Wedding Dress Shopping Frustrations?

I knew I wanted a tea length. The entire wedding is pretty informal, so I didn't want anything formal at all. So, in looking online, I already knew local bridal stores had next to nothing. My mom was adamant that I should 'try.' She said that I could 'cut off' thr bottom of any dress to make it tea length.
So, I went. I went to 2 stores. The 1st shop, as soon as the consultant heard my style and budget, she summarily dismissed me. She spent almost the entire time of my appointment with customers buying jewelry. She also kept putting me in styles that were so far from my own interest.
The second store, the consultant was at least nicer. But it was pretty obvious that she didn't have anything that would work for me & it was a waste of time.
Luckily, mom finally got the hint.
And stopped trying to push traditional bridal... Though npw we're having the same convocaroind a veil...
I got my custom dress off etsy and love it so much. The dress shown here is my online purchase.

The only negative aspect I had when it came to wedding dress shopping was at my first ever appointment. The sales consultant would make me go out into the viewing area everytime I tried on a dress even if I kept repeating myself on how much I didnt like what I was wearing. She just kept saying that everyone else wants to see what the dresses looked on me too.

View Quoted Comment Ugh I’m so sorry to hear that you had a bad experience the first time! I’m so glad the second time was a success! What style dress did you end up going with?

View Quoted Comment I had a great experience at davids! Sales person was attentive and only brought dresses within my budget. She even suggested accessories that would go well and was not pushy at all. So go in with an open mind. I got my originally 1k dress for $100.... The style was discontinued so it was the last one in the store and conveniently my size! I posted photos of it on my page if you're curious 😊

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I agree 100%!! I'm indecisive but actually got my dress at my first shopping trip at DB (second dress on). It was a store closing sale so I got for a steal. If I went to another store I have no doubt that I would find something that I would like just as much (and maybe even more) but I'm okay with that! Going shopping tons of times sounds horrendous to me and I really like my dress so why put myself through the torture? haha

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I love this dress!!! Looks amazing on you!!

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What a beautiful dress! I'm sorry to hear that you didn't have super successful bridal shop trips, but I'm glad you were able to find something from Etsy! It looks gorgeous on you

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I'm so glad you found your perfect dress (and even scored a discount on it!). I LOVE the sleeves! And the detailing on the bodice! Absolutely gorgeous!!

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Oh my gosh! I love your dress!!! It's so pretty, light & airy without looking overly bridal which you didn't want anyway. Will you keep and wear it again? Adorable for an anniversary dinner.

I will only wear dresses with sleeves but was willing to risk having sleeves made for my strapless reception dress because it was less than $200 and had POLKA DOTS. Instant love. The seamstress cut the dress into tea length and made sleeves out of the extra fabric but I was nervous. Turned out adorable.

before alterations

after alterations

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Thanks. In general, my suggestion to brides is stick your guns. If you know you don't want a traditional experience, don't have one. There are plenty of other ways to get your family involved that includes them in your process instead of the other way around. We had so much more fun by having a private dress viewing in my bedroom with my FMIL and mom.

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I wanted to purchase from a specific designer there was a heck of a lot cheaper to buy direct from online. So I went to the bridal shop local to me that carried this designer so I could get a feel for style and size and what not. Ended up hating all the dresses in that designers collection and got referred to a different dress that I ultimately purchased for way more than I wanted but its okay because I love the dress so much! No regrets! I think trying on the designer you are looking for is a great idea and buying direct if you can find the one you like! Best of luck its a great feeling when you find that dress!

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Thank you. Yes the under layers are blush. I was hesitant I wanted a solid white dress but when I tried this on with the blush I fell in love!

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Thank you! Yeah the sales rep made all the difference. You can't be in this field if you don't have patience and lack the understanding to listen and apply what you've heard! Glad you found your dress in your budget. Wish mine wasn't so far out of my budget but I'm so in love I can't even be mad!

After I talked down a dress, ordered it and paid extra to rush they called me a week and a half later to say it didn't come in my size. I ordered extra fabric joust in case, but by the time it came it fit perfectly

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My dress

Its an A line dress (I wanted a mermaid/trumpet so this was a big change but I am so happy! )

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Thank you so much. I can't wait for it to come in (its from Italy) so I can put it on again!

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I totally agree with you!! Great advice

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Oh, I love yours too. It's such a soft look - and definitely came out adorable! Where did you find it?

I'd be willing to wear my wedding dress for other events. We'll just wait and see if I have any events that it will fit for!

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At a bridal shop. It was a discontinued designer dress (Moonlight Bridal) which is why I got it for such a great deal. I fell in love with the polka dot fabric--pretty & soft! It's funny, the shop had a few tea length bridal dresses but I looked so old or matronly in them. So I get what you mean about some dresses looking "too bridal."

I think if I wear a wide black or red sash around the waist it'll look even less bridal for the future (I might make shorter too, the skirt feels a bit long for a regular fun dress). You could do the same but because white lace dresses are popular for summer, you could probably get away with sandals!

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True, didn't even thing of that! Honestly, haven't thought that far ahead yet. But I certainly take off only a few inches and have a summery dress.

The red or black sash would definitely work. And add in some of the pirate element too ;-)