Wedding dress struggles- help!

Have you thought of trying azazie? you can order dresses sent to you to try on and then you can get a dress custom fitted to your size when you order it for purchase. and it would be very inexpensive overall or in your budget

I would research bridal boutiques in you area and make an appointment at one of those. I think you will find a wider option of sizes to try on as well as better consultants. If your consultant at DB was unable to pin you into the dress to make you feel comfortable, she clearly did not do her job.

I'm very visual so trying things on was difficult/frustrating - it wasn't until after my dress was altered that I finally felt bridal! I went alone since I'm really picky and indecisive and didn't want others to sway my decision.

I'm 5'1" and the bridal gowns were SO heavy! To me, they looked off on my frame so I asked to try on bridesmaid dresses instead. (Most of them can be ordered in white or ivory.) I ended up getting a white Morilee bridesmaid dress; it cost me $328 total, including alterations!

IMO, curvy bodies look so stunning in fit & flare! But it definitely helps if you go into it knowing what time of year you're aiming for, and what silhouette you feel your best in.

https://www.morilee.com/browse/bridesmaids/bridesmaid-dresses/

The styles are more simple, but it gives you more freedom with accessories. Maybe this one if you like off the shoulder?:

https://www.morilee.com/product/bridesmaids/off-the-shoulder-chiffon-bridesmaid-dress/

I was kind of annoyed with DB too - they locked me into a dress that I couldn't fully see because of the sample not zipping up. I think it might be worth it also to check other Dbs in the area if that's an option? I went to one and was not impressed, and the other one near us has been fantastic. Night and day honestly. They have the newer layout, and the consultants were actually super helpful.

That's terrible. Sorry you had to go through that. I would recommend trying a bridal resale site called Stillwhite. It's where I got my dress (size 14-16). They have some pretty cheap ones that look amazing. Definitely give it a try and see if you come across anything you might like. Good luck.

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I've watched some youtubers try them on but its all been with partnerships or sponsorship's so i didn't know how good they truly are. Have you had experience with them? I'm open to it, but do you have to order the dress before trying them on?

Unfortunately that’s pretty standard for bridal boutiques. I had a similar experience at a few of the salons I went too. But for the most part, they were way too big so it was hard to get the bridal moment. When we ordered the right size and tried it on, I was in love. Good luck to you!

View Quoted Comment Here’s a link to how it works:
https://m.azazie.com/sample-dresses/how-it-works

My bridesmaids used the try on program for their bridesmaid gowns and ordered the dresses they chose with custom measurements and it came out nicely.

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Thank you, i think i'll just have to spend a day trying different bridal salons.

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I've never heard of that website but thank you! Thats what i was starting to think about is maybe just doing a formal dress in white/ivory. I'm not picky i just want to feel confident and comfortable. Plus i love that price point! Thank you.

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They have another one an hour away where the majority of the bridal salons are so i could try that. I have seen others on here having better experiences at other locations. Thank you!

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Thank you! I've never heard of that website i will look there.

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Thats good to know. Thank you!

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You're welcome. I hope you find what you're looking for!

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No worries! Morilee is one of the more common bridesmaid/bridal designers available at most bridal shops. My dress is really comfy - I got chiffon since it's light and breathable for a summer wedding. Confident and comfortable was my criteria too Now I'm wishing I had tried more on because I didn't know they had lots of dresses with pockets

I am very sorry you had a bad time, as a fellow shorty who has not gone in to try dresses this is giving me some ideas to plan. I think you should give them one more try maybe have them pull your size, perhaps there will be a gown that will fit the way you want it to and help you look if you decide to go to the other bridal shops. I think you would look stunning in a dress fitted to your figure and I hope you find the one.

Like what Kathryn said above, DB can have such different experiences depending on who is there. When I went I had a fabulous consultant but when my friend for a dress they snubbed her. That is NOT how it should feel! You should be able to feel beautiful in SOMETHING, if not multiple things. Did DB give you the proper shapewear to wear underneath? I had a corset bra and a petticoat to try on just to kind of get a better idea of how the dress would fit once it was fit to me. If you have other bridal shops in the area, I’d try one of those as well. Don’t be discouraged!

I am 5'1 - curvy - same size bottom and top. Yes, you are likely a 14 (they can measure you and tell you). I have some ideas... but what style are you looking for - or how would you describe the kind of bride you want to be?

I also had a terrible appointment at DB. The person helping me was aloof and never smiled. She also kept asking if I had to chose now what would I choose then rushed me out of the appointment telling me I’m getting overwhelmed. The store apologized when I said what happened and said I could have a do over but ya know what.


There are too many other dresses out there to get down by just one experience and place. Maybe they just did not have your dream dress at DB. Keep looking I’m sure you can find something in your budget if not an off the rack dress then maybe something not perfect but can be altered to be perfect. Find out what shape dress suits your frame then pick a few more stores with dresses in your budget. It’ll work out.