DisneySweetie's Wedding PJ & Disneymoon PreTrippie: UPDATE 12/07 *Backwards Bride :)*

[DisneySweetie]

100 days to go!

Wow, time seems to be catching up with me. I will be heading to David's Bridal after work to hash out and finalize the bridesmaid ensemble. I will also make a bridal gown appointment while I am there. I really need to decide and order a wedding dress within the next two weeks in order to allow time for alterations and such. Is it just me or is going to David's Bridal a bit stressful? I had mediocre experiences both times I have been in there before. Maybe this time I can get a different attendant / salesperson. I hate that places like this work on comission. The moment they figure out that you are not buying that day, it's like they give up on you. I have tried a couple other bridal salons, but they are a bit out of my price range. David's Bridal has the most options for my budget. Breathe, just breathe. I must go in with a positive attitude. Wish me luck.

 

[prncesaurora21]

yay another AZ bride!

everything you have done so far looks amazing...and may i say that you were MUCH MUCH smarter than i was when it came to picking your date? we are getting married may 30...but luckily only the ceremony is outside and we want to keep that as short as humanly possible!

anyway good luck with everything...i really love the whole Mexican feel and Aunt Chilada's is a neat place!

 

[DisneySweetie]

everything you have done so far looks amazing...and may i say that you were MUCH MUCH smarter than i was when it came to picking your date? we are getting married may 30...but luckily only the ceremony is outside and we want to keep that as short as humanly possible!

May 30th in Arizona? I can't even imagine doing that. You are brave. Have you seen the thread on these boards about the mickey fan programs? I would seriously consider doing something like that if I were you. They don't have to me mickey heads, they could be hearts or flowers or something. They could really help your guests handle the heat. Good luck.

 

[DisneySweetie]

Hey again everyone.

So, I finally finished up the wedding attire. Yep, it completely came together over the weekend.

First of all, I must admit, I take Mike with me on these trips to David’s Bridal. He has really been involved in choosing the wedding party attire and colors and such. And, well, I haven’t really made any girl friends since we moved to AZ. My bridesmaids live all over the country and have offered to fly in if I need them to, but I would rather them save their pennies and vacation time for the days before the wedding. So, I take Mike with me. We’re not too superstitious and while I may have a little bit of concern about him seeing me in my dress before the walk down the aisle, it’s really only because I want to surprise him. However, our photographer has talked us into getting photos done together before the ceremony. This way we spend every moment with our guests. That and we’ll have a moment to breathe and regroup together. She said that she would do it either way, but she prefers to do them before the ceremony because it doesn’t feel as rushed, etc.

Anyway, there was a wonderful bridal consultant there on Friday afternoon and she spent quite a while working on the bridesmaid options with us. Turns out they do have satin wraps/shawls in the right colors (despite the fact they weren’t listed online). So, I was all set to choose a black dress for my BMs.

My BMs are not tall. I would say 5’3” – 5”6’. None of them are really girly girls. It seems like it’s harder for them to like dresses because of this. I mean, they wear dresses sometimes and they were excited for the possibility of a great BM dress. But they are also self conscious about dresses and they analyze the details. Sound familiar? Yeah, they’re a lot like me when it comes to dresses.

There were only a few styles that I thought would work around their concerns. The first dress I picked out had a waist that was a little too low (it was between and empire and a normal waistline – it emphasized the wrong area). Therefore I needed to look at either empire waistlines or normal waistlines. The second ensemble I chose had a short tissue taffeta skirt. But when my BMs tried it on, it was just way too poofy. Went straight out from the waist and never came back in. I thought about doing a long skirt, but two of my BMs showed concern because they felt long skirts made them look super short.

Anyway, one of the dresses I thought I would like from the photos online turned out to be a no go right away. I wouldn’t even try it on. It said it had a tulle illusion neckline.
http://davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_bycolor_detail.jsp?stid=2327&sid=7953&cfid=6
Turned out that it looked more like mesh in real life. This could have been such a neat dress too. I was immediately disappointed.

So, I moved on to the next one.
http://davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_bycolor_detail.jsp?stid=1674&sid=5015&cfid=6
This one 2 of BMs had tried on in the store. They liked it and felt it was a good shape on them. I tried it on and like the shape as well. It really worked well on me too. But it was just so plain. On the plus side, if they wore this dress, I could wear most any wedding dress without fearing that it would look too plain. But, on the minus side, there’s nothing that really makes it standout. I would need to dress it up with accessories for each of them. I don’t know - they just seemed a little boring. But at least boring is safe. So, I considered it the back up option.

