Sunday, November 7, 2010

Making your Jewish Wedding Gown More Modest: Top questions on build-ups and alterations that will reduce costs and maintain style

While some kallah’s experience “love at first sight” when they find their wedding gown, others of us may find it more difficult to fall in love with a modest wedding gown and, instead, prefer a more secular gown with alterations to make it modest.  If you fall into the latter camp, there are several ways to ease the financial burden when building or altering a wedding gown.  Before purchasing the more secular wedding gown that will require alterations to make it more modest, consider these questions:
  • What is the best look for making the wedding gown more modest?  Consider all of the options.  Some alteration options are significantly more affordable than others; however, consider whether you are sacrificing style for cost.
    • Will you need an entire build-up, or do you just need sleeves, a jacket, or thick lace to make it modest?  An entire build-up is typically the most expensive option.
    • You don’t need to re-invent the wheel.  Look at some magazines or go online to track down images of modest wedding gowns that you think will work for making your dress modest. 
      • Using pictures to work out a alteration plan with your seamstress is extremely helpful in getting a final product that you will love.
      • I have included some pictures of modest wedding gowns from current designers at the end of this blog.  In my opinion, Grace Kelly’s wedding gown is the quintessential timeless modest wedding gown.
  • How will you be able to transform your wedding gown into a more modest wedding gown?  Ask yourself:
    • What type of fabric is needed to match to your wedding gown?
      • My Kleinfeld wedding gown was done by a Kleinfeld designer who did not have left-over lace or other fabric I could use, and the design in the lace was a unique style that was hard to track down.  This made the build-up more difficult, and I was blessed to find a designer (Liz from Designer Loft: 212.944.9013) that was able to source the best matching lace.
    • Is this fabric available and affordable?
      • While my designer found the best matching lace for my wedding gown build-up, the original fabric underneath the lace that would cover the skin felt scratchy and uncomfortable.  While it was more expensive to go with a smoother fabric, comfort is important and it was money well spent.
    • Are their more affordable options using other material that can work with your gown and is significantly less expensive without sacrificing style?
      • Before committing to a seamstress or designer, be sure to establish estimated pricing for the type of build-up or alterations you want.  If you are looking to save money, be sure to communicate upfront your budget limit for alteration costs to the seamstress or designer.
  • Who will be the seamstress or designer that will help you modify your wedding gown?
    • The reputation of a seamstress that has experience with building up modest gowns is essential.  Some of the best seamstresses for doing build-ups may most likely be in the outer-boroughs of NYC and known for catering to the Orthodox Jewish population.  Further, they may be more affordable than seamstresses located in Manhattan.
  • Is the seamstress or designer located in a convenient place since you will be expected to come to more than one dress fitting?
    • Factor-in the convenience in the location for you to be able to schedule-in getting to the dress fitting appointments.
      • I chose Designer Loft for my build-up since they are in the garment district of Manhattan – an easier commute for me than leaving the City.
  • How long will it take to make your wedding gown modest?
    • From the start, you must work with your seamstress establish a timeline of the number of times you have to come in for fittings and the expected deadline for when all alterations will be complete
      • Since unexpected things come up, avoid added stress and allow for a cushion of time – make the deadline for the completion of alterations as early as possible with significant time before your wedding date.

15 comments:

  1. I am curious is a shrug or bolero with a strapless gown acceptable made out of a medium sheer material or lace? In other words does the material covering the shoulders need to be opaque? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great question! I would say the best answer is to 'ask your local rabbi'. In other words, there is room for flexibility on how sheer the dress can be while maintaining modesty, and you may feel most comfortable asking the rabbi that will marry you for his opinion...as an added stamp of approval. Feel free to send me an email if you have further questions: sophielev@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. tudung-colorfulblogcom http://casinoonlinex.wordpress.com online casino

    ReplyDelete
  4. It s very nice and dutiful blog about Bridal Gown Alterations. Thanks for sharing this dutiful blog.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for Posting ! first time I have found a genuine post related to Wedding Gown Alterations

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a great list, thanks for sharing this information about all types of clothes.

    Pánské obleky Praha & večerní šaty Praha

    ReplyDelete
  7. hile some kallah’s experience “love at first sight” when they find their wedding gown, others of us may find it more difficult to fall in love with a modest wedding gown and, instead, modest bridesmaid dresses

    ReplyDelete
  8. Can the sleeves be see through lace? I see one, and tsnius says ams should be covered but i want to be sure.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Dear

    Thanks for sharing Shopping's blog with us. It is very usefull. Know to more shopping's related blog.

    Explore the vast selection of women's cheap lace wedding dresses at reasonable cost on elbisny.com. We have a huge collection of best quality dress.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for posting the useful information to my vision. wedding gowns sydney this is excellent information,.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Dear,

    I Like Your Blog Very Much. I see Daily Your Blog, is A Very Useful For me.

    You can also Find jovani evening dresses Dressmeup is #1 retailer for Jovani Evening Dresses, Cocktail Dresses, evening gowns and homecoming dresses in New York. Exclusive Cuts And Looks, Browse Collections Online, Shop Now!

    Visit Now:- https://www.dressmeupny.com/jovani/

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not that good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he enjoyed it as well!

    Wedding dresses alterations Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  13. Gourmet gift basket is the most versatile gift baskets israel appropriate for any occasion. You can choose from gourmet food basket, coffee gift basket, gourmet chocolates, to breakfast gift baskets. Send one to your clients, friends and family and leave a lasting impression.

    ReplyDelete