Not My Job

added December 2007

A Pickup Bustle Ballroom style has been added to a dress and to make the sash tying easier the seamstress has added three loops estimate 12ins 6ins down the middle inside of the sash and 2 ribbons have been added to the center back inside area below the waistline where the back laces up. How does this work to give a double looped back sash bow??

Thank you.

I get many of this type of letter. I really cannot answer. I have no idea what was done or why without talking to the person who designed the bustle. There are millions of alteration people, and they all do things differently. I don't have a crystal ball to give you answers with. You need to ask the seamstress who created the bustle how to work it. 

It is very important that you ask your alteration person how to do such things when you pick-up your gown. I always make sure my brides understand everything there is to know about their bustle before they leave my studio. I think every alteration specialist should do the same but most don't so you have to be responsible and ask. If the person is not there when you go to get your gown, go back when she is. Do not let yourself be put in the situation where you don't know how to rig your bustle.

~Lea

added August 2007

Quick question for you?? I just purchased my wedding dress, it is beautiful, it is a halter with a long thick sheer tie at the neck that lays down my back to around the small of my back.

Everyone in the world is telling me I need to wear a veil, however two things, first I don't want to cover up the tie to the halter, and two, I simply don't want one.

Can you tell me is it normally tradition, or can I just get rid of the veil all together and use some nice hair jewelry instead? 

Any other suggestions would be great. Thanks, Tina in Denver

I'm not a fashion consultant, but I have observed that veils are very out this year. Many of my brides are going without. You do not have to wear one. You can wear just a hair ornament without a veil if you feel you need something. 

Veils are traditional and fun to do and they are very shear. If you got one that was only one layer it would not cover up the tie in the back. All the nice detail could be clearly seen through the tulle. 

~Lea

added June 2007

I need to know if I will look ridiculous in a traditional gown with a train. I am very fit but definitely older. So is my husband to be. The men are wearing tuxedos. Help!!!

Thank you in advance, Marty

I have had bridal customers who were older than the average bride and I never thought it odd that they wished to wear the traditional gown with a train. I'm not a fashion consultant and I have no idea what you look like, so it's rather hard to answer this. Besides, it doesn't mater what I or anyone else thinks. It sounds like your groom wants you to wear a gown. If you agree, go for it! 

Just want you to see a picture of us..Maybe you will say no?

You guys look very happy. I still think you should wear what makes you look good to yourself and your groom and don't worry about what other people might think. Maybe you will look ridiculous to some people but you should do what you want to for your wedding. YOU are getting married, not any person's poor opinion of you. 

Check out the picture I have attached. It's of one of my older brides and her husband driving away from the wedding. It's one of the neatest pictures I have.

It might ease your mind to read "It was on Fire When I Lay Down on it" by Robert Fulghum. 

~Lea