Seeing this and hearing my opinions, the bridal consultant pointed me to another dress.
http://davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_bycolor_detail.jsp?stid=2320&sid=12370&cfid=6
Seeing this dress, I was a little hesitant because it was a halter. Halters can go either way, good or bad. But she said that this dress was the most flattering on BMs of all sizes. I wasn’t really worried about that because my BMs are around my size (maybe even smaller). I was also a little hesitant because it’s mostly organza. The wraps/shawls that we were going to order were satin (the organza one only came in 2 out of the 3 colors). But the fabric at the empire waist is satin. And the ribbons on the bottom were also satin. It felt like the same type of satin as the wraps. Generally, I was not drawn to any of the dresses with stripes, nor was I drawn to halter dresses. But when I went to try it on I was surprised to find I liked it. The halter top was a little big on me, but getting that altered wouldn’t cost too much (just in case the BMs needed to do it). Hmmm? Interesting, very interesting. I pretty much decided on that BM dress right then and there. But I didn’t have them add it to my account on the computer yet because I wanted to make sure they would work with whatever wedding dress I chose.

We liked this consultant so much - I decided to make a bridal gown appointment with her for Saturday. When I checked in on Saturday, they tried to re-assign me to my old attendant (the one I used in April when I first went in, she was not very helpful). It was in their computers that I was assigned to her and they didn’t want to change it. When I realized what was going on, I almost panicked. But Mike stepped in and explained that we had been working with this new attendant for the bridal party and we would like to continue with her. They were still a little hesitant. But Mike continued to explain that we hadn’t seen the original consultant for months and we were working with the new consultant more recently. Finally, they gave in. Thank goodness, I needed this special girl to help me. See, it’s a good thing my groom came with me.

Now, I am not the type of girl that will put on my wedding gown and cry. I have always wanted to have that special feeling in the ONE wedding dress, but I knew that it wasn’t going to happen to me. I’m too analytical and logical for that.

So, I showed her the original dresses that I liked when I was first trying everything on. She took notes of their style numbers and then asked me why I hadn’t chosen one of them yet. I told her that hat I loved how the a-lines flattered my figure the most but that I was unsure about the a-line cut with the poofy slip for an afternoon wedding on a patio. She seemed to understand. Then she brought up the option of tea-length a-line dresses. But I said that those seemed a little less like wedding dresses to me. So, we moved on.

She showed me some Galina dresses. Well, I am a girl with hips and thighs. I have a really hard time finding good jeans because when I find ones that fit my hips and thighs, the waist is too big. If the waist fits, my hips and thighs feel squeezed in. It’s a constant struggle. Hahahaha! When I find a style that works for me, I try to buy them in every wash available. So, how does this relate to wedding dresses? Well, it means that sheath gowns do not really work on me. The top is great, but the bottom has to go pretty wide around my thighs. It’s just not how it’s supposed to look. There was one flowy Galina sheath gown that I thought might work, but the top required a bit more in the bust than I have been endowed. She said they could sew cups in to help me out a bit, but I didn’t want it to look unnatural. So, no sheath gowns, moving on…

Then she suggested that I at least try on some trumpet style gowns. Hmmmm? Emphasizing the curves that I am so self conscious about, probably not. The consultant was getting desperate to get me into something besides an a-line gown. So, I decided to try on something. There was one trumpet style dress that had a good empire waistline and didn’t seem to go back in so much at the bottom. There was another that I really liked the top of and I thought it would be a good shape for my top half. And there was another that almost matched the BM dresses.

The empire waist trumpet style dress:
http://davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2997&prodgroup=10
This one looked ok on me. I really liked the top but I was a little unsure about the bottom. I would get it entirely in white. I thought the beaded metallic lace was a little too much for me. But this dress helped me get used to the trumpet style and emphasizing an hourglass shape.

The one I liked the top of:
http://davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2993&prodgroup=123
This one actually turned out to be a sheath. From the photo it almost looked like a trumpet style. I loved the top. I especially like that you could cross the straps in the back. But the bottom was just not working.

The one that matched the BM dresses:
http://davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2637&prodgroup=123
Surprised again – I liked it. The halter top was way too loose, but that could be adjusted. Most of all, Mike said that it was his favorite out of all the ones I tried on – ever. Hmmm? Well, the groom’s opinion is important. And I did like the sweep train. And the whole dress seemed much more appropriate for an afternoon wedding on the patio. I was analyzing.

Meanwhile, I had her bring me a size smaller just to see if the top fit better. Well, a size 6 did fit a little better in the top, but I would still need it altered. As I was standing there analyzing the look, she brought me a veil. And she brought me a silk flower. Right away I secured my long hair into a side ponytail and put the flower right behind my ear. Ooooooo, that's nice. Obviously I will curl my hair. But securing it in a side ponytail could really work for me. I think we could get the curls to stay in quite well in my stick straight hair. Then, my genius consultant said – “You could wear the white flower and your BMs could wear a colored flower coordinating with their wrap.” Wow! I loved that idea. Perfect for a patio wedding. And it helps add more color around their black dresses.

