The Dress

The Solange gown is part of the new French collection by Wendy Makin. I bought the dress during her pre-launch in February 2015, and the collection was only launched in August 2015. I was the first bride to wear a French Collection gown in mid-July 2015.
As described on the Wendy Makin website: Solange is a “fusion of vintage glamour and classic styling. Utilising exquisite French laces and beautiful flowing fabrics this collection is perfect for the hip modern bride”.

I was so happy with this dress. I was handmade to order. It photographed really well. I had such a fun day in it! I received so many compliments on how radiant and flattering it was, guests found the style so elegant and contrasting to the usual strapless ballgown dresses. It really has the “wow” factor! It is made of delicate-looking French lace and was beautifully beaded with pearls and glass beads that gives the dress a bit of flare and fun. The beads also added a bit of weight to the dress so it fell effortlessly onto my curves and made me look womanly but did not cling or ride up or ecentuate any lumps and bumps. The beads were hand sewed so they were very secure and did not fall out when bumped or pulled. The lace was fine and delicate but durable, there are no pulls or damage to the train or lace. The train effortlessly dragged behind, it wasn’t heavy and was easily managed.

Underneath the lace there is a separate natural coloured slip made of thick silk. The slip made the dress was extremely comfortable (not scratchy) and also helped the dress fall perfectly. I am very fare skinned, so the natural coloured slip made an interesting contrast to the white lace and matched my fare complexion.
The dress didn’t come with a belt however the belt is included with the dress (no added cost).

I had minimal alterations. I had the dress altered to fit to my waist and I had breast cups sewed into the slip so I didn’t have to wear a bra (my breasts are B/C cup). The dress was hemmed to my height - 175cm, I didn’t wear heels.
The dress was made as a size 10. I have size 10 hips however a narrower size 8 waist, so the dress was taken in slightly along the waist.
I had a bustle built into the train so after the ceremony I could hook it up and dance freely! BTW the dress has fantastic manoeuvrability so I could dance all night long and didn’t need help during bathroom breaks 
I had the dress altered with the Wendy Makin recommended bridal alterations specialist, she was fantastic, link for the work is found here http://kellykuiperscouture.com.au/node/115

I had the dress professionally dry cleaned and hand sponged to a like-new finish. I had it dry cleaned only days after my wedding and it was done at the highly regarded Syndals Drycleaners.
The only minor damage was the slip strap came lose. I have a safety pin in it at the moment however the alterations specialist said it would be an easy and inexpensive fix.