Wearing Your Mother's Wedding Gown for Your Wedding

You've dreamed of wearing your mother's wedding gown for your upcoming wedding. But, you're not sure if that gown is really the best choice. What should you consider when making the decision?

First, consider the condition of the gown. If the gown is stained or yellowed, take the dress to a wedding gown restoration specialist. Most local dry cleaners are not skilled enough to take on this project. If the price for restoration is too high or it cannot be done, your best bet may be to purchase a different gown.

If you don't like the gown as is, be sure to get prices for any changes that you want to make before paying to have the gown restored. You may find that the cost of restoration plus alterations is too high. Also, check with the tailor to see if they want the gown restored before or after the alterations are made.

If the gown is too large or small, altering the dress to a different size may be possible. This is much more likely to work if the dress is too large rather than too small. Also, wearing special undergarments such as body shapers or padded bras may get the fit you desire.

Maybe you're not crazy about the style. Again, this could possibly be changed through alterations. You might be able to reuse the bodice of mom's gown by attaching it to a different skirt. Or vice versa, you could attach the skirt to a different bodice. You might look terrible in the high neckline on the gown but could have the neckline lowered to a scooped neckline. Maybe your arms aren't toned and you would like a longer sleeve or even a totally different sleeve. The hemline could certainly be raised and possibly lowered. Waistlines may be able to be adjusted. You could also radically change the gown by fashioning a totally different gown from the material of your mother's gown. You will need to take the gown to an experienced tailor to see if the changes you would like are feasible and the price for completing them.

What is Mom's wedding gown is too plain? Again, a tailor can help you. Beads, lace, ribbon, crystals, embroidery or other embellishments can be added to the gown.

If the gown absolutely won't work, don't lose heart. Some of the lace from your mother's gown may be able to be incorporated into a new gown. You could also consider using your mother's veil. Again, if her veil is not to your taste, you might be able to alter it by adding silk flowers or other details. Or, maybe you can wear her vintage wedding shoes.

Wearing your mother's wedding gown can be a dream come true. Before deciding to wear the gown, make sure that the gown can be restored, altered to fit you, and altered to a more flattering style if desired. Consider the costs for restoration and alterations. If wearing your mother's dress is not possible, be open to other ways to incorporate a piece of Mom's wedding into your special day.