The Dress

This dress was a dream to wear! And super flattering.
Stretchy through the bodice, with a great split, made it easy to walk and dance!

I bought a US 16 and had to have it brought in quite a bit, so now it really is an Aus 16. There are only minor marks at the hem which you could definitely take up if it bothered you without losing any drama.
I’m 174 cm = 5 feet 8.504 inches and I wore comfy heels on the day.
There is also a small train at the back.
Please see the alterations description.

I bought the dress from BHLDN from Anthropologie in the US, so I had to pay import duties and then altered it.
$995 US + exchange + approx $300 AUS import taxes + $450 AUS alterations.
You can check out the original dress and Google other brides. You will see how open it was at the front.

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/bhldn-tadashi-shoji-dawson-gown?color=011&size=2&inventoryCountry=AU&countryCode=AU&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=AU%20-%20Smart%20Shopping%20-%20BHLDN&utm_content=AU%20-%20SS%20-%20Womens%20-%20BHLDN&utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&creative=519430236920&device=c&matchtype=&network=u&utm_kxconfid=vx6rd81ts&gclid=CjwKCAjwtp2bBhAGEiwAOZZTuC07NSNiNoAzs_aQxr2yVsDjDxN2TyNZzqILQWJwbfqEkIAWtA49LBoCS4gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

I don't have my professional photos yet and can share some when they come if you are interested.

Alterations

I replaced the sleeves with pure silk sleeves with slits as the original were quite wintery and had triple layers. You could remove them...It would look great either way, I have bigger arms so I chose to cover.
I had silk sheer inserts in the deep neckline for a little more discretion as I am quite busty.
I created a 'V' opening in the back.
I added hooks at the back so that I could hitch the small train when I danced, but in the end I didn't need to use them!