A little overwhelmed by dresses...

[SuLi]

Hi everyone -

Is it normal to feel overwhelmed dress shopping? If anything, I am a champion shopper in general, but I''m starting to feel a bit hopeless.

First, everything is starting to look the same. I feel like I haven''t found the dress that feels distinctly "it", and it''s even harder not having family or girlfriends nearby to help - so, I''ve basically been going solo, relying on the salon associates. I feel like I just don''t have the energy to look around, and worry that I will just settle in the end.

My wedding is just going to be my FI and I - we are both really shy and private people, so we are going to get married by ourselves in HI. When we come back, we''re planning on throwing an informal party for everyone - more casual and laid-back, which is what we prefer.

So, I''ve been looking for dresses that are destination-ready, and I am really adamant about not spending over $1500. I''ve seen a few that I like from Nicole Miller, but have been feeling a little down about the choices that I''ve narrowed it down to.

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice for me? I''m feeling pretty bummy right now. Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[neatfreak]

Yes! I think it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. What I would do is try to figure out what styles of dresses you like. Think "categories" to make it less overwhelming. Do you like halters, strapless, or straps? Do you like short or long? Beaded and ornate, or plain? Arm yourself with the answers to those questions when you go shopping and then when you try on a dress mention to the sales associate EXACTLY what you love or hate about the dress you try on. If she''s good, she''ll have a tally in her head of all the dresses in their inventory and can then go back and find dresses that have the components you love.

Also, check out preownedweddingdresses.com. There are a lot of really nice destination-esque dresses there, really cheap. It is also helpful because there are pictures of real brides in the dresses to help you suss out what styles you like.

But just take a deep breath and take a break for a few days. When you go back to it you''ll feel better. Good luck!

 

[happy in love]

Keep on keepin'' on! You''ll find it soon! I was SOOO overwhelmed and dissapointed when I started looking, especially because I brought friends with me who did not exactly share my "non puffy/stiff/sparkley" vision.

Try ordering some from Nordstrom, Macy''s and JCrew if you like the more simple styles and then you can try them on at home without pressure and in the right size!... Just make sure you can return them easily.

Good luck.

 

[Independent Gal]

Yes, it's normal! Take it easy and remember that you don't HAVE to be in a rush. You can always get something off the rack if you need to. Treat it as a leisurely search and something you have an excuse to shop for, guilt free, and drag it out as long as you like!

Here are some more ideas for getting a lovely dress within your budget: bridepower.com has samples. Their 'megamarkdown' section is pretty ridiculous (like a 4K Ulla Maija for $200) and almost everything they sell is within your price range. Only problem is, you can't try it on first. But this is a good option if you already know which shape by which designer suits you, but what you like is out of your price range.

Check if there's a store in your area that sells once worn dresses or samples. These will mostly be in pristine condition and half or less the original price.

EBay is another good option, too.

My dress is Nicole Miller, btw, and I love it!

ETA: I've also been shopping by myself, since my family and closest friends live abroad. Just bring a digital camera and you can share that way!

 

[larussel03]

I found it totally overwhelming!!! Not only are there TONS of dresses, but they are heavy and hot and I had no idea what style I wanted (so I tried on tons) then I just bought the first one that looked ok because I didn''t want to try any more on.

My advice to you is to take your time, and only try a few on at a time. I did this and ended up finding my dream dress, but that was after 3 trips to the same bridal salon, trying on only 3 dresses at a time, in addition to 2 other smaller bridal salons trying on 2-3 dresses each. It''s really something that can''t be rushed, so if you''re like me and get overwhelmed, I say only try a few dresses on a week until you come across one you like.

 

[SuLi]

Thanks for the advice so far.

I think it might be helpful to post the dresses that I''ve been considering, although I''m not entirely excited about them. I am basically looking for something that is very streamlined and easy to travel with. I''m not sure where my feeling of "non-excitement" comes from/

http://www.nicolemiller.com/#Id=be25ab00-8f05-44e4-8012-12c2c6b86b17&page=1&look=6

http://www.nicolemiller.com/#Id=be25ab00-8f05-44e4-8012-12c2c6b86b17&page=2&look=1

http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=brides&showid=590

But, it''s still early on in the search, and I haven''t looked in a few weeks, so hopefully, I''ll get more excited about dress shopping soon.