I held up the BM gowns next to me while I had the dress on. It really did match without being too matchy. Their stripes are different widths and their halter is different, etc. It just seemed to fall together.

I chose the britany shoes:
http://davidsbridal.com/accessory_detail.jsp?stid=984&prodgroup=174

Super tall - yes. But my hope is that after they alter the top to fit me I won’t need a hem at the bottom because the shoes are tall. The bottom hem will cost $120 (gasp!) if I need it. They have to remove the satin ribbons by hand, hem it, and then put the ribbon back on. I’m hoping to only pay for the top to be altered and the bustle.

Then, what did I do? I bought it all right then and there. “Organza halter trumpet gown with ribbon trim on bodice and skirt. Back features organza covered buttons and sweep train.” That will be my dress. I bought the three wraps for my BMs, the wedding dress, my shoes, the veil, and the flowers. There was a bit of a scare with the flowers. Turns out they only came in 2 out of the 3 colors (pesky cornflower, none of the accessories come in this color). And they won’t die them. Genius consultant decided to break the rules a little. She takes a white petal off the display flower. She goes in the back and sprays it with the die rather than dipping it. Hahahaha! It worked great. It’s a little lighter than the color the wrap will be, but it’s the right color. Sold. I’m having them all done that way so that they look similar. So, I ordered 4 white flowers (one for me and one for each of the BMs). I also bought the Bride and Groom baseball caps. Too many people have complained about the MM groom ears being too small and I get headaches quite easily and I’m worried about wearing the MM ears bride headband for an extended amount of time – so the baseball caps are back ups. Plus, we can use them at events before the wedding.

Now the only things the BMs have to pay for are the BM dress, alterations, and shoes. I figure they can get any black strappy shoes they want. They might even own some already. I will give them the wraps and flowers as part of their gift. This way I can make sure the flowers come out ok. And I can be sneaky and take the wraps up to the restaurant when we choose the colors for our table linens. It’s a good way for me to get a sample of our color without have to purchase a shoe ribbon.

Here’s a photo of what my hair might look like (no leaves, just flower).

Or you could always check out part of the One Tree Hill episode on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc37roThs7U
Yep, I've seen that episode. I netflixed it. When you're in wedding mode, you go through all your movies and TV shows and re-watch the ones with weddings in them. Helps you gather ideas of what you like and don't like. Granted, we have a strict budget and have to do things a little differently, but still.

I’m not positive that I will do a side ponytail, but maybe.

You can now take a look at the wedding party (still not quite sure about the neru jacket for Mike, but the rest is set in stone). Since they don't have the right colors listed for the wraps, I just chose filler colors. The colors will be better and will actually match the groomsmen.

I think we made good progress this weekend if I do say so myself. I'll post photos of me in my dress later.

 

[disneediva]

Loving it

 

[DisneySweetie]

AAAAHHHH! I think I may have chosen the wrong dress. I am in a major panic. Seriously, trumpet style gown? On my bum and thighs? What was I thinking? And why didn’t I come home and sleep on the idea? I am a logical person. I like to leave all my options open as long as possible. And when I finally do make a decision, I like to weigh all my options in full. Saturday at David’s Bridal – there was no weighing of options. I don’t even think I fully analyzed myself in the dress. AAAAAHHH! I cannot afford another dress. What am I going to do?

I am feeling this way because of the photos mike took of me in the dress. None of them turned out good at all. The dress doesn’t look flattering on me at all. I don’t even think I want to post the photos, that’s how bad they are. Mike has tried to calm me down. He has apologized about the photos he took. But it’s not his fault. He keeps insisting that the dress looked better in person and that our expensive photographer will make the photos look great no matter what I wear. But that’s thing – it’s a wedding, the photographer isn’t the only person taking photos. Our friends and family will be taking snapshots of their own to remember the event. And if they look the way these photos taken at David’s Bridal look, it’s not going to be pretty.

Ok, let’s analyze what I don’t like about me in the dress. This might be too much information, but I think some of you will understand.

First – just because I fit into a size 6 does not mean I should have chosen a size 6. With a trumpet style gown you need to pay attention to both the top half of you and the bottom half. That’s not true with an a-line gown where your bottom half just kind of disappears under the fabric and poofy skirt. To be honest, my bottom half looked better in a size 8. And I think that’s because it didn’t hug my thighs as much. Don’t get me wrong, neither size felt constrictive. Actually, both allowed plenty of room. It’s just that in the size 8, there was a little more fabric and so it didn’t emphasize my curves as much. Mike likes the hour glass shape this dress gives me. However, as much as he loves my curves, I am still self conscious about them.

