My wedding gown shopping experience! Got my gown!

[Dr.Cinderella]

Yesterday I went wedding gown shopping for the first time with my mom, it was so much fun! I love love love Maggie Sottero, so I wanted to go to one of her trunk shows and try some gowns on. They didn't have all the ones I wanted to try, but I loved a few of them! They were really nice and let us take lots of pictures of me in the dresses, so I wanted to share them with you if I can figure out how photo bucket works! I really want to look like a princess on my wedding day, but dont want to be uncomfortable either. The last three were my favorites, and one could possibly be "the one" but I am still looking. Let me know what your favorties are and what you think! Thanks! :goodvibes
PS Im sorry these are so big, its my first time using photobucket!

#1
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0237.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0236.jpg

#2
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0247.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0244.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0246.jpg

#3
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0249.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0251.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0248.jpg

#4
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0253.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0254.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0255.jpg

#5 - I think this is my favorite so far!
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0259.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0257.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0256.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0258.jpg

#6
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0266.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0262.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0264.jpg

#7
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0270.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0271.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0269.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0267.jpg

[DisneyFairy19]

WOW the dresses are GORGEOUS, you look like Ms. America in a wedding gown... I Love them all, Geez its so hard to choose, you look beautiful in all of them

[Pirate's Princess]

I agree with Christina. You and the dresses look beautiful. I think you could wear a paperbag and look fabulous at your wedding. You look like a model! I think I like the bodice of 2 but prefer the skirt of 5. I'm difficult like that. :)

[Wish on a Star]

Seriously those dresses look like they were made for you!

[Bridie1996]

I love #7! What was the name of that one?

[SydneyFalco]

You looked good in the white one.

[Bewitch324]

Wow!! You are going to be a gorgeous bride! You looked stunning in all of these...I can only imagine on the big day when you are all "done"!!!

Congratulations and good luck with whichever dress you choose (I'm with you on Maggie Sottero...if my boyfriend ever gets around to popping the question, that's the direction I want to go too...I love her stuff).

Brooke

[DisneyDmbNut]

those do look nice, but I thought you weren't getting married for 5 or so years? Did something change?

[CptJackSparrowsGirl]

I'm liking gown #2. It's very pretty:cutie:

[BecBennett]

The bodice on number 2 is my favourite, but number 5 would have to be my favourite dress.
They all look really good though, and a sweetheart neckline really suits you!

[Dr.Cinderella]

Thanks everyone! Im going to have a tough time deciding because every time I tried one on, I loved it haha. #7 was called the Hampton. We do not have an exact date yet, but we are hoping for 2 1/2 years from now. I don't think I'm going to buy a dress just yet, but I was just looking to get an idea of what I like and also this is my last summer vacation ever! So I wanted to look a bit while I have some free time. We went to another store tonight, and it was not such a good experience as the trunk show. I found another 2 dresses I loved, but at this store they had riped out all the designer's labels and wouldn't tell you who the dress was by! They also wouldn't allow pictures of myself in any gowns, which was also kind of a bummer. I hope they don't do this at all stores, do they?

[beatlesblonde]

I think my favorites are #2 because of the tiers on the skirt and #7 because of the applique and the sweetheart neckline, that and both make your waist look super tiny! The corset certainly works in your favor. :thumbsup2

[pezaddict231]

I love Maggie dresses! My dress is going to be a Maggie.

I like #6 on you best, the drop waist definitely gives you even more of an hourglass figure, but they were all beautiful.

Sadly most shops do not allow pictures. =(

[Dr.Cinderella]

Well the picture thing I guess I can understand, but not cutting out all the labels from the gowns. That can't even be legal!

[tiggerrifficheidi]

They're all beautiful! You have a tough decision!

[keenercam]

You look beautiful in every single one of those dresses. The whole shopping experience was so fun for me, and it was amazing to me how many different styles there were and how dresses I wouldn't have even thought of trying on were really gorgeous on. It's good to hear that you aren't buying something now. There are always innovations in styles and fabrics and you might find something else that you'll totally adore somewhere down the line. Enjoy!

