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I'm new to your site and, absolutely love the advice that you have given. I purchased a Forever yours discontinued gown, the bodice is a tank style scoop neckline, with lace cap sleeves attached, and a full tulle skirt with chapel train. The bodice is embroidered and, has silver beading as well. The chapel and hem of the tulle skirt has a silver lace. Unfortunately, back in August of 2007 I was advised my Kidney transplant I had back in 1997 is failing. As of January 2008, I have been on Dialysis treatment three times a week and, the catheter was placed on the right side of my upper chest ( as high as the collar bone ). This presents a major problem for me because, due to the scoop neckline the catheter is in a place for all to see. I purchased this dress a year ago because, I loved it so much and I got a great deal for it. I don't know if the bridal shop would even exchange it for another one.

I was thinking of perhaps redesigning the bodice. However, I can't think of anything that would cover this bandaged site without looking hideous or tacky. Attached I submitted a similar gown, except this gown of course is no where near as pretty and elaborate as mine. My question is whether or not I can detached the tulle skirt and redesign a bodice and create a two piece gown ? or Would you happen to have any suggestions on redesigning the bodice and, add a creative yet attractive element to cover the catheter. Something that would still make the dress look as though it was made that way. It hurts me to have to see this dress go because of this flaw ! " I'm desperate and don't know what to do " !

Thanks, Marili

I have seem gowns that have this sort-of neckline but the neck is filled in with a netting fabric and lace is creatively sprinkled in the neck area. This idea is great for you because your skirt is tulle. If you can find similar lace, you can create a lovely neckline. All you have to do is place the lace heavily in the catheter area and looser other places so some skin shows through. The trick is the similar lace. It does not have to be exactly the same, just close enough. Once you have figured out the covering factor, place some lace so it travels into the bodice area. That way it will look as if it was designed that way. Am I making sense?

Hello Leanna -
I had a quick question - After my wedding ceremony, my long veil ripped in a small area - is there anyway to repair the veil (I was hoping it would be something I could pass down as an heirloom).
Thank you! Christine

The only way to repair that type of material so it doesn't look ghastly, is to replace the tulle.

I have what I think is a rather odd dress situation. I went to my local boutique, tried on dresses, and picked a Nicole Miller (attached photo). I loved the sample, bought a few sizes down, and received the dress a few months later. The dress I received was nearly identical to the sample except for one small but VERY noticeable difference. The two slips on my dress have seams at the high waist that are like a hem, two fabric pieces sewn together with an inch of extra fabric folded over. The folded over fabric makes a much darker white than the slip itself, and shows right through the dress! It's very unsightly, noticeable, and disappointing. There's an inch-wide dark white band showing through the dress at the waist, and it's all i can look at! I'm wondering if there is any other way to sew the slips so that there is no extra fabric, without making the seam too fragile. My first thought was to simply cut off the excess flap of fabric, but I'm afraid the seam would just fall apart if I did that!

I would appreciate any suggestions you might have! Thank you, Kristin

You can't see the problem in the picture you sent because the mannequin the dress is on is white. Can you buy a white undergarment that will fit under the dress?

I just got engaged and I'm VERY grateful to have found your site! I have at least 16 months to find a dress I like and have it altered, so I am not in a rush and I'm prepared to find a very good seamstress and pay plenty for my alterations, which I know I'll have to do...

The issue is that I'm 5'3" and around 260lbs. This is all well and fine enough for me and my fiance, but I have terribly difficult to work with proportions. My bust is approximately 58 inches with a band size off 44 [with E or F cups] but my waist is ALSO 58-60 inches.

Websites keep telling me that an A-line dress will look great on me, but I've had lots of difficulty with them fitting. The only dresses that fit me well are empire, but I'm really struggling to find some.

Is there any way to take an A-line or Princess styled dress and make it fit my awkward proportions? Also, I know to buy the dress for my stomach size but do I need to be really concerned about getting the bust to fit? I normally wear a size 24 and the literature says that a size larger or two would suffice, but according to size charts, I seemingly often need a size 32... Should I trust them? Lastly, should I start considering splurging for a custom-made dress from a seamstress or such drastic measures aren't so necessary.

You are going to have a very hard time getting the bust to fit when you order for the stomach measurement. It is very hard to alter the bust area and have it look good. I would advise you to go with the custom job if you have a seamstress in your town that will do it. It will probably cost about as much as buying a dress and paying the hefty alteration fees but with less stress.

