did you end up with the dress you thought you would?

willowprincess · May 2010

my dress is the complete opposite of what i thought i would get. in fact, i didn't even like it on the hanger. i had the consultant bring it into the room at the last minute, just as something different to try. but the minute i put it on i knew it was my dress. i wanted long draped sleeves, this ones strapless (although i'm adding spaghetti straps for my own personal comfort). i wanted plain with maybe a little beading, this one has all over embroidery and beading. i wanted something light, like chiffon, this ones heavy satin. but i love it and wouldn't change my mind for the world. go figure.

meyerslr · May 2010

Oh I have a great story for this one: I had researched a bit and saved a few pics of dresses on my computer. When we actually went shopping--- I was super disappointed and couldn't find anything close to the dresses I had seen online. Finally, we found a store with a few good ones, and I picked one that I liked. I still didn't think it looked like the ones online though.

After it had been ordered, i looked back at my saved pictures and Voila! My dress was one of the dresses I had seen online and saved a picture of! Who knew! It was amazing, and I love that I managed to suprise myself!

Don't expect dress shopping to be too incredible though. I personally never had an "aha" moment in a dress. I never cried, neither did my mom. some dresses that looked good in pics looked bad on me. I think some people get too wrapped up in the perfect dress shopping experience. At the end of the day, it's just a dress.

lisammarrie1987 · May 2010

I went in with like 15 diffrent pictures of dresses and i even put one on hold, but when i went back with my grandma(who is like a mother to me) she didnt like it so the consultant had tols me about a new shipment that just arrived and the first dress i tried on was it for me! i love it, and thats hard for me cuase i dnt like wearing dresses.

becgrose · May 2010

i too, anticipated sleeves. i was told i needed ivory for my skin complexion. but i knew no matter what, it would be a-line. i ended up with a white dress and sleeveless (the sleeves looked dumb - go figure! ).... but in the end, it was a-line. i knew that was the style i would look best in.. the rest was about details!

charlenen · May 2010

At first, I wanted a vintage wedding so I was looking for vintage-looking dresses. But then we had to change our venue and now my wedding is more modern. Most of the wedding dresses that are within my budget in the city where I live (i.e. Hong Kong) are very poofy, princess-like with lots of beadings (I did try them on to see what they would look like and didn't like them). And after a while, they all look the same and started to wonder if I was ever going to find the one. I was so tired that eventually I found a wedding dress tailor that is supposed to be very good and I'm custom making one. It's a one-shoulder, mermaid dress with very architectural, organza on the top part and lace on the bottom. It is my dream dress in the drawing, and my friends and family unanimously agree that it's the best dress that I found. The dress i being made right now, and I hope that it would turn out to as great as I think it would me.

budvar1012 · May 2010

Not even close. I wanted a Maggie Sottero, wound up with a David's Bridal. Am I happy? YES! Would I swap it back for the MS if I could? Deffo, but hey, there's this thing called "my budget" and my second pick dress it pretty darned cool if I say so myself. I really love the fit andthe style,so it worked out very well for a Second Choice.

Angelicteardrops · May 2010

I did not. I originally went shopping for Alfred Angelo and had my dress picked out, but I still wasn't "Sold". Then a David's Bridal opened up in my town. I took my mom and my sister with me and tried on the dress like the one I was going to orginally get, but it looked so bad on me.....so I tried on a few and the one I ended up getting was a beautiful A-line skirt, strapless and in white and sliver, as opposed to White with blue accent halter style dress. I love my dress and I wouldn't change it for the world. It totally fits me!

Maureen679 · May 2010

I had a lot of pictures and ideas and ended up with something totally different. I thought i would get a ball gown or an alin dress. I ended up trying on some mermaid styles and they suted my frame much better. I am short so I never considered a mermaid style, thought it wouldn't work, but the full skirts overwhelemd my frame. Love my dress, though it was at least the 20ish dress I tried on in two shops.

