The Dress

Overview: Lace was not something I originally had in mind for my wedding dress, but when I tried this on I fell in love. The design of this dress made me feel radiant and confident. It was flattering to my curves (my hips are about 10" wider than my waist) and the straps were supportive so I didn't have to worry about it falling down (small chest problems). I found it to be the perfect combination of traditional because of the lace yet modern with the illusion back and jeweled belt my seamstress sewed on with simple stitching along my waistline. The train was long enough to be elegant in our ceremony and wedding photos and I was able to pick it up to move around so it wouldn't drag on the ground at times (like when the ground was wet during our first look). I wore a medium-length veil and will include it with the dress. This dress made me feel like a queen and I am hoping it can do the same for someone else on their big day!

Undergarments: With the illusion back, I did not wear a bra but instead wore NuBra Silicone 3D adhesive bra cups and low Spanx. My biggest advice would be to try out the undergarments before the wedding day - I neglected to do this and spent a bit of time throughout the day readjusting to make sure the Spanx didn't ride up and become visible in the back.

Noticeable wear: A few minor spots where lace has lifted a little, one of the stitches that attaches the belt has come undone (could easily be reattached by a seamstress), and a couple of light foundation marks near the shoulders/straps. It is in great shape and has been professionally cleaned.

Alterations

A jeweled belt was added around the waistline to add bling and accentuate my curves. It is attached with simple stitching and could be removed or repurposed if desired. The sides of the dress were taken in just a bit to hug my shape more. A bow bustle is possible to style to bring up the train. Ribbons were sewn into the train with color-coded thread to make bustling easier (i.e. match the ribbon with red thread to another ribbon with red thread). My bridesmaids helped bustle the dress following the ceremony and pictures (so the train was down during the ceremony and pictures and then bustled for the reception).