Dress Dilema- please help!!!

toomanychoices17

So I thought I picked my dress, but as I was about to fax in my payment infomation I started having second thoughts.  Yesterday my MOH and I went shopping again, hoping that it would confirm my thoughts about dress #1, but instead I found a beautiful dress that's a bit beyond what I wanted to spend, it's $1250.  I had planned on around $800 or $900 but was so excited that my first dress was only $500.  Now I can't decide between them! I wish I could go back to try on the first dress, but it's in NY!  I'm thinking of going dress shopping again to see if I can find something like dress #2 but for a little cheaper.

Please vote/leave comments to help me decide.

Dress #1- $500, I think it fits well, but is it too simple?!

 

Dress #2- $1250, can I really stomach paying that much/is it worth it?!
(it has a long train behind me, that I would have shortened to about the length of the one above, but this picture shows the detailing of the front the best)
 

cgbabe229

They are both really pretty, but you should go with what your gut is telling you.  I voted for #2 only because I don't really like dresses that are too simple.  I like simple, but there's got to be some kind of pisaz to it (if you know what I mean).  You look beautiful in both though! If the price is what's kind of driving you crazy but you love 2, I would say to definitely just go out looking and try looking along the lines of #2.  You never know, you might go out and find something similar but better and cheaper!!  Just don't settle

cmac3504

I personally like #1 better because I feel simple will never go out of style.  You can dress it up with any jewelry/ accessories you want because very little will "clash" with a simple dress. You can even change up your look quite a bit with different accessories at your ceremony & reception.

But I agree with PP...  you need to go with your gut!  Maybe neither is right because you want to stick to your budget but dress #2 is making you realize you want something different.

Ali092011

I think Dress #1 is beautiful! I like the lace on Dress #2 but I'm not sold on the criss-cross under the bust. They are both really nice, though. Go with your gut feeling!

lfreeman24

I voted for dress number two because I love lace and think its a classic look. If you're this torn you definitely should keep shopping, and find a way to try number on one again. That way you can make sure you truely love it and aren't just in love with it because its cheaper. While it is important to stay in your budget I think you also need to find something in your budget that you LOVE. Definitely go with your gut !

missmckenzie2

I voted dress #1 I like it better and I think it  more flattering. Also if you loved it the first time there was a reason! Plus, it was well within your budget!

MoonlightSilver

Think about this- on top of the much higher price, you'll also have to pay for alterations, which can add another $100-$400 onto the price. Can you really afford that? 

The two dresses look really similar to me, so I don't think I could personally stomach the huge price difference. If you feel like you have enough time, I would suggest you go dress shopping again. Bring a picture of the more expensive dress you like, but tell the attendent that you do not want her to bring out any dresses over your budget. 

Good luck! 

missmckenzie2

I voted dress #1 I like it better and I think it  more flattering. Also if you loved it the first time there was a reason! Plus, it was well within your budget!

christikao

You look great in both but I voted for 2 since 1 is too simple for my taste. If you ended up going with #2, you should call around for pricing since it can vary from shop to shop plus difference in alternation cost. Not sure what part of CT you are from but Classic Bridal by Eva's in Stratford is normally cheaper than other dress shops in the area and includes free alternation (for both bridal and BM dresses). 

Whtara10

I voted for dress 1 because I think it's soo pretty! But I'm a simple person. Maybe if you're that unsure you should keep looking. But just keep in mind that looking at too many dresses may make you more indecisive.

Jaridds68

Just to dive right into the $ issue...you said you 'planned' on $900ish for the dress. Is there an actual budget in place? Did that amount include alterations? As a PP pointed out, that can cost you several hundreds of $s more. If you go w/ dress #2 you could end up paying close to $1600 or more, almost double your initial plan. 

Basically I think you have to sit down and crunch some #s to see if you can actually afford dress #2. If you really and trully can, then I'd go with your gut. If you can't afford it, then you should go with dress #1. 

From an aesthetic standpoint, both dresses are flattering on you. I do like the criss cross in the bodice of the 2nd dress, but I also like the simplicity of the first, plus you could really go to town with the flowers, hair, jewelry, shoes, and a veil (if you're having one), etc. with a simpler dress. 

theholograms

I personally like Dress #1 better, if you feel it is too plain you can also add a sash.

jacki8788

i honestly like #1 more, and also like the idea of adding a sash or something (maybe lace or something sparkly? not necessarily colored). it's really flattering! maybe look at one more place, and stay withi budget--and then hopefully you'll have a better idea of what you want vs what you can afford. good luck!

CTJenny

I also like #1 better but as PP said, go with your gut. If you aren't completely happy maybe look elsewhere. 

toomanychoices17

Thank you all so much for your input!

To respond to some of your questions-- yes, I could afford to pay for the second one (looked at the budget again and there's some wiggle room) but I just have a hard time justifying the $750 more when, as many of you said, they are very similar.  I budgeted for alterations separately, so that's fine-- both places have said $200-$300 for the first one to be hemmed and brought in and for the second to be hemmed and have the train shortened.

The second one is at a consignment shop, so my Dad suggested asking them to come down in price. I didn't know that I could haggle with them, so I'm going to go back today and see what they can do! I wonder if that's actually why they brought it to me when I said I didn't want to go over $1,000, maybe they anticipated me asking them to lower the price? If they can't come down at all, I'm going to follow your suggestions and either go shopping at a new place or drive back to NY to try on the original. I agree, that since I loved it when I first saw it that is important.

Thanks again for everyone's helpful comments!

Ksahlberg

I voted for 1 becasue I love simple and the other girls are right about alterations and jazzing it up with accessories. It also doesn't hurt to ask if they can bring down the price! I actually got a lot of discounts this way with a lot of my vendors
If you're still searching for dresses I've got a Nicole MIller for sale CLICKY).
My philosophy on dresses: you wear it for 4-5 hours and that's it. I feel like I spent way too much on mine for something I'm never going to wear again, but that's just me Best of luck planning!