[Stephie77]

they all look great but i like #6 and #7 the best on you since the define your waist the best. you will be a beautiful bride. I tried on #4 when i went dress shoppoing also but thought it was a little to flowey for me. my dress is a maggie dress which i love(can't post on here b/c DF is also on here-if you want to see a pic i can PM you). i thought all her dresses fit very nicely though and extremely flattering. good luck with your decision as I know it is tough:)!

[tink774]

Oh my goodness! You look fantastic in all of them! I'm glad I'm not the one who has to make this decision! Maggie dresses are so gorgeous. Even though you said there were some you wanted to try on that they didn't have, these all look beautiful on you. The details on the dresses are all wonderful, and you have a great shape for them! Your favorite definitely looks wonderful on you! I really like dress #2, too. Please post which dress you pick when you finish shopping and make your decision!

[DisneyBrideToni]

They all look beautiful but 5 and 7 are my favorites. :goodvibes

[klacey1]

You look absolutely gorgeous in everything!! My personal favorites are 1,2,5,7. You have a very similar style to what I (although not DBF!) likes-- nice beading, ballgown skirt.
I think you'll be beautiful in whatever you pick, but I agree, I'd wait about 1 year before you committ to buying.

[Lorelei528]

Well the picture thing I guess I can understand, but not cutting out all the labels from the gowns. That can't even be legal!

Actually, retailers buy samples and so can do whatever they want with them. They literally own the dresses.

It sucks for brides of course who can't comparison shop, but of course that is what shop owners are trying to do.

But it is definitely legal. They however cannot sell a garment without a wash/care/fabric tag, that is illegal.

[craigs bride]

i loved all the dresses you looked gorgeous in all of them ! :thumbsup2

[lfama]

This thread got me so excited! I am going first time shopping in a few hours!!!

I looooooooooove all of those dresses and you look absolutely gorgeous in every single last one of those! I can't pick a favorite! I love the styles you chose. Stunning!

[Dr.Cinderella]

I went shopping again, and this shop allowed photos so here's a few more! Let me know what you think! Thanks!! :goodvibes

#8 -Mori Lee, I liked the belt on this one and it sorta reminded me of Cinderella
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0344.jpg

#9 -Maggie Sottero, I think this one sorta looks like Belle's gown
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0345.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0346.jpg

#10 -Maggie Sottero, my Mom and Grandma LOVED this one, Im not sure yet if I do or not
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0348.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0347.jpg

#11 - Impressions, I loved the beading and sparkle on this one!
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0371.jpg

[Believing is Seeing.]

I love 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7!!

Edit: And 8, I'm a sucker for lace.. :)

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

It is very hard to choose my favorite because you really do look fantastic in all of them! There isn't one more or less flattering than another, you just look great in every one!!!

That being said, just my style and opinion, I would go for #2 or maybe #7. But I'm not a fan of too much beading. Whichever you choose, you will look gorgeous!!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Okay, I like ALL of the ones in your first post better than ANY of the ones in your most recent. Just trying to give an honest outsider's opinion, hope it helps! (You still look beautiful, regardless!)

[Dr.Cinderella]

I definitely agree with you Nikki, I just wanted to post them all for comparison and some outside perspectives!

[Wish on a Star]

OH Wow- you ARE going to have a hard time choosing! They all look amazing on you!

[DisneyDmbNut]

I love love love #11, but I sorta feel sorry for the wedding sales people..they seem to help you with all those dresses and no hopes of a sale.

[mousesweetie]

I love 4, 5 and 9 :)

[mjshorses]

:eek: You looked amazing in each and every one you tried on! How is that even fair?!?!?!??!

[Dr.Cinderella]

Thanks everyone for your nice comments and opinions. I really appreciate it!

