Wedding dress tight around the bum

Stretchy loops I don’t think will work, because the fabric will still strain. Just moving the buttons will not work either. The extension is there for a reason, and without it, you risk causing gaping. Also, moving just some of the buttons will throw the centre back line off.


Without seeing the dress/fabric it is hard to know, but it is possible that a seamstress could add extra panels down the entire centre back and then take in the side seams at the top. A wedge of fabric could also be added to the side seams around the high hip (bum) area. It depends whether it would be possible to match the fabric or you have enough length to take some from the hem.

Just about every button up wedding dress I have seen the loops are elasticated and those dresses more commonly than not also have a zip and the buttons cover that.

Perhaps there is a chance that the dress could be converted to a lace up back. I am pretty sure that has been discussed on this forum in the past a few years ago. A lace up back forms a "V" and inserted behind is what is called a "modesty panel" see in the picture. But the cost to alter may prove expensive.

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Thank you Charlotte! I see what you mean about the buttons and I like the idea of adding a wedge at the side, maybe could use lace or something. The bottom of the dress is crepe, it's this one: Suzanne Neville Portrait - Ellie Sanderson

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Good idea to bear in mind, thank you Bill )

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Ah I see, don't think that my suggestion will work on your dress. I was imagining something more like this

Having seen the dress (which is absolutely gorgeous!) I have some more advice.


Usually there will be some seam allowance left on the side seams - in fact this is especially true for made to measure items. See if you can get up under the lining and look. If it is just a teeny bit snug, even a cm at each side can make a huge difference. The lining can be extended if necessary with a close match as it won’t be seen.
How is the length? If you can afford to lose a tiny bit of the train, a good seamstress will be able to add a wedge of matching fabric in with minimal visibility. Also, I think the skirt flares out a bit, in which case (if you can get away with losing a bit of length), taking it up from the waistband may also fix the fix issue.
All that said, it is obviously supposed to be tight on the derrière. Assuming the required adjustment is minimal, I wonder if the easiest fix would be a pair of control pants!

If you can do it up but it's just a bit tight, you don't need much more room to make it fit ok. Any chance that you could trim down a bit and/or try some control undies as suggested above?

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Thank you so much for the advice Charlotte, that's very reassuring!

Unfortunately I don't think there is much seam allowance, although there may be more than I think.. but there is definitely extra length as I won't be wearing heels so both those suggestions sound very promising! You're right it is definitely meant to be tight there, so even if nothing can be done it's not the end of the world, just would be nice to be a bit more comfortable :')