Is there such a thing as 'the one'??? Going dress shopping next month......

Yep you'll know ? try on anything and everything, what you think might look awful might actually be perfect ? and also take pics if the shop will let you!

OK will do. Silly question but.....did you wear the underwear you are planning on wearing for the day? So it goes under the dress ie. strapless bra? xx

I can't tell you for sure but from my experience if you've found 'the one' any dress will be hard to match it. I spent an age searching for my dream dress (not just since being engaged but forever..) I found mine online, on ebay of all places! I went dress shopping last weekend and no dresses felt special. They were all just dresses. I knew I had my dress and that was it. My eyes were shut to all others..

I didn't believe there was such a thing until I went shopping. I'd already bought a dress that I loved without trying anything else but kept having wobbles so thought I'd better go and check what I was missing. I had an idea of how I wanted to look and feel in my dress but kept an open mind to all different styles. I tried on some pretty amazing dresses, all of which would have "done the job" but as soon as I put on "the one" I visibly relaxed in it, I twirled and swirled, I smiled my own smile and struck my own poses rather than looking like one of the miserable models in bridal magazines. I didn't time it but apparently I spent nearly half an hour just wandering around gazing at this dress from all angles. It was the only one I didn't try to nosey at the price tag on because I knew whatever the price I was having it! (to be fair, I'd given the assistant a rough idea of what I wanted to spend and she'd mainly kept within my budget when bringing dresses to me). I was sensible and left my bank card at home so I couldn't make a rush decision but I was straight back down on the Monday following to order it after two days of staring at pictures of it. I'm convinced there is a "the one" for every bride.

Not a silly question at all! I didn't wear the underwear that I'll be wearing on the day but if you've got it already then it would be worth it. I couldn't find a good white/nude strapless bra so just wore an old black one and that was fine. I'd say a strapless bra is really important for trying on though to give you a better idea of the neckline.

I didnt wear special underwear as I was meant to be just looking haha. Ended up with a strapless dress, I just tucked my straps in and I'm planning on just getting some cups added in and not wearing a bra (I have small boobage, so might be better to wear something similar to what you intend to if yours are quite big - or just take a strapless bra with you so you can try all different dresses on ?)

I think you do know but good idea not to rush into deciding.

The first time I went dress shopping I thought I had found the one, but was reluctant to decide then and there.

But then I ended up going to 5 different shops 'just to make sure!', and back to 2 of them twice. When I did find the one, the dresses I tried on afterwards just didn't seem to compare, and when I went back to try it on a second time I knew I saw everything I remembered and I just had to get it.

No, I don't believe The One exists. Then again, I also don't believe that about husbands. In that, had I made different choices in my life to the extent I never met OH, I would still probably have met someone fallen in love, and got married, but it wouldn't have been OH.

Anyway, back to dresses. I love huge dresses, in fact my dress from my first wedding is still in my parents house and I still think it's amazing. However, this time we were marrying abroad so whatever I got had to be packable and I wanted it to look floaty. The dress I really loved wasn't available in the UK at all, so that was discounted. I also love Jenny Packham dresses but couldn't justify the cost. I tried lots on, some simple, some vile. Finally I found a dress that vaguely ticked the boxes, and most importantly I felt like a bride in it. Stopped looking then, and just ordered it.

Was it The One? Not really, I still prefer the dress not available here, and I regret the fact the seamstress wouldn't let me take out the satin lining, saying it would make the dress see through. It wouldn't have, and the lining annoyed me, being too hot and stopping the dress fully flying out when twirling and dancing.

At the end of the day, I was happy enough though, since when trying that dress, it was the only one I tried on, that was practical enough for a beach wedding and ceilidh reception, and that when wearing it in the shop I felt like a bride and could imagine wearing it to marry in. And that, to me, is the most important thing.

When I first went shopping I tried loads on and loved them all, found it really hard. The 2nd time I tried on one dress and knew it was the one - byt the way it felt, how I looked and by the reaction from my mum, wedding planner and staff in the shop. I tried on loads more and said no nothing feels the same as 'the one' I know some people on here though didn't get that feeling but being a girly girl I did - as long as you feel comfy you will be fine.

Just a tip - it sounds so daft but move around - I waved my arms in the air as if I was drunk and dancing and come dresses were itchy or didn't have enough movement (in the arms etc)

Have fun though and keep us posted x

When I went dress shopping I completely forgot to wear a strapless bra so spent the whole time tucking in my straps, so it's worth considering your options.

I tried on several dresses and loved a couple of them but as I stepped into my dress I knew it was 'the one', while I was being strapped into it I kept peeking out the curtain to my sister saying this is 'the one'.

Good luck, its the most fun part of wedding planning :-)

In my opinion, the one definitely exists! Having said that, there were probably another 3 dresses that I would happily have worn! Having said that I'm sure if I ordered any of them, I'd have had serious dress wobbles!

my other advice, would be to be open minded, try on all styles!! I was adamant I'd go for a small dress but I loved the big princess dresses! I ended up with a straight dress but I was shocked at what I liked!

