In my first blog entry on wedding dress shopping, my initial experience was NOT what I expected. Later that day, Casey asked me how the shopping event went. I explained that it was terrible. That I would never go again if I didn’t have to and that I would be happy to wear a white trash bag if need be. He smiled, reminded me that not every experience is great enough to edit into a one hour special with a perfect ending. I smiled and thought to myself, damn I wish I were a guy!
The next day I started making more calls. I talked to a consultant at a store in central NH (where I had actually bought my prom dress) and she was great. She explained that I should come in sooner rather than later as it could take up to six months to order a dress. I shared some details with her about my previous experience and she didn’t miss a beat. She said she was ‘confident’ that she could find me something. I remember telling her I’d need to borrow her confidence for now, but I would see her in a few days for my appointment.
Shopping for a Wedding Dress Part 2
This time I had no idea what to expect. I brought my Mom and Maid of Honor (MOH). I met the girl I had chatted with on the phone. She was a delight–very friendly and really listened to the details I was looking for. We went through the store and we pulled dresses I liked the look of and some that maybe I just liked the idea of. As we narrowed it down, my consultant asked me if I would look at one more dress and said that she could barely get anyone to try it on, but that it was fun and sounded like what I had explained.
The dresses here fit me better…it seemed like the samples were ‘real’ girl sizes! I got nearly every dress on. Some made us laugh and others made us frown, but two stood out. An elegant lace dress, that was a squeeze to get in and a little short. Then there was the last ‘fun’ one we pulled. I tried them both on again back to back. I was a little disappointed, still no tears from my mom, but I knew we were getting closer.
The lace one was great, very classy. The ‘fun’ one had a lace bodice and a flowy bottom. My first instinct was to think about it. My MOH kept saying, “Are you ready for that much fun?! That is a lot of fun!” I feared I would just keep looking, like the girls on the wedding dress shows who say they have tried on over 100 dresses. So I did it…right then and there…I called it. I wanted to be FUN! I said, “Yes to the dress!” My mom instantly welled up! I knew I had made the right choice.
I’d love to tell you more about the “fun” dress, but you will have to wait to see the pictures and let me know what you think.
Pep Talk from One Bride to Another:
I know that I usually do ‘tips’ – but this is a hard subject. I figured a pep talk was more in order. Find something you love. I thought I would need my Mom’s approval, but honestly I know she is going to love me in whatever dress I chose. So find the dress that is number one in your heart!
Since making my choice, I’ve watched several ‘Bride Day’ shows and I still love my dress! So I know it is a perfect fit!!
PS – I am also lucky as my groom had no input or preference!! And even if yours does, you are going to look so amazing, he won’t remember what his advice was!
