Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)

Kimmers2013

How many gowns did you try on until you found "The One".  I've only been to two bridal salons and I already want to give up because I am not finding anything that I like.  I'm a simple bride and who would have known simple was so hard to find.  Sweetheart neckline, perferabbly with something other than strapless (not a deal breaker though) empire or natural waist aline skirt.  I like the belted look and not alot of bling or fluff... Am I the only one completely frustrated.  I find myself trying on 4-5 dresses and then wanting to give up because I can't find what I want.  Ugh...  Sorry for venting but it's keeping me up at night.

cwaggoner07

I think you may be going to some of the wrong dress shops. I went to 3 when I went shopping and the first and last one had ZERO options I even remotely liked. But the one I went to in between had two that I could not choose between because I loved them both so much. And they had lots of other dresses that I liked.
I'm similar to you, I didn't want ANY beading, sequin, or poufy. The store I had success with was Terry Costa. Here is the dress I got:

AshJohnson30

I went to 5 boutiques and probably tried on 4-5 dresses at each place. Don't give up! Just take a break from shopping so you don't get stressed out and end up settling. You know what you are looking for and its out there! Have you looked through magazines and online for pictures of what you like?

Kimmers2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:cc73a7bb-85f8-44cf-a240-6ef393005a29">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]I went to 5 boutiques and probably tried on 4-5 dresses at each place. Don't give up! Just take a break from shopping so you don't get stressed out and end up settling. You know what you are looking for and its out there! <strong>Have you looked through magazines and online for pictures of what you like?</strong>
Posted by AshJohnson30[/QUOTE]

I have looked and saved many pics of dresses.  I have brought them with me.  My consultants barely even looked at them.  It's just disheartening.

Kimmers2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:1c4cdc03-6c0d-4b73-871a-2c5aab402a65">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]I think you may be going to some of the wrong dress shops. I went to 3 when I went shopping and the first and last one had ZERO options I even remotely liked. But the one I went to in between had two that I could not choose between because I loved them both so much. And they had lots of other dresses that I liked. I'm similar to you, I didn't want ANY beading, sequin, or poufy. The store I had success with was Terry Costa. Here is the dress I got:
Posted by cwaggoner07[/QUOTE]

Dress is beautiful.  I'm going to check that store out.  Thank you.

professorscience

I agree with Ash -- it sounds like you need a break!

And when you're shopping, don't completely shut yourself off to styles you might not have tried.  I don't mean go for a completely different silhouette, but you might surprise yourself.  My dress was not really what I expected to buy, but I fell in love with it when I put it on!

I downloaded a Brides.com app and saved a bunch of pictures of dresses I was interested in, and I showed the pics to the consultants where I went.

Also, keep in mind that you can have things like sleeves or necklines added to a dress!

karulyne

aw, don't stress! I'm not going to be much help because I haven't gotten my dress either. I dont want a strapless dress myself and I found it frustrating when I started to look that the vast majority of dresses are, not to mention all the huge trains to drag around... I am adamant that I want to be able to wear a normal bra and feel comfortable walking around and dancing in my dress, and I don't want a ton of details either, something simple. I'm planning on getting my dress from Dolly Couture, which could be an option for you if you're comfortable ordering online since they will customize the dress any way you want. Its a bit of a risk of course since if you don't like it they charge a 25% restocking fee. I'm planning to go to their NYC location and try dresses on before I order since luckily my parents live relatively close and I'll be up there at Christmas anyway. I'm sure you'll find something you like one way or another though, you might even try and find a dressmaker locally if you don't see anything in stores.

