I went dress shopping... and I felt like a marshmallow!

Barbiiieee

So, my wedding is still about a year out. My fiance and I moved back to my hometown after living out of state for over a year last week, and the excitement was too much and my sister (who is also engaged) and I just like, HAD to go to an off the rack store and try on gowns. We went to a Group USA, and it was a very slow week night, so the girl working just left us alone and let us have at it.

Every single dress I tried on was horrid. My expectations weren't super high... but I now know I really had the wrong kinds of dresses in mind for my body type! At one point I put on a ball gown style and I remember telling my sister something like, "I couldn't wear this for a whole day! This dress is eating me alive." I felt like everything was too poufy and just had waaaay too much fabric. The only dress that was remotely flattering was a mermaid style gown, which I really do not want a mermaid style dress. I really only liked what was above the "mermaid" part.

I'm worried I am being slightly too picky at this point, so I want to get a good start on dress shopping. I made an appointment next week at DB, one later this month at an independent local shop, and one next month at an Alfred Angelo. I'm planning on letting the consultants steer me in the right direction, but I also want to have a few dresses I'd like to try on in mind. These are my top choices at each store:

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Cap-Sleeve-Fit-and-Flare-Lace-Gown-MS251005_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Designer-Melissa-Sweet

http://watters.com/Product/WtooBrides/Features:BreathtakingNecklines/10410

http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/styles/8507

I'm short (5'2") and very pear shaped. I was thinking I would like to try a more fit and flare or a-line shape. What style of dresses do you guys think will flatter my body type?

erinlin25

definitely try different shapes because what you think you like and what really ends up looking good will differ. im 5l'2 and ended up loving the a line shape. didnt think i wanted strapless or lace and guess what i ended up LOVING!? so be open minded and im sure youll find the perfect dress

julespinkribbon

hey! I am tiny also, 5'1 and a half but a different body shape. I have a small chest, no hips, but a bubble butt.  I am having the same problem! I think its best if we just let the consultants steer us in the right direction. I went into the salon thinking something would look good on me and it looked like crap lol. However, for your shape, maybe this link will help:

http://www.ehow.com/info_8382775_style-wedding-dress-pear-shape.html

Look for something that show cases your smaller top and then flows out on the bottom. So many different types of dresses do this. However, if I were you, I'd flaunt my curves

I think pear shape bodies are beautiful! you will look beautiful and find your dress in time.

Best of luck

AddieCake

Definitely try different styles. I looked like a birthday cake in what I thought was my dream dress, and I didn't think I would be able to squeeze my hips into the more streamlined dress I ended up with. Keep an open mind, and you will find something you look fabulous in!

csweaney

I would definitely recommend going into a privately owned boutiqe to try on gowns because they will give you a private consultant who will assess your needs, body type, budget, and stylistic preferences in order to help you find what best suits you. Having someone who knows what they are doing giving you their personal attention is the best way to figure out what looks best on you. 

Best of luck!

Mahcobaye

Alfred Angelo has some extremely beautiful dresses! I am getting my dress from an Alfred Angelo store. The consultants at my store were extremely helpful and helped me find the right gowns that would be perfect. They also gave me honest constructive opinions. I hope you find your perfect wedding dress! :]

Salsera29

If your wedding is still a year away, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being picky! You should love your dress and WANT to wear it all night. Like PP's said, try on a bunch of different styles even if you think you won't like it...you might be surprised. 

zizibet

OP, go to Mariee in N. Scottsdale if you can. They carry a good range of prices and the service is phonomenal.

Barbiiieee

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_i-went-dress-shopping-and-i-felt-like-a-marshmallow?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:78619546-9896-43ac-9a8b-7a67bb3f43b2Post:013ceece-be55-43d0-aa88-0d454ec53aaf">Re: I went dress shopping... and I felt like a marshmallow!</a>:
[QUOTE]OP, go to Mariee in N. Scottsdale if you can. They carry a good range of prices and the service is phonomenal.
Posted by zizibet[/QUOTE]

That's where I'm going to check out my Wtoo dress (and the other ones they have)! I'm super excited.

You all had good suggestions. I'm nervous to try on a sheath because I think it will make me look too big on bottom, and my stomach isn't super flat or anything... but I'm going to throw on some Spanx and try it out. Thanks guys!

button6004

OP, I started my shopping at an Alfred Angelo store.  The great thing was I went in with a few pictures (they were all totally different) and told the consultant I was totally open minded.  We tried on so many different styles and were able to narrow things down (ie: didnt want ballgown, liked sweetheart top, liked lace, etc).  I didnt end up going for an AA dress, but I felt like my trip there was super beneficial as I kept looking.

Good luck!

mcda04

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_i-went-dress-shopping-and-i-felt-like-a-marshmallow?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:78619546-9896-43ac-9a8b-7a67bb3f43b2Post:3cc741ca-0b83-4692-a875-a34cb8a31669">Re: I went dress shopping... and I felt like a marshmallow!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: I went dress shopping... and I felt like a marshmallow! : That's where I'm going to check out my Wtoo dress (and the other ones they have)! I'm super excited. You all had good suggestions. I'm nervous to try on a sheath because I think it will make me look too big on bottom, and my stomach isn't super flat or anything... but I'm going to throw on some Spanx and try it out. Thanks guys!
Posted by Barbiiieee[/QUOTE]

If you're subconscious about your hip area, you should try on A-line styles or maybe a drop waist gown.

Barbiiieee

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_i-went-dress-shopping-and-i-felt-like-a-marshmallow?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:78619546-9896-43ac-9a8b-7a67bb3f43b2Post:1d921a4f-57b8-4719-ba35-aa475b160bc7">Re: I went dress shopping... and I felt like a marshmallow!</a>:
[QUOTE]Think outside the box, too.  Consider a gorgeous evening dress instead of a traditional wedding gown.
Posted by RetreadBride[/QUOTE]

<div>I've been scoping those out as well, because I kind of want something super sparkly since I'm getting married on NYE, and because for the most part I don't like typical bridal looks on me.</div><div>
</div><div>I went to DB today because I JUST COULDN'T WAIT. I tried this dress on off the rack and I looooooved it. It is even most of the things I said I didn't want: strapless, satin, heavy beading, corset back. Haha. </div><div>
</div><div>
<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/7/13/d75fb386-12e8-4911-9dc3-0e4e36b4d183.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/7/13/d75fb386-12e8-4911-9dc3-0e4e36b4d183.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>
</div><div>
</div><div>I am going to keep my other appointments and keep looking, because I want to be reeeeeaaaally sure (and I also want to lose a couple lbs before ordering) but I'm fairly certain its the one. </div>

LoveJanelle

Hi there, if you are petite, I recommend you choose wedding dresses with asymmetrical hemline. I was told by a professional dressmaker that such a style is especially appropriate for shorter brides who want to appear taller on their special day. The long back hemline will cover the high heels, coupled with the front shorter hemline, they together make your legs look longer. A-line silhouette is flattering for every body type. A-line wedding dress with asymmetrical hemline is highly recommended to you.