Attire & Accessories Forum

Torn between two dresses

kristasandekristasande member
First Comment
edited March 2014 in Attire & Accessories Forum
I did what I told myself I'd NEVER do...I bought a wedding dress somewhat impulsively, and now am having second thoughts. 

I found my dress very early in my search at a sample sale; it's a dress from a big-name designer covered in sparkles that I got for a huge discount.  It's not what I'd necessarily thought I would go for, but I'd struck out at other salons and was pretty excited to find something that was beautiful, a lot of fun, possibly has a bit of a "wow" factor and would otherwise be way out of my price range.  (I also figured that it's in great condition, so if I changed my mind, I should be able to sell it for something, but otherwise I'd just made my life a whole lot easier!)

Shortly thereafter I went to another appointment that I'd put down a deposit for (probably a bad idea in retrospect!), and loved the first dress I tried on.  It's more of what I'd originally envisioned - lace, a train, etc. - the color is unusual and I think flattering, and it's a slightly better fit for my venue.  I don't know that any of these things should individually be dealbreakers though, as it's my one shot to ever wear something like this.  I also started to fret about my arms not getting in shape for the strapless one (although I still have 7 months to work on them), and whether I should wear something more mature-looking.  Friends are very helpful but split down the middle, and I can't decide. I have the chance to buy the second dress at a discount for a short window of time and am trying to make a final decision ASAP.

I'd be grateful for any objective feedback on what looks better (minus the veil on the first, which doesn't work).  Either of them would need alterations to shorten the skirt and fix the bodice, of course.  Thanks!
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Re: Torn between two dresses

  • Well first, I think your arms look great! I don't think you need to worry about that :)

    I think the first one is much more flattering on you and I think it's a bit more of a show-stopper than the lace one (and normally I LOVE lace dresses). But they are both gorgeous dresses so I don't think you can make a wrong choice.


  • Gosh, I do love those lace sleeves!  Both dresses are lovely.  You can't go wrong, whichever one you choose.
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  • I adore lace...However i feel the first one flatters you more. It's not over the top blingy(it's very subtle) also the color is very nice and the skirt seems very soft and elegant.

    The second i don't like as much maybe if the color wasn't so stark white, also the top doesn't seem to flatter as much. However the skirt and sleeves are so lovely.

    Honestly I think either one you choose you will rock! The cut/type of dress they both are is veryflattering on you.
  • For me it depends when and where your wedding is. Both could be great in the right setting. After reading your words I expected flabby arms but you have nothing to worry about there.
  • First off, your arms are gorgeous. Second, the first dress gets my vote all the way! So pretty!
  • Both are lovely on you but I prefer the first. It definitely has a wow factor. I don't know if lace would clash with the sparkles but you could buy a lace bolero with the first dress (ex http://www.tulipbridal.com/product.asp?itemid=437&gclid=CNvqhsWCqr0CFS1eOgodLx0A5A)
  • liking the first one so much! and i love lace myself. and you do have wonderful arms!
  • Thanks so much for the feedback so far!

    A few comments:
    - I'll be getting married in a church, then reception will be at an inn that's elegant (but not over the top or anything)
    - I'd thought about a bolero for the first one to be a bit more modest in church, but was having trouble finding something that matched. I've been thinking about using some of the extra material from the bottom to give me a small sleeve, otherwise I'll stick with a long veil
    - The neckline of the second dress isn't hitting me quite right, but that would hopefully be fixed with alterations; it's supposed to look like: http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/show-bridal-gown.cfm?item_id=15576
    - If I go with the second one, I'd accentuate with a belt (nothing too big, in order to still get a little bling)
    - Color scheme for bridesmaids will be antique rose or something close, with blush and cranberry/wine accents

    :)
  • I prefer the first dress on you.  
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  • Both are absolutely gorgeous! I do prefer the first one with the shine. The first one seems to hit you at a great spot on your waist. It has the magical look to it with a bit of youthfulness from the form fitting back. Stunning!
  • Definetly the first one. The second dress is very beautiful, but the first one is wow gorgeous!
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  • Love the first one.  It is super flattering on you, I love the sparkle, the shape is great (and your arms look good, I wish mine looked that good!)
  • I Know I'm in The Minority But I Love #2 It Sounds Like You Do too
  • I will preface with the fact that I hate strapless and I hate sparkles, and I'm a sucker for lace.
    That being said- the first one looks so much better on you and I chose it hands down. I think strapless doesn't look good on most people but I think it looks amazing on you. 

