Weddingbee Blog

My parents threw a big ol’ full-scale wedding for their 25th anniversary in 1995. My mother wore a gorgeous Carolina Herrera* couture gown that was absolutely fantastic. A few months ago, she suggested that I take that dress and have it made into a short rehearsal dinner dress. I thought it was an amazing idea.

We pulled it out of the storage closet, and it was still beautiful and in perfect condition. We played with it for a few minutes, then put it away so that it wouldn’t get damaged by us or the 60-pound poodle that was also jumping around with us.

I didn’t take pictures (idiot), but here’s a quick run-down of the dress, complete with a delightful illustration by moi. (I had to do something if there wasn’t going to be a dress shot for reference.)

• Ivory-sequined bodice with long sleeves and an (almost) backless… back
• Satin sash at the natural waist with a big fluffy flower
• Full skirt complete with tons of tulle and a dotted overlay

I know it sounds like a sin to cut such a gorgeous dress up, but in order for anyone in my family to wear it again, it has to be. First of all, my mother is about 5 inches shorter than I am, as well as the fact that she was the size of an infant when she wore it last. I = not so infant-sized. Also, I already have a wedding dress. (Which is still fabulous and STILL A SECRET FROM MR. S.) So, I’m thinking of having it turned into a strapless mini-dress with a sequined-upper and a big floofy short skirt. Also, the sash thing. And the flower. I’ll look like a cupcake.

I still need to do sketches of the NEW design so that y’all can be on the same page as my brain. (Plus, I need to show it to a seamstress. Duh.)

Has anybody else gone through the lovely task of deconstructing and remaking a family member’s gown? Advice? Things to keep in mind?

*I’m pretty sure it’s Carolina Herrera. I need to double check. I just remember being in total awe.