Dressmakers, Tailors, Dress designers - Looking for advice

[No Vested Interest]

I'll be Mother of the Groom in 5 weeks.
An appropriate dress is hard to locate - Size, color, style all involved.

I've finally located one I like - dress and jacket.
Problem is that it's full-length, would need to be shortened even I would be wearing it full-length, which I wouldn't, safety being one issue.
I realize the full-length is more elegant, but it's a fairly small wedding, and I doubt I could carry off the full-length, nor do I want to, with any aplomb.
I would want the dress to fall just below the knee. I'm 5'5", not slim.
The skirt portion, connected to the top, has several soft pleats; the fabric is a satiny polyester, according to the printed description, and a separate lining.

My question of those who know about these things is: can the skirt be shortened, while maintaining the style.
IOW, will it look peculiar to have a skirl designed to be full-length shortened to Knee-length?
I really like the dress the most of any I've seen, but don't want to look like a home-made hair cut.
(The shop will alter for a price; the dress itself is rather pricey, but I'm willing to pay for this one-time, special occasion.)

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

Posted in Household hints and help; received note that Crafts group might be helpful.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. I don't see why it couldn't be shorten. But take it to a tailor and get an

expert opinion.

[No Vested Interest]

2. I need to know before I make final purchase & remove it from the store.

It's at David's Bridal - a national company, I think, & that's their policy, as I understand it.
Apparently, no taking it out "on approval", so to speak.

They have contracts with alteration person, but it's obviously in the interest of that person, to say it's fine.
I'm leaning towards making a decision that way, but maybe need a little support.

Thanks for your suggestion.

[procon]

3. Have you looked at yourself in the dress with the hem length you want?

The store should help pen or tape up the hem to where you want it, but don't just look at yourself in a mirror. You'll look different in a photo so take several views from front, back and sides and then study them with your family and friends to see if the look is actually what you intend. Depending on the style and cut, shortening the skirt can really change the silhouette, making your bottom half appear much fuller and rounder because the drape of the fabric has changed.

Personally, if you like the longer length, I'd say wear it as is. Just have the hem adjusted, which most people would need to do anyway, so you can walk and dance without worrying about it.

[No Vested Interest]

4. Thanks for your perspective, and you do understand what is concerning me-

will the silhouette be good /acceptable if the skirt is shortened.
The idea to have the shop tape or pin (doubtful they would agree to pinning) is a good one.
I have only tried on the dress in 2 sizes too small. Have to go to another David's Bridal location to try the correct size. Even the smaller size dress was too long.
I really do not want to wear a long dress - the wedding is smallish, I don't expect to dance more than a necessary one. I am a senior and the couple are middle-aged.
I do appreciate your thoughts.

[PennyK]

5. I see no reason why this wouldn't work

I would just go in and try on again (I realize it's the wrong size), and make sure you like the look. Is the skirt very full, or does it change shape as it goes down? You should be totally fine.

[Marrah_G]

6. Yes- but bring it to a seamstress to have it done correctly

David's bridal has seamstresses on location I believe and they can consult with you.

[No Vested Interest]

7. Here's how it turned out - After two false starts with other outfits,

I went back to this dress as the best option.

At David's Bridal the alterations lady felt strongly that the dress would not look right shortened to shortened to below the knee; indeed it seemed to be almost against their policy.

So I acceded to that advice, and had it shortened to 2" above full-length, which she felt the need to note that customer wanted it that way - in other words, not their recommendation. Shoes will be visible but not ankle.

So next Sat. I'll be wearing a full-length dress with jacket, which should be fine in coldish Chicago weather.
This will also be the dress for my funeral - when it happens.

[japple]

8. How was the finished product? I hope the wedding was wonderful and that

your dress was all that you'd hoped for.

I'm laughing over your "this will also be the dress for my funeral." I'm going to be buried in my 2004 Subaru!

[No Vested Interest]

9. Thanks for asking. I was pleased with the alterations, and, perhaps more important,

felt good in the dress, even though it was full-length.

I stood up straight and didn't fall, received several compliments, and realized that I wasn't the object of
attention, - the bride was, naturally- but also not an embarrassment to my son.

Hope the Subaru looks good on you - long time in the future. - (perhaps by then it will be a precious antique and not worthy of being buried.)

[japple]

10. Happy to hear that the alterations were pleasing and that it was comfortable to you. I don't

know your age, but I'm at that same point in my life. If it feels good to me and doesn't call attention, then it's totally appropriate. I actually plan to be cremated and will probably leave the remnants of my car to NPR!!

[No Vested Interest]

11. Age- my son just turned 50, so I'm more at granny stage than the average

mother of the groom.

NPR will be grateful for your car; I will have grateful- or at least content- worms, I guess.

[japple]

12. It sounds as though we're at the same place. Congrats on the marriage of your son!

I hope you have many more happy times and celebrations to come!