The Dress

Clara Style 63304B by Watters. Purchased brand new for $2600 before tax. The most gorgeous, silky, comfy gown in an off-white Ivory.

Sizing:
• Purchased Bridal Size 0 (Bust 33", Waist 25", Hips 35 1/2", Hollow to Waist 13 5/8", Hollow to Hem 57 5/8")
• Length Tall 47" (but hemmed front)
• Chest area sizing is flexible due to the open back and design of front.

Tailoring:
• Invested $400 to add a 3-point bustle for the dress train, hooks inside / not visible. Hemmed front for my height of 5' 7.75" when wearing 2.5" heels.
• Took in the darts of the back around the hip area so that the low scoop wasn't as loose.
• Removed some extra fabric (~2 inches) from the dress sleeve so there wasn't as much bulk hanging.
• Put in a few stitches to connect the front; this made it so much easier to wear, to avoid the whole top slipping off a shoulder while dancing, etc.

Professionally cleaned after the wedding. The front is in perfect condition. There's a couple spots on the very bottom of the train that didn't come out in the first cleaning; like light discoloration around hem. If you plan on hemming, you would trim this off! Or try cleaning again.

Made in smooth and languid Vellan Charmeuse the Clara wedding dress features a V-neck front and open V back, dramatic long sleeves, bias-cut skirt, and sash tie in back. True, fabric covered buttons at the sleeve cuffs and down the back.

Alterations

Added bustle (to pin up train of dress). Tightening of scoop at hip/low back (I do not think this reduced waist size, only made it less risky to wear). Removed some of drooping fabric around elbow sleeve. Connected the front plunge opening with 2-3 small stitches (removable).