Somebody stop me, about to buy a THIRD dress!

fairbanksgrrrl

I got my first dress on ebay two months ago for $51.  It's a never-worn David's Bridal gown that fit me perfectly, with no need for even a hem (and I'm 5'1")!  But a little time went by and I realized I liked other styles better so kept shopping.  Then I got the second dress for $140, also online.  It was a sample, needs a cleaning, and doesn't fit me as well, but it's sooo pretty, form-fitting, with lots of beading detail.  I really do love it, but I'm afraid it won't be possible to alter it to fit me well (mtg with the seamstress next week). 

Dress 1


Dress 2



Now I've found yet ANOTHER gown online, in a style I've always found very sophisticated, and with a great silhouette.  I'm so torn!  Even with all three gowns, I'm still spending less than $400, and I'm fairly certain I can get my money back (possibly more) selling them on craigslist.  But am I being a little ridiculous?  I didn't get to have the traditional wedding dress try-on experience, as all my closest friends and family live far away.  Do you think I am just trying to recreate that in my living room?  Or should I keep searching for the dress that satisfies?  So confused

MNVegas

Ok, you really need to stop looking at dresses . Personally I like the first dress better. The second looks really busy to me.

BTW, there is no reason you cannot go to a bridal shop by yourself. I went by myself and there was another girl there trying on dresses who was alone also. Actually, I found shopping alone to be a lot less stressful.

tannymcgee

STOP.  BACK AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER.

lol.  ditto pp -- go to a bridal store by yourself!!  it's actually really fun to go alone.  it seems like you want this experience -- so do it!

MINDMNMO

Step away from the dress websites and take a deep breath! :-)  The fact that you keep looking at other dresses makes me wonder if you really do like the others?  I think they are both beautiful and if you think one of them is it, you need to stop looking.  You'll drive yourself crazy with all of the possibilities that could continue to pop up.

MINDMNMO

Looks like tannymcgee and I were on the same page :-)

aerinpegadrak

Stop looking at gowns, woman.  Seriously. 

fairbanksgrrrl

I know! You are all right.  Stopping.  I think because I didn't get to try on dresses, I keep thinking there will be some other style that will look amazing, and because the prices are so low, relatively, I keep talking myself into it.  I feel better when I take out dress 2 and look at it.  So pretty   I will at least wait until I talk to the seamstress about alterations. 

And you ladies are also right about dress shopping alone.  No reason not to, I was just being a baby about it.

Thanks for the borrowed sanity

eeetea

so glad to hear others go by themself.  I've been to about 8 stores, all by myself.  I also wondered if that was a little strange, especially when I see other brides show up with a whole entourage of people accompanying them.  But frankly, who has time?!  I can't imagine imposing on everyone to come shopping with me.  I often go on spur of the moment whenever I can fit it in.  Have never once brought anyone dress shopping with me.  That way I can take my time, not feel pressured, not influenced or confused by opinions of others.  But I also must stop looking!  i think its a sickness, some type of obsessive disorder ;-)

swim1011

I went dress shopping alone three out of the five times I went.  Truthfully.. it was a much better experience for me alone.  I went with mom and MOH the first time, but going alone after that made figuring out what *my* favorite style was much easier.  I would just go to a bridal shop and enjoy it.  GL!

hughe046

Amen to the alone thing, it was way more peaceful.  I just have to wonder, are you buying these dresses because they are a good deal?  No one can blame you for that!!  But maybe if you did go into a store, find out what fit, fabric, details you love when compared to all of them, you will get a better idea of what THE dress for you is...and heck, you may already own it!

LeyesOnYou

I suggest going in to a boutique or davids bridal and find what you really like.  and then find that on ebay if you dont want to spend the $$.   I had a dress and then pissed my mom off by buying a different dress about 2 months before the wedding.  honestly, stop buying dresses until it gets a little closer because styles constantly change and are always improving...if you buy to early you'll always fall in love w/ more (especially if you keep looking).  so find what you want and hold off or just stop looking all together...but if you're looking it doesnt sound like you're in love w/ any of them...just cool off and enjoy trying them on (by the way, i lived in Georgia when i decided on a new dress and my family is in Michigan, I know it sucks to try something on w/o your family but i brought a girl i worked w/ and it was still a lot of fun)

AliciaW26

I love the first one... u can accessorize a lot more with that one...the 2nd..is way too busy..but, whatever makes you feel good about yourself id say go for it...I did the whole dress experience with my MOH and believe me totally overrated...and although you are getting these dresses at great prices I'd say stop obessing and save that money to go toward something else that could benefit you and your soon to be husband.

lovetruly06

Stop, two dresses are more then enough, and if your really not happy then go to a bridal shop and try on different styles, THEN go looking on the internet and see if you can find it at a good price. Like everyone said theres nothing worng with going alone. I've gone alone and with firends but never more then one at a time, and I only took thoes who I knew me and my style well and would give me their honest thoughts. And I personally think the second dress you showed is better its got a kind of old world feel to me, kinda vintage, which is way cool, but that just me. Good luck with your dress just remember to relax and go with your gut, in the end you'll find your perfect dress.

tommyandy

It's okay that your family isn't there to shop with you.  Ask the best dressed woman at your work or your church or in your FI's family for her opinion on the 2 dresses you already own.

jlpenland

Oh goodness! I'm sorta having the same problem, meaning I keep looking at other dresses and second guessing myself. I honestly think they are both very pretty and being short myself you are very lucky to have found a dress that fits you that doesn't need altered. I would still take the other dress to the seamstress just to see what she can do. Then pick which one you like best. The more you buy, the more confused you're gonna get.
It's like the more I tried on, the more confused I got.

fairbanksgrrrl

Well, I'm definitely stopping now- I went to the seamstress this morning and paid for alterations on dress 2.  It wasn't so bad, but still cost more than the dress itself, lol. 

