I'm looking for ideas for a mermaid/fit and flare/trumpet style dress.

cmill15 · January 2015

The biggest issue I am having is finding a wedding gown.

I have been to several bridal stores and I have been searching every day on www.preownedweddingdresse.com. I cannot find a dress in a price range and in the style I want. I am interested in a trumpet style dress/fit and flare/mermaid gown. My eye keeps going to lace sweetheart necks, V backs, with the rest of the dress in duchess silk or lace all the way down. I would like a simple and classic dress without a ton of bling. I do not like dresses that cut off at the knee and have a different fabric. If you can recommend some dresses for me to try... I would be eternally grateful! I have posted pics below of dresses I like, but are too expensive for me.

My favorites are both by Alvina Valenta Style number 9457 and Style number 9002. 3K is my MAX budget for a dress (including alterations)

I was told to budget 1K dollars for alterations and to not get a dress larger than 2 dress sizes, bc it is difficult to alter a dress down too much.

Is this true?

Maggie0829 · January 2015

cmill15 said:

The biggest issue I am having is finding a wedding gown.
I have been to several bridal stores and I have been searching every day on www.preownedweddingdresse.com. I cannot find a dress in a price range and in the style I want. I am interested in a trumpet style dress/fit and flare/mermaid gown. My eye keeps going to lace sweetheart necks, V backs, with the rest of the dress in duchess silk or lace all the way down. I would like a simple and classic dress without a ton of bling. I do not like dresses that cut off at the knee and have a different fabric. If you can recommend some dresses for me to try... I would be eternally grateful! I have posted pics below of dresses I like, but are too expensive for me.

My favorites are both by Alvina Valenta Style number 9457 and Style number 9002. 3K is my MAX budget for a dress (including alterations)

I was told to budget 1K dollars for alterations and to not get a dress larger than 2 dress sizes, bc it is difficult to alter a dress down too much.
Is this true?

Um, unless you are doing a shit ton to your dress then no, a grand is not really necessary for alterations.

As for the whole, can't take it down more then 2 sizes, well that really depends on the dress. Some dresses can be altered way down, but others not so much. You would need to ask a seamstress about this.

What about this dress by Allure? What are your feelings on this one? Like? Don't like? Anything that you would change? I am just trying to get a feel for what you like.

http://www.allurebridals.com/products/2803

According to TK it is in the $600-1500 price range

cmill15 · January 2015

thank you for helping!!

I clicked on the link. I like the top, but the material at the bottom looks a little too shiny. I don't want anything to shiny. But i like everything else. My fiance wants me in a dress that hugs all my curves and butt.

Maggie0829 · January 2015

I don't really think you can determine the level of shininess from a photo. You need to see these dresses in person.

I know that your FI wants you to wear something that hugs your curves, but do you actually like that style of dress? I mean, you have a very decent budget so it is hard for me to believe you haven't been able to find something that you like at bridal stores (if you have been to a handful of stores).

Out of the dresses you have tried on did you like any of them? I just don't want you to settle on a style just because that is what your FI wants. You need to pick something that YOU love and feel great in.

cmill15 · January 2015

I sort of wanted a ball gown, but after trying on the sexy gowns that hug my curves I sort of fell in love! I am 34 and get married for the first time, so I wanted something a little more like the Alvina Valenta styles. (Pics below)

You are right, it is difficult to tell how shiny a dress is based on the picture.

I thought I would have to find a dress in the 2K range in order to afford the alterations. I guess I need to look into the costs again.

Maggie0829 · January 2015

If you get a dress to fit your measurements now then your alterations should not be anywhere near $1000. I am not sure where you got that number from. And even $2000 is a really nice size budget. I think your best bet would be to take a step back from looking at dresses. I feel like you have looked at a lot and may be getting overwhelmed or confused.

And I can't see your pictures for some reason.

cmill15 · January 2015

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Alvina-Valenta/Bridal/Fall/2014/Style-9457

http://www.annabelbridal.com/alvina-valenta-av9002-alvina-valenta-wedding-gowns_p6688.html

Yes, I am exhausted from endless searching.

ddoane · January 2015

Did you look online at Kleinfelds?

Maggie0829 · January 2015

When is your wedding?

If you are exhausted from searching then it may be a good idea to just take a break for a bit. This process is supposed to be fun and if it is no longer fun then you just need to take a step back for a second.

doeydo · January 2015

Have you tried on all different types of gowns? Maybe a mermaid isn't what you truly want so that is why you aren't pulling the trigger on any dresses. I'm sure your FI will think you are gorgeous in any dress you choose, so please don't let his preferences dictate what you wear. Anyways, before are some dress suggestions based on your OP.
Justin Alexander 8765 for some reason they don't have a picture of it without the lace jacket on their website: http://www.justinalexanderbridal.com/wedding_dresses/8765 so here is one: http://media.theknot.com/ImageStage/Objects/0031/0175708/main_image.jpg

http://www.essensedesigns.com/martina-liana/dresses/detail/346

http://davidtuteraformoncheri.com/wedding-dresses/114274/

http://mikaellabridal.com/collections/collection/1965

http://www.moonlightbridal.com/Product/MoonlightCollection/J6346/

http://www.davincibridal.com/collection_inner.php?cat=22&i=39

http://casablancabridal.com/collections/fall-2014/18088/#.VMAqL0fF-So

http://www.justinalexanderbridal.com/wedding_dresses/8558

ETA this one http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_lace-applique-satin-sweetheart-trumpet-gown-wg3715_wedding-dresses-all-wedding-dresses

mrssursely · January 2015

This is the dress that came to mind from your description of what you're looking for. It's on sale too

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_brocade-strapless-fit-and-flare-gown-cop535

WhatawagSBNy · January 2015

Doeydo this link you gave for the Mikaella dress is wonderful. Beautifully cut and proportioned. LOVE it.

http://mikaellabridal.com/collections/collection/1965

cmill15 · January 2015

Wow! Thank you for all of the recommendations.

