I recently moved clear across the country with my fiancé as the result of a promotion at his company. Everything has been great so far with the exception of not having my mom, sister and bridesmaids with me while looking for a dress. Planning the wedding with my fiance has been fun otherwise, until this weekend.
I went to Priscilla of Boston (going out of business) to look for bridesmaid dresses and ended up trying on 10 wedding dresses totally unexpectedly. Long story short, I ended up buying one on a whim (including all of the accessories - veil, Swarvoski necklace, etc -- totally unlike me) and althought it is beautiful on a hanger, I realize now that I hate the dress for me.
So here's the long part. It was down to two dresses (I was lucky because they were both my size and were flawless - unusual for sample dresses). The first dress (the one I did not buy) brought me to tears (kind of embarassing when you don't have an entourage to support you). I saw my father walking me down the isle, my fiancé and guests gasping, etc. The crying caught me totally off guard - 1. Because I do not cry often and 2. Because I previously tried on so many dresses, none of which brought any emotion out of me. Well, dress two (the one I bought) was fun and sexy and like nothing I had ever seen (beautiful and couture), and I obviously ignored the fact that the other dress was obviously "the one." Anyway, several factors contributed to my rash decision - I felt so rushed with brides, moms and girlfriends running around the store grabbing dress, pulling dresses from other rooms, many only had one size and color left, etc. I was totally overwhelmed and didn't have anyone to help me.
I got home, feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious (I only stopped by to look at bridesmaid dresses and several thousand dollars later had a dress and all the accessories - and not close to the look I wanted for my wedding day). I sat down and looked at the photos we took for friends and family on my iPad (blown up) and realized that the dress I bought hits me in all of the wrong places. It is totally unflattering on my body type and it is Ivory (I have been adamant about wearing white from day one). Of course, the other dress looks stunning, I could wear it today and wouldnt need to change a thing. I started to think about how amazing I felt and how I pictured my dad, fiancé, family etc. I realized I had made a HUGE mistake. I cried for over two hours and talked to POB several times trying to exchange it for the other dress (which I thought they would let me do since the dress I want is almost double the cost of the one I bought). They said there is nothing they could do for me. I slept on it and woke up this morning at 6 am crying all over again because I feel like I am living a wedding nightmare (I literally fell like I am in a fog). I cannot justify going back and buying the dress of my dreams while I have one sitting in my closet at home (not to mention it is slot of money to put out at one time).
Anyway, I guess I am just looking for advice or suggestions. I have posted the dress for sale on several wedding websites and I am looking into local consignments, eBay, etc. I am besides myself. I know my situation may seem silly to some, and I totally understand that it is my fault for making the quick decision without thinking it though, but any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.