Buy a dress online

View Quoted Comment How expensive was that?

I would definitely go to bridal stores to try on different silhouettes so you at least have an idea of what flatters you. I will say, however, that bridal sizing is different from clothing sizing AND not all designers size charts coincide. So, you might be an 8 in an Essence if Australia dress, but you might also wear a 12 in a Hayley Paige dress if that makes any sense at all. If you plan on ordering online, definitely read over size charts and order for the biggest part of your body because alterations can be made if it doesn't fit the smallest parts. You might even want to see if the specific site you're purchasing from offers special custom sizing as that is always a plus. Every bride has a different experience with dress shopping, so don't feel bad at all that you won't be purchasing from a store. It's about you and nobody else. Don't feel bad about wasting their time either because they're getting paid regardless and you're doing it for a good cause. Just because you dress shop doesn't mean you're ready to purchase, or even that you'll purchase from the store you're shopping at. Totally okay! You could try David's Bridal, JJs House, Hebeos, Dress Afford, Bridesire, The Dress Outlet, Amazon, Azazie, CoCoMelody, Still White, Preownedweddingdresses Wedding Dresses, Nearly Newlywed, OnceWed, Poshmark, Mercari, LuLus, Fashion Nova, Windsor, etc. They have some really great alternatives to thousand dollar dresses. Keep an eye out for sales on each site you look at because they will help a ton in the long run. You don't have to break the bank to get a beautiful dress. Happy shopping girl 🥰❤️

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Like I said, the customization was a promo, which I believe it is right now...where it was no additional $ for that...Normally the customization runs I want to say $200-300 on top of the dress price. The dress was $500 and free customization. I would wait for a major holiday or sale as they normally run promos.

View Quoted Comment Thank you for all the suggestions!!!! I’m going to start looking at those sites and def get myself sized and try some on at a bridal shop.

I will say - it's extremely important to try on different silhouettes because most that you think will look good, won't actually look good. Most brides, including myself, end up with the exact opposite than what they were anticipating. I have a beautiful mermaid for sale for relatively inexpensive on Poshmark depending on your size. Wishing you the absolute best of luck!

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It also fits perfectly! I doubt I will need any alterations unless my weight changes between now and the wedding.

View Quoted Comment Of course! 💕

View Quoted Comment Oh that’s right around where I would feel comfortable spending ! Thank you

View Quoted Comment I just had a baby in September so I think I’m probably a size 12 at the moment.

I have no idea what the online dresses are like but if you make a dress consultation appointment they will ask your budget and pull only those dresses. The only problem with going and trying more expensive dresses out is falling in love with one you can't have and then comparing them to cheaper ones.

View Quoted Comment That’s what I don’t want to happen! Something will catch my eye that’s totally out of my price point. But I’ve never been dress shopping so I’m glad they keep dresses they pull within your budget. Did you go to multiple dress shops or just one?

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You’re welcome! Once I landed on their website, I found so many dresses that I loved! The hard part was choosing the right one. Good luck with everything, and keep us posted!

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I definitely agree! I thought I was going to love a sheath or a trumpet dress and did not like those styles at all on me. I ended up preferring an Aline which is not what I had in mind.

View Quoted Comment So funny I’m thinking I want maybe an a-line or trumpet

View Quoted Comment Same here! I went in with a blank mind, walked out with a mermaid and then, further down the road, purchased a huge ball gown for a reception dress. Most brides go through that and it's so funny that they end up choosing the opposite of what they were expecting. Love it! Good luck to you!

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I went to two shops. One more upscale than the other and had a better selection so I went back to the more upscale one. My budget was pretty large but I refused to try on anything over it and omg it was so tempting.

View Quoted Comment I watched say yes to the dress I want to try on al the dresses even though some are so over the top and not me at all but I still want to try them all on !

View Quoted Comment You did 2 dresses? Did you do a first look in the first one and then another first look in the 2nd one?

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Thanks! I had so many people suggest wearing 2 dresses because I couldn’t make up my mind lol. Luckily I found a dress that I love.

Good luck to you too!

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Definitely try them on! I found that I loved how trumpets and sheaths look on models but not so much on me...and honestly just love the A-line now that I have it and it’s tailored to my size.