The Dress

This dress is unique in the sense that it flatters a bigger body shape without any bulging. In other words, it is firm in the right places, but still comfortable. From my experience when wedding dress shopping I also get a sense that long sleeve wedding dresses in larger sizes are a rarity for some unknown reason. I felt beautiful and confident in the dress, which is a big deal for me. The dress fit perfectly after the alterations (listed below). It is firm and secure up top and long and flowy down the bottom. The dress is in excellent condition as I had it dry cleaned straight after the wedding. There is a little bit of pilling on the bottom (underside of the skirt where it dragged on the floor behind me), but it isn’t obvious when the dress is on. All of the lace and beading is in perfect condition.

Alterations

If you want to see a catalogue image of the dress prior to alternations search ‘Allure Bridals style 9515’. It originally had a much lower back, a sheer plunge panel in the front and two obvious cups around the breasts. I had the cups removed and the bodice filled to make the plunge less dramatic, reduce cleavage, and to allow me to wear a proper strapless bra. Wearing no bra was not an option for me, because of my bigger bust, and when I wore a bra with the low back (prior to alternations) it was obvious, even when the bra was a nude colour. The dress was also hemmed at the bottom to suit my height (170cm). The alternations cost $600.