The Dress

This dress was a dream come true! The chantilly lace with large flower appliques (modern, non-traditional) and structured with natural flow won me over and had everyone swooning. It still has so much to offer, so I hope that you *love* it as much as I do!

I tried on a lot of dresses, but this one made me feel like a bride. It fits like a glove for being strapless and is surprisingly light (even with the train). If I had a future reason to wear this again, I would absolutely do/keep it. However, it deserves another opportunity to make another bride shine :)

It is silk white (which is pretty white) with nude lining so that the flowers pop/look more 3D/textured. I appreciated that in different lighting, the dress can appear more white or a bit "transparent" because of the lining. It made it more dynamic and offer different "looks" throughout the day.

Elegance Preserved (https://elegancepreserved.com) dry cleaning did an excellent job and the hem looks new! If you're in the Bay area, CA and would like to try it on before saying "yes", just let me know.

Alterations

Length altered to suit my height (5' 4" with 3.5" heels).

It has a 5 point bustle. Three underneath the top layer and then two points on the top layer. Light padding was added so I could have more of a "bust" in certain angles. The padding is removable!

I was paranoid about it being strapless, and potentially having to adjust it during the day of, so I had an extra band (with 3 hooks vertical) placed on the inside . Think of the band as sides to a strapless bra. You don't have to use them either! There isn't a single photo of me adjusting it on my wedding day because I didn't have to. More photos upon request.

Spent close to $1,500 for alternations because I went with the Kinsley James recommended tailor (Jila in Walnut Creek, CA) who had worked with this specific dress and other Anne Barge dresses before.