Torn Between 2 Dresses - need advice...

mollyftz

Hi all. I know plenty of people out there love to share opinions, leave comments and discuss so I'm looking for your help!

On my first dress shopping trip, the woman at the salon immediately put me into a dress that I loved. My mom and future MIL loved it too. However, I thought it might be a first dress halo of glory, so I kept on going. I didn't see anything to beat it all day (approx 10 more dresses) and I thought about this dress for several weeks. 

DRESS #1: Satin fit and flare that looks amazing on me! Dare I say... better even than on the model. 

http://www.ameliasbridal.com/images/365_Amelia_s_Bridal_,_Bridal_Dresses_0018.jpg

PROS: Comes with some beading/flair already, so don't have to jazz it up. Cheaper by at least 1k. Really shows off my figure. 

CONS: I'm scared it won't age as well in photos, as it's a little bit more modern. I'm also scared it's not as unique...

Then I went on my second dress shopping trip. The very LAST dress I tried on ended up really stunning myself, my sister and my mom with how much we liked it. It was completely different from the first dress - definitely more along the lines of something I would have originally pulled for myself. 

DRESS #2: Silk ballgown with a drop waist and full skirt. Also looks very good on.

http://www.birnbaumandbullock.com/collections/the-steven-birnbaum-collection-bridal/?album=7&gallery=254

PROS: Very classic and princessy, which is certainly what I was originally planning on. Love buttons down back. Only drop waist I've ever liked.

CONS: Would have to add a touch of bling myself as there is none to speak of (slightly boring to me without.) More expensive. 

They are so different. I'm scared that I'm leaning toward Dress 2 because I feel like I should... Because it's what I thought I wanted, and because when will I get to dress like a princess ever again?! I don't want to waste my opportunity. Is that a poor reason? They are both beautiful but Dress 1 might have the edge for what really comes alive on me. 

HELP!!!

doeydo

I prefer dress #1.  

OjitosVerdes

Oh man - I have been EXACTLY in the position you are - I was torn between a more fitted, sexy, modern dress (the Pronovias Tigris) and a very romantic ball gown (the Pronovias Pergola). I'm really not a dramatic person, but the decision kept me awake quite a few nights! 

I feel like you should go with what comes "alive" on you - go with your gut. 

In my case, I was equally torn to the very end - I decided on the ball gown because it fits my venue better, and I was swayed by the fact that it is my only chance to wear a dress like that. (I may even have the other one dyed for an evening event. Oops- did I mention I bought both???). 

But don't choose a dress just because you think you *should*. 

Do you have any pictures of you in the dress? Just based on the model pics, I'm partial to the ballgown. I'm normally not a ball gown fan, but the shape is absolutely gorgeous and I love the slight fit and flare it has. But I believe that the first one looks smashing on you. 

So go with whichever one makes you feel most beautiful! 

Edited to add more info. 

Maggie0829

I prefer dress 1. Not a fan of the waist line and plainness of dress 2. Also don't be so concerned about how well your dress will age in photographs. You need to pick the gown you love now not the one you think you may still love in 20 years. I also think that no matter what dress you pick you will feel like a princess because both dresses are very formal and really when will you ever wear a dress with a train (which to me screams princess more then ball gown does) again?

southernbelle0915

I like #2. I think it has a much more classic shape and Ilove that it's a traditional princess wedding dress. IMHO it'll photograph really well and won't look as dated.

I think you could dress it up with whatever you choose as a hair piece and jewelry.

If you're not 100% feeling either dress though, keep shopping!

KateJ16

I think it depends on what you are looking for - me personally, I like simpler dresses because then I can get some truly awesome accessories to go with it, whereas with a more detailed dress I would feel I needed simpler jewelry/accessories.

I also think it's a good idea to go back a second time, completely fresh, with the idea of just trying those two dresses on again (if you try on more later, that's fine, but do those first so you are clear-headed).

[Deleted User]

I like dress #1, first you sounded so much more excited about it and it's a dress you won't have to do anything to. It is a modern dress but not so modern & trendy that you will look back in 20 years and go, what was I thinking? It doesn't hurt that it's less expensive either. What will make this dress unique is how you were your hair and what accessories you wear with it.

 Not sure how you would add bling to dress #2 with the drop waist without it looking like a belt. T

Think of which dress you get more excited about and love yourself in more. As long as love how you looked, you will love your photos for years to come.

Dreamergirl8812

I prefer dress #1. What is your figure?

I bet you're emotionally attached to one over the other. That's how I chose my wedding band.

Giaspo

Do you have time? Sit on it for a few weeks and then go back. One should definitely stand out. That's how I picked my gown... The one it was competing with didn't even come close when I went back. Don't be afraid to keep trying on more. Sometimes comparing them will help you choose. Plus, you mentioned wanting a unique gown. I don't think either of them are unique at all, but definitely classic and beautiful. Good luck.

nextrightthing

So much depends on how the gowns look on you.  I think both dresses are very pretty, but you sound much more enthusiastic about dress one.  If you are worried now that dress 2 is too plain, I think you will only become more concerned about that if you choose that gown.  I almost got married about 7 years ago, and picked a very plain and simple gown.  At first I liked that because I'm not a bling type, but the closer we got the more I hated how plain it was.  So that's my two cents.

