First fitting experience and pics!

[merrymunky]

I had my first fitting this afternoon. I was rather anxious to see the dress again to see if I loved it as much as I did when we bought it.

I DO love it as much, I'm just not sure if I love it on me yet. When I bought it I felt SO SO special in it. There was no doubt in my mind. Maybe it was laced up differently, or not as tightly, but I just don't think I looked as nice in it this time around. I think I am having issues with my arms, the way they hang annoys me. I am plus sized so my arms look huge and bulky in comparison to the dress and from front on, my arms just hang oddly.

I should have taken off my black jewellery and watch too as it spoils the effect of the dress and bulks my arms out more I guess.

Also, I can see a bulge directly under the bodice section of the dress. It wasn't there last time I wore the dress. I did feel like I wanted to tug it down a little today, it wasn't as comfy around the midriff region, so maybe it was sitting higher on me than last time. Nothing some super hold me in underwear won't solve though!

I tried the dress on without the hoop petticoat first to see what it was like, but we all agreed that the hoops made a real difference for the better. It is only pinned at this stage so in the pics you will see the bulge of material under the armpit. Hopefully once that is gone it will look much, much nicer.

The last niggle is a concern that once they turn the cap sleeves into a halter neck for me, that it will look bulky. I have a very short neck and with a large face, in profile all i could see was the tulle halter and then a face, no neck, it looked awful. I think at the next fitting I will ask her if she can compact the material somehow and make it less bulky for me.

Gosh, that all sounds so negative, which is silly because all in all I am happy with the dress. I think I need to see it all as a coherant look, with my hair, makeup, veil and jewellery to really appreciate it.

On with the pics.

Please excuse the black blob for a face. I have no issue showing my face usually, but I look truly DREADFUL in this picture!

 

[merrymunky]

My fave fitting picture. You can see I actually have SHAPE for a change. It isn''t laced as tightly as last time but even here it makes a reall difference to my middle!

 

[merrymunky]

Close up of the bodice detail. Excuse the chunky black necklace!

 

[merrymunky]

Last one for now. Close up of the brooch.

 

[merrymunky]

I found one more full length shot for you. In this one I wasn''t wearing a hoop. It looks a lot flatter, I definitely agree (even though I will find basic human functions a lot more tricky in it) that it looks much better WITH it.

 

[ash313]

Very nice, merrymunky! Don''t you just LOVE when you can see the curves? I had that same experience with some gowns..."Oh, look, I have a real shape!"

That gown is gorgeous, and I agree, definitely lays more nicely with the hoop.

 

[Clairitek]

I concur with the hoop. Gives the skirt a very bridal fullness.

That shade of ivory looks great with your complexion! Lovely dress!

 

[bee*]

I think you look great in it. It''s a beautiful dress. I think that it looks better with the hoop.

 

[Tuckins1]

It''s a beautiful dress! I agree, the hoop does make it look better... Just fuller and more shape with it.

 

[merrymunky]

Yeah I will definitely go with the hoop.

I don''t know why I feel quite so disappointed today. I really shouldn''t. I think once the alterations are done it will look much better on me. I am just so conscious of my size and I just feel like a BLOB.

I wish the photos did the dress justice, it almost looks quite plain but in reality is is really pretty. I think I am most worried about the halter neck. Seeing it again today it just didn''t look as good as it did when I originally tried it on. I could wear it strapless I suppose, but that''s not something I was planning on. The cap sleeves didn''t look right on me, which I found odd because I usually suit a cap sleeve style.

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

Merry- I love the dress on you, but I think *I* (personal opinion!) would prefer it as a strapless... I don''t think the halter adds anything to the gown. Does it feel like it gives you extra chest-support? It seems to me you''re not loving it either. Could you try it as a strapless (tuck the halter in) and just see if you like the look?

I think nerves & fittings go hand-in-hand. As you said, lacing a dress up differently makes a big difference. For what it''s worth, the dress is so pretty and you look great!

 

[loriken214]

Date: 6/13/2009 6:31:27 PM
Author: merrymunky
Yeah I will definitely go with the hoop.

I don''t know why I feel quite so disappointed today. I really shouldn''t. I think once the alterations are done it will look much better on me. I am just so conscious of my size and I just feel like a BLOB.

