gown shopping

mlh0968

Yesterday I went shopping for the first time, and I went to Classic Wedding in Lititz because they carry the Aurora D'Paradiso line.  I had in mind a few particular styles, and I guess I was naive to think they would be there, because the store didn't carry all the styles from the line.  I tried on some nice dresses from ADP and other designers, but I was disappointed that I couldn't try on these particular styles.  Right now I'm thinking that the only way I could try these dresses would be to order them online, but then if I didn't like it I'd have to pay an exorbitant restocking fee IF returns are even allowed.  Do you ladies have any advice?When I looked at the Classic Wedding website, I was excited to see that they carried Aurora D'Paradiso, because when I looked on the ADP website the only stores in PA that they listed were way out west.I'm trying not to be discouraged because this is only the first time I've gone out and I know I'll have lots more opportunities to find a gown, but still....

K-hart

Because this is your first time shopping, I wouldn't resort to ordering online just yet. My advice is to check out some other bridal shops in the area and try on some more gowns. I realize that you have your mind set on a particular designer, however, without trying them on, you really don't know what the gowns will look like on you. I work in a bridal shop part time and see many, many brides come in with a particular style or dress in mind, however, after trying them on they are disappointed on how they look on them. Often times just by getting to know the bride a little better and their body type, I can help guide them to try on gowns that they may have not choosen for themselves. I would say about 50% of brides that I work with end up going with a style that I picked out for them. This isn't about trying to pat myself on the back, but it's about letting yourself be open minded and think outside of the box. You may find your dream dress without ordering from on-line. After trying on many gowns from different shops, if you STILL haven't found "the one", I would then look at on-line options. Don't be discouraged. YOUR gown is out there...you just need to find it!!

mlh0968

Thanks K-hart.    I have heard many people say the dress they ended up with was not at all what they first thought they wanted, so I am trying to keep an open mind and try on lots of different things.  I know this was only my first time out, so I'll have more opportunities, and my wedding isn't until June, so I have lots of time.  I guess I was just feeling disappointed.It's not so much that I have my mind set on a particular designer... but this particular sleeve style I've only seen from one.  There are endless choices for strapless gowns, but not so many for nice sleeves that don't look like armor (talking about those "modest" gowns)!  I'll try to PIP the dress I liked...<img>http://www.formalsource.com/AURORA%20DPARADISO/ADP_SPR%2009/6872/6872FL.jpg&lt;/img&gt;

mlh0968

let's try that again...[img]<a href="http://www.formalsource.com/AURORA%20DPARADISO/ADP_SPR%2009/6872/6872FL.jpg" rel='nofollow'>http://www.formalsource.com/AURORA%20DPARADISO/ADP_SPR%2009/6872/6872FL.jpg</a>[/img]

K-hart

I love the sleeve! Did you think of the possibility of adding a sleeve to a dress you like? My dress is "supposed" to be strapless and I had sleeves added to it and without them, it really wouldn't of made it "the" dress for me. When I first put the dress on I liked it, but when she added a sleeve I started to cry! I would make some appointments with some other dress places and try some more dresses on. Also, not to alarm you, but my dress took 5 months to come in, so you may want to start looking sooner rather than later, just n case you can't find something and ou have to order online. Good luck!!!

stillundecided4

Are you set on sleeves? What about buying a strapless gown and getting a cute coat/wrap/shaw thing. (I don't know exactly what it would be called.) I don't know how to post links but style 1646 or 1746 at AlfredAngelo.com are two examples of jackets you can get with a strapless gown.  And as far as modesty is concerned, you might be able to find a nice halter top dress that still covers everything (but the arms).Keep looking around and even call some places before you go to save some time. Good luck shopping.