[Dr.Cinderella]

We are also considering having a second reception at home depending on how many people we want to invite that cant come but arent sure yet. Anywho, I actually used to do pageants and I have a white gown that I got a few months ago and wore only once that I was thinking might be a really nice home reception dress. It is pretty simple but I think it might work well, and I like it a lot so it'd be nice to get to wear it again! I will attach a photo, what do you all think? I am also considering wearing my hair in the same way as in the photo as well. How do you like the style? I have really long so Id like to wear it mostly down, but it holds curls terribly so I'll have to find a good professional! Thanks for all your help and advice!! :goodvibes

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/_MKL2254.jpg

[Elsha]

I'm a fan of #'s 2, 4 and 7. They're all gorgeous though.

[Dr.Cinderella]

Sorry for all the pictures, but I have a few more Maggie's to show you! Two that I really, really love. Let me know what you think of them!

#12- Lynette, pretty but not really "me"
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0405.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0404.jpg

#13- Victoriana, loved this one!
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0409.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0410.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0407.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz117/drcinderella/img_0408.jpg

#14- Lavina Royale by Maggie Sottero! The winner! Pictures removed just in case my fiance should see this page!

So I now I have three favorites: #5 Cambria Marie, #13 Victoriana, #14 Lavina Royale and one more from Sottero and Midgley that I really want to try on, this one: http://www.sotteroandmidgley.com/dress.aspx?keywordText=1238&keywordType=any&page=0&pageSize=12&style=JSM1238 I really think this one could be "the one" because I just love everything about it, but I have called around and the closest store that has it is 4 hours away! But they are having a Maggie trunk sale next Sat. and I am considering taking a little road trip to try it on and check out the show. Do you think I should? That is the last dress I am desperate to try on during my last bit of free time for a while! Of these 4 which is your favorite? Thanks girls for all your help :goodvibes

[Dr.Cinderella]

You girls are probably getting sick of me by now, hehe, but I think Ive decided that the Lavina Royale (last one) is my favorite with the Cambria Marie (#5) being a close second.

[tiggerrifficheidi]

Great choice!:thumbsup2 That one's my favorite!

[c1nd3r311a52010]

I agree the Lavina Royale looks absolutely stunning on you.

[pezaddict231]

I think the Lavina Royale was the best one, because it's the most my style out of all of them, and similar to my gown. It's beautiful and very princessy. It's not too soon to get a dress if you really love it. Basically most of the dresses will be beautiful and look good, but not every dress is 'your' dress.

Have you given up on the Sottero and Midgley dress? I had a Maggie dress that I loved for over a year, it's called Yara. I always thought that would be my dress. I called a bunch of places and only one had it, so I made an appointment to try it on. Well, it just wasn't the same in person. The bottom was so plain and I didn't like it, it didn't even make my top three. The sales girl pulled a dress she thought I would like based on what I thought I would like about Yara, and that was the one and I loved it! I have pics in my PJ if you want to see. I went to a few other places but always thought about that dress and it was like there wasn't really much point in looking anymore. Lucky for me, the dress I loved was also the cheapest dress I tried on - which never happens! - since there is not much beading on it, but if it had been out of my budget I would have tried to find ways to get it for cheaper.

As for buying a used dress, that's completely up to you. I would at least take a look at it and see what kind of condition it's in. You'll need to see if she's done anything to alter it, and if so it may not work for you. No one else will ever know it's not brand new and you can put the extra money towards something really special for your wedding or honeymoon. Really it's not that different from people buying a sample dress, and a sample has been worn by many more people! But it really will depend on how you feel about it.

[Dr.Cinderella]

Hi girls, I am so excited I got my dress today!! I went to try it on and was just in love with it! I can't imagine a better dress, and it needs no alterations since it is a petite length and Im short! They also had the right size in stock so I got a nice discount! I am so happy and just couldnt pass it up! I am not sure if I need a crinnie, I dont think so but what do you all think? I'll post some photos so you can see, but they are a little dark though and the dress needs to be steamed badly! I am also wondering about how best to store it, since it is about 2 years until my wedding and I want to make sure there is no discoloration or anything like that during that time. It was previously professional dry cleaned and preserved in a box, and I am not sure if I need to get it preserved again (it was in a sealed box) or just put back in the box or what. I am going to do some research about that, but if anyone has any experience with this type of thing I'd appreaciate your advice. Thanks!! :goodvibes
Marissa

