Have not found the one

I also struggled with finding the dress! A few suggestions:

1. Have you looked in an area that's different than where you've been looking? As in, a completely different state (or a different side of your state)? Sometimes, different dresses are available.

2. If you have a specific dress design in mind, have you considered having your dress custom made by a seamstress? That way, it will be tailor made to you and exactly what you want!

3. If you found one that's close to what you love, but not exact, have you asked if it can be customized? Sometimes, designers are willing to change the neckline or the dress shape or the back of the dress or the straps to align with what you're looking for!

View Quoted Comment I’ve looked online at different websites but that’s even more Frustrating not knowing if what you’re going to pay for are get Will look the same as the picture..I have a nother dress shopping experience next weekend at a different bridal shop so hopefully I would know which direction I’m going in With the dress

How long have you been looking???
I started looking for my dress in July and found my dress in 4 months and I went to countless stores as well. But I never went with a specific dress in my mind because I didn’t want to pre sell my self before I go into a store. So I kept an open mind with dress qualifications: For example, trumpet style, appliqué and embellishment on the bodess and the train. Sleeves: capped or thick straps. So if the dress fit into most of the guidelines I was ok. Like if the dress fit all criteria except that the dress was spaghetti straps. I would plan to add the thicker straps in alterations to make it to my dress.

So my advice is to plan to partially customize your dress because realistically no one will have your vision. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it exist. I hope this helps! 😉

I made sure i didn't have a dress in mind.. i was open to all options and when from there. I was shocked when i fell in love with the dress i chose, because it wasn't something I thought i would fall in love with.

Also a lot of dress stores are willing to customize dresses if they are by the same designer, mt store gave me that option after trying on 30 dresses after 3 appointments.

View Quoted Comment Thank u I’ve been looking for a while now I always thought I would wear a ball gown but now I’m open to try on as many dresses and different styles

View Quoted Comment Thank you I’ma try other shop and see What I come up with I had my mind and heart on ball gowns dress but now I’m open to trying on different styles

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I fell in love with an aline strapless dress with removable sleeves and a slight ball grown bottom

View Quoted Comment I’m starting to like more fit and flare look are the Mermaid looked but I’m still looking at different styles

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Another option is get the fit and flare with a removable ball grown skirt, that way you have both love's!

View Quoted Comment Ohhh I did not think of that.. That’s a really good option thank you I will look into it

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You're welcome!!

I tried on at least 25 dresses and got frustrated. Keep going and try different silhouettes and whatever they bring out because it could be the one.

View Quoted Comment Yes it’s very Frustrating I have my 3 dress appointment next weekend at a different shop I will be open to try on different styles.. I thought I wanted ball gown but I’m liking more of the fit and flare are Mermaid styles dress right now

I suggest you find the plainest version of each silhouette you are interested in trying on. This lets you see how your figure looks in the essential dress without distractions of not liking the beading or the lace etc... Once you nail down the silhouette you want, its easier to try on embellished gowns to figure out your exact dress.

Jessa's advice is spot on!

- Try on each silhouette - sheath, ball gown, trumpet, mermaid, fit to flare, a-line, perhaps even separates. Nail down your top 2 or 3 silhouettes and then move on to

- straps (or no straps or sleeves or no sleeves)

- neckline (sweetheart? v-neck? cowel? bateau? etc)

- waistline (natural? dropped? asymmetrical?)

- back type (do you want you back to be covered? do you want a low back? do you want an illusion back with lace or bling? do you not care at all?)

- material (all lace? crepe? mikado? lace tulle overlay? glitter tulle overskirt?)

- embellishments (bling? beaded sash or belt? no bling? big bow on the back?

Maybe immerse yourself in a wedding dress guide to learn about all the things that make up types of dresses like this https://blog.nearlynewlywed.com/wedding-dress-guide/, so that you can better direct your consultant.

Ask your consultant to pull some wild cards as well - an experienced consultant should be able to look at your body shape and immediately have a few dresses in mind that will possibly look fabulous on you. Even if you don't like the material, you may LOVE the shape and can go from there.

Finally - drop all of your preconceived notions/expectations as to what you thought your dress would be and try on all the pretty things until you start finding what you actually love now that you are here

View Quoted Comment Also, look at dresses that compliment your body type. Like if you want to show off your curves, a trumpet or mermaid Maybe an option.
Check out this blog: https://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/wedding-attire/how-to-guide-finding-the-perfect-gown-for-your-body-type

View Quoted Comment Thank u I will check it out

Your dress is out there. I know it. You will know it when you put it on. It will be the one that makes you cry when you think of taking it off and putting it back. Each time you take it out of the garment bag, your heart will beat a little faster, and it will feel as if you've been reunited with an old friend. I agree with others in that you should expand your search. Try the next county or town over, or maybe even go out of state. Make sure also to not discount independent bridal boutiques; those might be where the gems are. It also wouldn't hurt to look at some other styles. You may have an idea of what your preference is, but you might just be surprised to learn that what you end up with is something entirely different. You have plenty of time. Don't get discouraged; just enjoy it! Good luck!

The dress struggle is real ! I've been to a few bridal shops and have tried on so many dresses, but none of them felt like THE one. I've been open to trying all different styles (even some I didn't think I would like), and I have a pretty good idea now of what kind of dress I like and what looks best on my body. There's a dress I fell in love with on Etsy that checks all my boxes and the price is great, so I might just end up getting it made to my measurements. Yes, I am also a little scared to buy a wedding dress I've never tried on before, but the reviews are great and the shop is top rated, so I'm hoping for the best!

As I've told other brides still seeking their dresses, you'll know when you find yours. When you put it on, you'll feel as though it was made just for you, and the thought of putting it back on a hanger and someone else buying it instead will break your heart. Then every time you see it again - pickup, alterations, and of course the big day - your heart will light up again, and you'll feel as if you've been reunited with an old friend. You still have plenty of time to find it. You said you're about to go on your third dress shopping trip. The third was when I found mine. Just keep an open mind, which it sounds as though you are. Good luck!