Men, get out of here. You’re not being helpful. (Bpt, can’t wait till your daughter tells you she deserves xyz.)
Shells: for mother of the bride, ok. For bride, no.
Gemachs: so don’t go for the gown with the holes. What’s the problem? Now, if this is one of those gemachs that charges an arm and a leg then yeah, see if you can get a less expensive sample or whatever if you’d like.
Is this gown final sale? Can you take it to a seamstress or is there a seamstress on staff to consult with? I saw a stunning gown last year that started off as a strapless dress, had straps put on for security, and it came with a jacket over it. Very beautiful, real fifties type elegance. (You could see Audrey Hepburn in it easily.)