Where to start... The dress is gorgeous.I'm 5'4" and 165 pounds. The size 12 fit great.The corset-style back lets you fit the dress to your figure and is forgiving if you gain or lose a few pounds before the big day.I had the length altered by my local seamstress. She shortened the front by several inches and tapered it back into the train. The train is a great length as well.Other reviewers bought a different belt, but I liked the one that came with the dress.The lace catches everything, from the belt to sticks on the ground, but I just had to be careful picking them out.My whole outfit - dress, veil, hair combs, and shoes - came from Amazon, and nobody had any idea I didn't pay a ridiculous amount for it all. Instead I bought all the pieces for less than the cost of alterations!