Lovetruly06, the vintage look is EXACTLY why I love that dress so much. We are having a "hollywood glamour" style wedding in Vegas, and it goes so well with that theme. The ivory color is also much better with my fair skin.  I'm going to keep the first dress as a backup until after the wedding, then try to sell it on CL.  Someone should get to enjoy it. 

I deleted all the wedding dresses I was watching on ebay. I'm through shopping- hurray!

bingqilin00

I love the 2nd one! Hope the alterations work out well. I think you've made a good decision to stick with what you've got.

lovetruly06

Congrats on the dress, happy the alterations worked! I love the vintage look. The dress I want has the same feel, I someone just pulled it out of another time. Glad it worked out for your and congrats on your wedding!

ashleyL7

I've always been told that when you find THE DRESS you'll know it's the one. I went shopping a few times and totally didn't believe I was going to have that ah hah moment...that was until I found a gorgeous dress on this very website, went to a local shop that carried the designer, tried it on...and I KNEW that was it! Sounds to me like the dresses you've bought aren't the right ones! Another way you know you've found your dress....when you buy it...you stop looking! I haven't looked at dresses since! And don't be afraid to go by yourself...you need that experience! Afterall....you'll only do this once! GOODLUCK!

sharksfan20

Don't buy anything else! I my self was all but settled on a dress until I found the PERFECT dress. I know it was perfect because I cried when I found it. 

I didn't go wedding dress shopping with anyone in my family either. My mom lives far away, and my MOH doesn't even return my phone calls (but that is a whole other problem, LOL). I browsed the internet endlessly looking for the perfect dress, finding several I loved, but nothing I HAD to have.

Until I found "THE ONE". 

Just keep looking. You will know it when you see it. Even if you find a dress you like that is on sale in your size, it doesn't mean that you have to buy it. 

It's like finding the man that you are going to marry. Obviously you didn't settle for him. He is perfect for you, and you should keep looking for the dress that is perfect for you too. 

Bon chance!  

Festiva

I must disagree with the first post- I prefer the second and it seems you do too (if it can be fitted to you)
The first, though lovely, is one that blends in with the ho-hum ev-er-y other bride has worn it style- it's DONE honey, seen it before at least 40times.
The second stands out...might just be a show stopper!!!!!!!!! 

amyco0227

I would say just go with the first one if it fits then its meant for you.  You might not be as excited about the 3rd dress.  Stick to the budget,Stay focus and try to save money in any way you can.

lealfrantz

 I will say dress #2 is absolutely beautiful! I love it!

AuthorLane

Oh, just get the third one and satisfy your curiosity!  

It sounds like you enjoy the hunt as much as the capture, so enhance the enjoyment of this short time of your life and bring her home with the others.  Maybe you can even save one for an anniversary or vow renewal.  And if you spill something on yourself at the wedding, you'll have a quick replacement.

That second one looks so vintage -- gorgeous!!!

classictwitch

I LOVE the second one!  Get the third dress if it's in your budget, if not, stick with number two and have it fitted to your body.  You'll look beautiful no matter what!

Kim&KyleVT

I think if you can afford it and are willing to take the risk of possibly not being able to sell the other dresses then you should go for it!!  You want to walk down the isle feeling confident in your dress.. and if the 2 current ones you have arn't giving you that feeling then you should get the 3rd!!  Good luck!!

CA2MT4EveR

I say instead of just splurging on the 3rd, go out alone and see what you may find.  I live far away from my dear friends and family and will probably have to go alone unless I want to wait until I go back home.

BigDay42410

I think you should go ahead and try the third dress!  If like you said it's still less than four hundred bucks and whichever two you don't choose you are probably right you can make your money back + selling on CraigsList then why not?!?!  Don't settle on an imperfect dress for your big day and just remember that three dresses is definately way less than most girls ever try!!!

ameliaba

I am glad to hear that the 2nd one worked for you.. but I have to admit.. I am a bit surprised by some of the replies. The fact that you were told to stop looking was sad because I think the only reason you kept looking is becasue you were doing it ONLINE! I think that the experience of the dress, whether alone or with family, is about the feeling you get in the dress. And #2 had not worked (glad it did it is georgous) then I would have said go for it. Neither of those were expensive as far as wedding gowns are concerned. As a side note, I was in a wedding where the bride wore dress # 1. It looked stunning on her, but yes a bit more plain of a style.

Good luck on your big day!

Karabella531

I think you NEED to get your butt into a store & try them on! ALL the dresses I liked in magazines I didn't like in person. Actually, the dress I bought I didn't pick out & didn't even care for it. My sister said to just try it & I did & I LOVE it. I bought it, LOVE it and would have never expected it. I'm a HUGE online shopper & I would never ever buy my wedding dress online. I say sell the two you already bought, and go to a store. Good luck!!

KARABEARA14

Go for a third!  Why not, you only do this once.  I bought a DAvid's Bridal dress on mega sale at the store after finding it online.  A few months later I found a different dress that I liked better.  I ended up getting the first one altered for a reception dress and going with the second one for the ceremony.  Both times I went to the stores myself and went with the suggestions of the ladies at the store.  They can be brutally honest!  Third time might be the charm, but I do say, stop at three!