Opinions Needed: Wedding Dress

serlace

Okay, so as I have said before - I don't actually like my wedding dress.  So, this weekend I found a white BCBG dress. 

I was thinking I would wear my original wedding dress for the ceremony/first dance and wear the BCBG dress for the rest of the reception.  Here is my problem.  My FMIL bought my wedding dress - it was totally my decision, though, I wasn't forced in to anything.  So, I am nervous about offending her and I honestly don't know what her reaction would be.  She is a very sweet woman, though.

I understand this is my decision (possibly with FI) to make.  But, I would like to know what your thoughts are on the situation. 

Should I just suck it up and wear my original wedding dress for the ceremony and reception (and return the BCBG dress)?  Or should I wear the original wedding dress for the ceremony/first dance and then change into the BCBG dress? 

Thank you.

My Wedding Dress:



Possible Reception Dress



It's the bottom left picture.

NMac2010

Are you close enough with FMIL to just be honest with her about the situation? If you are the one who picked it out, and you've just changed your mind and your tastes have changed, then I don't see why her feelings should be hurt if literally all she did was hand over the credit card at the register.

If she picked out the dress, that would be a different story.

But, on the flip side, this is your day. If you want to change into that BCBG dress for the reception I see nothing wrong with that either. Some girls do that even if they love their wedding gowns, just to be more comfortable at the wedding.

It's your day, don't make your decisions based on trying to please other people. You'll be miserable!

Tiffany618

It's your day and you should wear what makes you happy, and no one else.  It is totally acceptable to change dresses for your reception.

If it were me, though, I would probably change into a short dress or something fun/dramatically different from your gown.   I can't see the BCBG dress that well from the pic but it doesn't really look like it would be all that much different.

That's just my opinion, though.

dannag75

I agree. Its your day and you should wear what you are going to feel the best in. I do think that your original dress is very pretty.

Question: For the reception dress, is it because you like it better or it will be more comfortable or both? Like Tiff, I would think a shorter style may be better if you are going for comfort and ability to move around. Just my opinion though.

The only thing you can do is be honest with your FMIL and I am sure all will be well from there!

balfour00

You know I'm all about the reception dress.  I say do it if it'll make your day more comfortable and you like it!

linzcw04

I agree with ppl...it's your day and if you want to change then change. I would be honest with her though - you don't want to surprise her and then she ends up questioning if she did something wrong. Just explain it like you would to us - I'm sure she will understand and support your decisions.
I do agree with Tiff though - personally...if you do change it should be into a shorter dress or a different style. I think your original dress is beautiful - but I thought mine was beautiful also and I changed into a short reception dress. It was my best decision! I was able to dance and not stress about where my dress was in relation to drunk friends and their drinks, lol! Everyone loved the change and no one questioned me or thought I was crazy!
HTH - but bottom line is to be honest and let your FMIL know.

ewinkler1977

I don't know if I would tell your FMIL that you know don't like your dress (which I think is very pretty by the way)

I would tell her though that you have decided to go ahead and get a second dress for the reception so you will feel more comfortable dancing and what not.  I would make it a shorter more knee length party dress.  It will be super cute and probably allow you to have more fun.

That's what I would do so you then don't have to tell your FMIL you don't like the dress anymore and you get to have a dress you want for the reception.  And if she asks you or questions the second dress, just tell her its the new hot wedding trend and you really love the idea of the 2 dresses. 

lacy1603

My best friend had this situation and her ceremony dress was VERY big and long and it was just going to be too heavy to haul around the reception and that's how she approached her mom about a second dress.  You just need something you can move  around in!

Donnaaries

I am all for the reception dress idea.  My dress wasn't even that big or heavy and I was still glad to have something lighter to change into for the dancing portion of the reception.  I think if you approach it from a comfort perspective, your FMIL wouldn't necessarily be offended.  Reception dresses are becoming more and more popular these days.  I still wanted my wedding dress in the photos for the first dance and cake cutting, so I changed into my reception dress shortly after all those "events" took place and I could really boogie down!

serlace

Thank you very much for your feedback.  I feel better about wanting a reception dress.  I do need to call FMIL, so it's not a surprise to her and so she doesn't think I hate my dress. 

awilkins78

Reception dresses are so trendy right now, I don't think you need to tell her it's because you don't like your dress.  Have her watch a few episodes of the David Tutera or Four Weddings shows!

I also think the BCBG dress is super cute, and it might look cute if you hemmed it and made it short, too!