Delstins · May 2010

i accidentaly voted that i did end up with what i wanted, but then it dawned on me that i never wanted tule on my dress. all the dresses i had seen before with tule on them were hideous (well at least to me). I knew I wanted a deep red/burgundy dress (i would not settle for white of any sort!!), that is was strapless, corset back, lots of beading and a-line. i had gone to offically 3 stores (i had attemped to go to 2 more, but that didnt' work out) I ended up finding my burgundy, strapless, sweetheart neck, corset back, beaded, a-line gown at a store 1 town over from my home town, but it had a lot of tule on it. It looks amazing on! i love it. with the tule and the taffeta the dress looks like its 2-3 different shades of burgundy in different lights! its a perfect dress for a halloween wedding!

mkmyersv · May 2010

I didn't have a lot of choice on the dress because I HAD to cover the tattoo on my chest...so I found the perfect dress to cover it, followed it on David's Bridal, ebay, and any other store that carried that style...and I wound up ordering it from David's Bridal for $45.00. The dress fits like a glove and I couldn't be happier that I got my dream dress for practically nothing!

DBrodeur · May 2010

Wendysandiego- I also fell in love with "Grace" by Maggie Sottero!
I was so sure I wanted a simple chiffon dress with a low cut back, then I tried it on and hated it! When I put on Grace (Lace, strapless, beaded with corsett back) I knew it was the one! And I never thought I would go for an antique ivory!

californiadreamin07 · May 2010

Well, I guess I was sort of lucky. My mom made my dress, exactly the way I wanted! I absolutely love it, and I know it will be totally unique- it's ivory dupioni silk with tiny embroidered red roses all over it.

AlmostMrs.Munoz · May 2010

I went in thinking that I wanted lace, either empire or A-line and with very little beading. When those weren't working on me (sometimes what you think you want isn't what is best for your body type) by consultant brought a dress for me to try. On the hanger I HATED it, but we thought we could at least try it on and I could point out what I liked and what I didn't so she could pull some more selections.

I put it on and ended up falling in love with it. It was NOTHING like I thought I would get, it was beaded with a drop waist, a train, and a corset back! NONE of the things I thought I wanted...

ShaunajRN · May 2010

I went in knowing which type of style would look best on my body and i had seen a few dresses online I really liked. I ended up buying one of the dresses that didn't look very good on the hanger but it was perfect for my body type.

jdalke88 · May 2010

I was dead set on getting an ivory or champagne mermaid style dress with a ruched top and no train. I tried on a bunch of those that I liked, but none I really -loved-...I went into one store and the sales girl showed me an ivory silk satin gown with a few vertical pleats in the skirt and a chapel train with french lace. I figured, what the hell--I'll try it on. The second I had it on I knew it was -my- dress (I cried a little bit

). You just never know

nk31784 · May 2010

I voted sort of because I knew I wanted a split front skirt dress with beading and that is what i got but i wanted a train and mine does not have one I wish there was a way I could add one then my dress would be perfect.

sixftofsunshine · May 2010

I had a few pictures of wedding dresses (Maggie Sottero & Alfred Angelo) that I really, really liked...even thou I tried many of those gowns on, it turns out I went with an amazing satin, trumpet fit, with Swarovski crystals and I LOVE it!!! I saw this dress hanging and didnt think much of it but it had sparkles so I wanted to try it. I walked out and my Mom & Dad were crying and it just felt like the dress was meant for me...much like the guy! Oh LOVE!!!!

emma5w · May 2010

I went into the shop and told the consultant what I was looking for. I had a particular dress in mind, but a) they didn't have it and b) even if they did, it was over my budget. So my mom, sister, FMIL, and I were pulling a bunch of dresses, and the consultant was running all over the place looking for a dress that she thought they had that matched the description of what I was looking for. Right before we went into the dressing room, she found it, upstairs, in their sample sale closet. It was the first dress she put on me, and it was absolutely perfect. Even though I went to 2 other appointments that day, I just kept thinking about that one. I called the next day and ordered it. It was exactly what I was looking for, and more! I cannot wait to wear it on our wedding day!

veigasmaria · May 2010

Yes! I checked several designers.. but ended up with David's Bridal. Saw them online and fell in love with one.. and I knew that was the one I wanted. Went there last week and lo and behold... they had one I wanted and it fit me so well... dint have to try anything else... it was perfect... with a zip plus a corset! Love it.

ajstrickler · May 2010

I thought I knew what I wanted from looking at pictures on this site and in magazines, tried on several of those types dresses, even loved a few of them... UNTIL I tried on MY DRESS on the suggestion of the salesgirl at the store. It is completely different from what I thought I wanted, and is completely perfect for me. Goes to show that everyone who says you have to try on all different styles is absolutely right. My dress is strapless, I wanted spaghetti straps. My dress isform fitting, I wanted empire waist and flowy. My dress has a smattering of sparkles on the front and around the waist, I wanted none of that. But it's perfect and I fell in love the second I looked in the mirror. My maid of honor felt the same, she said she knew right when she saw me, and could tell when she saw my face. Weird how it works. Now I just can't wait to wear it!!!

