To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP

lyssalou89 · February 2012

My FMIl is throwing me a bridal shower with over 100 guests, catered, Parisian themed, in her huge backyard garden. I love the woman, but she is very over the top with her parties! Well anyways, I want to make sure I look my best for the shower so I've been scowering the net like a crazy woman looking for the perfect dress. After a long search I haven't really found much, so I considered going to Marshall's to find something cute but cheap. As soon as I was about to head out to Marshall's, I look online and find this dress for $97.00:

http://www.lightinthebox.com/Ball-Gown-Sweetheart-Knee-length-Wedding-Dress-With-3D-Floral---HSX1249-_p35293.html

SO the question is- to splurge or not to splurge? What are your opinions on the dress? Considering my FMIL is making such a big party, is it worth it? Opinions greatly appreciated!

butterflyjumper1 · February 2012

This actually looks like a shortened wedding dress to me....is that the look you are going for? It might be confusing to guests if you are actually wearing a wedding gown...

if the dress was a different color, it might be a different story though! Pouffiness and girliness would definitely be fun for a Parisian inspired shower. And $97 is totally reasonable for a fun bridal shower dress. I am sure I will probably end up spending more than that on mine.

lyssalou89 · February 2012

Something like hers is what I was thinking: http://www.heavenlybloomsblog.com/2010/08/french-inspired-bridal-shower.html

bridetobe71412 · February 2012

I agree with Butterfly. It looks like a wedding gown, just a short one. I think it's cute if it's your style, but I would say it might be better to do something a little toned down, especially for a garden party (even though it's for 100 people!). I tend to think cotton sundress when I think of garden party, but that's just me.

I bought a pink dress from Lilly Pulitzer for my bridal shower, which is at my family's beach house. I'm going to wear white for the actual wedding weekend, though (RD, reception, brunch). Would you consider wearing a different color or do you want to wear white to stand out? I think things tend to be more expensive when they're white because the manufacturer assumes 1) wedding, or 2) graduation.

butterflyjumper1 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:866ec65c-9430-44ac-80ca-ca72e714d3f4">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with Butterfly. It looks like a wedding gown, just a short one. I think it's cute if it's your style, but I would say it might be better to do something a little toned down, especially for a garden party (even though it's for 100 people!). I tend to think cotton sundress when I think of garden party, but that's just me. I bought a pink dress from Lilly Pulitzer for my bridal shower, which is at my family's beach house.<strong> I'm going to wear white for the actual wedding weekend, though (RD, reception, brunch).</strong> Would you consider wearing a different color or do you want to wear white to stand out? I think things tend to be more expensive when they're white because the manufacturer assumes 1) wedding, or 2) graduation.
Posted by bridetobe71412[/QUOTE]

this is exactly what I am doing. Fancy but short white dress for rehearsal dinner, gown for wedding day (obviously), and a casual short white dress for the morning after brunch. I plan to find a fun purple dress for my shower (one of our wedding colors).

i LOVE LOVE LOVE lilly Pulitzer - you should check out her dresses. They are totally perfect for bridal showers, I think.

Like bridetobe said, white and formal isn't necessarily what I think of for garden party, but since yours is Paris themed, you could probably go a bit fancier than a cotton dress.

bridetobe71412 · February 2012

Here's my bridal shower dress: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Dresses/entity/c/38/2515.uts?swatchName=Hotty+Pink+Glitzy+Stripe

Our wedding colors are pinks, peaches, ivories, golds, champagne (which is similar to this dress, which I bought without even THINKING of our colors! I truly have a style . . . )

There are a lot of white dresses on LP too but they may be upwards of your price range. They are really, really cute though! And I think the style is kind of what I think of when I see "garden party."

Also, consider looking on Etsy. I found a few that are adorable on there, like this one: http://pinterest.com/pin/112801165636649520/ (I may buy this for the brunch).

xobride · February 2012

You should know that their dresses are made to order so it will take some time to receive it.

butterflyjumper1 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:bbad9bd7-ba1e-41df-b63f-6483402a4027">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]Here's my bridal shower dress: <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Dresses/entity/c/38/2515.uts?swatchName=Hotty+Pink+Glitzy+Stripe" rel="nofollow">http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Dresses/entity/c/38/2515.uts?swatchName=Hotty+Pink+Glitzy+Stripe</a> Our wedding colors are pinks, peaches, ivories, golds, champagne (which is similar to this dress, which I bought without even THINKING of our colors! I truly have a style . . . ) There are a lot of white dresses on LP too but they may be upwards of your price range. They are really, really cute though! And I think the style is kind of what I think of when I see "garden party." Also, consider looking on Etsy. I found a few that are adorable on there, like this one: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/112801165636649520/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/pin/112801165636649520/</a> (I may buy this for the brunch).
Posted by bridetobe71412[/QUOTE]

oh. my. god. SO obsessed with your shower dress!! it's the cutest thing i have ever seen!

