How about a long half slip? Depending on how busty you are, maybe those stick on, hold me up bra things that go under your breasts? Pretty dress!

What a beautiful dress! I would opt for something like this for a bra: (edited to add, I've never worn one, so not sure how well they work. Probably depends on how busty you are!) Since the back seems to be very sheer, I'm not sure how you could wear a full slip. The rest of the dress doesn't look sheer, were you referring to only the back?

https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2488317/maidenform-bra-adhesive-lite-strapless-backless-bra-m2279.jsp?ci_mcc=ci&utm_campaign=CLASSIC%20SHAPEWEAR&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_product=93094538&CID=shopping15&gclid=Cj0KEQjw2fLGBRDopP-vg7PLgvsBEiQAUOnIXHrNVqFVECi0AoSDSL2frHPtBdMmbWydZ91IzP-FMacaAviu8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CIHPyqzw_tICFUdofgodPacAKA

I don't think there is a bra available that would be adequate enough for the back of this dress.

Looking at the front, it looks like the bra is built into the dress. I would start there.

The seamstress will need to build in more support for you in the front.

ETA: gail and I posted at the same time. I thought of those too but I'm also not sure of the comfort level and how supportive they are.

And it's not so much that its shear, but that it is open too.

How much...architecture do you need?

There are longline plunge bras if you feel like you need some boning. You would probably need to shorten the plunge in the back of your dress though.

https://www.herroom.com/carnival-206-invisible-plunge-longline-bra.shtml

signed -- needs rebar levels of structural support

I would look for something like this

http://www.barenecessities.com/product.aspx?pfid=Dominique6377&cm_mmc=GLPA_NonBrand--Bra--Dominique-_-Dominique6377&BillboardPopupEnabled=false&BorderfreeEnabled=False&color=Ivory&amsk=w9a4hfr3k4&source=gbase&cmp=bpp20&product_id=638901&adpos=1o1&creative=86409442495&device=c&matchtype=&network=s&gclid=CNeDk4Lw_tICFcaPswodBCYCfA

or this

http://www.barenecessities.com/product.aspx?pfid=FashionForms29053&cm_mmc=GLPA_NonBrand--BraDaywear--FashionForms-_-FashionForms29053&BillboardPopupEnabled=false&BorderfreeEnabled=False&color=Black&amsk=w9a4hfr3k4&source=gbase&cmp=bpp20&product_id=463706&adpos=1o2&creative=86409442975&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CIKOuMnx_tICFdWIswod5TsCbQ

and pair it with a half slip, if needed.

Ha! Robo you made me laugh. I don't need rebar, but something in the C – D category to be sure. i've seen those stickies bras and even ones with strings to pull, but I don't know how they would hold up for a night. Or if they would even hold me up.

I really don't want to change the back of the dress if I can help it. It's part of what I like so much about it.

Beautiful! My alterations person sewed bra cups into my wedding dress years ago. Maybe that would work for you.

Your dress is stunning. A good dressmaker can work magic on a dress. They can add bra cups like texanjana mentioned and they can also add a lining. And if the dress is well fitted you'll feel comfortable (and secure too).

I don't even see slips for sale anymore, I just don't think they are done. I'd hold off. As for a bra, my first stop would be to march into a Soma. I think they are very good. Failing that, a seamstress.But with an open back I do not know if cups can give any real lift; i think the snugness of the bodice with the cups is needed for that to work.

In any event, don't skimp on a bra. I see so many people (brides too) who really need one and it can ruin the line.

Architecture, tee hee

Something like this might give support. There's one really bad review and one really good one from Macys. I think it might be difficult to make the front of the dress very fitted due to the opening in the back.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/fashion-forms-voluptuous-silicone-lift-bra-mc541?ID=3030013&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&CAWELAID=120156340009320147&CAAGID=24490647207&CATCI=pla-120822586647&catargetid=120156340005916719&cadevice=c&cm_mmc=Google_Intimates_PLA--G_Int_PLA+-+Brands+Fashion+Forms_Fashion+Forms--66085529247-_-pg91327_c_kclickid_4d814c63-209b-4f1e-bb63-99d3bd093613&trackingid=461x91327&gclid=Cj0KEQjw2fLGBRDopP-vg7PLgvsBEiQAUOnIXINSVH3tU7VCsxOqD1f2B7TBk1Bq38lxyQtbWzncGr0aAuel8P8HAQ

That is a gorgeous dress, but definitely an undergarment challenge. My wedding dress (years ago!) had a plunging back but wasn't sheer, so I could go with a traditional strapped low-back bra -- which was good because I also need rebar levels of support. I took the dress (yes the whole dress) to Nordstrom's and they found the perfect bra. Their selection is huge and their salespeople are well trained and knowledgeable. I would take the dress if you can (and if not, the pics you posted here) to Nordstrom and see what they can do for you. If they don't have anything, you may have to have the seamstress sew something in (she can also probably sew in a slip-weight lining wherever you want to cut down on the sheerness). Good luck! Can't wait to see the final product!