P.S. Took off the pics just in case my fiance shoule see this

[Sarah <3 Disney]

Beautiful dress! :lovestruc And as for the crinny... hmm... I think the front needs a little bit of poofing, compared to the back at least. It looks like it falls in a bit toward the bottom. But then, that could be because it does need a steaming. I would try a crinny and see. No harm in trying! :goodvibes

[pezaddict231]

Congrats! The dress is gorgeous on you and for that price and to have it be perfect, how could you pass it up! Okay, well on the storing it, I would maybe call up a bridal shop and ask them, but when I worked at David's Bridal we used to tell brides to wrap it in a white sheet and keep it in the garment bag. Since yours was already cleaned and preserved, you might be able to keep it in that box.

As for the crinnie, I would definitely recommend it. It will just give the dress a better shape and while you're walking it won't get caught in your legs or if there's a breeze or something. You don't need a huge one if you don't want, but I would recommend at least an A-line one. If you want the bottom to be very full you would use a ballgown one.

[Beep]

Right, firstly, I'm sure you are a really nice person but I don't think I like you. Not sure I can like anyone who looks as stunning as you in every dress you tried on :rotfl2:

I am biased towards Maggie Sot dresses as I have the Capri Royale. Saw it on the internet, found it in a local stockist and bought it. I didn't try any others on as I knew that was My dress. 18 months on I still absolutely love it.

That was a brilliant price for your dress! I haggled really hard with the bridal shop and paid in £'s more than what you paid in $.

Re the crinnie - it makes a huge difference to the fall of the skirt when you put one underneath it. I couldn't believe the difference with mine. I am going for a really full one, but it doesn't make the dress stick out as much as you would think.

The skirt is quite heavy with all the material and the fuller crinnie just gives it more shape rather than making you look like a toilet roll doll.

I also think that you should treat everyone and wear it instead of your pageant dress. That dress is lovely but with the Maggie dress everyone should see it!

I have had my dress in an acid-free storage box for over a year and it is still pristine so may be worth getting one of those for yours.

[claudia]

I don't want to be a party pooper, but this dress looks a bit too small for you on top. In the back you can see where it "folds" your skin over your spine and in the front you get a "pudge" over your bust into your armpit. IMHO the other dresses seemed to fit those areas much better. That said, the dress is beautiful....and maybe just the corset laces can be loosened?

[Dr.Cinderella]

Thanks everyone! My mom tied the corset way too tight at first and I could hardly breathe so I think it will be fine if she ties it a little looser. I also have a large bust, and the dress has push up cups in it which I do not need so once I take those out that should give my chest a bit more room! Haha, it is my size though so I dont think it will be a problem. I agree though, I dont like the way the fit on top looks in those pictures either. But I love the dress! :goodvibes

[claudia]

Thanks everyone! My mom tied the corset way too tight at first and I could hardly breathe so I think it will be fine if she ties it a little looser. I also have a large bust, and the dress has push up cups in it which I do not need so once I take those out that should give my chest a bit more room! Haha, it is my size though so I dont think it will be a problem. I agree though, I dont like the way the fit on top looks in those pictures either. But I love the dress! :goodvibes

I was hoping that it could be adjusted....I think just a bit looser and it will be perfect! The dress is brilliant and you are going to look amazing on your wedding day!!

[CinderelliT]

I love Maggie Sottero dresses! I got to try several of them on, but sadly no pics of me in them thanks to the bridal stores. I think that she makes the most flattering dresses. They all look stunning on you.

I am so totally jealous of you! I used to do pageants too, and sadly, 3 kids later, my body no longer looks like yours. You still have the pageant body! But I agree with some of the other posters - wear your Maggie dress. It's gorgeous. Save the pageant dress for another occassion. This is your wedding - wear the big poofy dress!

[Nicola2010]

I know you've found your dress now but just got very excited when i saw you in MY dress! :goodvibes

Im having dress number 6... that's McCall is it not? I loved it, always knew i was going to be a Maggie bride and just cant wait to try my dress on again when it comes in, around christmas time!