Yes, I think he has won me over with the mermaid fitted style. My wedding is Oct. 10th, so a lot of people are on my case about finding a dress.

I have not looked at Kleinfelds, but I will do so today. Can I order directly from them or is it to just look at different dresses online?

My thoughts on the dresses all of your recommended! Thank you for doing some research for me. I am going to look into the ones I listed under the Like category below!!

I really liked the Justin Alexander one that someone posted up above, with and without the jacket.

http://www.justinalexanderbridal.com/wedding_dresses/8765

http://media.theknot.com/ImageStage/Objects/0031/0175708/main_image.jpg

I like these:

http://davidtuteraformoncheri.com/wedding-dresses/114274/

http://www.davincibridal.com/collection_inner.php?cat=22&i=39

http://casablancabridal.com/collections/fall-2014/18088/#.VMAqL0fF-So

http://www.justinalexanderbridal.com/wedding_dresses/8558

The skirt is a little too wide for me in this photo below:

http://www.essensedesigns.com/martina-liana/dresses/detail/346

Straps are too wide for me on these

http://mikaellabridal.com/collections/collection/1965

http://www.moonlightbridal.com/Product/MoonlightCollection/J6346/

I'm not a fan of the corset back!

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_lace-applique-satin-sweetheart-trumpet-gown-wg3715_wedding-dresses-all-wedding-dresses#close

I think this one is nice, but I'm looking for more of a sweetheart top and more of a V in the back!

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_brocade-strapless-fit-and-flare-gown-cop535

Maggie0829 · January 2015

Just know that adjustments can be made to a dress if the neckline isn't quite right or if the skirt is a little too poofy. So don't disregard a dress just because it isn't 100% perfect as is. I am not one for someone buying and dress and them making so many changes that it is like a new dress, that just doesn't make sense. But I am one for someone buying a dress and modifying the neckline or removing some crinoline to make it just right.

Also, when you try on dresses and find a few that you kind of like, ask your consultant to add some accessories. It is amazing what a veil and a hairpiece, bracelet and/or earrings can do to really make a look come together.

Finally, there are thousands of dresses out there and all you need to do is fine one that makes you feel beautiful. Over shopping is a bad thing and can make you super confused. So as long as you feel beautiful in the dress and it has most of the things that you want then that is all that matters.

MandyMost · January 2015

I think you need to stop looking at pictures entirely. The way a dress looks in the photo might be very different than in person, and on you. Have you tried on dresses with "lace sweetheart necks, V backs, with the rest of the dress in duchess silk or lace all the way down"?

I had an iphone photo album of "favorite dresses" before my first shopping trip. Turns out the things my eye was going to (lots of lace, and thick straps/cap sleeves) looked just plain terrible on me. I ended up decimating that album after the first trip, and finding a bunch of other photos I hadn't previously considered to add.

Also, I think you need to look more at the dresses as a whole. And after they're on your body, not in a picture and not even on the hanger. If you put on the dress and then think "hmmm, I love it but the straps are just a bit thick", that's probably like a $50 alteration! Or maybe they can slightly alter a neckline, or take out a corset back to add a zipper. And some of that puffiness of a skirt might not be the dress, it might be slips underneath to make it puffy. Or even if it is the dress, it's super easy to just remove a few layers of crinoline.

WhatawagSBNy · January 2015

When you get to a store, keep in mind that some things are actually made by the manufacturer to be easily altered, others hard to change.

Many manufacturers, inc. Maggie and Casablanca, the majority of dresses except those with very low cut backs are available with either corset or zipper / button closure. The sample picture is only one, and store samples, but never turn down a dress for having a corset without asking, could I order it with a zip or button back, or even a side underarm zip which does not work on ballgowns but is great on snug fitting sheaths, mermaids etc.

Whenever their are straps that are a separate piece ( not v neck) the position is often moved front and/or back to set them so that they flatter the buyer's neck and shoulders and bosom.

A lines, trumpets and mermaids, how full the lower skirt depends sometimes on the cut and amount of fabric, but many other times simply is different from another gown because the model is wearing a pouffy petticoat bottom or a slim slip underneath.

If you want medium to low pouffe on the lower skirt, ask the sales consultant to let you try with different under slips. Judge then when you see the difference it makes.
Have fun shopping.

cmill15 · January 2015

Okay, I took a step back just a little.....

I found out about a sample sale in my city and went today. This is what I found. I think this is the dress. I'm going tomorrow with some friends to say "Yes" to the dress.

Maggie0829 · January 2015

I think that dress looks amazing on you! I love the softness of the bottom. Very pretty. And I am kind of digging how the bottom is a slight blush color. It give the dress a little something, something without being too crazy.

cmill15 · January 2015

I agree! It gave it a little something, but it still kept its simplicity. It is made of organza and it is so soft!!!

Maggie0829 · January 2015

I am so happy that you found something that you love!

Have you given any thought to a hair style or accessories?

cmill15 · January 2015

Me too! And it was better than what I envisioned.

Not yet, but I am open to suggestions.

I'm looking for ideas for a mermaid/fit and flare/trumpet style dress.

Re: I'm looking for ideas for a mermaid/fit and flare/trumpet style dress.

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