Disappointed by first wedding dress shopping trip

The dress is not always found at the first shop you try. I personally went to maybe 7 shops before I decided that the dress I tried on at shop #2 was the one. I know TV and movies tend to make it look like one shop is all it takes, but this is not the case for some women. I promise it will work out!

Don't lose hope! It often takes looking at multiple shops before you find the right one. I looked at many dress shops (and way too many dresses, lol) before I said yes to my dress. Also, if you find a dress that you like the material on, but dislike something about the structure of the dress (neckline, shape, back, etc), you can always ask if the designer allows customizations to make it into something you love. Keep searching, you will find the right dress!

Caryn,

$2000 Is plenty! My budget was $2500 and I was shown a ton of gowns from $2000 that were great quality and gorgeous. The shop you went to probably just wasn't the best! Don't give up hope and keep searching. You will find the perfect one.

My first trip was a disaster as well. I am doing a jumpsuit with an overskirt for the ceremony and then taking the overskirt off for the reception. The first place I went she took one look at me and said “We don’t have what you want here, but I can make it from scratch for you.” I then proceeded to call every bridal store near me in Pennsylvania and in Ohio. No one had what I wanted and many were unpleasant to speak with when I mentioned a jumpsuit. I ended up going to Kleinfelds in New York and finally found what I was looking for and for under 3K for skirt, sleeves, and jumpsuit. It took 4 months and many calls and visits. Don’t lose hope and keep looking!

I ended up finding my dress on the fourth trip and about 20 something dresses. I was also surprised by the amount of fabric and layers that make wedding gowns heavy and hot. Try to look for an off the rack store where there are deals. I paid $650 for a $2400 dress. Don’t worry, you will find it.

It helps to figure out some features you likely won't want (but ideas can change too). You did well finding that crepe might not work.

Some people may find the task daunting while others may not generally like shopping. But it may help to start finding some inspiration dresses online (weddingwire for example). Have you figured out any general styles or features? Anything could change from your original ideas but at least this gets you started.

View Quoted Comment

So glad you found what you want. I am not looking for something quite as off the beaten path as a jumpsuit, but I don't want lace or beading, which cuts out 90% of dresses. I'll keep at it!

View Quoted Comment

I actually fell in love with a discontinued Enzoani dress (Maylin) so I am lurking on Still White and PreOwnedWeddingDresses to see if I can find it in close to my size. So far, I have only found one that would involve removing a few ribs (size 4!!) but I'm keeping an eye out. Thanks for the encouragement.

View Quoted Comment

It's funny but most of my inspiration dresses ended up being the dreaded crepe. I want something modern/minimalist but not boring (a tough balance to strike). I learned that I do like mikado, so I'm working to find new inspiration pics in that fabric.

View Quoted Comment

The mikado is a great material. That would work well for a November wedding.

Galia Lahav has a ready to wear collection that is structural and uses satin, silk, and crepe. Pronovias has a high quality beautiful crepe that hid my belly flaws and is in your price point. Different designers source fabrics differently so I'd just keep trying. My ceremony dress was Justin & Ashley mikado that was wash only so after cleaning was very affordable.

Thanks for the encouragement all. I found the perfect dress. It is way more over the top than I expected but I LOVE it. So glad I didn't settle.

View Quoted Comment That is GORGEOUS!!!! I love love love those sleeves, and it’s a super unique gown. Congrats!

View Quoted Comment This is super pretty!!!! Great find!