You look absolutely beautiful in every dress, im so jealous :goodvibes. I think youve made a great choice and you got a bargain too :thumbsup2

[Dr.Cinderella]

Hi everyone, I went to try on my dress for my grandparents and tried it with a crinnie with thime and I think it looked better. What do you think? I also was thinking about jewelry, I think I want big sparkly earrings and a bracelet with no necklace because of all the beading at the neckline. So I tried it on with some of my pageant jewelry and I think it looked good but just like a bit much for a wedding. I really love some of the Kirstie Kelly Jewels and two of my favorites are from the Cinderella collection, my favorite princess! I also loved the Giselle pieces too. Which do you think would look best with my dress? My favorites are the first Cinderella paid DE418, the Cinderella pair DE156, and the Giselle pair DE347. I think the second Cinderella pair are my favorites. Thanks for your help!

Earrings:
http://www.disneybridal.com/collection/accessories/earrings/earrings.html?dressnumber=0

*Removed pics after I got responses again just in case

[pezaddict231]

I think it looks much better with the crinnie, it just gives the whole dress a better shape. On the earring front, I would go for something simple and not too long since there is a lot of beading on the dress and you don't want to take away from that. I liked the Cinderella pair DE156 best (which I think was also your favorite). The bracelet goes very well too.

[Sarah <3 Disney]

Agreed, the dress with the crinnie looks very nice! :thumbsup2

[Dr.Cinderella]

So I took my dress to a gown cleaning shop to be cleaned an preserved in an airtight box professionally again, because I want to it to stay perfect until my wedding. The box it is in does not have a window in it, which I requested because I read online that platic can cause yellowing, so I realized when I went to pick it up that I will not be able to even see my dress until I open the box again in two years! This makes me a bit nervous because the shop had lots of wedding dresses, and I dont know what I would do it they had accidently gave me the wrong one! The man working there assured me that they labeled each dress by name and with a number to prevent this, but I just wish I had asked him to wait to seal the box in front of me. I dont want to open it up to check and have to pay another $150 either! Am I being a freak about this? Would this worry you? I just pray I have nothing to worry about! Thanks!

[LittleStinkerbelle]

When I had my dress preserved they took a Polaroid of it and taped it to the side of the box -- I guess that's my assurance that it's my dress but really, when I go to open it in 20 years (if DD wants to wear it:cloud9:) I hope I'm not in for a surprise.

Is there a way they can open the box to show you then reseal it without having to go through the whole preservation process again? Maybe that would cost less and be worth the peace of mind. Good luck:goodvibes

[CinderelliT]

My wedding dress from 10 years ago was sealed in a huge box that has like 2 chamber. The first one you can open to reveal the 2nd one. The second one has the plastic window to view the box. This was supposedly a way to have the window and prevent yellowing. It has been 10 years, and my dress looks perfect. No yellowing on any of it. If I was 40 lbs lighter, I would wear it to my VR.

If it is only a couple of years until your wedding, I would go this route. Then you can see what's in the box.

[DisneyShamrock]

I dont want to open it up to check and have to pay another $150 either! Am I being a freak about this? Would this worry you? I just pray I have nothing to worry about! Thanks!

I say have a little faith that they really are as organized as they say (crossing your fingers may help too =]). I'll be facing a similar situation if I buy my wedding dress in January. I have three years to go before my wedding, and I was actually just thinking to myself "how the heck am I going to store that thing?" I'm really glad someone else had the same question.

I'm kind of hoping I can get away with not having to preserve-pack it, though. I might ask at the shop for advise.

Good luck waiting to open that box!

:shamrock: ~ Tammy

[HMC8982]

I think they are all gorgeous. But my favorites are 4, 5 and 9 I think. 4 would be my taste for myself... but really they all look very beautiful on you! I bought my dress about 2 weeks ago. It's so hard to make a decision!!!

[erin.w]

Why get your dress so many years before the event? Just curious what the reasoning would be. :) (I'd be a worry-wart as well)