                                                                     

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  • I like the first one better (I just don't get the appeal of unfinished lace edges).  Both dresses are beautiful and look great on you though.  I think you'll be happy with either one.
  • First of all, you and your arms look great in either dress. I personally like the first one, but it all depends on the feels you are going for. The first one is more sparkly & fun. The second looks like something I would expect to see on a older bride (meaning back in the 70'). I know this is going to sound strange, but how much movement did you have in the second dress with your arms? Are you going to be able to comfortable hug people (trust me you will be getting lots of hugs that day). If you can't raise your arms comfortably without the fear of ripping the sleeves that'a a problem.
  • I like the first one better.  In the picture the 2nd one I really don't like where the skirt and the top meet (unless you'd put a sash/belt there).  The first one, where the belt is, I think I would do something a bit 'thicker' - but I do like that the dress seems to have a better flow.


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  • You look great in both dresses, but I love the first one. I'm partial to a little sparkle, and especially on a dress so delicate otherwise, it's just the right amount of wow factor to give it some oomph while keeping it from being bling-ed out over the top.

  • Another vote for the first one.  It looks amazing on you, and I love the subtle sparkle.
  • Both dresses are beautiful, but I prefer the first.  The sparkle gives it a little something extra, and it looks great on you.
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  • I like the second one much better.  The first one is a little prom looking to me.  The second one looks timeless and elegant.  You also get two looks from the second one--wear the shrug during the ceremony then take it off for the reception.  

    Think about it like this--in 10 years, will you still want photos in something blingy, or will you want photos in something elegant and sophisticated?
  • ElcaBElcaB member
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    I vote for the second!
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  • First, agree with others that your arms look great.

    I do not like the second one at all. I think the lace thing is really weird but the main problem for me is where the waist hits. It cuts you off and makes you look like you have no torso. Coming from a girl with a short torso... don't do that to yourself!

    I don't honestly love the first one but it flatters your body much more.
  • SAHoehle said:
    I like the second one much better.  The first one is a little prom looking to me.  The second one looks timeless and elegant.  You also get two looks from the second one--wear the shrug during the ceremony then take it off for the reception.  

    Think about it like this--in 10 years, will you still want photos in something blingy, or will you want photos in something elegant and sophisticated?

    It seems to me that the lace is a part of the dress, not a shrug that can be removed.

    I love lace and the first looks is nothing that I would pick for myself (my Fi would KILL me if I showed up with glitter on my dress... well, maybe not kill me, but I do think he'd send me home to change). It's hard for me to tell from the first one if it's beading or if it really is more of a glitter. If glitter, does it come off when you rub it or move? I wore a glitter dress once and I will never do it again. It came off on everything and everyone and I still have glitter in my car and that was three years ago.

    Still, I think that the shape of the first one is much more flattering on your body and you do not need to be insecure and cover your arms. They look great.

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  • Both of those dresses are so beautiful and you look amazing in each of them. I'm just more partial to the second dress because of the lace and the soft skirt. You can't make a wrong decision though!
  • I love the first one... but that's more me.  Which one is more YOU?
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  • I prefer the first one on you. I think it is more flattering and gives a "wow" factor (I am a lace lover and usually always choose lace over anything). However, I will say that it seems you are definitely partial to the second one. If that's the one you love, go with your gut! You will look beautiful either way.

  • Also, my one suggestion is: for the first one, if you choose it, maybe alter the top into a sweetheart neckline!?

  • I love the first one on you! Looks stunning. I also normally prefer lace (even my own dress is lace) but I think dress one fits you and gives that "wow" moment.  Good luck in whichever you choose!
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  • Thanks all! The feedback is really helpful :)
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