Second – they recommend that I wear a corset bra. The dress itself has no tummy structure. The consultant said a corset bra would be good for keeping my tummy in when I sit down. That’s fine. I bought one off ebay a while ago in anticipation of my wedding dress. However, I do not tend to be nearly as self conscious about my tummy. I appreciate that it is relatively flat. I don’t think I have a problem of my tummy sticking out when I sit down. Anyway, I tried on the dress with a corset bra. I think no matter what size bra you choose, you’re going to have a little bump of fat at the bottom when it ends. My bumps occur on both my sides (gotta love those love handles). In all of the photos, you can see where the bra stops. It’s not at all smooth looking. Plus, you can see the definition of the piping down the front of the bra through the dress. So, when the piping stops, it looks a little weird too.

Third – I think because I am so short, the dress doesn’t quite hit me in the right places. I have a long torso and short legs. That’s why I think this is happening. On a trumpet style gown, it needs to fall in the right places. Why? Because otherwise it’s starting to curve back in when your body is still going out a little. And no one wants that. Does that make sense?

So, what to do? I cannot get another dress. We are already pushing our budget farther than we should because of the photographer costs. It’s just not going to happen. Plus, this dress really goes well with the bridesmaid dresses. Two of my BMs have already gone in to try on their dresses and they really like them. Finally! I cannot go back on them now.

The first problem might be able to be fixed at the alterations appointment. Maybe she could let it out a little around the thighs? However, I am skeptical about this because it could cost way too much or there could not be enough fabric to do so.

The second problem might be able to be fixed too. I need to look for a full strapless bra / slip combo. That would make the bump go away. I would have to find one without any piping or anything to make it undetectable. There is one at Victoria’s Secret that I could try. If I get one with firm support, it might make my hips, thighs, and bum look better which could help the first problem. Or I need to just go with a plain strapless bra and have nothing between my tummy and the dress.

The third problem might be fixed during alterations as well. Once they pull up the halter and I put on my tall heels, maybe it will give the illusion of hitting the right places. I still desperately do not want to pay for a hem ($120) if it can at all be avoided. But if the seamstress discovers that pulling it up only slightly and tucking in the back a little makes the top fit well and the dress hit the right places the rest of the way down, I might just have to fork out the money for a hem.

I hate to say it, but I want to look more like the model in the dress. I do not have delusions that I could ever be that skinny. But I want the dress to look flowy on me the way it does on her. Mike says that I shouldn’t think that way because she is walking in the photo and it’s hard to tell what she would look like just standing still in front of a mirror. But still. One of the reasons I like this dress is because it seems a little more flowy than other trumpet style gowns. I have seen some real girls (aka: not size 0-2 models) in trumpet style gowns when I was searching for photographers. And, while all of them looked radiant because it was their wedding day, I felt some of them could have chosen a more flattering cut for their body. I know it’s mean, but I’m telling the truth of how I felt. Now, what if I look back at my photos and think the same thing?!? What a nightmare.

My last option is to loose some weight. I might be the only bride who wasn’t planning on loosing weight before her wedding. Really, I just wanted to maintain my weight and tone up. Now that I’ve chosen this dress, I need to loose a little. However, this isn’t going to be easy for me. I am a fairly active person already and I eat pretty healthy. I already ride my bike to work 4-5 times a week (6 miles roundtrip). And Mike and I like to play sports on the weekends – frisbee, soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball (we’re not really good at any of it, we just have fun and play hard). But I know that I am not as active as I used to be.

We actually just joined a masters swim team about a month ago. I was a swimmer on a hard core swim team during middle school and high school. During college I kept active by riding my bike everywhere and taking some kickboxing and spinning classes. Since I have started my new job and moved here over a year ago, I have found it harder to stay active, but I have still managed. That’s why joining the masters swim team made sense for us. We get to meet people and we have a routine to keep (90 minute practices, 4-5 times a week). Anyway, I haven’t really seen any change. I swim my heart out at practice and I am sore all the time. But, if anything, I am just building more muscle, not loosing any weight or inches. I guess if my thighs and my bum are going to fill out the dress, at least they will be more firm right?

I will never be the type of person that can just pick up a new exercise routine and start loosing weight. My body is conditioned to be active already. I think I am going to have to suck it up and get on the treadmill too in order to see results. I don’t mind running outside with my ipod. But in this state, it’s not easy to do because of the heat. It probably won’t be doable until november or so. Which means the treadmill is the way to go. I just don’t like running on treadmills. And while elliptical machines really make me sweat, I think running works me more since I can actually feel it in my legs the next day. But when? My only real option for this is the weekends. I work from 8-5:30pm. Swimming is from 6:30-8pm. Then we make dinner and eat until 9pm. I absolutely cannot run after I eat. So the only other option is the mornings. And, well, I have been sleeping so hard since we started doing the swim team that I know the mornings won’t work. Plus, if I do it in the mornings I probably won’t want to ride my bike to work (which I need to do – good for me and good for the environment).

