Yesterday, my Mom and I pulled out her wedding gown from 1979. It's a classic Priscilla of Boston gown....Long lace sleeves, sweet heart neck line, lace through out the dress (not completely lace but in spots) and along the hem of the gown, and is a beautiful light cream wedding satin (satin and wedding satin are different, from what I was told...my mom's a seamstress so she knows these things....Interesting to say the least!). The netting for the lace in the bodice has yellowed some due to oxidation...even though it was preserved, it still yellowed. No biggie, it's just the netting and can be replaced.
My Mom asked me if I wanted to try it on. She said it was a size 10. I was skeptical at first, thinking it may be too big (or too small) as size 10 back then is *somewhat* different than size 10 now. I tried it on and it pretty much fit...other then in the waist and chest area. I'm significantly "larger" in the chest area then she was 34 years ago and I had a child so my waist is not exactly "small."
We discussed the dress some as I looked at it in the mirror. We don't have to mess with the hem at all as I can wear heels and have it be the proper length (shes a bit taller than I am).
As we discussed it some more, I asked if we could modify it so it would fit me and be in the style that I'd love it to be. She said that she would be honored to do so and said that if I wanted to do that we could bring it to her girlfriend as she designs/makes wedding gowns for a living. My Mom said she's confident that she herself could do it, but would enlist the help of her friend.
I'm torn right now because growing up I always said I wanted to wear my Mom's gown, but part of me wants to buy off the rack. Not to mention, I'm not sure if my sister would want to have the dress for when she gets married. I haven't asked my sister as of yet because I know she's busy with getting ready for graduation and packing to move in with my fiance, son and I.
Has anyone worn their Mom's gown but had it modified to fit your own personality/style? If so, any advice? I would LOVE to wear my mother's gown, even if it is modified (I'm not a long sleeve type gal). Please help!