UseNET Responses Worth Keeping!
~~~~~~Michelle R. Hale writes (alt.wedding.soc.couples.wedding Newsgroup):~~~~~~
Bride: I am making my dress. [snip] The skirt is lined in a poly lining and I have sewn the petticoat right into the dress. Why worry about having an extra piece of clothing to put on?!?
Jeanne Petrangelo responds:
I've enjoyed the pre-summaries. It is a fun topic! I want to respond to this statement. I can think of several practical purposes for having a petticoat that is separate from the dress. One is that the gown is easier to store when the skirt doesn't take up all that room. Another is that the gown is easier to clean when the petticoat isn't in the way. You can overcome these by cutting out the petticoat after the wedding. But... There is a third reason that is more important on the wedding day itself: have you ever thought about how you'll use the bathroom when you're wearing your big gown? You'll either have to have your bridesmaids accompany you into the stall as they hold all that fabric and crinoline over your head (how undignified and embarrasing!), or you can simply unfasten the petticoat, step out of it, and manage things in the stall privately. If you plan to wear your big gown for the ceremony and through the reception, this is something you need to think about. Just my $0.00000002 x 10^6
Sherri responds:
My best friend was married in June of last year. Her mother and aunt advised her to use the restroom before putting on her dress. Of course, as soon as the dress was on, she had to go. Not only did we bridesmaids have to help hold her dress up, the door to the stall would not close, and her uncle got it all on video tape!
[Hmmm...anyone know how to GETthat tape? <g>]
~~~~~~Beth Garfinkel writes (rec.music.opera.pipeline.nyc.watercooler Newsgroup):~~~~~~
There was an incident in the 18th century in Paris; I can't remember the exact date or the name of the ballerina in question. The story goes that she was wearing the standard dance costume of the time--like street dress, but shorter and more ornate, and allowing more freedom of movement in the legs, at least--and the standard equipage: panniers (hoops) and petticoats--and the standard underwear: absolutely nothing. So when her skirt and petticoats got caught on some scenery and lifted to show her non-existent underwear during a public performance,it practically caused a riot. After this, laws were enacted that decreed that anytime a woman appeared on stage in public, she had to wear underpants.
~~~~~~~Tessy didn't answer, but it is worth posting here!~~~~~~~
TO HAVE BEEN THERE!
~~~~~~~Shannon Lynn Simpson writes (alt.wedding Newsgroup):~~~~~~~
When I tried on my dress, I wanted a fuller skirt than the regular bridal slip they give you, so I bought an "extra full" crinoline slip from a friend that just got married. With it, my dress looks like something out of a Disney cartoon!! Actually, I like the size of the skirt now, but the slip doesn't fall all the way to the floor, so it makes a ring where the dress stops getting fuller and just falls straight to the floor (near the hem; not too noticeable). Also, it is really bumpy from being wadded up in a closet since February. What do I need to do to tame the crinoline? Can I iron it on a low setting? Also, when I sit down, the skirt fluffs up to my chin!! How do you gracefully sit down in one of those things?
~~~~~~~Tessy answers: ("Don't we all wish we had her problems?"<g>)~~~~~~~
Well Shannon, you have a lot of concerns. Since you like crinolines so much, you may want to visit our site, "Petticoat Pond", dedicated to petticoat and crinolines enthusiasts. In the meantime, let me address you questions:
Regarding the ring near the herm: Not much you can do here except buy a larger (longer ) size!
The "bumpiness" can be done away with by handwashing in in cool water (with a little Woolite if dirty) and letting it air-dry. Then spray-starch it and iron, if necessary, with an very low setting. I am assuming that the material is traditional netting under polished cotton. Use an damp cloth under the iron.
Sitting down might be difficult if you are not used to it. I assume it is not a hoopskirt, so smooth the rear fullness under you BEFORE you actually sit and, then, as you sit, hold the fullness down with you hands, letting the chair or couch hold the bottom of the rear-hem down. A little practice, and you will be fine!
You might want to take a picture (while sitting in the gown) and send it in to Petticoat Pond!