AshJohnson30

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:f9e66cec-20bc-4cfc-aa62-82d76e7cb1ed">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent) : I have looked and saved many pics of dresses.  I have brought them with me.  <strong>My consultants barely even looked at them.</strong>  It's just disheartening.
Posted by Kimmers2013[/QUOTE]

Which places are you going to? If you come in with ideas they should be looking at those and helping you from there.

professorscience

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:f9e66cec-20bc-4cfc-aa62-82d76e7cb1ed">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent) : I have looked and saved many pics of dresses.  I have brought them with me.  My consultants barely even looked at them.  It's just disheartening.
Posted by Kimmers2013[/QUOTE]

<div>This actually happened to me at one place, and the consultant told me she could work better if I just TOLD her what I wanted.  I ended up finding my dress there.</div>

sw33tt3a03

I found my dress at the first place I tried, and I'm like you: simple dress, no puff and I wanted a sash.  (side note - I actually found my prom dress at the same store over 5 years ago).  I'm sure you're in the DFW area, so try Terry Costa (it's in Dallas at LBJ and Preston at the end of the strip behind Chili's).  Great things about this store is they have dresses for all budgets (mine was $595 - but one other dress I was looking at was about $400), and if you get your dress there, between then and your wedding date, you and your bridesmaids get 15% off almost everything in the store. 

I got my bridesmaid dresses there too. 

professorscience

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:f9e66cec-20bc-4cfc-aa62-82d76e7cb1ed">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent) : I have looked and saved many pics of dresses.  I have brought them with me.  My consultants barely even looked at them.  It's just disheartening.
Posted by Kimmers2013[/QUOTE]

<div>Try not to lose heart.  At the place where I found my dress, my consultant said she preferred to help me find a dress based on what I described to her, not from pictures.  Because I tried on dresses of which I had pictures, and they were not as great as I thought they'd be.</div>

cwaggoner07

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:dc32dc42-d089-4fe0-8583-25d2aaa533c1">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]I found my dress at the first place I tried, and I'm like you: simple dress, no puff and I wanted a sash.  (side note - I actually found my prom dress at the same store over 5 years ago).  I'm sure you're in the DFW area, so try Terry Costa (it's in Dallas at LBJ and Preston at the end of the strip behind Chili's).  Great things about this store is they have dresses for all budgets (mine was $595 - but one other dress I was looking at was about $400), and if you get your dress there, between then and your wedding date, you and your bridesmaids get 15% off almost everything in the store.  I got my bridesmaid dresses there too. 
Posted by sw33tt3a03[/QUOTE]

When I went to Terry Costa, they were having a 20% off all bridal gowns, so I got my 1200 dress for just under 1000. I think they have that sale a few times a year.

arco13

I loved going to Pence and Panache, and if I remember I actually tried on something very similar to what you described. Remember, don't be closed off to ANYTHING. I was constantly surprised by dressed I never would've gone for, and because of that, I actually found several that I loved.

I was watching SYTTD last night, and there was this bride who had this giant laundry list of of requirements for the dress, and it was impossible. Try on any and everything and don't get frustrated-have fun!

fallbride1109

I tried on 4 or 5 I think at one store.  I went in with specific stock numbers to try on.  But the dress I ended up with was one I would have never tried on--my sister saw it on a mannequin and wanted me to try it on as her pick.  The one I went in thinking would be the "one" was a very close second but in the end was too heavy while the one I ended up with felt light and elegant.

I went straight to Alfred Angelo because it was what I wore when I got married the first time (17 years earlier) and I like that style.  While I love my dress, I wish I had known about all the great shops that offer dresses under $1K -- I really thought AA or DB would be all I had the budget for.

BTW my dress has a sweet heart neckline and actually comes with straps--I just had them removed and wore it strapless.

Kimmers2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:8600b8ce-9326-4eba-b2e7-0da6d3759503">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent) : Which places are you going to? If you come in with ideas they should be looking at those and helping you from there.
Posted by AshJohnson30[/QUOTE]

Well I went to David's Bridal which I didn't expect a whole lot from but when I went to the Bridal Boutique in Lewisville the girl didn't even pull one dress for me.  She had my mom and I searching the shelves for dresses and didn't take anything I said or showed into account and pull something that I may have missed or would have liked.  I think that was what pushed me over the edge.  I have an appt next week at Bliss Bridal but I think I'm going to postpone till after the 4th of July and take a break.

