Necklines

Change the neckline or back

The neckline and the back are what people see most: from the front as you walk in, and from behind the whole ceremony. Changing them is a bigger job than adding pockets, but it's often the one change that makes a dress feel like it was made for you.

The usual changes

• Raise a neckline by adding lace or illusion tulle above a sweetheart or strapless top, so it looks like it came that way.
• Add an illusion neckline: sheer tulle from the bodice up to the collarbone or neck, often with lace placed on it.
• Turn a zipper into a lace-up or corset back. It looks lovely in photos, and it also lets the dress adjust a little if your size changes before the day.
• Take in or reshape straps, layer by layer, when they gape or slip.

Test first, cut last

Necklines are fitted close to the body, so make a muslin or tulle test and pin it on the dress while you're wearing it. A lace-up back means removing the zipper, which can't be undone, so be sure of the fit before you start.

How other brides did it

• From zipper to lace-up back (Melly Sews): a sewing blogger changes her own wedding dress's zipper into a lace-up back.
• Raising a sweetheart neckline (Julann Blake, sewcreatelive): the neckline raised and shoulders added, using lace cut from the train.
• Altering lace and tulle straps (Stephanie's Farmhouse): taking in straps one layer at a time.
• Draping an illusion neckline (video, THE SEWIST).
• Zipper back to corset back (video, Sew Show with Shae).
• Lace illusion sleeves (video, Sparkle Sewing): the same sheer-tulle method, carried down the arms.

Want someone to do it?

A bridal alterations shop does corset backs and illusion necklines often. Ask to see photos of ones they've done. For a bigger redesign, see the Makers page.

What you'll need

• Illusion tulle: for a sheer neckline or back.
• Lace appliqués: to place on the tulle.
• A corset back kit, or satin ribbon and rouleau loops to make your own.
• A good seam ripper: for taking out the zipper.
• Muslin: for the test.

For a lace-up back, have someone practice lacing you before the day. It takes longer than a zipper, and the person doing it on the morning is usually nervous too.

More ways to make the dress yours: adding sleeves or straps, remaking your mom's dress, or start from all the projects.