How long did it take you to find a dress?

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I know I'm just a worry wort, but here's my situation:

I'm short and very "busty" (I know most people wouldn't concider this a problem - but it is!.) So with the few dresses I've tried on, I already know that I will have to have a lot of alterations done - as even now my upper half is about 2 sizes bigger than the bottom half.

However, for the last 3 years I've been on a medication that has made me gain about 100 lbs. We finally found an alternative that should have the same effects, but not the weight gain. My Dr. said that it will take about 6 months for the current medication to get out of my system - which will leave me in May (8 months before the wedding)- she advised me not to look at dresses until then, as she believes that I will *hopefully* go though a drastic weight loss at that point - and I have plans to "help" it along. But that also means that *hopefully* the weight loss will continue past that point as well, so I'm creating a moving target.

But I think that that leaves me with a greater problem dress wise - since even when I was 100 lbs lighter - my chest was the same size. At that point I couldn't wear dresses - as the chest/waste size difference was about 8 full sizes. I couldn't buy a dress off the rack.

I also have this fear that I'm never going to find a dress - I don't think I'm too picky - but I've tried on a few dresses already and all have made me look either like a porn star or a munchkin! I really have no "look" in mind yet, because so many things just don't work on me.

How long did it take everyone to find a dress? Do you think waiting until May to start really looking is pushing it a bit? We're planning on January 2010, so that's 8 months - and I know I won't be able to buy off the rack.

What do you think?

 

[Anna2984]

I think waiting until 8 months will be fine. I started looking 9 mos b4, ordered it and it came in 7 mos b4, so plenty of time for any changes.

good luck & you will find the one that is right for you!

 

[IndyBride]

Sounds like no matter what you are going to need alterations. I would spend the next few months until you feel comfortable looking for a dress researching a really great seamstress. Also, tell the bridal salon you order your dress from your wedding is a month earlier than it is- that way even if they order your dress late you will still get it in plenty of time. Take your time and enjoy the experience. Good luck!!

 

[bridetobe789]

I think you'll be fine waiting that long! The few dress shops I talked to said it would be 8-12 weeks before the dress came in when I ordered it which gives you plenty of time for alterations. The only thing I can think of suggesting and I'm sure this is going to sound terrible... BUT The problem with finding a dress now and not being able to order it until later is if it is "the one" and it gets d/c! I had that problem with one dress I thought I had wanted. Make sure if you do find one find out when it came out! Hope that helps!

 

[PixyDusted]

You can definitely wait that long to look if your wedding isn't until 01/2009. I think "they" recommend looking 6 months prior to the big day.

 

[Beep]

Hi, I ordered my dress nearly 2 years before my wedding date! It took 6 months to come in and they are storing it for me.

They told me to have a fitting about 6 weeks before the wedding date and then to go back 1-2 weeks later for another fitting. If any alterations need doing after that there will be plenty of time. I don't think you will have a problem looking for a dress when they recommended.

Have you thought about a 2 piece? There are some lovely designs where the top and skirt a separate whcih might give you more choice.

Good luck - and with the weight loss too

 

[miranda1979]

I saw my dress at a show, and told my mom that was the one! We went to try the dress it took an hour to get the dress, try it on and then pay. I am also short and busty. Don't worry it will be fine! you will be great!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Thanks! You're making me feel better. I've been talking to a few friends who tried on 60-100 dresses before they found "the one" and then had to wait for the alterations and such. My cousin's took over a year for her to find and get it made and altered - it almost wasn't done in time. So I was freaking out.

I have thought about a 2 piece, but trying them on always felt "prom-y" to me, so I was hoping not to have to settle.

You ladies have made me feel better about waiting until April or May to see how everything goes, and hopefully I'll be able to find a dress in just a month or two.

Thanks!

 

[arbolita]

It took me about 2 months to find "the" dress. I think, considering your situation, it might be worth it to wait a little bit to start searching for dresses, but I think 8 months out is cutting it close because it takes an average of 6 months to receive your wedding dress once you order it, and you want to make sure you have a little extra time for alterations and in case there are any problems.

My suggestion would be maybe around 10 months out, go start looking and trying on some dresses, and if you find one you love, ask the store how long it takes that designer to make/ship dresses, and use that to help decide when you should get measured to actually order it

 

[A whole new world]

I saw mine about two years before my wedding date and then brought it 16 months before. I've put on a bit of weight since i brought it but its corset style so accomodated my top half Prehaps you could go for a corset style plus i ordered my dress 2 inches shorter at no extra cost. Some of them come 3 inches shorter or longer so it would be worth asking. Mines Alfred Angelo and i know they do it. This would save you a bit on alterations. Hope that helps

 

[Aurora7]

I think me and you have similiar body types. I am 5' 2 " and a 34 DD. What I found worked best as I was searching for a ball gown were dresses with a dropped waist. That way it wasn't just chest and poof. I also had the chest area lowered one inch and raised at the top on inch, to avoid that porn star look. It cost an extra $600 but was so worth it.

I ordered my dress in late march and even with the customizations it was in by early August! Way earlier then they quoted me! So I think you should be fine in waiting. Good luck!!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I think me and you have similiar body types. I am 5' 2 " and a 34 DD. What I found worked best as I was searching for a ball gown were dresses with a dropped waist. That way it wasn't just chest and poof. I also had the chest area lowered one inch and raised at the top on inch, to avoid that porn star look. It cost an extra $600 but was so worth it.

I ordered my dress in late march and even with the customizations it was in by early August! Way earlier then they quoted me! So I think you should be fine in waiting. Good luck!!

Good tip. We're pretty close, I'm 5'1" and DDD/E. That was one of my concerns when trying on dresses - most either excentuated that area - like I want a bright ribbon at my "widest" part! or were just chest and poof as you put it. Right now the droped waists look odd on me, because I'm shaped like an over-stuffed sack of potatoes, but hopefully I'll re-gain some shape, and be able to pull it off. I have been leaning towards Alfred Angelo because of no cost short and plus-sizes. That will most likely be a deciding factor.

I do feel better about waiting - the problem is, it's so hard to wait!! I want to be a

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

I will give you my advice.

I am a busty girl also, I am taller but busty!. I found one dress in one day and thought I loved it. It did look good but I went to David's Bridal for my MOH dress and I saw an even better dress and ended up getting that one. So I put a down payment on one dress and then bought another because I was impatient and bought something to fast so my advice in that area would be to shop around as much as possible and see what you really like.

As far as dresses for busty girls, Sweetheart necklines and halters are the best types of dresses. My dress in my PJ is a sweetheart neckline. I watched a lot of Say Yes to the Dress for those tips... There are dresses for all sizes and shapes out there so you will find a beautiful dress!