44

Hi!  Let me tell you I have had a couple friends buy their gowns online, and had no problems.  Just make sure you order the size you tried on or go by there size charts. 
I also have a wonderful seamstress in the Raleigh area you can use.  Renee has altered a few of my friends gowns and is doing mine.  She has a degree in design she has worked doing bridal alterations for 30 years, and works for bridal stores in the area.  Her workroom is in her home, she makes you feel comfortable and does a wonderful job.  Her work is beautiful!  You will love having her work on your dress.  She also sold me my veil and jewerly.  Google, Just Sew by Renee.  Here is her number 919-753-3898.

laurenes

Just wanted to give you the heads up that if you want to use Olga call her NOW. I called her to see if she could fit me in before my may wedding and she told me she's booked through July. .

NcsuPsych

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina_adding-straps-dress?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:115Discussion:9ff1ecbd-4821-4cda-a72e-5a8d825dd652Post:362f2a1c-54e2-4b28-804a-fd944846aa95">Re: Adding Straps to My Dress</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi!  Let me tell you I have had a couple friends buy their gowns online, and had no problems.  Just make sure you order the size you tried on or go by there size charts.  I also have a wonderful seamstress in the Raleigh area you can use.  Renee has altered a few of my friends gowns and is doing mine.  She has a degree in design she has worked doing bridal alterations for 30 years, and works for bridal stores in the area.  Her workroom is in her home, she makes you feel comfortable and does a wonderful job.  Her work is beautiful!  You will love having her work on your dress.  She also sold me my veil and jewerly.  Google, Just Sew by Renee.  Here is her number ***-***-****.
Posted by reba44[/QUOTE]

Please pay no attention to this post. This is a vendor and obviously has NOT read the rules.