I hope you can answer my questions. I volunteered to help my future daughter-in-law mend her off the rack dress. Of course it's more than I thought!! The best way I can describe it is that there is this very fine silver "chain" that borders the scalloped edge of her dress, and in several places, it has come off the tulle. I've tried sewing it back on with clear thread, but it doesn't look as smooth as the other parts. Would it work to use some kind of fabric glue? I can lay it down on the tulle, and it looks perfect, but I don't know if that will make it look stiff or not, and want happens when the shop steams it right before the wedding? I would so appreciate your imput and any suggestions. THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Cindy in Washington

Was the chain sewn on the edge of the tulle in the original? Or was it glued? If it was glued than you certainly can reglue it. THere is a glue made by Aleen's that is called Flexible Stretchble that would work great. If the chain was sewn on originally, it is best to resew it. I am thinking from your description that this is a napkin edge serged chain. If you do not have a serging machine you can not resew this edge correctly. It can not be done on a regular sewing machine and look great. You might be able to sew the existing chain back on and have it look ok, but it would be best to use the serger to recreate the napkin edge.

Hi Leanna,

I just came across you website, and wondered if you could help me.

I've got an intensely big ball gown with an 8 ft train, but my wedding is 15 000 miles away from where I live. My fiancee and I have decided to courier the dress by Fedex next day, rather than risk airport security turning it away. I'm packing my dress in a very large box, so it only needs one fold, but the train will definitely have to be folded in.

I am worried about the dress being wrinkled, and am told that I should get it steamed before the big day. However, I've also read that steam should not be used on satin and silk, at risk of them looking mottled after. My dress has heavy beading, pearls, and swarovksi crystals, so I am also concerned about whether steaming will be delicate enough for this.

Any advice? Thanks, Laura

Satin can be steamed but it's usually not recommended because most people aren't professional dry cleaners and don't have the professional equipment. If you fall into this category I highly recommend that you do not try to steam this gown by yourself. You can find a dry cleaners in the town you are going to and reserve a place for them to steam the gown. The hotel you will be staying at can help you with this.

I am VERY concerned at shipping any gown. I would never let my gown out of my sight. Call the reservation desk of the company you are flying with and tell them you will be traveling with a wedding gown. They normally will let you carry it on and will usually hang it in the First Class closet for you too.

Dear Leanna,

I'm so glad to find your site! I just bought a sample gown from a posh salon in San Francisco, Priscilla of Boston #3002 made of silk taffeta. Of course, when I got it home the zipper broke. Can you make a guess as to what it would cost to replace the zipper on this gown? It zips halfway and then the zipper is torn (the tiniest bit) from the fabric attaching it to the gown. Is there an alternative to replacing the zipper? The buttons are functional over the zipper, so would hooks work? I really don't know anything about this stuff!

Also, I'm hoping to find a high enough shoe not to need a hem...I'm almost in the clear with a 3.25 heel... but I'm wondering if a crinoline or petticoat would help the dress hold it's a-line shape and thus not need a hem. The store gave me the names of some alteration studios, but I can hazard a guess that they are as expensive as the salon where I bought the dress... so I thought I'd better go into this with some ballpark ideas of the costs I'm up against.

If I lived anywhere near you, I'd bring the gown to you... the bustles are beautiful! Thanks so much!! Alexandra

Zippers can be replaced, but you might not need that. From what you have described, I think the zipper can be resewn to fix it. Taking out the old zipper completely and sewing in a new one will be costly.

Petticoats do have the effect of raising the hem. Many brides this year have not liked that look, but if that ok by you it's a good alternative to hemming.

Most independent sewing specialists are not as pricey as the salon alterations are. A salon has more overhead expenses and has to make more money so generally their prices are higher. Give one a call and ask some questions. You won't get specific prices, but she should be able to give you a range.

Hi, Even though my bustle is beautiful, There is no telling that it may break during the reception if someone should step on it. Just in case, what would you recommend if my bustle breaks. What should I do as I do not want to carry my train all night. Thanks Pam

Prepare a repair kit with needles and thread (the color of your gown) and extra hooks, etc. You can also have some large safety pins ready if you don't want to sew repairs.

Hi my name is Susan. I'm getting married on Oct 20 next month. I have a dilemma. I don't know how I can hang/store the wedding dress in the house prior to the wedding. The dress is very heavy satin material and A-line so a little poofy. The train is semi-cathedral in length. I don't have a closet that I can spread out the train to prevent wrinkles. And I don't have a hook that is strong enough to hold the dress from a door or ceiling. I was considering ordering a dressform/mannequin but they are very expensive for just this one use. Do you have any suggestions????? I'm all ears :-)

Thank you for your time!! Susan

Do you have a basement? Put a sheet on the floor and hang it from a rafter. There are usually many nails around for you to use. If there are no nails, you can bang one in wherever you like.

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