Wedding dress issues....

I think it is hard to forget about what you had 'imagined' yourself in. So I do sympathise.

You've established you don't suit what you had imagined, so honestly, I'd probably forget about that look.

Maybe look for something thats still lace, but not exactly the shape you had in mind etc?

You can get lace 'big' dresses, that might be a combo of them both?

You need to find something that suits you though, and if you suit it and are happy in a big sparkle one then that might be your dress type after all.

For me, I had to forget about what I had 'imagined'. Although I did love what I had been imagining, I just decided there was another style that was better.

You only wear it once, so don't feel rushed and take your time in making the decision!

Would be good to see pics if you can flash! x

The thing with dress shopping is what you think suits you and what actually suits are two different things. Which is why you need to try on every style first.

Go with what suits you and what you are happy with, it's you who has to wear the dress not your mum or moh, don't buy something just to keep them happy. I would keep looking as you obviously haven't found the dress for you yet. If you find one that you don't want to take off and you compare it to all other dresses then yes it's the right dress. If its just lovely then keep looking.

How about going shopping on your own? I did it and it's great. You don't have anyone there to confuse you or tell you their opinions. Ask the shop ladies to suggest dresses too.

If it doesn't feel right, don't buy it. You'll only regret it.

You need to find a dress and has brought a tear to your eye!

I have big arms (size 24 so not even issues, it's just a fact) and am having a shawl to cover them up plus straps added to the dress to break up the amount of flesh on show!.. is this an option? Or a lace bolero? If not, I'm sure people won't be looking at your arms on the day anyway!

I have to say I don't get all the designer dress stuff so names mean nothing to me... I'm sure if there is a hint that you're not 100% comfortable in your dress it will be noticeable on the day so best not to risk it! Keep searching until your heart skips a beat. You'll find it

this is me in Taleigha by Maggie Sottero. first dress that everyone liked (i'm not keen with the lengh of the top Nora is longer in the body with is better on me - dont have a photo on me with me in Nora.

This!

It is very easy to be swayed but what other people consider their 'favourites'.

You look fabulous in that dress, it does really suit your shape!

If you aren't 100% happy them don't buy it, however I think you need to forget about what you thought you would like and keep looking. Can you not get a lace dress in a different shape to what you wanted?

Thanks for all the advice ladies!

heres Nora - http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=A3443&page=0&pageSize=36&keywordText=&keywordType=All

heres Celeste http://www.sotteroandmidgley.com/dress.aspx?style=711533&page=0&pageSize=36&keywordText=&keywordType=All

If you have an hourglass figure you're doing a good job hiding it in this style of dress, is that what you want to do? Also i agree with you that the body should be longer. The dress looks too low around the bust area and need oikin' up a couple of inches which would then leave your waist looking as though it's under your bust!?

You don't have wide shoulders/big arms sweet ? How are you having your hair? If down like the pic with a veil it'll help hide your upper arms if you really are uncomfortable. I have just googled the Nora dress and definitely prefer it to this one ? xXx

If you have an hourglass figure you're doing a good job hiding it in this style of dress, is that what you want to do? Also i agree with you that the body should be longer. The dress looks too low around the bust area and need oikin' up a couple of inches which would then leave your waist looking as though it's under your bust!?

Thank you so much! i'm so glad to hear this as this is what i said to my mum and the lady in the shop - they didnt agree until i tried on Nora.

am having hair down - or half up half down but i want to look like myself as much as possible and i dont really wear my hair up. ? xx

I just read my post back and it sounds so horrible, I didn't mean it to come across like that ☹️ If you have a good figure there is no need to hide it away. The Nora dress will definitely accentuation your curves and I know it'll look gorgeous on you ? I hope I didn't offend you as that wasn't my aim at all. Hair down/half up, half down is a good option ? it'll flow with the whole style of the dress - beauitful ^-^ xXx

Nora is lovely. How about something like this?

http://www.weddingdressesmall.co.uk/5083-10700/lace-scalloped-neckline-a-line-wedding-dress.jpg

Its lacy and more fitted. Just an idea.

I think you look gorgeous in that dress, but then that's the shape of dress I love!

If you don't absolutely love it, keep looking, though.

Also, don't give up hope on the fitted style. If you've got an hourglass, you may well still find one that shape that would show it off to best effect. It sounds like the only bit that didn't suit you were the straps and sleeves, so don't give up on the more fitted lace dresses. My SIL wanted a fitted dress, but was convinced by her friends and the shop lady to buy an a-line dress and even though she liked it alright and they loved it, by the time the wedding came around she absolutely hated ehr dress and somewhat resented the people who had convinced her to get it. It's basically dress wobbles waiting to happen.

Keep looking and something will jump out at you as the perfect dress!

Have you tried on Ellis bridal 11368? When you described what you wanted, this came to mind. It's a stunning dress and looks amazing on.

ive just ordered my dress ( sincerity 3730) and know how you feel. My initial thought is you either haven't found your dress or go with your bridesmaids. As much as I found my mum helpful, I needed younger opinions!

Both the maggie dresses are gorgeous by the way! I also agree that the dress in the pic is too low..

Not offeded at all!! completely agreed with you - almost like you read my mind! dont mean to be big headed, but i love my curves and suit having a figure hugging dress and i felt like this didnt really show this off at all. thinking more jessica rabbit, Monroe etc. love the look of old school hollywood glamour. not princesses dresses.