Hmmmm? Maybe I can convince Mike to ride his bike with me to swim practice in the evenings. It would be another 6 miles round trip (in the opposite direction of work of course). We couldn’t do this everyday because some days we get home and have to leave right away. But maybe a few days a week. It will take a little convincing. He loves to swim but he’s never swum on a swim team before, so swim practice really works him. He pulled his calf muscles yesterday. It was pretty bad. He felt better this morning, but I’m realizing that we might need to take things a little slower. I’m just proud of him for trying something new. Plus, normally he’s so competitive. I never expected him to like something that I’m slightly better at.

The only other option is a diet. Well, I have got to say that I have only ever tried one – the south beach diet. Sure it works, but you feel weak and you have to do all the cooking. It just takes longer to cook dinner. We are smart about the food we buy – whole grains, low fat, etc. Whole grain pasta, turkey sandwiches on whole grain bread, black bean burritos, chicken, etc. All of those are dinner foods at home. Dessert is always the Dreyers Splenda Fruit Bar popsicles. I love those. And it fills my unhealthy desire for ice cream. Maybe I’ll switch to salads for dinner. I really like salads, but Mike always wants something else. It’s hard to make two different things for dinner. He likes hard-boiled eggs though. Maybe I could get him eat more salads if I had hard-boiled eggs ready to add to them in the fridge. Yep, I think I’ll try this. Maybe I can get him to try it if it’s just every other night for a couple weeks. Then we can see the results and maybe it will convince him to do it longer.

Does anyone else have any other suggestions? Did any of you choose a trumpet style gown? Do any of you have any tips about alterations? Or maybe you wore a slip under your gown that helped slenderize your shape? My last option is to go into David’s Bridal and BEG to exchange the dress. However, it says right on the receipt that sales are final. Does anyone have any experience with this? I know that you can sell gowns on ebay, but I am hoping not to do this. I’ve bought plenty of things on ebay, but I’ve never sold anything. I don’t think I’d get very good bids due to my lack of sales on ebay. Plus, I still don’t know what dress I would rather get. Maybe I would just want to exchange this one for a size 8 and have lots of alterations done to the top to bring it in and make it fit. I don’t know what to do.

Thanks for listening (reading?) to my lunchtime rant. Sorry the post was so long. I just really needed some support. Neither Mike nor my mom really understands. Mike just wants me to feel beautiful. And he feels so bad about the photos he took that I hate. He also thinks I bought the dress because he said he liked it the best. It’s not his fault. I don’t blame him. It’s me and my self conscious self. I just need someone to understand.

 

[DisneySweetie]

I seem to have lost my readers. I'm sorry that the previous post was so negative. I thought that maybe I'd go through and list the things I do like about my dress.

The halter top. Some halter tops are really only cut for generously endowed women. But the sleek lines on this one seems to work for me and my smaller chest. It will be great once it is altered. Plus, it helps to camouflage my broad shoulders. Don't get my wrong, my shoulders and arms are toned enough that I could pull off a strapless dress. But somehow this halter makes me look more feminine than sporty. Also, I don't think I would even be considering a side ponytail with a strapless dress. With a strapless dress I would wear my hair down no matter what. But, with a halter, I feel the generous coverage allows for more options with my hair.

The organza overlay. I love organza. And this dress is awesome that it adds a little definition with the satin ribbon detailing on top of the organza. It seems to make the dress a little more modern. Plus, getting a veil with white piping on the edge makes more sense because of the satin ribbon. The satin ribbon kind of reminds me of the dress in 'Runaway Bride' where Julia Roberts tries it on and feels like a bell. Ding, ding. Hahaha! Here's was a-line and sleeveless, so this dress is nowhere near the same. But it reminds me of that moment in that movie and makes me smile.

The way it matches without completely matching. Let's just say that finding a bridesmaid dress that everyone was comfortable but still fit the wedding colors / style was more difficult than I expected. Those BM dresses are set in stone now. And it's nice how this dress just happens to go with them without being too obvious.

The appropriateness. Is that even a word? This dress just seems infinitely more appropriate for the wedding we're planning. It's a little less formal but still feels like a wedding dress. Plus, I don't think I could get away with a silk flower in my hair with any a-line dresses. For some reason, to me, that just doesn't work.

