Bridesmaid dress as wedding dress?

[Kats]

My partner and I are having an informal, barefoot beach ceremony in the Maldives in January (with just the two of us) and I have just ordered this Jim Hjelm dress (in ivory, maybe with a turquoise sash). The traditional long, floaty beach dresses didn''t really look good on me as I''m only 5"3 (and 120lbs) and won''t have height from shoes and the tea length dresses seemed to be more flattering (and practical for the sand!). Now I''m starting to question my decision though and think I should have gone for something more ''bridal'' - is anyone else having a bridesmaid dress or non traditional dress?

 

[Independent Gal]

That dress in ivory? Will be totally bridal! The only difference from a ''traditional gown'' is that it''s shorter, but who cares? My first dress-love when I got engaged was this Oscar de la Renta number from his bridal collection. And Elizabeth Fillmore also makes amazing short bridal dresses.

You''re right that it''s more practical and will look better on you if tea length suits you.

Why not get yourself a beautiful veil? Then you''ll look bridal as can be! I think you made a great choice and that in ivory it really WILL look as bridey as can be.

 

[blueyes157]

I think the dress is gorgeous! Is it very bridal.... it looks exactly like the bigger, poofy ball gowns, just a bit shorter. I think you will be more comfortable because you aren''t worry about having it drag in the sand or water (eek!) and i think a long dress, with your petite frame, might swallow you up without the height from high heels! LOVE IT! Kepp us posted on what you pick and we want pictures!

 

[Kats]

Thanks for your replies - Independent Gal, I love that Oscar de la Renta dress! And you''re right, in ivory it will look bridal.

Thanks BlueEyes157, the longer dresses did engulf my frame and without heels I looked short and frumpy in them! I think I''m having second thoughts because this one is so different to the floaty, long beach dress I had in mind but it looked by far the most flattering on. I also had to make a decision quickly as I need it by mid Jan so had to place a rush order to get it in time and part of me is thinking maybe if I''d tried on more long ones I would''ve found one that looked better! Also, I went shopping on my own so noone has seen it on!

 

[BELLA9280]

great choice!! i love it

 

[oobiecoo]

I''m probably using a white bridesmaid dress also but it will be long. I think the dress you picked will look great for yor beach wedding!

 

[happilyeverafter]

Beautiful dress! I think it''s perfect for a beach wedding - I would also do a shorter dress if I was getting married on a beach. Great choice (and VERY bridal)!

 

[MoonWater]

I think it''s a gorgeous dress! Can''t say I''m a big fan of gowns anyway.

 

[Kats]

Thanks everyone, you''ve made me feel a lot better about the dress.

MoonWater, I''m not a fan of the big gowns either and never wear full length dresses - I think it''s the ''must look pefect'', ''one chance only'' wedding pressure that''s getting to me. I guess lots of people doubt their choice of dresses sometimes, at least I don''t have very long to dwell on it (less than 3 months until I''ll be wearing it!).