Dress Regret

lillamb24

I had my selection down to two dresses:
one - beaded bodice, with some beading and poof at the bottom, what I had always envisioned as a wedding dress.  A pretty train that bustled beautifully.
second - a more fit and flare style, with a simple back (no train etc) and just a delicate beaded design on the neck line.  It is more of a slightly less than white color (not ivory,but no pure stark white)
Both strapless and within my price range.  Being short (only 4'11) I opted for the fit and flare - it lengthened me, hit in the right spots and worked nicely with my curves.  While it is flattering, I find myself thinking about the other dress non-stop.  It was really the type of dress I wanted.  I was just so worried that it would make me look short and just like a ball of dress, that I didn't go with that one.  I am regretting my decision now...  I already ordered and paid for my dress, am I stuck with it?  Is there anything I can do?  I know this may sound silly, but I just feel so conflicted right now...

Thanks girls.

ANM2012

I'm sorry you're going through this.  I would read the contract for the store/boutique you bought it from.  If it doesn't say or you don't have a contract call.

CFM102012

I would talk to the shop where you bought the dress .  How long ago did you order it? They might be willing to work with you at least a little.  If the dress hasn't started production or hasn't gotten very far into production maybe they can cancel the order and order the other one for you.  You will probably lose money on this so make absolutely sure you want to switch before doing so.  

If they can't/won't work with you, you'll have to decide what you want to do next.  Order the other gown too and hope to sell the "mistake" or use them both by wearing the new dress during the ceremony and changing to the original for the reception (or vice versa).  You know your budget.  If you didn't pay for the dress yourself make sure you talk things over with whomever did.  Good Luck 

MLincoln17

I am sorry you are going through this right now.  If you are constantly thinking about the other dress, maybe you should sit down and make a pro/con list about the two dresses.  See which one comes out on top.  If it is the one you didn't go with, I would call the bridal shop where you got your dress and see what can be done.  You may just be getting nervous though too.  If the dress you picked made you feel beautiful and flattered your body type, maybe you picked the right dress for you.  From personal experience, the dress I chose is the complete opposite of what I envisoned myself in.  I understand your dress woe although mine is a tad different.  I love my dress but am petrified my FI won't feel the same way...I hope it all works out for you!  Take a deep breath.  I am sure once you put the dress on again, your worries will disappear!

cebrady89

I had the same thing happen. Both dresses looked great, I felt great in both...but one was a sample and one would have been my "own dress", so I chose the non-sample one.

For weeks after, all I thought was that I'd made a huge mistake. I refused to look at pictures of any dresses for a long time, and now finally I realize how much I do love my dress. I love the other one too, but I know that this one will be perfect for my venues, style, etc. 

I would suggest not looking at pictures of either dress, or just trying not to think about dresses at all. I'm sure in time, once you've got other details finalized, you'll be happy with your decision. 

If not, you can always see if more fabric can be ordered, or more embellishments added to jazz up the dress you have. I'm actually doing that with mine, so when I think about what the final product will look like I'm so much more happy about my choice.

SheilaDancer43

I'm sorry you feel this way! Definitely talk to your bridal salon and see what they say about switching dresses or canceling your order. If they say it's possible, maybe you can go back and try them both on again. If you are able to try them on again, take a break after you do, and just think about it. If it makes you feel any better I am 5 feet and got a big ball gown. I can see where you would like the fit and flare because it lengthened you, but if that is the main reason for getting it (and you keep thinking about that other dress) maybe your dress is the other one.

meganb1977

I'm 5'0" and personally didn't want anything poofy, but I also think the bride should wear whatever she feels good in and there aren't any "rules."  I've heard of petite brides looking great in everything whether it was a sheath or had a voluminous skirt.  It sounds like you chose the fit and flare because it looked better on you, even though it wasn't what you originally envisioned, and I think most brides don't end up buying the type of dress they originally envisioned (I was thinking straps, but everything that fit me well was strapless).  Choosing what looked better on you is a wise decision and part of me is saying to trust your instincts and you chose the right dress for you.  BUT if you're really not happy  and can't get the other dress out of your head, it might be worth checking what the policies are or see if you can work the other dress into your budget even if you get half your money back from selling the one you had second thoughts about.  I wouldn't go back and try on the more poofy dress again until you make sure it would work out for your money-wise...if it turns out that it's not feasible for you to change your order or purchase the other dress as well, trust your instincts that you will look most fabulous in the dress you ordered and have fun jazzing it up with some great accessories.

mkgins

Agree with previous poster. Trust your original instinct. There is a reason why you went with the dress you did.  It probably had something to do with how you looked in the dress you selected, or how you felt in it, or maybe you felt that that dress matched the venue better. Just try and remember what it was that brought you to that decision, rather than just the look of the other dress that you seem to be missing.  A dress is just a dress until you step into it. I never thought I'd end up with the type of dress I did either. And I was in the same sort of situation--2 dresses both in my budget: one a gorgeous beaded lace vintagey dress that seemed so my style, and the other a more modern one shoulder fit and flare lightweight dress with a little bling at the shoulder. Soooo not I or my friends or mom would picture for me, but it looked amazing and felt amazing and everyone in the store even commented on how it seemed to suit me. It just felt right. Mind you, I also still think about the other dress, or any dress more of my original vision. But I do remember that I specifically thought to myself, that dress is gorgeous, and looks beautiful on, but so does this one, I want to wear THIS dress for my Sunday afternoon June wedding marrying THIS MAN, out on the lawn of the venue we're getting married at. It just felt right. And oddly enough, my mother agreed that the one I chose, just FELT right. 

Just sit with it a little. Dont look at either dress online or wherever you're looking at them, becasue you're not seeing the reasons why you bought the dress you did.  You make the dress.