Help please! I need to decide on a dress!

That second one is sooooo stunning. I also prefer more minimal styles, but I suggest being open minded when/if you go dress shopping!

I went in thinking I didn't want a strapless dress or anything fitted, but I ended up purchasing two dresses. Both strapless, but one is fit & flare. I tried on so many fits/styles, and also fabrics just to make sure, and I'm glad I did because I have zero dress regrets!

Custom made dresses are great and unique, but I highly suggest going to a store first to try on as many styles and fabrics that you can before coming up with the type of design you want for your custom made dress. The last thing you want is to spend all this time and money on a custom one and end up not liking what you thought you would have!

I love the second one. The third one would be my second choice.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for the feedback SHY I will definitely go try some on as we get closer to the actual wedding. I love the second dress as well and the neckline and straps of the last one is my all time favorite.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I love the second on the most for the entire dress but I prefer the neckline and straps of the third which is why I’m thinking I may need to go custom if I can’t find one in a store that matches me.

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You're welcome! Yes, I agree that the neckline and overall cut of the dress looks so flattering and classy!

It is so great to have an idea of what you like! Definitely go and try on dresses before going the custom route. I am having mine custom made, but went and tried on a bunch of styles just to be sure I liked the way certain aspects looked and felt. I sent a bunch of pictures to my designer and so far it is coming together perfectly!

I'd also suggest letting the bridal consultant at the store and whoever you bring with you pick at least 1 or 2 dresses. Sometimes other people just have an eye for what will flatter you!

good luck!

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for the advice! Were there any specific materials you found that you preferred?

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Not really. I tried on one dress that had a strap sleeve that was beaded and super uncomfortable, it didn't have any lining. it seems like you want pretty minimal, so I would just make sure whatever material you choose isn't prone to wrinkles, because with the designs you have pictures of, a cheaper fabric that wrinkles easily would be less than ideal.

But basically everything was comfortable! some things felt more luxurious because it was a heavier fabric or a nicer tulle, but that didn't play in to how comfortable it was

View Quoted Comment Sounds good, thank you!

Ok so I agree with others that going and trying some things on first is far and away the best idea before you start working with someone to create your perfect dress.

That said though, from the types of dresses you are looking at, it would be helpful to look for the following types of fabric:

mikado silk - a very heavy, stiff type of silk that will hold it's shape and is common in big ballgown type skirts

Moire - also a very heavy silk fabric, but it gives a wavy, water-like impression when it moves under the light

crepe - has a little stretch to it so it moulds to the body and drapes well. It is quite unforgiving, as it will show every lump and bump, no doubt, haha!

dupioni - this is somewhat similar to mikado silk in that it's heavy and stiff, but it has more texture to the fabric - in silk these are called 'slubs' and give a slightly rough texture that captures the light differently from our next fabric...

charmeuse - very glossy and shiny, it is a thin type of silk which drapes absolutely beautifully, but like crepe, is unforgiving. Perhaps moreso, as it is shiny, which can highlight areas you might not want to highlight.

Chiffon - very sheer and light. Frequently used for veils and overlaying layers on dresses with romantic, soft draping and 3D flowers.

Organza - similar to chiffon but more structured. Often used for big, frothy ballgown skirts

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much! This information about the materials is so helpful! I will go and try dresses on before I get a custom one but it’s nice to know what materials I’m looking for and how each one works.

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You're so welcome! I hope you find the perfect thing!

Be open to trying on everything. Don’t expect to find it the first day. You will know it is the one when you do not want to take it off. Then stop looking.