I went into dress shopping with a specific vision in mind... I wanted a plunging neckline with spaghetti straps or off the shoulder with a soft A-line or sheath/column siloughette and it had to fit our fairytale theme. I did get the soft A-line in French tulle (super soft). However, I didn't get the top I really wanted. I tried on a total of 24 dresses between 3 stores. Nothing was right. Either the top wasn't right or the bottom wasn't, or the dress was horribly itchy everywhere and I couldn't stand wearing it with my sensitive skin.
I ended up going with dress number 20. It's very comfortable, has an open back with beaded straps on the sides and it has a plunging keyhole in the bodice that goes from about mid chest down to just above the belly button. The keyhole was a compromise for the plunging neckline. The bodice is a high neck/halter style. I think the best way I can describe it would be that it's all illusion for the bodice with lace overlay and then it has built in cups. The top part of the bodice is the illusion gathered to meet at the neckline with matching beading for the neckline. And the whole top has tiny sequins throughout. I'll add some pictures. Although I think the dress is very pretty, it just doesn't feel like me. I bought it because nothing in my budget was working for me, but this dress was so comfortable and I loved the bottom and the open back. I just don't love the very top of the bodice because I feel so covered up. Not that I wear a lot of revealing clothing, but I don't wear halter tops or high neck shirts, so it just doesn't quite feel like "me". But my mom and sister who went dress shopping insisted it was my dress and I sent pictures to my fiancés aunts that I'm close with and they loved it, so did my bridesmaids.
I'm not worried about my fiancé liking the dress. I think he will love it. I could walk down the aisle in just about anything and I'm sure he would think I looked great. I'm worried I won't feel confident wearing it on my wedding day. I tried my dress on at home and cried in it because I felt so insecure in it that my mom came over to make me feel better.
I am having a couple alterations done. My seamstress already made the top a bit more fitted on the sides of the bust which made a huge difference! But I also asked her if she could bring the cups up just a tiny bit because they sit too low for where my boobs fall. Plus I think raising the cups will make the torso area look a little longer and more flattering since I have a short torso. My next fitting is in February so we will see if that helps. The low cups were making me feel like I had slighyly sagging boobs since mine aren't as big as the dress has room for, so I hope moving them up boosts my confidence! Here are some pictures from before any alterations were done. Please ignore any clutter in the background.