"REBAR" LOL pfffttt...give me a couple band aids and I'd be good to go!!!

Been failing the pencil test since about fourth grade...

I would have the seamstress sew a nude lining into the dress itself.

As for the bra, can't help you with an exact one cuz I got a few d's under my belt (literally and figuratively). I would take your dress to a wedding dress store and see if they have something. Guessing they have bras for every occasion/dress. Or if you have a good independent lingerie store - or as a last resort, Nordstrom. You need to find someone who specializes in bras for special occasions cuz those will have the appropriate options.

I'm getting a little worried here. Sewing in a complete liner and a specialty bra, this dress has just gone up in price.

Eld6161- it's part of the wedding scam. I found a beautiful brand new reem acra dress on eBay for $450 and spent $250 on alterations. I realized after cleaning it post wedding, it should have been cleaned too. The dress was a sample and the silk had yellowed some, although I didn't notice until after the wedding

That being said, you want to look your best and gowns look terrible when you have the wrong foundation pieces.

Alterations can be ridiculously expensive, but it's the one area I don't want to cut corners. Fortunately, I was able to get the dress on sale for $400. I had expected to spend a whole lot more, so I feel I have a little bit of wiggle room here.

There are some sort of sewn in padding/cups, but more of an idea rather than an actual functioning bra, which I desperately need. I'm leaning towards a a strapless bustier and a full slip. I just got off the phone with my sister who, after listening to me sigh and sigh,told me about a shop in North Carolina that specializes in bras. She said the shopkeeper has attitude, but in a great way. I'm going to give her a call. I'd rather start there, then at Soma where the sales associates may not have much experience and or interest in proper bra fitting.

I will also be in NYC in a couple weeks so I can always hit a specialty shop there.

I have to say, this is the first time I've been less than enthusiastic about my wedding. Also had a setback with the cake, but I think it will be resolved. I'll post in the wedding cake post.

But to end on a positive note, we picked out brings this weekend. I was all set to go with a white gold simple band. But then I saw curved ones that will sit snuggly next to my engagement ring. And then I saw curved ones with diamonds. I hesitated, because I wanted to be conscientious of price points, but my guy said to get it since he knew I would be wearing it forever and he wanted me to smile every time I looked at it.

Did I mention how lucky I am?

jo

You can absolutely get slips if you do not want to have one sewn in. I wear one everyday. I would go a specialty bra store for sure! :)

Thanks eld for your suggestions, but I think I will keep the dress. It really is exactly what I was looking for, and I think the alterations will be less than what I may have led you all to believe. Mostly the hem and then the right foundation garments. If I were a first time bride, I definitely would have made a trip to Kleinfeldt's. But I have less patience for shopping these days. I'll let my daughter have that experience ( but hopefully not too soon. ) :)

I think going to Nordstrom or Soma might be a good idea. Although I didn't buy my dress there, maybe check out David's bridal. I had cups sewn in the dress, but I was a solid B cup at the time, so I didn't need a whole lot of "rebar" LOL. I tried on dresses there, and I did buy my shoes there. These were super comfortable kitten-heel slingbacks. I am 5'3" and DH is 5'7". Can't wear super flats and don't wear spiky pumps, so these were perfect, and not expensive. Hey, they're size 7.5 and I still have them, if you want them. Never got around to selling them.

Do you actually have the dress in your possession? It looks like from that pic of the back that it's fully lined, at least from the waist down. If there are cups in the front, there surely has to be some lining there, too, because the way it's cut it doesn't look like the lining would start at the waist in the front. It really just looks like it's more sheer in the upper part of the back where you don't need lining or a slip.

Hopefully one of those backless bustiers will work perfectly and it won't need a slip or lining.

I think your sister's suggestion of a specialty store is right on. We have one here in my small town and I know of one in Philadelphia. I am certain you will find one in NYC!

Don't let these small hurdles get you down! It will all come together beautifully! You are clearly marrying the guy for you and that will make it perfect!

Would something like this work? Perhaps with clear straps?
Rita Low Back/Front Contouring Slip

Could the seamstress add a panel of fabric to the back of the dress that matches the skirt underslip? Or two separate panels under the lace areas? There would be less skin showing from the back but the upside is that you will have more bra choices and will be more comfortable.

Your dress is lovely!

These sandals might be too high, but something gold and strappy would be perfect:
'Neely' Slingback Platform Sandal

I'd practice with surgical tape to see if it could work. I'd hate to ruin the lovely line of the dress with anything, esp in the back.

Maybe this article will help.

Also had a setback with the cake, but I think it will be resolved

That one wasn't a setback!

Here's a full length half slip. long half slip

I'm crossing my fingers and am ordering the one Magdalena lee found. It may be on the short side for this particular dress, but in a room that isn't backlit, it should be fine. Plus I can use it with countless other dresses. I'm cautiously hopeful. :)