Budget dress... I think I bought the wrong dress.

JenniferBV

I bought my dress on my first dress shopping outing with my mom and MoH. Here is the dress

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Beaded-lace-trumpet-with-godet-inserts-VW9340_Bridal-Gowns-Features-All-Gowns

I find myself becoming more and more uneasy about this dress. I don't feel special in it, just kinda plain. I don't think it is all that flattering since I'm short and pear shaped. It was on sale and vaguely fit what I was looking for so I got it. I am trying to do this whole wedding on a tight budget, so I'm practically doing everything myself including baking desserts and decorating/doing flowers. Anyway, I found this dress

http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=J1399

and I fell in LOVE. Idk how much this dress costs, but I'm positive it is more than the $500 I spent on my sale dress. Does anyone know how much it costs? What can I do to get this dress, or one a lot like it, at an affordable price? What should I do with my old dress?

Avion22

I think both dresse are lovely, but honestly they are very similar.  If you are on a budget, then I would recommend just sticking with dress you already bought -- it's absolutely beautiful, and as far as I can tell the only difference is that it's strapless (and maybe has a shorter train/no train).    Honestly, they are SO similar.  Not worth the extra money of buying a new dress and losing money on the one you already bought....

But if you DO buy the second one, then you can sell the first one on The Knot Classifieds or on a pre-owned wedding dres site like oncewed.com (there are a few others, but I'm blanking on their names).   You are unlikely to get what you paid for it if you go this route.

almost-a-bride

That's my dress! I did change the belt though. My dress budget was $5000 and I bought this one for less then $1000! I absolutely loved it. Now, I know Davids bridal carries a very similar dress as the second link you posted and its only like $800. Did you buy the first one? If not I'd give you mine (if it fits)!

MelissaC315

I believe the dress is around $1600, which is quite a bit more than you're looking to spend. Honestly I think the dress you choose for $500 is beautiful and has some very unique details. The two dresses are very similiar with exception to the bodices. You could even add a sash or belt to add something extra if you wanted to? But I think you made a good choice with your original pick.

JenniferBV

You are right, they are similar, I just really liked the back and train on the other dress... I think the back is a little lower, but idk. Does anyone know of something similar but with a lower back or backless?

almost-a-bride

Here's an identical dress to the second one you liked.... http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Lace-Cap-sleeve-Trumpet-with-Keyhole-Back-and-Sash-VW9768

JenniferBV

almost-a-bride, that is perfect! I think I'll go try it on... Maybe I can add some scalloped lace around the edges of the train so it looks more "complete"? Thank you so much!

almost-a-bride

Your welcome! I tried on both of them as well and ended up with the first one. Like I said, I changed the belt and had a seemstress take it in to make it fit like a glove! Loved it! Good luck!!

Avion22

I'm not sure what their policy is, but since the dress almost-a-bride suggested is also from David's maybe they will let you cancel your order on the first dress you bought and apply what you've already paid to the second dress?   It's a long-shot, but maybe they can help you out (espcially if it means you are buying a slightly more expensive dress from them).

almost-a-bride

Davids is pretty easy to deal with, I bet they would work with you too.

meganb1977

If you like the dress almost-a-bride suggested it will definitely be worth seeing if David's Bridal would let you change your order.  I'd be careful though and call them to make sure you could do that before you go in and try it on!  If you would have to sell your first dress and possibly take a loss on it, and buy the second dress at a slightly higher price, make sure you could afford to do that before you look at the second dress.

That said, I love the pattern of the lace on the dress you chose and I think it's something that will stand the test of time and could be jazzed up with a belt and other accessories.  Although I think the second dress is also a classic looking style and would be a good choice if it feels more special to you and if it works out for you to get that dress instead.

achiduck

I really like the first dress. You could always see what a seamstress could do to add cap sleeves to make it a little more like the Maggie.

DeadUtopia

That Maggie is the one I set my heart on, but after trying it on I didn't love it on myself. It's not something easy to pull off, so I suggest trying it on, or something similar, just to make sure the shape flatters you.

That Maggie is about $1800, but the DB one that PP posted is so similar, less expensive, plus it's actually much lighter and more comfortable (I tried both on.)

Personally, I like your first dress, but if you don't love it then you could try to sell it on a site like www.preownedweddingdresses.com. (If you're a size 6, that website has a used Maggie Bernadette for $1000)

JenniferBV

I saw that one DeadUtopia, I'm actually a size 4 with a bit of taking in. idk if a seamstress can take that in and it still look right, I was gonna ask on Monday when they open again.

eltar08

Funny you're having second thoughts too on that first dress, which is also mine.  However, those feelings have passed and I think I will be a much bigger fan once I get it altered to fit me better - I lost some weight since I first purchased it and it looks baggy, which was leading to my doubts.  GL!