Dress Stress!!!

Some "traditional" dresses come in other colors, like black, you can always add the details you were talking about. They dress I bought actually came in black, which looks awesome! Maybe also look into prom dresses. They would have a lot more color and detail options.

Martina Liana 885

Maybe you should try on dresses and find one you like and then send it out to someone who specializes in the Celtic embroidery and then someone else who can dye it. You can always buy the dress in your size now and then have it altered to fit you when you lose the weight.

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pretty

Yeah that was why I was still considering going shopping at "traditional" places. I just don't know if I should, still being so far from my goal weight and having such a different idea of what I want it to look like

Ideally, I want some embroidery sort of like this photo, but in black, which would be easy to color the green over. I just don't know if I am going to be able to make it happen?

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I have heard time and again that dresses are best bought two sizes up or down. But with the amount of weight I plan to lose it will be well outside the two size guide. I also don't know if the cost of actually finding specialist in those areas is going to be cost prohibitive.

Purchase the size you are at the time and have it altered just in case you don’t meet your goal or go beyond your goal. It’s easier to take in than let out.

Shop around on Etsy. Someone can make you a custom order.

I'm getting married October 2020 and bought my dress already. I wanted a custom one too but the cost was outrageous and out of my budget.
Because there's well over a year I'd say try on some dresses and just look at the shapes, textures, types of material, length of train to get ideas. Lose the weight and buy closer to 8 months out. If you order online it'll take a very long time to get made, make sure you're prepared for a back up purchase if it doesn't fit or arrive on time.
I live in a major city and getting a nontraditional dress was still too big of a hassel for me to justify, don't beat yourself up if you can't get one (but I hope you do 😉)

Ahhhh- here goes: Look at the local Renaissance Festival and Fairy Festivals, they have excellent gowns that can be custom done, or even some that are already done...

DRESS SHOPPING:

Here goes, long but:

1) HAVE FUN!!! And go to a few places!

2) Try on ALL the styles to see what actually does look good on you. And try on white as well as ivory/cream.

3) Bring the underwear, bra, shape-wear, pantyhose, heels and jewelry options for a high and low neckline you will most likely wear.

4) Bring snacks: gum, mints, candy, crackers. As well as water, juice or clear soda. As well as bring any meds you take, even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Aspirin and ibuprofen can be a life saver for you, And your girls/guys!

5) Bring only the top 3 people. Too many can make it not a fun experience. Remind them they don’t have to be catty/petty, but can give advice & comments.

6) Go in with Pinterest, magazine or printed out dresses that you like.

7) What does your closet have more of? Slinky and sexy or full and romantic styles of dresses/gowns? That can always be a good indicator of what you are likely to lean towards.

8) Remember, and why they do this I have NOOOO idea, the dress they put you in is going to be one to three sizes BIGGER than what you normally wear. And the sample is not going to fit the same, as it’s been handled and tried on, many, times before.

9) Tell the stylist what the wedding vision is: Church, barn, beach. Winter, summer, indoor or outdoor. Small or large wedding.... That way they can help guide you and your people...

10) Wear the spray on or clear deodorant and limit perfume/lotion. As well as being the deodorant and feminine pads with you. Light days can double as armpit sweat stoppers.

11) Wear limited makeup- no lipstick!- so as you don’t get it on the gowns. If you MUST be full faced bring a clear shower cap to hold over your face when they are putting the gowns over you head( I model and that is a trick we use!).. Trust me the stylist will love ya for it!

The Renaissance Festival is a great suggestion.

I was in a similar situation, didn't want a really traditional dress, so I'm having mine made by a local designer. I haven't tried it on yet, but she sent me a picture of it pinned to the mannequin. I admit, I was really anxious and recently starting rethinking my decision and even making plans for a backup dress. When I saw that picture, all my worries flew away. She got it just right.

If you can find a local shop, give them a try. Also, I ordered my fabric from Etsy for about $200.

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Those are great tips! Thank you!

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Yeah, I actually love the idea.

I am going to try and see if, when and where there might be some in my area.

I have been searching pretty heavily on Etsy. I see lots of things that come close to being what I want, and I think finding someone willing to make what I want (hopefully) will be possible.

Hey there!! Have you gone dress shopping yet, or found any dresses that you love? 😃