Kimmers2013

Thanks ladies for all your helpful advice.  I haven't posted much but each time I have, I have gotten incredible advice.  I appreciate it GREATLY!!!  So glad I have a new unknown group of BFF's to come to during this process. 

Kimmers2013

I just browsed the Terry Costa website...  OMG first 2 pages had like 3 dresses I saved as favorites on it.  Thank you for pointing me in this direction.  I'm going to make an appointment there in the next couple weeks.  THANK YOU!!!

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:6a18d337-0207-49de-a530-e6578ddbfe65">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent) : Well I went to David's Bridal which I didn't expect a whole lot from but when I went to the Bridal Boutique in Lewisville the girl didn't even pull one dress for me.  She had my mom and I searching the shelves for dresses and didn't take anything I said or showed into account and pull something that I may have missed or would have liked.  I think that was what pushed me over the edge.  I have an appt next week at Bliss Bridal but I think I'm going to postpone till after the 4th of July and take a break.
Posted by Kimmers2013[/QUOTE]
I was adament that I didn't want to go to David's Bridal, but I was talked into it and that's where I ended up getting my dress. I will say though that I think I got lucky getting the consultant I got. Between AA and DB I probably tried on 10 dresses before I found the one I wanted<div>
</div><div>I know people have had some good experiences at Bridal Blossom (now Gowns of Grace).</div>

AshJohnson30

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:6a18d337-0207-49de-a530-e6578ddbfe65">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent) : Well I went to David's Bridal which I didn't expect a whole lot from but when I went to the <strong>Bridal Boutique in Lewisville the girl didn't even pull one dress for me.</strong>  She had my mom and I searching the shelves for dresses and didn't take anything I said or showed into account and pull something that I may have missed or would have liked.  I think that was what pushed me over the edge.  I have an appt next week at Bliss Bridal but I think I'm going to postpone till after the 4th of July and take a break.
Posted by Kimmers2013[/QUOTE]

I did not like this place at all. The lady kept showing me things I specifically told her I didn't like (I did not want a ballgown or tulle and my mind wasn't changing on that). Definitely don't let one place ruin it. I got my dress from LuLu's but I also liked Circle Park Bridal if you want more choices other than Terry Costa. Good luck!

AprilRoberson

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:a88d6853-ab48-4b47-b5eb-7672797dfc86">Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]How many gowns did you try on until you found "The One".  I've only been to two bridal salons and I already want to give up because I am not finding anything that I like.  I'm a simple bride and who would have known simple was so hard to find.  Sweetheart neckline, perferabbly with something other than strapless (not a deal breaker though) empire or natural waist aline skirt.  I like the belted look and not alot of bling or fluff... Am I the only one completely frustrated.  I find myself trying on 4-5 dresses and then wanting to give up because I can't find what I want.  Ugh...  Sorry for venting but it's keeping me up at night.
Posted by Kimmers2013[/QUOTE]

I only went to two bridal salons: Bridal Designs in Southlake and David's Bridal.  I HIGHLY recommend Bridal Designs.  I was looking for a dress similar to what you mention: Sweetheart neckline, non-strapless, and with an empire waist or natural waist a-line skirt.  When I went into the Bridal Designs salon I had the full attention of the saleslady for over 2 hours.  She was helpful, polite, and very knowledgeable about their stock.  When I mentioned things I was looking for she went and pulled dresses, and was very in sync with what I wanted.  Even with a strapless dress she showed me how sleeves/strap could be added to achieve the look I wanted.  I ended up purchasing a Maggie Sottero gown from them for only $800.  They have some super nice discounts! 