NYCMercedes

I love dress 2, especially if you have a small waist. That dress would really show off a great figure

vmj23

dress one!

allispain

Personally, I like dress #1 better, but that's because I'm not into ballgowns.

Have you tried to first one on again since you found the second one? I think that you should definitely do that - it will help you solidify whether your reaction to it really was because it was the first one or if it was because it was the one for you.

Oceansurf70

Such a different vibe from each dress. Both are beautiful. #1 seems sexier/a bit older , #2 is timeless, classic princess. I prefer 1 I think.

pumpkinsandturkeys

When I went dress shopping, I loved a tulle ballgown with a beaded bodice at one store and a lace mermaid with cascades of ruffles at the bottom at another store. Basically, they couldn't have been more different, and I loved them both for different reasons. I went back to both a week later, and neither felt quite right. I ended up falling in love with my third-favourite dress from my first shopping trip, which is a combination of a lace bodice and a tulle ballgown skirt. You have to go with your gut, and if you can't make a decision, take some time off. When you come back, one of them will stand out, or neither will (in which case, neither one is likely to be your dress). Good luck!

Jbirdd38

i love dress 2!   gorgeous, elegant, classy and timeless.

Legu

I personally prefer the first one, and from reading what you've written, I think you do too.
However. Ultimately, you and you alone are the only one who can make the final desision.

vt&dt

I was in a similar situation - there are SO MANY things to think about when you pick your dress, it can get overwhelming.

I started shopping for a ballgown with a beaded or embroidered bodice... And fell in love with an all-lace mermaid dress.

From these pictures, I prefer #1. It seems more complete than #2. The shape is modern, but the fabric and beading are classic, so I don't see it being something you'd regret in pictures years down the road. I thought about that, too!

Good luck!

kittypryde777

Both are beautiful, but my vote is for dress #1

poke+lovey

What look are you going for? I'd say the 1st dress is sexy, elegant and classic...dress 2 is simple & elegant...

hyechica81

was in a similar situation but went with my gut i had to step away from 2 dresses and continue on  shopping elsewhere to see if there was something better i ended up choosing a taffeta and alecone lace gown with a sweetheart neckline ruching, pick ups corset back and 2 straps. 

i love the first one just enough bling and looks stunning the second one is way to plain and to me it has been seen a lot before not really unique plus you would have to bling it out by adding beading to it or a belt which would bring up the price.. 

this is what you should do go  to two more bridal salons that carry designers totally different from the 2 dresses you have chosen so far and try on dresses 

i would look at dresses by allure, mori lee, maggie solttero, jasmine, venus those are some really good designers that have some unique dresses. 

if you are worried about cost mori lee jasmin and venus are all affordable dress lines and they have some stunning stuff my mori lee gown only cost me 1000 and that includes me adding a second strap to my dress

mollyftz

Thanks all! I really appreciate the feedback! 

I think a bunch of people picked up on me feeling more attached to dress #1. That is the dress that I decided on! (Several people suggested I keep looking. However I am at the 6 month mark, so I'm low on time. Additionally, I know myself... more options would have just meant more contenders. Which is NOT a problem I needed!!!)

Here are pics of dress #1. 

Dress #2 was also beautiful and very flattering, but this one feels more right for me as well as the venue. I think I made the right choice! Thanks again everyone for coming to the rescue

mf

doeydo

mollyftz said:

Thanks all! I really appreciate the feedback! 

I think a bunch of people picked up on me feeling more attached to dress #1. That is the dress that I decided on! (Several people suggested I keep looking. However I am at the 6 month mark, so I'm low on time. Additionally, I know myself... more options would have just meant more contenders. Which is NOT a problem I needed!!!)

Here are pics of dress #1. 

Dress #2 was also beautiful and very flattering, but this one feels more right for me as well as the venue. I think I made the right choice! Thanks again everyone for coming to the rescue

mf

Glad you found/decided on your dress.  You look beautiful in it.

OjitosVerdes

mollyftz said:

Thanks all! I really appreciate the feedback! 

I think a bunch of people picked up on me feeling more attached to dress #1. That is the dress that I decided on! (Several people suggested I keep looking. However I am at the 6 month mark, so I'm low on time. Additionally, I know myself... more options would have just meant more contenders. Which is NOT a problem I needed!!!)

Here are pics of dress #1. 

Dress #2 was also beautiful and very flattering, but this one feels more right for me as well as the venue. I think I made the right choice! Thanks again everyone for coming to the rescue

mf

When I first commented on this post, quite honestly and although I didn't say it, I was not a fan at all of dress #1 on the model. It seemed so "meh" to me. 

However, after seeing you in it, you are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT that it is the dress for you! It looks amazing on you ... it really is gorgeous ... and it looks about 1000% better on you than it does on the model. Just gorgeous! Congrats on finding your dress and good for you for going with your gut feeling! 

rakkaya87

I am not a huge fan of dress 1 (my dress is mermaid too!) in that style, but i think dress 2 is nicer and you can definitely dress it up with a gorgeous embellished sash and things.  Don't be concerned about how your dress will look 20 years from now in photos, are you proud of anything you wore 10 years ago? I know I would take a few outfits back if I could haha