Where to begin with wedding dresses?

[perla75]

I started looking into this last week, but I got stuck & a little overwhelmed. I have no clue about designers, can't get too expensive, and I wish you could search by style but I can't figure out how to.

What's the best strategy to see what the different styles and cuts are?

I know I want something with straps (thin straps like spagetti straps or something like that). I don't like not wearing strapless.

I would love something with those bunches (forgot the name I was taught on my other thread!). Something with a pretty design.

Where do I start?

 

[lurkyloo]

Hi!

OK, if you go to Wedding Channel.com, they have a database of dress pix that you can search by style (A-line, ballgown, mermaid, etc.). The bunches you like are called "pickups"...

http://www.weddingchannel.com/wedding-fashion/wedding-dress/bridal-gown.html

Then go to your local library, get yourself a copy of "Bridal Bargains" by Denise and Alan Fields, and read the chapter on wedding dresses. It reviews ALL the major designers, gives price ranges, and tells you how not to get scammed.

Then start trying 'em on! I just went to each shop and grabbed 10 or 20 dresses that I liked the looks of and tried them on to see which styles flattered me. It could be that the style you think you'll like isn't that flattering, but another one is!

Plus, any seamstress can add straps, so look at strapless dresses too - you can always add them later.

 

[perla75]

Hi!

OK, if you go to Wedding Channel.com, they have a database of dress pix that you can search by style (A-line, ballgown, mermaid, etc.). The bunches you like are called "pickups"...

http://www.weddingchannel.com/wedding-fashion/wedding-dress/bridal-gown.html

Then go to your local library, get yourself a copy of "Bridal Bargains" by Denise and Alan Fields, and read the chapter on wedding dresses. It reviews ALL the major designers, gives price ranges, and tells you how not to get scammed.

Then start trying 'em on! I just went to each shop and grabbed 10 or 20 dresses that I liked the looks of and tried them on to see which styles flattered me. It could be that the style you think you'll like isn't that flattering, but another one is!

Plus, any seamstress can add straps, so look at strapless dresses too - you can always add them later.

Perfect-thanks Carrie!! That's exactly what I'm looking for is a "search by style" website.

Can't start trying them on yet. My mom and my DF think I'm being ridiculously early (we are aiming for a late 2010 or early 2011 wedding), but I can't help but want to get started or at least take a peek!! I feel like theres so much to think about!

 

[IndyBride]

The best thing to do is search online. Once you get an idea of designers go to their website. You can search for style numbers of designs you like on ebay and other websites for the lowest prices. Picking up the book Carrie mentioned is a great idea. The book is a wealth of info. especially for someone looking to save money. I've already passed it on to two other brides. I copied and pasted all the pictures of dresses I liked into a document on my computer so I could always go back to certain designs if I REALLY liked it. Good luck with your search.

 

[perla75]

Thanks!!

I just found this other website instead-Brides.com. You had to sign up for the other one to access it & I didn't feel like signing up for weddingchannel and getting bombarded with junk mail just yet!

Anyways, I wanted to post this so I could refer to it later-THIS is exactly the style I want (minus the gloves)! What do you think?

http://www.brides.com/fashion/dress...r/detail/117161?f=106:111&f=193:195&offset=35

 

[feline figaro]

I definatly agree that searching on the net is a great way to view many different designers dresses & also get a good idea of price ranges .

I had no real clue before i started looking , i had watched Friends where Phoebe gets married & fell in love with her dress but then found out it cost $8,000 so figured that was a tad bit out of our price range. I just began searching a round on the net, granted i must of spent hours doing this but when i found my designer i totally fell in love with his dresses.

I would of never of found his details if it was nt for spending hours looking on the net so am so glad i did this. When i had looked at dresses in local wedding shops they all seemed to be of a very basic similar design, something i really did nt want so i was beginning to give up hope in finding the dress of my dreams. I was even considering taking the pic of Phoebes dress & getting it made as i was getting so dispondent with the dresses i could see.

I ve gone with Ian Stuart, i know his dresses are sold all around the world so you guys may have heard of him. They re proper fairy tale dresses, hes designs are very creative & really are stunning .

It may take some time searching through loads of mags or many many hours spent surfing through the net but you will find your perfect dress. Trust me when you see it you ll instantly know its the one

 

[jennifaerie]

Don't worry about junkmail. Weddingchannel and theknot rarely send things. They have newsletters, but you can opt out of them. They're *incredible* resources. Brides.com is good too, but I think it's much better to check out all of them.

Then once you find some designers you really like, you can go directly to their websites to see what their dresses look like.

 

[sungela]

Other helpful hint, slightly OT: sign up for another email address that you'll use for your wedding junk. I have gotten some crap emails from the Knot/brides.com, etc., but I shunted it all into a special email address. That way, I can keep track of wedding stuff without filling my normal inbox.

I definitely think trying on dresses is the best way to start. I didn't think I wanted a big poufy dress until I tried them on, and fell in love with the look.

 

[tinklynn]

That's a beautiful dress!
Since you're planning so far out, look at some of the designer collections that they show for the following season to find out which way trends are headed. (Hint: They are showing almost no pickups anymore)

 

[Manda_Lizabeth]

ive always used the knot for ideas. I dont think ive ever received junkmail from them, but then again, i just auto delete the junk mail in my inbox each morning.

I agree with having straps. My friend liked the look for photos to have a strapless dress, but for dancing she wanted straps. She had detachable straps put on her strapless dress. I thought it was a great idea. Then she wasnt always fixing her dress.

 

[PixyDusted]

Gorgeous dress!

I would say that yes, you definitely still have time. And the good thing about maybe waiting a little is that at least 2 new seasons of dresses will come out and be in the stores before you get married. So maybe look but keep an open mind and realize that stores will get new things in way before your big day that you can look at.