Hello there ladies... I am a Newbie Bride-to-Be and I need some advice. My grandmother's wedding dress from the 1950's has been kept for me to wear as her eldest grand daughter one day. I'm yet to see it this weekend but I did spent a lot of my childhood trying it on as dress up. It is Irish Lace and Ivory with long sleeves and a bit of a fussy skirt. It doesn't really go with the 'Carnival' theme I have for my wedding, but I am very into Vintage and its obviously very sentimental.
My problem is I know how important this is to my grandmother that I wear it, and has become even more important as she has just had a stroke (it was a little one and she is okay). It will mean a lot to me to have her with me on my big day, and a part of my heritage and family (something old/something borrowed). However, it would need a lot of altering (too big) and possible restoring which might cost over my budget. At the same time it will save me buying a dress so might work out cheaper. Do you think it would be really rude to alter a dress that is a family heirloom? I don't want to change it drastically but it may not be as flattering as it is. Any comments are appreciated :)
CommentAuthorkellsbells
hiya the best thing to do is ask the family first that its ok if you make some alterations to the dress as iam sure they will understand how much the dress means to you and to your grandmother. goodluck with it all and i wish you all the best
CommentAuthorOWB
If the dress doesn't fit then they will understand that you will need some alterations anyway, so I'd just ask your grandmother if she's mind it being altered slightly to 'suit your shape', or even just 'to suit you'.
If only life could be one long tea break
CommentAuthormadhen
I would definitely ask first :) Could you make it into something you like just as it is, or could you maybe just use the material it's made from? Obv that means cutting it etc but maybe they wouldn't mind, maybe it would be enough to have a new dress that's right for you made out of the same material??
CommentAuthorOfficially Mrs M
if it doesnt fit it needs to be altered or possibly use the lace from it to make your new dress or get one made very similar if you love it
8th September 2012 I married my best friend
1st September 2014 our little family grew by one
Women are made to be loved, not understood. - Oscar Wilde
Thanks ladies that is very good advice. I will have to email and see what she will allow me to do, this is the dress worn by my grandmother in the 1950's in Zimbabwe...
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I'm not going to wear the veil, going to get a lace and netting fascinator made, think that will look much prettier. :)
CommentAuthorAntonia9
i think as long as you ask then i dont think it would be a problem, as long as you are using the same material then a few alterations here and there shouldnt be a drama - its the thougbt that counts. I wanted to wear my nana's wedding dress but it was cut up for my mum's christening gown :0(
Cant wait to become Mrs Purdie x x x x
May 4th 2013 - The day i get to marry my best friend
CommentAuthorLittle Kettle
angelsmile, I think it's wonderful that your grandmother has offered this, but if you want to 'make it your own' or get it altered (as you siad you would need to) then I agree with the other ladies and you should ask if it's ok. Also babe, you're not allowed to put links on the forum, so you'd best pop it on your wall for us to see as the mods will no doubt be along shortly to remove it x Welcome to the site and happy planning by the way! x
Vegas baby!
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CommentAuthorangelsmile
Aww no Antonia9 but at least your mom got to wear it for a special event like her Christening and it wasn't just horded away in the attic?
Little Kettle... Thanks for letting me know! I had no idea (still complete Newbie!) I will remove the link and remove myself from getting into any trouble (SORRY MODS!) Thanks again for keeping me right, I'll pop it onto my wall :)
I'm really enjoying the site, totally addicted, so many amazing tips, especially for saving cash and everyone is really friendly :)
