Dress depression

I tried on wedding gowns 2 months after I got engaged. It was really hard on me and I haven't been back to a store in 3 years. I can't remember a time I've ever felt that insecure. Just know you're not alone in this! You're not the only gal dreading what should be a great experience. I finally made an appointment to go next month and try again. I just keep reminding myself that my fiance loves my body and he will think I look beautiful. I hope you can find the courage! I'm sorry I don't have better advice as I am in the same boat.

Aw, I'm going to say this first off - you're beautiful, more than you think you are. It's hard for people to see their worth sometimes.
What's an item of clothing that makes you feel comfortable or that you love and feel comfortable in? Maybe you can find something that reminds you of that - whether it's the color or the sleeves or whatever. Maybe finding comfort in something you know will help.

I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Trying on dresses is rough, sample sizes are all over the place, wedding dress sizes are messed up as it is. Just know nothing will fit like a glove, there will always be alterations and it's not personal.

Try to limit the people who go with you. Maybe just have one person, your mom or your sister, if you trust them and are close. Set up some ground rules that the only thing they are allowed to say is nice things about the dresses. "I like the beading", "the color is beautiful", etc. Try on 5 or more and then have them vote on a favorite. Nothing negative.

Just an FYI trying on dresses is an aerobic exercise. They are heavy, there is pushing and pulling, you will sweat and be tired. It's normal.

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I had body image issues, and it's so hard to feel beautiful when you're constantly doubting yourself. Please remember that you are one-of-a-kind and made perfectly just the way you are. When you love yourself, you'll see what others see: a beautiful woman, inside and out

So I know it's not the same thing AT ALL and I'm not saying it is! But my mom didn't want to try on dresses in store, she is beautiful but just feels old/not pretty/out of shape. She ended up ordering sample dresses for her MOB dress and trying on at home, she felt SO much better. Remember even the most beautiful & confident of brides don't like how they feel in every dress!

So sorry you feel that way, but you are beautiful! I was self conscious at first trying on dresses because of my body and because I had 8 people with me. I would say bring whoever you feel most comfortable with to help you out. Having my sisters with me was a big help. Also, knowing that the store specializes in plus size brides was a bonus for me. If you don’t want to try them on in store, check out Azazie as they will send samples to try for a small fee.

One thing that helped me is don't set expectations! What I mean is, don't window shop online at all, just go in and have the people you love start picking some styles out. I was going through the same thing, and the dresses I loved online didn't look good at all on me (to me) and I was really bummed my first time going. Second time, I just let some of the ladies pick whatever and I tried on everything...it helps to not put your "idea" in a box...sometimes those don't work out the best. I ended up finding a dress and absolutely loving it, although it was nothing like the dresses I picked out for myself online.

Hi!,

I can't tell you how much I relate to this. Since I was little I was like that. I would scream and cry and have anxiety over it. I hated buying clothes or I was too afraid to try anything new because I'd think people would look at me and think I was an idiot for trying to pull some outfit off. It's debilitating and carries over into relationships, sex and now, wedding dress shopping. What should be an amazing experience is absolutely horrifying. I know this is going to seem stupid, but I'd go speak with a therapist. Ive been doing this for years and it helps to 1) get to the root of why you're struggling and 2) have the ability to change your feelings. I've learned that how you feel is a result of how you think. Easier said than done, but make this attemot for yourself and your future. You will have a family one day and you don't want to out that energy on a child or your partner. You deserve happiness and to love yourself. You're going to look beautiful no matter what. Your future husband is going to think you're amazing. It will be ok. Hugs.

My advice - try on lots of different fabrics and silhouettes. You may hate your body in one thing and be really surprised when you put on a different style that is way more flattering.

Bring people that can be honest and helpful compliments and criticism. Then trust them when they tell you you look good, and try not to get upset if they tell you it's not right.

Don't get hung up on the size of a dress - bridal sizing is weird, varies depending on the designer, and nothing is going to fit perfectly without alternations anyway.

Don't trust what a dress looks like on a hanger or on a model - you have to put it on.

Remember that you're beautiful and we're often our own worst critics.

Hope this is helpful.

I think one of the most important things with dress shopping is going in with an open mind! Don’t spend too much time looking at magazines or Pinterest, that will have you going in with an expectation. Let the person who works there pick out a variety of dresses for you to try! Take your time! If trying on a few dresses per trip is all you can handle that’s okay! Go in with a positive attitude and a big smile. Fake it until you make it! GL!!!

I had an absolute meltdown two days before my first wedding dress try-on appointment. What helped me feel better was doing lots of research and looking at a bazillion dresses online. The day of I did my hair and makeup and wore something that made me feel beautiful and expensive. I took my best friend/ maid of honor, my mom, my grandma and my great aunt, and in hindsight I might not have wanted so many people. We went to David's Bridal, and my assigned stylist was magnificent. She was supportive, helpful, enthusiastic, kind and had an eye for what I was going to like when I didn't really know. I ended up liking the opposite of what I thought I would on me. It's not easy to do. It felt awkward and I was so scared that I would hate every dress and feel stupid, and like a fraud. That was not at all the experience I ended up having. The not knowing is scariest, it's better once you just go. I hope you feel better about it soon. ❤️

I hate clothes shopping and don't like my size. I was so stressed about dress shopping, even had a nightmare the night before. I went to David's Bridal since they are size inclusive and just had a wonderful experience. I have saved dresses on their website ahead of time, and she pulled the ones they had in stock. I ended up feeling beautiful in almost every dress I tried - they are so structured and well built that my body was squeezed and supported in all the right places. After trying the dresses I'd selected, I asked my consultant to pull any that she felt would look good on me, since she does this all day. The first dress she brought actually made me (happy) cry. Now we knew the style and just needed some sparkle. Two dresses later and everyone was crying. I had been dreading this shopping trip so much and end up wanting to wear a wedding everyday because they make everyone look beautiful. I hope you have a similar experience!

Girl I am the same way. When one of my bridesmaids was harassing me to make an appointment I actually started crying and had to explain how horrible shopping experiences are for me. I was very nervous going into the bridal salon at first, and after I tried on my first dress I was not liking how my body looked. But I had idea of what I wanted and they actually were flattering to me so I went with it and I ended up feeling beautiful in nearly every dress I tried on. I swear wedding dresses are like magic. And it always helps to go with a supportive group who knows you well and is there for you. I had the best group ever. Good luck and show us pics!!