In fact, by the time a gown is properly cleaned, refurbished, altered and fitted, the process can be quite pricey. According to Toula, you would have to wear the gown as is, after having it professional cleaned, in order to keep expenses at a minimum. When changes are involved, she suggests additions like lace and beadwork when specific fabrics are no longer available or cant' be matched. Alterations in the line of the dress can start with the neckline and work their way down to the sleeves and then the skirt. The possibilities are endless.
Tailors caution individuals about attempting to make changes on their own.
Certain laces and underlinings may be fragile and require a professional touch. Some fabrics are tissue paper thin and can easily fall apart if anything, brides need an objective eye to critique how a gown can be transformed to properly fit body and the occasion. For Laura Wood Habr of Virginia Beach, the occasion was her wedding held halfway around the world in Lebanon. Her grandmother had always saved her Aunt Susan's wedding gown in hopes that Laura might wear it one day. When Laura tried it on initially, she felt unsure.