How much can a dress be altered? Also, custom dresses not from China?

stelle413

I love the skirt on this Vera Wang White from David's Bridal, but I would really like to have straps and a sweetheart neckline.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tulle-Ball-Gown-with-Lace-Appliques-VW351162_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Designer-White-by-Vera-Wang

How realistic would it be to alter the Vera Wang White to look like the composite picture?  If I already want to customize it that much, and can't find another dress like the one I want, should I just think about having a custom dress made?  I've heard that you need to be careful about the custom dress makers in China, but what about TingBridal on Etsy, who appears to be in DC and has more realistic prices ($950)?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TingBridal

monkeysip

Stelle, I used ting bridal.  Her work is fabulous!  I'd totally recommend her.  She actually has a brick and mortar studio in DC, so she is legit.

I can't tell you exactly what is possible with the dress you showed me, but I'm sure a good seamstress (like Ting) could tell you.

monkeysip

Also, make sure you try on some dresses beforehand so you know what looks good on you!  I had already tried on a million dresses before I went the custom route, so I knew what looked good on me/what I really liked.  I just needed Ting to make it because all the components I liked didn't exist in any dress I could find!

lizandmark2014

I second monkeysip.

bellasmomma2

Adding straps is pretty easy.  I am not sure about the neckline.  As was said before, try on some dresses first.  I absolutely did NOT want a strapless dress, but after I tried them on, I was ok with them.