So, those are all good qualities right? Maybe enough good qualities to keep me working hard to make the dress work? I just need to be a little smaller in the hips and thighs. I can do it. I just need a game plan and a routine to stick to. And I also need to know that it will work. I am paying so much for the dress and the photographer - I really want to look and feel my best.

The stress isn't over. I am still trying to figure out other things I can do to help the situation. Alterations, under garments, etc. So any insight or suggestions would be appreciated.

Meanwhile I'm still working on trying to figure out favors and placecards. We got our invitations delivered yesterday. The plum type color was a little browner and less purple than I expected, but that's ok. I'll post a photo later. Now I need to go to the scrapbook store and pick a cool pen to address them with. I look forward to sitting down with those this weekend. Maybe I'll even watch my favorite wedding movies to get me in a more positive mood. Father of the Bride, The Wedding Planner, Runaway Bride, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, My Best Friend's Wedding, Four Weddings & a Funeral (my BMs should be happy I don't make them wear any of those dresses), Gilmore Girls (so sad this show is over) - Emily & Richard's Vow Renewal, Gilmore Girls - Lane & Zack's Wedding, Friends - Emily & Ross's Wedding, Friends - Monica & Chandler's Wedding, etc. While my wedding will be a little more low key than most of these, they all still get me in the right mood. Calm down, relax, it's all going to be ok, it's all about the love and commitment that is shared on the wedding day.

 

[mcarthur205]

I think the dress you've chosen is gorgeous. But I don't think I can offer any advice without actually seeing a picture of you wearing it. I'm sure its not as bad as you think. Most women look at photos of themselves and see all the things they dislike about their bodies, and don't notice the good parts. Please let's see a photo of you and we can offer advice.

I'm sure you'll be a beautiful bride!

 

[jasonandlisa]

Georgous ring, and I love the matching band!! An afternoon wedding on the patio sounds lovely. I'm enjoying reading all about your wedding plans

Sorry about your dress stress! Do you have some pictures of you in it online yet? You should post them, if you want some unbiased second opinions... I had some dress stress, too, and it was hard because (like Mike for you), I knew my parents would think I looked beautiful in anything. Like you, I didn't have girlfriends in the area who could go along to the fittings. And I completely know what you mean about having butt/thighs much bigger than your waist. I almost always have a huge gap at my waist in any jeans. (I always try to sit with my back to the wall, for the sake of modesty )

Anyway, back to you and your current situation. Neither a corset nor a strapless bra worked under my dress--you could see the lines. I tried a bunch of different things. The solution that worked really well for me was cups sewn into the dress. I'm not sure how much that would cost for your dress, but it's something to consider. It was comfy and no lines, and made a huge difference for my dress! Now if that won't work, you could consider trying to exchange it. I'm pretty sure other brides have done that at David's Bridal. I could be wrong, but I think they're really good about brides changing their minds. It's possible you could find something you like better, that still goes with your BM dresses...

Sorry I don't have any more helpful advice. Since you seem as analytical as I am (my degrees are in math, comp. sci, and business), you might like this website as much as I did: http://www.leanna.com/Bridal/index.htm
I found it when I was stressing about my own dress and alterations. I just like how well she explains everything. Oh, and even if you don't want to post your pictures here, send them to your girlfriends. My friends really helped calm me down and offered helpful advice when I panicked about my dress!

 

[caryndisneydiva]

i think that dress is great! i loved how it looked on you! i feel your pain about living in a new city...i moved to houston 4 years ago and it literally took me a solid 2 years before i had any girlfriends!!! now i do, and i'm not getting married here, so there's not much they can help out with...oh well, i'm not complaining, my sister lindsay did the wdw college program and knows more about dftw's than i do, she is invaluable!!! living in tx, i share the affinity for mexican food and am in LOVE with the idea that you are having your reception in a mexican restaurant. if there is one thing, well 2 really, that i adore about living in tx, it's a margarita on a patio...i don't care how hot it is here!!! i'm so excited for you! we can do the wedding weight loss countdown together, your wedding is about a month before mine!!! can't wait to read more!

 

[DisneySweetie]

I think the dress you've chosen is gorgeous. But I don't think I can offer any advice without actually seeing a picture of you wearing it. I'm sure its not as bad as you think. Most women look at photos of themselves and see all the things they dislike about their bodies, and don't notice the good parts. Please let's see a photo of you and we can offer advice.

I'm sure you'll be a beautiful bride!

Thanks so much for the support. I think all of you have convinced me to go through and find the best photos and post them.