I am not an experienced dress shopper, but I personally think Celeste is truly beautiful. It would be nice to see you with this on.

I also don't think you need to worry about your arms but everyone has something they are self conscious about (tummy for me!). I know there are lots of nice boleros/cover ups- you could maybe look at lace ones if you're keen on lace? Nothing too big though as you wouldn't want to cover up your fabulous dress! Perhaps some more seasoned members of the forum could advise on this?

http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=A3622&page=1&pageSize=108&keywordText=&keywordType=All

So how's this? 🙂

Have you tried any of the Justin Alexander dresses?

I have a definite hourglass figure and I thought I would have to hide my massive hips and have something more like the dress you had on in the picture. But when I tried some of the fitted lace dresses I felt amazing!

My fave was 8641, and I think a lot of the collection has the old hollywood glamour style.

Don't buy a dress that you're not 100% happy with

Have you tried a figure hugging dress on that fits? It might not be the one but it'll give you the idea of what they look like on you. If you're proud of your curves, you'd be crazy to hide them! The fitted dresses definitely have a wow factor and you have the figure for it!

Thanks i-go-by-many-names when i have lost some more Lb I shall try on Celeste and take a sneaky photo! Do love this dress - love the flash of colour and the fact you can add the extended train but then take it off for the evening.

This dress (I think) I very me, and i think a number of my close friends would agree. I'm really not a girly girl, but more of a womanly woman...?! Don’t really go for the Disney princess type of dress and i fell that Nora, although a lovely dress isn’t me. Thanks to everyone on here who has suggested dress and helped etc. very much appreciated! XXX

Cant help but def keep looking. I wanted a v fitted lace dress but I am super curvy and didn't look right on my tummy. I now have a more structured dress that is fish tail and has a lace corset to keep me happy that I got my lace! You will find a compromise that suits you but also has elements from the dresses that you always have liked. Good luck!

Nora is a beautiful dress, I was torn between that and the fitted lace dress I eventually went for! Could you look at adding a lace bolero if you wanted some coverage on your arms? Not that you need it!

i have tried on so many dresses i honestly couldnt tell you! i started trying on fitted lace dress with sleeves/straps and quickly changed style of dress that i was trying on - Nora and Taleigha and kept with that style. i think like a few of you have said - go back and try on strapless lace fitted dresses and lots of them in different styles.

xx

I think I tried on about 50 dresses! I thought I would go really fitted but mine is definitely the one ( I just hate the model pic of it). Definitely try on lots of the fitted style. Eventually you will just get that feeling. I actually got fed up of dress shopping by the end, which I don't think is a bad thing! When is your wedding?

Im a size 10 and an hourglass, and also dont like my arms! Initially I wanted a strapless, lace fishtail dress, then saw a lace aline maggie sottero dress with cap sleeves that I fell in love with!

But, when I went to find the dress they didnt have it, I tried on one I thought was similar and when I did it turned out to be exactly how I had imagined myself!! Tried on a few more, but none that I loved so bought my Geraldine by Enzoani dress there and then! It was also reduced from £2,000 to £600, which was a nice bonus!! Also, seeing the full length lace veil, and my hair down my arms looked fine! I think cap sleeves might spoil the look of the dress, tho the option is there for me to have them added.. I am also having the neckline of my dress altered to be more sweetheart!

You know your figure and what suits you, so go with it!! :-)

Btw, your hair down looks great!! I hate fussy up do's!

Firstly you don't have big arms, but as someone else said it's easy to issues about a body part without there being anything noticeable to others!

I think that if you've got an hourglass figure and you want to show this off a bit then the 'fit and flare' style dresses like Celeste and the one that Flick posted would really work. I'd also agree that the dress in the photo is not long enough in the body for you and whilst it looks nice doesn't really show off your figure.

A lace bolero would work really well with Celeste or similar and often if you buy a lace dress they can order you some extra fabric and have it made so it matches exactly.

I'd agree that sometimes you can get a clearer picture of what you really want when you're shopping on your own.

Slight update! Excited so need to tell someone! My local bridal shop has celeste and Emma in stock so once I have lost a few more lb I'm going to make an appointment and try it on!! Fingers crossed it looks like I hope it will - no pressure!! Lol

(reason I want to shift more lb is that celeste is a zip up back and want to fit into it to get a better idea of how it will look - rather than holding it together!!) will keep posted of any more updates (if you are interested?) and hopefully some photos!! Xx

That is so exciting! And fab that you get to try them on in the same shop!

Hi,

I had the same problem as you- I wanted a lace fishtail dress with sleeves. I'm a hourglass size 12 nd they looked hideous on me! (My FMIL asked if I had it on the right way round).

I ended up with what I always said I didn't want- strapless with a big skirt. But it is gorgeous and suits my shape beautifully. Have you tried Enzoani dresses at all- they have the vintage feel with beautiful lace but have lots that are more a line.

I have Enzoani Ghislaine and am hoping to add some sleeves to it.

I can see Charleston, Grace and Fatima really suiting your shape!

Keep us updated!

Rxxx

If the lace mermaid isn't working but the poofy princess dress is too much why not go in the middle and find an a-line cut the still brings you in at the waist ? xxxx