Really hard to envisage without a photo. If you can't post one, can you find a picture of something similar online?

I suggest heading to the library and look for books on sewing embellishments....below is a link to one on amazon....

Here is a link that might be useful: Sew Easy Embellishments

You might find something on interest.com that you like.

Your dress description sounds really nice! If you could post a picture, that would be great.

Here are some things I did when embellishing dresses for my two daughters weddings. Maybe they will spark an idea for you.

The blue dress was a silk Dupioni with a long sleeve jacket. I added a lace trim to the wrists of the jacket only. I made a small clutch purse from the same blue Dupioni and added a sparkly button to the clutch.

The sage green dress was Shantung fabric with a very soft shine to it. I only added a touch of sparkle by using special buttons on the 3/4 sleeve jacket. I used the same button on the matching clutch.

Pics taken before pressing

Like a vertical ruffle down the center of the shirt?

Here is a link that might be useful: Tutorial ruffle

Nice job, Laurie! I esp like the blue!

I personally don't like ruffles, however decorative beading would be nice, and if it had matching buttons, than It would pull the whole thing together.

Here is a link that might be useful: Best Steam Iron