My Wedding Dress!
I just remembered, I haven’t even shared my wedding dress with you!
Here is the story of how I found my wedding dress…
As most of you have realized, I am not the traditional bride. It took a trip to Priscilla of Boston to realize this.
I decided to wait and try on my first Wedding Dress when my Mom was able to join me (my dad was able to come along as well!) This would mean waiting 3 months until her trip to Boston in March.
On a day off of work, I made an appointment at Priscilla of Boston. I didn’t have a clue of what I wanted or what would look good on me so I tried a few different dresses.
They all were very nice but I didn’t feel like “me” in them. They were definitely too formal for an intimate wedding.
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The following weekend, I made an appointment at Vera Wang on Newbury Street.
Just from the style of the dresses on display, I could tell from the start that this was more my speed. The modern lines with a flirty twist suit me perfectly.
Apparently I went during a trunk show. Being a naive bride, I didn’t realize that this would mean only a (1/2) hour appointment and was only allowed to try on (4) dresses.
The bridal consultant was trying to cram me into these dresses and convince me that they fit perfectly. They clearly didn’t zip and I clearly couldn’t breathe in them. For a $3500 price tag, i wasn’t going to spend more of my budget on getting my ribs removed just so I could fit into the dress. I’m not good with being under pressure, especially when purchasing a wedding dress so I left.
(Sorry for the lack of photos- I was rushed along too fast to be able to snap a shot)
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From that moment on, I made a decision…The Bridal Retailers of the world were not going to defeat me!
Then it hit me, why can’t I just buy a white or ivory gown? Does it have to be a “wedding dress.”
I walked across the street and stopped in Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th but no luck. I spotted BCBG out of the corner of my eye. Now, I’ll admit that I’ve never been in BCBG but something was telling me to go in.
I walked straight to the gown section of the store and came across the most beautiful ivory tiered dress. It was simple, it was modern and it was perfect!
I went in the dressing room to try it on. Luckily it fit great because it was the last one! This dress was perfect for the type of wedding we were planning.
(sorry for the blurry shot)
You may think that because I got my dress at a non-wedding related store that I didn’t get that “bridal” experience but that was not the case at all. As the girls at the store came in to check on me they asked the occasion and I told them that it was my wedding dress. They got so excited and made a fuss over me. It was exactly how I wanted to feel- special but not pressured.
To add to my excitement, I was able to buy my wedding dress for $175!! That sure is a bit better than $3500 plus missing ribs!
Growing up, i always thought I would be the traditional bride with the dropped waist, veil and train but I’m beginning to learn that I’m not that bride. I’m unconventional, I’m different and I have a different perspective and that is okay.
Next week I will ask your opinion on what accessories to add to my dress!
Did you ever learn something new about yourself when you started to plan your wedding?
I saw this dress the other week at BCBG… LOVE IT!!! I totally thought ‘wedding dress’ when I saw it!! It fits you perfectly too… gorgeous!!
You look beautiful. What a lovely and distinctive (in every good way) choice!
What a GORGEOUS dress! It looks stunning on you, and in no way did you miss a “bridal experience.” you got a stunning dress that a bridal designer would have charged thousands of dollars for and it looks incredible off the rack. how exciting =o)
WOW, it looks amazing, and SO MUCH better than the other dresses on you! I just had to click over from my Google Reader to comment… way to score! :)
SweetchicEvents’s most recent blog post: Keep Your Wedding Cake and Eat It Too!
Oh I love your dress! It looks incredible on you!
Adrienne’s most recent blog post: Wedding Jar
Yay!! It looks great on you, very flattering, and the price can’t be beat! Excited to read about your accessories.
Mo’s most recent blog post: Done Playing Dress Up: The Wedding Dress
Oh la la! It is just beautiful on you. You look gorgeous!!! Xoxo-BLC
BLC’s most recent blog post: Swap Until You Drop
I <3 BCBG. In fact, my dress may also be a BCBG dress! (I’m still trying to decide for sure…)
That dress is awesome, and I bet you could even take it to a seamstress and have it shortened to about knee-length and turned into a cocktail dress after the wedding, if you wanted to. (I’m almost positive that they do have a shorter version of that dress in stores, though it may have straps…)
Kristy’s most recent blog post: Saint Thomas
ohmygod! thats a gorgeous dress!!!!!
I loved reading this post because it was exactly my story. Except I was gifted the fancy schmancy dress and figured out it was all wrong for the kind of small, casual wedding I’m having.
I went out with a bud to peruse stores like you did, and found my dress instantly! It was the 2nd one I tried on at White House Black Market, similar price tag, and I haven’t looked back since. :)
So stunning on you!!
Sexy and modern – congrats! I am definitely a traditional girl, but have thought about wearing a BCBG dress as a reception or after wedding party dress! Gotta love them – great styling and prices!
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You look gorgeous! It’s the perfect wedding dress!!
Teresia’s most recent blog post: Snart klara…
Oh wow. What a STEAL! And even better, you look fabulous in it.
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Thank you EVERYONE for your wonderful comments! At times I wonder if I made the right decision by buying a “non” wedding dress but now, I feel confident that I did.
Please come back next Monday and help me decide on my “accessories.” I would love to hear what you think!!
Abby xox
Abby’s most recent blog post: Venue Feature- Hotel Particulier Montmarte
WoW, so beautiful. When I was shopping for my dress, I was convinced I wanted a sleek fitted number and absolutely DID NOT want an a-line or ballgown. After trying on a few that I thought was what I wanted, the consultant walked me by another bride to be wearing an A line… I feel in love with it right there. Who knew! And the other bride grabbed one of my sleek fitted gowns. It was a great swap!
@Kate: That’s really funny how things change when you actually try on the dresses. I often wonder why I spend hours (years) looking online for the perfect dress!
I’m glad it worked out for you and the other bride!
Abby’s most recent blog post: Candid Thursday
[...] To be honest, I’m having second thoughts about my wedding dress. [...]
[...] To make the visa process as easy as possible, we learned that getting civilly married before traveling over to Ireland would be most ideal. Originally we had thought of doing it after Ger graduated from Grad School however, we soon found out that it could take up to 5 months to process all of the papers. This is when I had the bright idea of getting married over Christmas and to share the experience with all of my family that aren’t able to make it over to Ireland! Remember my dilemma? Problem solved, right? I love that we are able to incorporate both of our families into this great celebration and I am even able to wear my first wedding dress! [...]
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress!!!! And I’m so glad you got something that was perfect for you and you didn’t have to spend $3000!!!! I’m a first time “commenter” but I’ve read a little of your blog. I just got married in October and YES I learned more about ME in my planning. I always thought I would have a ball gown or at least A-Line dress and it be more traditional…with a cathedral veil. When I started trying dresses on, I loved and ended up with a fitted dress. Mine is probably still traditional for those who see it, but it wasn’t what I was expecting…and my veil was short. Again, I just LOVE your dress!!!!
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