I had some dress stress, too, and it was hard because (like Mike for you), I knew my parents would think I looked beautiful in anything. Like you, I didn't have girlfriends in the area who could go along to the fittings. And I completely know what you mean about having butt/thighs much bigger than your waist. I almost always have a huge gap at my waist in any jeans. (I always try to sit with my back to the wall, for the sake of modesty )
Anyway, back to you and your current situation. Neither a corset nor a strapless bra worked under my dress--you could see the lines. I tried a bunch of different things. The solution that worked really well for me was cups sewn into the dress. I'm not sure how much that would cost for your dress, but it's something to consider. It was comfy and no lines, and made a huge difference for my dress!
Since you seem as analytical as I am (my degrees are in math, comp. sci, and business), you might like this website as much as I did: http://www.leanna.com/Bridal/index.htm
I found it when I was stressing about my own dress and alterations. I just like how well she explains everything. Oh, and even if you don't want to post your pictures here, send them to your girlfriends. My friends really helped calm me down and offered helpful advice when I panicked about my dress!

I am glad other brides are relating to my issues. It's so hard when your BMs are out-of-state. Wow! I graduated with comp sci and astrophysics. Yes, it sounds like we have similar minds. Cups huh? I will have to talk about that option at the alteration appointment. I think I will take a few different bras with me as well. That website has the most useful I've ever read about alterations. Thank you so much for passing it on to me. Learning about alterations will help me understand the kind of things a seamstress can do and how to talk to them about my options. It's exactly what I needed.

i feel your pain about living in a new city...i moved to houston 4 years ago and it literally took me a solid 2 years before i had any girlfriends!!! now i do, and i'm not getting married here, so there's not much they can help out with...oh well, i'm not complaining, my sister lindsay did the wdw college program and knows more about dftw's than i do, she is invaluable!!! living in tx, i share the affinity for mexican food and am in LOVE with the idea that you are having your reception in a mexican restaurant. if there is one thing, well 2 really, that i adore about living in tx, it's a margarita on a patio...i don't care how hot it is here!!! i'm so excited for you! we can do the wedding weight loss countdown together, your wedding is about a month before mine!!! can't wait to read more!

Yay for margaritas and mexican food! Nothing fancy, but simple and fun. I want everyone to kick back, hang out, and have a good time. Obviously I'm avoiding the margaritas and mexican food right now because I want to loose a few pounds before the wedding. I gotta keep reminding myself that it will be worth it.

I'll post an update with wedding dress photos tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the encouragement!

 

[DisneySweetie]

Hey again everyone!

Please ignore my facial expression in each of these photos. Something about trying on wedding dresses, your face always looks a little weird. Also, most of these were taken by Mike standing behind me, so the image you are seeing is my reflection in the mirror. That's why some of them are streaky. Ok, enough stalling, here it goes....

Whew! That took some courage. Surprisingly I really like the back. None of the photos Mike took are with me holding up the halter top. I believe the whole dress will lay about two inches higher on my body after they fix the halter top to fit me right. But do you see what I mean about how I maybe should have ordered a size 8 instead of a size 6 so that it was more flowy on my bottom half? Rather than being curvy, my middle looks a little boxy. Mike said the first photo was the best but still not good enough to reflect what he saw. But I'm not even standing up straight in that photo, so who knows. Plus in all the photos of the front, you can also see the where the bottom of the corset bra ends. It's ok if you don't like it. Be honest. Just don't be brutal.

Thanks!

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

I think it looks beautiful! It's totally perfect for your wedding!

And I actually think it looks perfect on you. I really like the more form fitting look, it just looks very classy and stylish. Alot of people can't pull it off though but it looks great on you!

 

[mcarthur205]

Ok, I was right, you look BEAUTIFUL in your dress, its gorgeous! I agree that in the first picture I can see where the corset ends, but only just. I can't see that in the second picture, it looks a perfect fit there! I definitely don't think you need the bigger size, this style of dress should be a close fit! Maybe you should check out the suggestion about having cups sewn into the bust area so you won't need the corset? And you're right, the back view is great too!

But I repeat, you look beautiful in your dress, its perfect for you!

 

[lurkyloo]

It looks great, silly!

Instead of the corset, could you try some kind of Spanx full-body thing that goes from your bust to your thighs? That would eliminate the line where the corset ends, and you could still wear a regular strapless bra up top. Maybe?

 

[DisneySweetie]

When I first read these, I almost cried. You all are so nice. I immediately questioned it though. That's how self conscious I can be. But then I thought to myself, what reason would people on the internet have to lie to me? It's not like they should be afraid to hurt my feelings. While I feel like I am getting to know you all, it's not like we would hang out and have this awkward silence because you hated the wedding dress I chose. Hahaha! So you must be telling the truth. Thanks everyone!

I think it looks beautiful! It's totally perfect for your wedding!

And I actually think it looks perfect on you. I really like the more form fitting look, it just looks very classy and stylish. Alot of people can't pull it off though but it looks great on you!

