Attire & Accessories Forum

Dress Neckline Advice

Has anyone ever put sleeves, jacket, or bolero over a strapless LACE wedding gown? I like gown A below, but want the top half to look more like gown B.

I am getting married in an apple orchard outdoors in the spring, which is why I like gown A (it feels lighter, more casual, more earthy, not to mention makes me feel petite and more modern!) but I tend to feel more comfortable with more coverage up top like gown B.

Gown A is a lace pattern so I'm afraid that any "additions" like sleeves, boleros or jackets will just clash with it.  Has anyone ever added sleeves, cute jackets, or other layers to a lace gown?

Any advice?? Thanks!

Re: Dress Neckline Advice

  • You're totally right about the whole pattern thing. Really, if you want your dress to match completely, you would need to get a bolero made in the same pattern of lace. Are you shorter in height? If so you could order the dress in a longer length, have the bottom cut off by a seamstress, and have her make a matching bolero or shrug. 
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  • Thanks csweaney, I am shorter in height (5'2").  Good idea to have the bottom cut off!!<div>
    </div><div>In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_dress-neckline-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:52749c44-ad1d-468a-a595-bf0c7b6f6980Post:d5a76712-7686-4c16-9db4-647530381340">Re: Dress Neckline Advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]You're totally right about the whole pattern thing. Really, if you want your dress to match completely, you would need to get a bolero made in the same pattern of lace. Are you shorter in height? If so you could order the dress in a longer length, have the bottom cut off by a seamstress, and have her make a matching bolero or shrug. 
    Posted by csweaney[/QUOTE]

    </div>
  • loca4pookloca4pook member
    First Comment Name Dropper 5 Love Its First Anniversary
    edited January 2013
    I ordered a casablanca dress and had THEM put on cap sleeves and change the neckline to a sweetheart. That way, I know the fabric will match and it will flow well. I know Casablanca does it routinely, so ask the store if the designer of your dress does it, as well. I personally think having the original designer do it is probably the safest bet anyhow..

    Look up your designer name/style and see if other brides did it with that dress. I was lucky enough to see the dress I picked out worn by others with those same changes. there are thousands of pics online, you might be able to actually find a pic of another bride wearing it with the changes


    p.s. If you haven't ordered yet, ask if they can do "hem to hollow" since you are short. It appears in the picture that you have a fit/flair. or mermaid..I am wondering how the design of the dress will change if they take that part off at the bottom.

    Sometimes, you lose the entire style of a dress by just chopping it off at bottom OR just takig it in at the waist..Due to your height, you might want to spend the extra money to do "hem to hollow" altering..

    Lace dresses have alot of detail on the bottom so it might not be so easy just to order it longer and cut if off...Seriously (and others here have agreed) ask about "hem to hollow" when ordering your dress.
  • <div>Thanks so much for your advice! i found my dress today and it's nothing like the above two, or even what I pictured but I fell in love!! Here's a pic:</div>
    <a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/0/13/60c41663-4ddc-4222-9d9b-a300e3fd8b59.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/0/13/60c41663-4ddc-4222-9d9b-a300e3fd8b59.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>
    <div>
    </div><div>Would the "hem to hollow" advice still apply for this style?</div><div>
    </div>In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_dress-neckline-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:52749c44-ad1d-468a-a595-bf0c7b6f6980Post:db9a6c9e-8af9-41fb-aec7-df5dfc6e8ae4">Re: Dress Neckline Advice</a>:<div>[QUOTE]I ordered a casablanca dress and had THEM put on cap sleeves and change the neckline to a sweetheart. That way, I know the fabric will match and it will flow well. I know Casablanca does it routinely, so ask the store if the designer of your dress does it, as well. I personally think having the original designer do it is probably the safest bet anyhow.. Look up your designer name/style and see if other brides did it with that dress. I was lucky enough to see the dress I picked out worn by others with those same changes. there are thousands of pics online, you might be able to actually find a pic of another bride wearing it with the changes p.s. If you haven't ordered yet, ask if they can do "hem to hollow" since you are short. It appears in the picture that you have a fit/flair. or mermaid..I am wondering how the design of the dress will change if they take that part off at the bottom. Sometimes, you lose the entire style of a dress by just chopping it off at bottom OR just takig it in at the waist..Due to your height, you might want to spend the extra money to do "hem to hollow" altering.. Lace dresses have alot of detail on the bottom so it might not be so easy just to order it longer and cut if off...Seriously (and others here have agreed) ask about "hem to hollow" when ordering your dress.
    Posted by loca4pook[/QUOTE]

    </div>
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