I've been to fetch my dress today and I'm so pleased with the alterations. I had the front only taken up so I don't tread on it, the material from that was made into loops and material from the belt was made into the lace for the back. The zip was taken out and the back made into a lace up and it fits so much better! I know that I'm going to have some severe weight loss as I'm going into hospital for a big operation early next year and I'm now content that no matter what weight I end up next summer the dress will now fit.
I didn't have an insert put in as we didn't think it would be needed as the lace over coat covers the flesh so to speak....all for the princely sum of £45!
The photo of the front isn't so clear but it gives an idea of what it looks like. I'm now wondering whether to reattach the flowers to the belt or leave it plain?