September 21, 2007

  • It is FINISHED!

    I'm talking about my wedding gown!

    Last night, I went in for my final fitting with Lucy of Lucy's Alterations and Dressmaking. Per recommendation of my bridal salon, I took my dress to Lucy for hemming and bustling. I had thought that my gown already fit me decently since I purchased it at a trunk show and the designer had taken my measurements to cut the pattern closely to my body. But when I brought my dress to Lucy, she suggested a few more alterations that would tailor the dress exactly to my shape. I was quite skeptical. Some of the alterations involved deconstructing the entire bodice of the dress, including some of the beading, and then sewing it back together again. Yikes!

    Well, last night I went in to try the dress on, and I was in shock at how well the gown fit. Literally, it was like a glove. It fit so snugly that I am not worried about it slipping, despite how heavy the silk is. Lucy's adjustments made all the difference in the world. I really wish I took some before and after pictures to show guys. I will try to explain some of the things that she fixed though.

    (Note: Mr. Eggplant, no peeking!)

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    Sorry for the crappy pictures... I'm on MS Paint at work which is seriously lacking in photo editing tools.

    ornament  
    This ornament was on the train of my gown, but once the dress was bustled, it disappeared because it was fixed low on the train. Lucy made the piece removable so that it could be reattached and visible both while the gown is bustled and unbustled.

    bust  
    The bust of the gown was originally much too big. Lucy took it in and it now fits perfectly. Also, the torso was too long so Lucy cut the gown under the crystal detailing and shortened it. She had to take apart some of the beading to do this.

    Lucy also hemmed the dress perfectly, without shortening the length of the train.

    Typically, a bride will visit her seamstress three to five times to get fitted for alterations. With Lucy, she's famous with bridal salons for completing everything perfectly the first time. She told me the secret is pinning the dress correctly. My dress is completed, but still has it so that she can send it out for pressing. What a time saver to only make one visit!

    I will say that the alterations were not inexpensive by any means. I shelled out a few hundred dollars for hemming, bustling, and taking in of the dress. Lucy's shop is not glamorous, but rather a cluttered little store with makeshift curtains for her single dressing room. She also only accepts cash or check for payment. However, she is totally sweet and her work is exquisite! She's been in the bridal industry for 30+ years, formerly the in-house designer for Bridal Galleria and Unique Bride, so she's worked with all types of dresses from lacy Melissa Sweet numbers to intricate Monique Lhullier gowns. I asked her what was the most expensive gown she ever worked on and she told me she once altered a $19K Kenneth Pool dress. Whoa.

    If you have a design or photograph of your dream wedding gown, Lucy also custom sews dresses for brides. For a couture copy, the cost is nearly 50% of what you'd pay at a bridal salon. Lucy will order the fabric and everything. I WISH I would've known about Lucy before I purchased my gown because I would've gone to her rather than a salon. Ah well, c'est la vie. But if you want a custom made dress or need some alterations done, I highly recommend Lucy! Your expensive gown will fare well in her hands.