bridetobe71412 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:1f253ee0-2949-4653-bf39-9a16a9aa25f4">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]You should know that their dresses are made to order so it will take some time to receive it.
Posted by xobride[/QUOTE]

For Etsy? Yes - it says 10-14 days.

bridetobe71412 · February 2012

Butterfly - Thanks! I love it, too. I need to get it hemmed though because it falls below my knees . . . haha At least I got it before they ran out of Size 0!

xobride · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:7dacd199-47ed-4e6b-a8be-af5a75308648">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP : For Etsy? Yes - it says 10-14 days.
Posted by bridetobe71412[/QUOTE]

I was talking about the OP's link. I was just looking on that site as well and realized it wasn't going to work for my timeframe so I wanted to make sure she knew, too. Glad you got your dress! :)

BmoreBride311 · February 2012

Like the other girls, I'm reserving white for the wedding weekend (RD, wedding, and after party). That said, if you love that dress, go for it. It's not a bad price for a shower dress at all. I got my shower dress from BHLDN and I think it was about $198 on sale, but I have actually already worn it once to a wedding in Florida this winter, so I can justify the price a little better

butterflyjumper1 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:7781deca-651d-4ae1-9da4-e5cc4c4a68f7">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]Like the other girls, I'm reserving white for the wedding weekend (RD, wedding, and after party). That said, if you love that dress, go for it. It's not a bad price for a shower dress at all. <strong>I got my shower dress from BHLDN</strong> and I think it was about $198 on sale, but I have actually already worn it once to a wedding in Florida this winter, so I can justify the price a little better :)
Posted by BmoreBride311[/QUOTE]

Bmore - I am obsessed with BHLDN....do you have a pic of your shower dress??? I would love to see :)

Madisonpenny · February 2012

OP don't buy that dress. I think your guests are going to think you went wedding crazy just because it looks so much like a short wedding dress.. unless of course that's what your going for..

bridetobe71412 · February 2012

Obsessed with BHLDN. Wish I could justify buying this: http://www.bhldn.com/shop_the-bride_reception-dresses/dainty-diversion-mini
or this http://www.bhldn.com/shop_the-bride_reception-dresses/persephone-shift

MeaganR12 · February 2012

I like it! I was actually planning on doing white for the shower and pink for the RD (one of our colors).

Plus I know you're doing a destination wedding so there will probably be quite a few people at your shower who won't be able to make the wedding that will like to see you in white

BmoreBride311 · February 2012

@bridetobe - Love the first BHLDN dress you posted! I wish I could justify that price!

Here is my shower dress (I think it's discontined, but it was called the

L’APPEL PALETTE DRESS

bridetobe71412 · February 2012

Bmore - OMG, GORGEOUS.

BmoreBride311 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:bf66e556-502b-4f54-aae4-207637e643c0">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]Bmore - OMG, GORGEOUS.
Posted by bridetobe71412[/QUOTE]

<div>Haha thanks! I think you and I must have similar taste in clothes. I always love what you post!</div>

lyssalou89 · February 2012

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-morgan-rosette-trim-strapless-chiffon-dress/3191596?origin=category&resultback=8983

What about this one?

ajmom2two · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:309cb021-d223-4cb6-8a2c-4a6eacf4da9e">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-morgan-rosette-trim-strapless-chiffon-dress/3191596?origin=category&resultback=8983" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-morgan-rosette-trim-strapless-chiffon-dress/3191596?origin=category&resultback=8983</a> What about this one?
Posted by lyssalou89[/QUOTE]

I like this one more! Its a little more subtle than the first one. :)

shelby8020 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:f4428d48-8713-4593-9795-42a90d8b18f1">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]Obsessed with BHLDN. Wish I could justify buying this: <a href="http://www.bhldn.com/shop_the-bride_reception-dresses/dainty-diversion-mini" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhldn.com/shop_the-bride_reception-dresses/dainty-diversion-mini</a> or this <a href="http://www.bhldn.com/shop_the-bride_reception-dresses/persephone-shift" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhldn.com/shop_the-bride_reception-dresses/persephone-shift</a>
Posted by bridetobe71412[/QUOTE]

OH MY GOD.....I'm obsessed with the first one!!!!!!

shelby8020 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_to-splurge-or-not-to-splurge-that-is-the-question-bridal-shower-dress-pip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:9e63b7a0-91e8-49bf-bf79-10036c99f69aPost:309cb021-d223-4cb6-8a2c-4a6eacf4da9e">Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP</a>:
[QUOTE]<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-morgan-rosette-trim-strapless-chiffon-dress/3191596?origin=category&resultback=8983" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-morgan-rosette-trim-strapless-chiffon-dress/3191596?origin=category&resultback=8983</a> What about this one?
Posted by lyssalou89[/QUOTE]

Yessss I like that one much better! Simple and classic!

To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP

Re: To splurge or not to splurge- that is the question (bridal shower dress) PIP

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