Houston, We Have a Bridesmaids Dress! (Long-ish)

bsidebella

I apologize for the stupid joke. This might be a little long but I am excited; this is a huge planning check for me. 

I totally forgot to post about this, but I went shopping with all 4 of my bridesmaids plus the female attendant on FI's side last Saturday. I knew this was not going to be an easy endeavor because the girls are sizes 4, 12, 14, 16 and 24. We went to David's Bridal because their dresses have a good price range, and they came in every size. 

In the first conversations regarding the dress, everyone was vying for a short dress. So as soon as we got there, we pulled three short dresses and got down to business. 

Almost right away, there was a hitch. "C", the girl who is a size 24, got very upset because her dress would not zip up (DB dresses run small). She was crying and I told her it was okay. I know how hard it is to find dresses that fit when you're a plus-sized gal. I assured her that there were hundreds of dresses in this store; there was going to be the right one. 

After the three short dresses were immediately vetoed, I remembered that a few weeks ago, C and I were talking and she'd had shown interest in trying on long dresses. So, I said to the girls, "Would it be okay if we tried some long ones?" Everyone agreed, to my surprise.

The consultant pulled four long dresses that were all made of very light, filmy materials. The first two dresses were terrible - the draping made everyone look pregnant on one, and the second one was way too busy at the top and too plain at the bottom. 

The third dress was a showstopper. It was a long, chiffon dress with spaghetti straps and an empire waist, with delicate flower beading at the empire. It came with a wrap. It made all the girls look sexy, curvaceous, and, above all, like they were going to a wedding. Not a prom or a formal - a wedding. 

Since the DB website is a butt and won't let me post a picture of the dress, here's the link (my girls will be wearing it in clover green, C will be wearing it in cornflower blue): http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Spaghetti-Strap-Chiffon-Dress-with-Beaded-Waist-F12495_Bridal-Party-Bridesmaids-Long-Bridesmaid-Dresses 

The girls were pleasantly surprised at how much they liked the long dress! One of them said she felt like a movie star. One said the dress was so comfortable she wanted to sleep in it. My grandma (who came shopping with us) said the best thing about this dress is that the girls could have the option of having it shortened after the wedding. 

The girls tried on three more dresses after that - all short and pretty but very, very plain -  but it all came back to the winner. 

It looked great on everyone, the price was great and they all thought it was pretty. It was sealed. We definitely had a winner!! 

C is the girl attendant on FI's side, so she will be in blue to match the guys' vests and bowties (that they will be wearing with black slacks, black jackets and white shirts). So C is going to be pairing her dress with black and silver jewelry, which I think will look great.  

I am so, so happy that this is now out of the way. I'm a little less nervous about trying on dresses myself. I know that my girls are honest and dependable, so when it's my turn, I feel like I'll be okay! 

ejheart

Wow, that's an awesome story! Makes me feel a little better because I haven't picked these yet either (and was kind of dreading it due to various body types as well). The dress is really pretty, too! Very elegant.

I have to ask though, you haven't tried on any dresses yet?! 

bsidebella

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2012-weddings_houston-we-have-a-bridesmaids-dress-long-ish?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:a464c18c-2e4d-469b-8eae-3865079cb9cfDiscussion:905a4c28-687a-4380-a1ce-53e94b94d02fPost:217573c4-9925-40c0-bd69-7dfca597aa9f">Re: Houston, We Have a Bridesmaids Dress! (Long-ish)</a>:
[QUOTE]I have to ask though, you haven't tried on any dresses yet?! 
Posted by ejheart[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Nooooooope. Not a one. Pretty much because A) I'm not sure how I'm going to pay for it yet, and B) I hate shopping with a fiery passion. </div>

BMcLeodTeam

That dress is really pretty, glad you were able to find 'the one' that worked for all your lovely ladies! 
Just a warning on your dress, don't wait TOO long or you won't be able to order anything in and will have to order off the rack... you might not find the dress that makes you feel the best off the rack.

CowgirlK39

I'm jealous! I wish my girls would decide on something! Thats awesome that they were able to agree too!

volleygurl0306

That dress is very elegant!  And kudos to you for finding one dress that fits all those sizes.  I think it is so important for BMs to feel beautiful too.  Not only are they your closest friends but discomfort/lack of confidence shows in pictures! 

As PP said, I'd get on your dress.  Maybe go back to David's.  I found my dress there and all in it was about $600 which is much less than most.  And, I know they have less expensive ones.  I'm sure no one is trying to freak you out, we just don't want to see you get stressed or find out there isn't enough time to get your dream dress in and you are left disappointed.  Also, I've seen bridal dresses on JCPennys website and Macys website for less than $150 (clicky for an example).