adding sleeves to wedding dress

I would have thought it depends on the dress. Have you asked the shop?

I think it depends on the dress and what type of sleeves you want putting on, but I'm sure most seamstresses could do it. I wanted a dress with straps but was told by the staff in the shops I visited that they were easy to put on, so not to restrict my choice by not looking at strapless dresses. I went for a strapless dress and have an appointment a few months before the wedding with the seamstress. Time may be a bit of a factor for you, especially if the dress isn't in yet, as I was told at mine that for alterations such as straps, etc that I should get booked in about 2 and a half months before the wedding. I think you should phone and speak to the store and ask them when the dress is likely to be in and maybe if they can book you in with the seamstress provisionally?

Sounds silly but i dont want to sound really stupid by asking them in case they think that Im totally daft! x

I had cap sleeves added to my dress. They were detachable so I could remove them after the religious service and some photos. Pics in my report below.

bugger that! You are paying them enough money I am sure! Ask away!

This

Totally agree, what's the worst they can say....

Please dont be afraid to say what you want, unless you tell the shop how are they going to know?

Classic example this week, I have a very busty bride (a HH cup) who really wanted a dress with straps and that didnt scream "heres my boobs!". We found the dress for her, it was ordered and arrived this week. She came in for a fitting and it looked stunning. We took up the straps (why do designers think we are all giraffes ☹️) and were chatting away when she said to make it "more than perfect all it needed was cap sleeves". Promptly produced some chiffon cap sleeves, pinned them under the straps and she burst into tears! Had she not made the comment we would never have known that this one simple addition was what was needed to make it perfect.

I'm a bit late to the party here, but if you weren't able to adapt your wedding dress, you could try a lace top or bolero to wear over your dress. I got one from Lacey Bell https://laceybellshop.com/wedding/bridal-jackets-shawls-tops/bridal-tops