jmzenger · May 2010

Its funny reading all the responses, as they mostly tell stories similar to mine. I went into the Bridal Shop saying no beads, no detail, no corset, with straps, and A-line. My consultant was very patient and said that she'd show me everything she had that matched my description on the condition that I'd let her pick the last dress of the day with no restrictions. Needless to say, all the dresses I picked out fell flat. She brought out her pick - beaded, trumpet style, with a corset, and strapless. Before she could finish tying up the back I was fighting back tears. It was the one!

fchan1 · May 2010

i ended up with a dress that is very similar in style to the dress that i originally tried on a fell in love with.

it's the same designer (two by rosa clara) and similar silhouette (i got the cabo versus the cesar) but just a different color and cut. my dress is "natural" wheras the cesar i tried on was a diamond white, i think. also, my dress has a diagonal cut across the front and side, which accentuates my booty better than the cesar did because the cesar was cut straight across the hip area, which made my hips look huge. i have lots of curves so the cabo diagonal cuts fit my body type a lot better. the main reason why i was a little hesitant about the cabo at first was because it didn't have the same amount of beading and detail that the cesar has. the cesar has THE perfect amount of beading that i was looking for.

it was also a little bit of the stars aligning too. two other salons actually put me in aire barcelona dresses that were EXACTLY like the cabo, except for the beading. the salon i ended up buying from was the third salon to put me in that style dress. there was also a trunk sale going on that weekend for two by rosa clara AND the cabo ended up being less expensive than the cesar at regular price anyway.

so, three salons put me in the same dress, it was on sale, same designer as the original dress i wanted, and it was naturally cheaper. in the end, i figured the stars were trying to tell me something! i had a little bit of buyer's remorse at first, but the more i look at the dress, the more i love it. i'm sure i made the right choice.

sketne25 · May 2010

I actually DID end up getting my dream dress last week! I started browsing some designers' websites two months ago and literally gasped out loud when I saw "the one." I knew I had to try it on, but I figured it was waaaay out of my budget. After trying on a few starter dresses, I put on THE dress. My mum, who never gets emotional, actually starting crying! I knew this was what I had to have, and luckily the boutique gave me the dress for $200 under cost to stay within my budget. I'm so happy with it!

Renevere · May 2010

I have a specific style, or idea, in my mind of the dress I want, and I haven't been able to find anything like it anywhere. I've seen what could pass as "acceptable - if needed", but I haven't fallen in love with anything I've tried on.

I don't like simple, I don't like clean, plain lines, I hate satin, avoiding the sweetheart neckline, big bows are a no, and cap & poofy sleeves are hideous.

I love sparkle & shimmer, subtle colors, short trains, organza, and most importantly I want something that looks "pieced" together - or maybe a better way to describe it would be 3-D.

Anyone seen anything totally spectacular like that??

trayers3 · May 2010

Although I got the dress I wanted, I did not get it the way I thought I would. Be very cautious when shopping at bridal salons. I had advised them in advance what my budget was. They assured me we could find what I wanted in that range. Now, during the fitting process I am learning that my original budget was just for the dress. They are charging over $500.00 over and beyond what I paid for the dress to have it altered. Let me explain: They suggested I order the dress larger because the sample would be slightly stretched out. So, I had to pay to have it taken in once it arrived. Then it had to be hemmed. Designer gowns are made extra long for even the tallest of brides. That was supposed to cost another $300.00. Then I found my veil was crumpled in the bottom of the garment bag. This is going to cost another $150.00 to press and steam just so it's wearable. After all those charges, I said farewell to the salon and it's repeated fees.

I ended up ordering a designer dress on line. I had seen it in magazines and thought it would be perfect. They asked for my measurements and it fits perfectly.