I feel like you are really seeing the vision of my wedding. I'm glad you think the dress fits well into that vision. You think I'm someone who can pull it off? Wow! Thanks so much. That means a lot because you recognize that there are some people who can't. I really didn't want to be one of those people. Your comment is really encouraging. Thanks!

Ok, I was right, you look BEAUTIFUL in your dress, its gorgeous! I agree that in the first picture I can see where the corset ends, but only just. I can't see that in the second picture, it looks a perfect fit there! I definitely don't think you need the bigger size, this style of dress should be a close fit! Maybe you should check out the suggestion about having cups sewn into the bust area so you won't need the corset? And you're right, the back view is great too!

But I repeat, you look beautiful in your dress, its perfect for you!

Beautiful huh? Well, I was going for simplistically pretty. Hahhaha! But I will take beautiful. Thanks for such a nice compliment. Yes, I am definitely going to look into cups. But they have to be tight enough. When you are wearing a bra and lean forward, the dress might get away from you, but the bra won't. Cups on a v-neck halter top are a little concerning because of that. But I'm sure there is some seamstress magic that helps the situation. I really don't want to have to tape myself to the dress.

The back is my favorite part and I think it looks the best. Do you like that bustle? Check out the bustles on http://www.leanna.com/Bridal/index.htm (Thanks Lisa for posting this) and let me know if you think I should be asking for another one.

It looks great, silly!

Instead of the corset, could you try some kind of Spanx full-body thing that goes from your bust to your thighs? That would eliminate the line where the corset ends, and you could still wear a regular strapless bra up top. Maybe?

I really hoped that I was being paranoid and silly. I'm so not a girly girl. Stressing over a dress is something I never imagined I would do. Thanks for the comment, slowly my silly worries are dissipating. Getting a firm support body thing was actually something I was considering. The Spanx ones seem to be a good option because they don't have piping to hold your tummy in. Plus, then I could do the cups or a strapless bra that I might like enough to use in the future. I like the idea of something that firms my thighs and bum (in addition to the increased amount of exercise I have been doing). Have you ever worn a Spanx? I am a little worried about wearing a garter with it. When your new husband goes to do the garter toss, I don't want people to see it. Maybe I could just try to pull the legs on it up for that part of the reception? Then again, I'm not so sure I even want a garter toss. We'll see.

Thanks again everyone for your kind words. You are all helping me calm down about it.

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

I'm glad you are feeling better about it! We women ALL tend to be paranoid, sometimes it just takes some perfect strangers to get it through your head that you look BEAUTIFUL! haha.

And I had to jump in on the Spanx thing...they are GREAT! I got some for mine, I think it's called the Power Panty, lol. But they are comfortable and just help smooth things and give you great support. I think that would be great under your dress, and keep you from being able to see the bottom of a corset. And the legs are thinner like panty hose so you could def pull them up so they don't show. Look at barenecessities.com, they have a huge selection of stuff like that!

 

[lurkyloo]

I have to confess, I haven't worn Spanx - I've just heard lots of great things! Also, regarding the bustle, personally, I am not a fan of French bustles like they have done on your dress - I think they look like the dress got caught in something. I prefer the traditional bustle, where they bring the fabric up and the outside instead of tucking it under. But that's just me - your seamstress will prolly know exactly the right kind of bustle for that dress!

 

[HarbinsMom]

I've heard great things about Spanx as well, but haven't tried them yet.

You do look beautiful in your dress. I think I see the bottom of the corset in the first picture, so maybe the Spanx would help. Other than that, you look great.

 

[alltvseries]

Hey again everyone!

Please ignore my facial expression in each of these photos. Something about trying on wedding dresses, your face always looks a little weird. Also, most of these were taken by Mike standing behind me, so the image you are seeing is my reflection in the mirror. That's why some of them are streaky. Ok, enough stalling, here it goes....

Whew! That took some courage. Surprisingly I really like the back. None of the photos Mike took are with me holding up the halter top. I believe the whole dress will lay about two inches higher on my body after they fix the halter top to fit me right. But do you see what I mean about how I maybe should have ordered a size 8 instead of a size 6 so that it was more flowy on my bottom half? Rather than being curvy, my middle looks a little boxy. Mike said the first photo was the best but still not good enough to reflect what he saw. But I'm not even standing up straight in that photo, so who knows. Plus in all the photos of the front, you can also see the where the bottom of the corset bra ends. It's ok if you don't like it. Be honest. Just don't be brutal.

Thanks!

First I liked the dress on the model and now I love it. Honestly It looks really good on you. My advice: RELAX. I know it's a litlle bit dificult when planning a wedding but sometimes you have to take a break and breath. And one more time: I love the dress on you.