No one to ask about style or come to fittings

ndearmond

I don't have any close girlfriends and we have only invited 18 people to our wedding.  Out of those 18, none of them live closer than 10 hours from us.  I have a sketch from my seamstress, but no one to really show it to so as not to announce that I am having a wedding and they aren't invited.  And, I won't have anyone at my fittings.

Has anyone else been in this situation?  The dress is the issue of the day, but hair and make-up, and so many of the other details are presenting a struggle for me because I am unfamiliar with these resources here.

Venue, reception, other meals, photographer, flowers, cake....all fell into place rather smoothely, but the little stuff is going to drive me crazy and the dress is not little stuff.

Any suggestions?

vantilka

Can you scan it and email it to a family member or close friend?

dubird

Get as many pictures of things as you can on you, and send them to people?  That's the only thing I can think of, espically if you don't have anyone nearby to ask for help.

ndearmond

With only 4 adult women coming, do I ask them all or just my mom?  I would like for there to be a bit of an element of surprise for everyone...although each one could be in on different details so that I don't feel so alone in the planning.

My FI has been very helpful, but I am trying to leave him out of the appearance parts.

Thanks for the replies!  And, yes, the sketch went to my mom via e-mail.  I am confused by the scoop back and the slight V in the front.  I am not sure if that works.  We will take pictures and try to do a video chat for the fittings.

Wow, this is tough!

deanozzi

You could always ask for advice here! If you feel comfortable doing so. You can scan the image into the computer and attach the pic.

Maggie0829

Since you want an element of surprise I would only ask your Mom's opinion, IMO that is the one that matters most, especially if you two are close.

My Mom was there when I bought my dress but I went to my three fittings alone.  It wasn't great but my seamstress and the people at the bridal store were really nice and helpful and gave their honest opinions so that was nice.

mbody

Post some pics of potential dresses, we'll give feedback!

ndearmond

You guys are great.  I have the sketch in a file already.  It is for a garden wedding in the early evening.  I decided a full ballgown would be better replaced by a party dress.  This was designed for me.

But wait..I have never posted an attachment here.  Now, I have to figure that out. :-)

ndearmond

 

rlavach

I just wanted to add that although I have many women coming to the wedding who mostly live in my area, I only cared for my mother's opinion. Too many opinions makes it very difficult. 

Your dress looks lovely. What type of fabric will it be? Will there be any types of adornments (lace, applique, beads, rhinestones) or do you prefer it without that?

ndearmond

All I care about is his opinion, but I have to surprise him.  Ugh!

I suppose I care about the photographs, too.

The dress will be shorter than it appears - just below the knee and my shoes and hair will make a huge statement.

Now that she has the design, we will go to choose fabric together.  It will be very white or will have a silver undertone.  I will choose with her professional opinion concerning what texture will work best.  And, the first dress will not be made of my material, but of something else that I will likely get to keep as an everyday dress.

In addition, my mom will be designing two necklaces for me to choose from and the florist is going to design a pomander-type handbag out of peonies.  I think the simplicity of the dress will speak volumes.

I wanted the scoop in the back, but to see it next to the slight dip in the front alarmed me a bit.  I'll have to look a few more times before we decide on material and do measurements.  Ouch...measurements.

I like having knotties to share with and knowing that we won't all agree, but that we're in the same boat.  Hugs to you all!

stacym13

Since you're concerned about the scoop back and v-neck in front, maybe tell that to your Mom. One problem that I could foresee is that the shoulders might fall down if the neck is too wide all around. I'm just speaking from experience from a swimsuit though. Otherwise, I would recommend looking at a lot of dresses in magazines to get more images in your head and search online for dresses that may flatter your body type. The Knot has an amazing Spring 2012 issue out right now w tons of dresses!

ndearmond

I searchd and took several designs to my seamstress.  I have only seen two short dresses in bridal magazines or on The Knot and this has themes from both.  I went to images of 1950s wedding dresses all over the internet and took the pictures.

She and I did speak of my desire to have the dress stay on comfortably.  My concern is showing too much with leg, chest, and back.  I am also concerned about the contrast beween the front and the back - round v. a bit of a V or maybe a sweetheart.  I may have to ask the designer about that touch.  I think I can see a full sweetheart going well with a slight plunge in back.

My mom knows me, but not much about fashion.  She had two extra meetings today and didn't get to give me her impressions yet.  Congrats to the designer who is three days ahead of schedule.

OliveOilsMom

As for hair and makeup, do you work with any ladies?  I understand you don't want to get all wedding up on them, if they won't be invited.  But you can ask them if they can recommend anyone in the area for hair and makeup.  You can also check with your local board for hair & makeup recommendations.

You dress looks so pretty!  If you are concerned about the v neck in front.  Let your seamstress know how deep you want the V.  She can alter so you don't feel like you are showing too much and are comfortable.

brookerich

I'm in this same situation actually.  My "MOH" was supposed to be my future step daughter but well.....she is 19 and is acting every day of it so I haven't had anyone with me either.  It REALLY upset me at first and then I just said "you know what, I'm getting married with or without anyone else" so I made an appointment at the salon, went in (by myself) and tried on dresses.  I know your situation is a little different in that you're having your dress made but the concept is the same.

Was it the same as having someone there? No.  But it got the job done.  I just had the consultant take pictures of me in each dress I tried on (from the front, back, side, all the details etc...) and I went home, put those pics on my computer and looked at myself.  I was my own opinion I guess you could say.  As the seamstress makes progress and you go in for fittings have her take tons of pictures.  Then look at them yourself, heck, even upload them here, you can always count on knotties for honest opinions!

I ended up with a dress I love, and I'm sure you will too.  Sure it would have been nice to have had someone there but at the salon I visited everyone was super nice and very accomodating to it being just me, I'm sure your seamstress will as well

I think your design is really pretty!  And with that silouette its hard to go wrong.