In hindsight, I should have shopped at the salons to try different styles on. Then made an educated purchase on line.

chucklenuggets · May 2010

There are so many gorgeous gowns out there at first I only had general ideas of what I liked--I knew I did not want any bling and initially I didn't want a strapless dress but that flew out the window pretty quickly after trying things on in my budget. I am having an outdoor wedding at a ranch so I knew I wanted something with a vintage appeal and a little bit of lace but nothing too busy. I also knew I wanted a sweetheart neckline. I tried on a beautiful dress with a cinched waist --very glamourous and my family loved it but it just didn't feel right so we kept shopping. Eventually I found one that I went crazy for-the woman at the bridal shop was amazing--without any photos she pulled a bunch of dresses that fit my vision. I was fortunate because the bridal shop was really honest and kind and they also didn't do the altering there--they only recommended seamstresses in the area. The only thing that didn't fit my guidelines initially is that my dress is strapless . It does have a sweetheart neckline mermaid fit and mixed with lace and silk. My seamstress is amazing (and affordable!) however and I showed her a photo of a similar dress with a little capped sleeve bolero and she is making me something to go with my dress so voila no strapless for the ceremony:) and i have the best of both worlds. A good seamstress can do wonders to help alter your gown in small ways:) or make additions, et al--especially if you are on a budget and end up buying a sample gown like I did! I read a few other posts--just shop smart and ask around before buying. A few places we went to tried to pressure me and I just didn't buy there. This should be a joyful experience--no pressure! Also, ask if they take your measurements if you order a dress and don't let them talk you into ordering something too big, etc. They should be able to take your hollow to hem measurement and have the dress made accordingly. If not, go elsewhere--there are more gowns!

lindz6242 · May 2010

Kind of....I am having 2 dresses...one for the ceremony and one for the reception! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my recpetion dress: short, complete lace, with a sweetheart top and a satin ribbon around the waist(everything I basically wanted in my ceremony dress!! and it was only $199...I was over the moon) My ceremony dress was originally $1050 and it was marked down to $299...thus, a huge incentive to get it. I'm having a few cuts made to it to look more like this Vera dress I found...so I'm happier with it now :0) To be honest, I was disappointed that I didn't 'feel' anything for it. Here's my advice to you:

1. Do NOT make back to back appointments and try to find it in one day! TAKE YOUR TIME.

2. Take lots of pictures...from every angle.

3. Try on only dresses in your budget...trust me...save yourself from disappointment unless you are super strong and have people there that will be the same way.

4. Try to sit, dance and move every way you can in the dress.

5. Do your hair and make up cute...I've seen some people in baseball caps...hard to get a visual that way I would imagine ;0)

6. Not to be gross...but make sure you are ready for strangers to look at you in your undies...so you may want to feel as pretty as possible...ie...shave your legs lol.

I think that's about it! I had my mom, moh and dad come with me and it was pretty fun...I found my dresses in 1.5 hours....wish I would have taken a bit longer :0)

Good luck!!!!

jumpyjoan12 · May 2010

Kind of, Like I had ideas and I had a mood or feeling I wanted to achieve. I knew I wanted the dress to embody me, my fiance and what our wedding is going to be.

Keep an open mind. There may be something you never thought you would like but you end up loving. At the same time don't let the sales consultant sway you, remember they work on comission. If you know you hate how something looks when you try on a dress don't compromise if you can't stand it .

Don't be afraid to try on a bunch of dresses. Some people fall in love with the first or 2nd dress. I went to 2 shops and found my PERFECT dress... the 21st one! But it was so totally worth it b/ it's so me and worth it. You can find your perfect dream dress so don't compromise.

penelope204 · May 2010

No not at all. At first I wanted a dress from Davids bridal but it was out of my budget. Then I wanted another dress from Davids Bridal but the color that I wanted and the my size weren't avaialbe. In ended up with a Marysbridal a line dress with a train at the end. It's strapless and it has some bead details in the middle. I like it but I prefer the one that didn't have my size

alison.joggerst · May 2010

I love my dress, and it was exactly what I envisioned! I'd spent about 6 months before going dress shopping tearing clippings out of magazines and adding thumbnails to my Notebook on theknot.com. I had one particular dress in mind, so I found a bridal salon that carried the line. When I got to the salon, I looked at the price tag and realized the dress was out of my budget range, but I decided to try it on anyway. While I was putting it on, I explained to my bridal consultant that I knew I wouldn't be able to make this dress work into my budget, but that I would have been incredibly disappointed if I didn't at least try it on. She told me that if I liked it, she could sell me the floor sample for 1/2 price! Since it was a new dress (they had only just gotten it in) only 2 other brides-to-be had ever tried it on, so it didn't even need to be completely dry-cleaned. Of course, the dress was perfect, and I fell in love with it immediately. I can't wait to wear it!!

did you end up with the dress you thought you would?

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