As for underwear, it doesn't matter for trying on in my opinion! Just wear your best as you'll be in it a lot with the assistants!!

Which designers have people gone for? (If you have gone for designers)

I went to a wedding recently and the bride wore Jenny Packham, I'm now obsessed with her designs but I don't want to be branded a copycat!

Is it too much to copy someones dress designer?

I've gone for sincerity. I don't think any of my close friends have worn them but that hasn't influenced me at all! I have consciously tried to avoid anything too similar tho! I've definitely achieved it tho as all my friends have worn strapless and I'm not! As long as you don't get the same dress I don't think it matters!

Thanks all. Had two dress trying on days....very fun!!!

The second bridal store ordered in a stella york dress that I LOVE. I tried it on and it is awesome. I am not getting married until Oct next year and the woman in store said not to rush into buying, so that one is my chosen one....for now!

Very worried I will get one and then see something I love more.....but I don't know if that is possible?!

xxx

YES YES YES.

I went dress shopping very early on and then didn't go again for 4 months. The first shop I went in I tried loads and narrowed it down to 5... (not a brilliant sign!) I knew I wanted my mum to come dress shopping with me so I put off going to any other shops until she could come with me. We booked an appointment at one shop and were there for 2 and a half hours before leaving with a deposit paid on the first dress i'd tried on.

Every dress after that first one was 'nice but its not THAT one' so I HAD to have it!

Totally is and I was the same as you having found a dress online that I fell in love with. I did go to another shop before even considering to try that 'one' on. I did like a few and there was a real similarity in style to the dream one. Then on Saturday I went to a designer day (Maggie Sottero) local to me and luckily the dress was there and the second I put it on it was perfect! I tried on about 6 other dresses all in completely different styles to make sure that this was the one I wanted and that I hadn't just got caught up by one style. Then put the dress on again last and it was so perfect I ordered it there and then!!

Good luck, but you will know!

I am in 'the dress' camp, never thought it until recently but there you are.

Bought my dress a year ago and then spent the last year wobbling about it and looking at other dresses, never being totally happy about mine. Don't get me wrong it's a lovely dress but it did not make me feel wow when I put it on and I did not get excited about fittings etc.

all came to a head the other week when I decided I couldn't wear it. How could I expect to look all glowy if I did not love what I was wearing?

Went to a place that sold ex sample dresses and tried a few on until I got to my new dress where I promptly burst into tears! I finally felt like a bride! Everytime I think about my new dress it gives me bubbles in my tummy and makes me go all giddy - that for me is what a wedding dress should do.

so yes, I firmly believe that there is 'the dress' for everyone. (I'm 38 and not into clothes / fashion at all for what it's worth)

I used to make and design costumes for stage so i was very aware of fit and how the dress was constructed, so was blathering on to the assistants about how sections were good, but section of each dress just did not suit me or why i did not like it

Until i put the dress on, ... nothing to say ... could not put my finger on it .... then blubbed like a kid at christmas that got a "just what i always wanted " toy.

Got it back in the store with extra lenght and fits like a glove - standard size 12 - i was very happy.

Cannot wait till 13th July .... its soooo close now i can almost taste it

I really cant believe that a designer would have just happened to make a dress that is 'just made for me' to be 'the one' the same season I go and try on dresses. Plus I just so happen to see this in my local area amidst all the other dresses. I just don't buy into it. I find the thought of "the one" completely cringeworthy! But did I put a dress on and think, wow this dress fits my personality perfectly and flatters my body...Yes!! xx

Have a peep at this...

Hope this helps.

Of course,you wil come across more charming dresses..that is nice,then you will have better choices.

The woman's words were right.

As your wedding will come next year,generally it is better for you to order your dress one month ahead of that date,guarantting there are about 1 weeks left for alteration..

For me - yes! I tried on about 15-20 dresses in a few different shops and there were 3 that I liked enough to buy. The last dress I tried on, I knew as soon as I pulled it up, before it was even done up. I felt like a princess and then my mum cried when I came out the fitting room.

Definitely take someone you trust to give you an honest opinion. My mum and MOH are both very honest (a bit too honest at times!) and my other 2 BMs were gushing about every dress so I knew whose opnions to trust.

Good luck and enjoy! X

I definitely new my dress was the "one".

2 years before I got married I made an apointment to dry dresses on at a bridal shop I just wanted to see what suited me I had no intension of buying one. I found the the "one" but it was a sample dress, they offered me a great price and thankfully I had my mum there who paid the depoist for me as I didn't go prepared. All I would advise is take some cash just incase. You never know what may happen ?

I thought it was the same feeling when coming across with a nice guy,you of course have your own standard in you mind that you are not so clear with.

And then,the feeling is important,first sight about the dress,and the state when you dress them on.....

Looking forward seeing your dress pic...

hhha ?

Here it is....have not found one I love as much yet! xxx