If you have the time, I would seriously recommend visiting that salon.  They've been fantastic every step of the way!

cwaggoner07

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:d862a932-ef4a-444f-8306-658676e66413">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent) : I did not like this place at all. The lady kept showing me things I specifically told her I didn't like (I did not want a ballgown or tulle and my mind wasn't changing on that). Definitely don't let one place ruin it. I got my dress from LuLu's but I also liked <strong>Circle Park Brida</strong>l if you want more choices other than Terry Costa. Good luck!
Posted by AshJohnson30[/QUOTE]

I always heard a lot about Circle Park Bridal, but unfortunately, that was one of the places that had NOTHING my style. Just for kicks I went way over my budget toward the end just trying to find SOMETHING to make me happy ( I was on the verge of tears), and still found nothing.
It has a lot of dresses with a lot of pouf and sparkle and that wasn't me at all.

professorscience

I highly recommend Mockingbird Bridal.  I've heard some girls say they had a terrible experience there, but it was perfect for me (I even got really sick the day I bought my dress and they did their best to take care of me).  It totally depends on your consultant, so ask for Maggie.  And DON'T go with their alterations lady!

roseofdeborah

I didn't like any place ( i went to 5)  I went to other than Bridal Blossom, and it was a small boutique that had prices from 700-1300. Every style they had was a great modern style, and the lady who owns/works there, Nancy, can pretty much make any dress into whatever you want it to be with her creations. She has been fabulous to work with!

ejheart

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_overwhelmed-dresses-small-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:7068fee7-82ec-4bef-97b4-7448ee8cfbb8Post:6a18d337-0207-49de-a530-e6578ddbfe65">Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Overwhelmed - Dresses (small vent) : Well I went to David's Bridal which I didn't expect a whole lot from but when I went to the Bridal Boutique in Lewisville the girl didn't even pull one dress for me.  She had my mom and I searching the shelves for dresses and didn't take anything I said or showed into account and pull something that I may have missed or would have liked.  I think that was what pushed me over the edge.  <strong>I have an appt next week at Bliss Bridal </strong>but I think I'm going to postpone till after the 4th of July and take a break.
Posted by Kimmers2013[/QUOTE]

<div>I actually really liked my experience at Bliss Bridal. My budget was $1500 and they had lots of things for me to try on. They did have a lot of things with sparkle but they also had many non-sparkly, non-poof (I was like you and didn't want that stuff). It's definitely upscale, but don't let the look of the place scare you. I also loved it because each dressing room has its own mirror/pedastal area so you don't feel overwhelmed by other brides or by seeing other girls find "the one." If you do still decide to go, I would suggest requesting Jessica. She was great. </div><div>
</div><div>It took me for.ev.er. to find a dress. Seriously. I think we went to 6 different places or something. I ended up getting mine at Terry Costa (although, to me, they only had a few dresses that were what I was looking for). What helped to lead me in the right direction (in the end) was researching the brands/designers that made the dress styles that I liked and THEN finding out where in the area carried those makers. To me, that was the best way to make sure I wasn't going to waste my time. For example, if you look online and realize that you hate Casablana, Justin Alexander, and Pronovias (just for an example) and the store only carries those brands, it obviously won't be worth your while to go there. So get brand familiar and that will help to lead you in the right direction. </div>

juliebug1997

I bought mine at Mii's Bridal--they've now moved locations.  I had a good experience.  I tried on two dresses.  I ended up buying the first one.  I was done in 45 minutes.  

I went in Terry Costa once and I didn't enjoy the experience.  I had some dresses and I was basically shoved into one of those Old Navy quick change booths.  However, I know several girls who swear by that place.  

I think, just like with floral shops/tux shops/other wedding things, every one has a different experience sometimes.  

rsaleh84

I had the exact same problem!  I wore my mom out trying one wrong dress after another.  I wanted an all lace, sweetheart neckline with a small train...everything I saw was either too expensive, or not what I was looking for.  I eventually found my dress at Classy Concepts in Masnfield.  Everyone there is super sweet, and they have a pretty decent selection of dresses in different price ranges.  Definitely make an appointment, and bring ideas...What I realized early on, however, is you get what you pay for...if you want something extravagant, you will most likely pay for it.  Your dream dress sounds beautiful and shouldn't be too hard to find...Good Luck and don't lose hope...when you find it you will know

SmallenForever

I went to just about every bridal shop in the Dallas area and highly recommend Providence Place in Rockwall. They were the only shop that really sat down with me and listened to what I wanted. Plus their alterations are really inexpensive.