Fitting experience was disappointing

I'm sorry but that dress is lovely! I haven't got to the dress buying bit yet, but I think it looks great as it is... no need to spend £100s to fill it with gubbins you don't need However, if you were given the impression this would be achievable within your budget, I could understand why you'd be a bit disappointed... but definitely don't be upset with the dress!

Thank you, Soraneko! I'm probably being a bit silly and worrying about nothing! Maybe I don't need the add ons as you've said. I hope you have a fab time dress shopping

Nothing needs to be done to the dress it's beautiful and looks wonderful on you x

I have to say I like the neckline as is (and that's a lot to charge!)

I have had my dress taken up, brought in at the back and sides - both waist and hips and a bustle put on and that's £100. I did go to an independent but I am in south west London so think that's a bargain.

I also think that if you try and make that dress more mermaid you'll lose the lovely design of the train. Is there scope to go elsewhere? You must be happy in your dress but I think only so much is achievable with its existing shape. Please believe me when I say I think it's lovely as is, your figure is fantastic and the dress itself is gorge.

You look fantastic! Once the hem has been altered I think you'll find it hangs better so hopefully you'll like the shape better. You definitely don't need to worry about adding cups, I think you're perfectly in proportion. I like the neckline too! I think if it were me with this vision and I could afford one of the three I'd go for the neckline, but I don't think you need to change anything.

Thank you, littleredfairy! I've lost a little bit of weight since those pics were taken so it's not as fitted now (see photo above; I'm wearing the £85 underskirt in that pic but I won't be doing on the big day). I've already paid for the dress and alterations so I can't go elsewhere now. I agree about what you can achieve with a certain shape. I think I didn't feel as good in it today because it didn't feel as fitted and flattering as the last pics. The seamstress won't touch the sides past my waist.

Thank you, MrsShep. I didn't know how to add you to my last comment... (See pic in my last commenr box) as I said I've lost a bit of weight and my dress blow the waist will not be altered so it won't be as fitted as the original pictures...

Wow, you have lost some weight, well done! I find it strange that you're paying for alterations but they won't be going below your waist? I think it should still look gorgeous though

Thank you, though looking at the pictures maybe I shouldn't have haha! They said because the dress has 5(!!!) separate layers, they'd have to alter each layer on each side separately and wouldn't even name a price. The layers merge by the waist so it's more straightforward work. They said they can take the bust, the sides by the waist in and take the hem line up but other alterations that will change the shape of the dress will cost a fortune... I just need to accept that and hope that in my next fitting the dress will fit my new body shape!

,Oh, I'm sorry, it sucks to be unhappy after a fitting. really, though, once the dress is fitted to you I think the back will have a beautiful shape - its there, just not fitted to you at the moment. i hope when you go back they've done enough to make you happier with it! i also think the scalloping along the neckline is really interesting, and you might lose that effect by changing to sweetheart. its a beautiful dress, and you look beautiful in it. well done on the weight loss, too! x

You look stunning I wouldn't change a thing on the dress, if your worried about boobs could you get a decent strapless bra or body?xx

Thank you for the lovely encouragement, Sambarine! I hope so too! The scalloped neckline is growing on me, it's definitely different. I'm thinking of ordering a hoopless mermaid underskirt from ebay for £12 (instead of the £85 one from the shop) to help flare it out a little towards the bottom. x

Haha, I'm already wearing a padded strapless bra in the pic but you can't even tell!!! They're gonna add cups in for me, I paid £35 for them... Oh well!

There was another thread today about hoops, so might be worth looking at different types - I think £85 for an underskirt which as you say doesn't do much - is a tad steep - at least at £12 if it's wrong you can resell or just get another.

It'll be worth it tho...mine had built in boobs was fab!! x

Thank you, Catshoes! Your encouragement really helps. I shall try and not to worry about the dress. I've got another fitting in 3 weeks' time so fingers crossed x

Thanks, littleredfairy. I've tried googling the thread about hoops but couldn't find it... I'll see how I get on at my second fitting in 3 weeks' time and if I still wanted to, I could order a cheap underskirt from ebay.

Your dress looks beautiful! I don't think it needs any changes x