I wish the photos did the dress justice, it almost looks quite plain but in reality is is really pretty. I think I am most worried about the halter neck. Seeing it again today it just didn''t look as good as it did when I originally tried it on. I could wear it strapless I suppose, but that''s not something I was planning on. The cap sleeves didn''t look right on me, which I found odd because I usually suit a cap sleeve style.

Hi Merrymunky!

I love your dress and think you will be a BEAUTIFUL bride! This is an early fitting and you have time to feel more comfortable in your dress. Where will you be getting married?

Lori

 

[princessplease]

Looks lovely on you!!! I also agree with the hoop. Gives more shape to the dress.

 

[katamari]

Merry, I have to fully ditto PnP and your own reaction about the halter. I think your gown has a simple elegance that just really leads itself to being strapless. Plus, I feel that creating the sharp line that a halter adds, you would loose your curves a little, and I simply can''t let you do that [] Your waist, skin, and shoulders would pop so much more in a strapless. I think the reason the cap sleeves aren''t working is because it is changing the lines of the dress. If you want, you colud always wear a sheer bolero for the ceremony, but don''t hesitate to rock the strapless!

 

[merrymunky]

I am trying to reply to everyone here today but I am having trouble doing so. It might have something to do with a link I was trying to post, so I will try something else!

I am getting married at the Poole Guildhall. Poole is on the south coast of England. It is the registry office, but it is such a charming and historical building here in poole. It has only been used as a wedding venue since 2007, since refurbishment of the building. It has two wedding rooms. A very intimate room for 10 guests maximum, then the grand hall, for bigger more formal weddings, which is where I will be getting married. I will post some pics in the following posts for you.

Thanks for the feedback on the dress. I don't know if I am just being daft or what. I NEVER wear dresses or skirts. I live in dark coloured clothing. So this is a total change for me. I don't want to look like I am wearing a sheet. I want it to look special.

Pils, thanks for your honest opinon on the halter neck. I agree, it does nothing for the dess at the moment. I am really not sure what to do about it. I really do not want to go strapless. I think it would look ok if she folded the material over a few times and pressed it to make it look more neat, thinner and more sturdy. At the moment it is just a mass of material handing round my neck. My next fitting is August 15th, which is only 11 days before the wedding, so if it is still not right then, will she even have enough time to change it again? The only other option I can think of is adding spaghetti straps. Can that be done when they were not supplied? The cap sleeves looked too bulky so I don't think I would even want to just wear the straps as they were when supplied. I was wearing my wedding bra to this fitting and didn't take the straps off. It actually looked quite nice with spaghetti straps. They even matched the colour of the dress really well. Just a thought I guess.

 

[Winslet]

What a great find! This dress is so flattering on you, and you look truly beautiful in it merrymunky!!! I have to agree with some of the other posters that you don''t need the halter - it looks like the bodice holds up well on its own and gives you plenty of coverage. Plus I think the dress is gorgeous BECAUSE it is so simple and has such clean lines. No sleeves

 

[Ali]

merrymunky, make sure that the email address in your personal profile is correct and up to date and that you are able to access it. I have sent a message to you regarding your posting issues already and I also replied to your report.

 

[merrymunky]

Thanks Ali. I discovered what the problem was...one of the links I was trying to post was stopping me posting. Must have been copyright protected or something.

Thanks for the speedy response

Edit: Your email just came through. Yep, I didn't realise that was the case. All sorted now though. Thanks again

 

[merrymunky]

The more I look at it (sneaky glimpses when FI isn''t in the room), the more I can picture what it would look like on me strapless. I might be open to the idea but I would have to try it on again without the straps. It DOES hold up well on its own. At the fitting, the sleeves were only loosely tied around my neck and the dress did not budge.

I think I would like to explore the idea of having spaghetti straps first, or at least having the halter made with a different material, one to match the dress maybe. I don''t know of the seamstress can do that, or how costly it would be to get the material to make a whole new section for the dress.

I think I will phone the salon tomorrow and ask them to NOT touch the straps just yet as I am having a mental crisis over them at the moment. They can go ahead and alter the size of the dress though in the meantime.

 

[tyty333]

I like the strapless idea too...give it a try and let us know what you think...a picture would be great too. Dont worry, you probably feel out
of your element since you are used to dark clothes (pants). By the time they get the alterations done and you put the dress on a few times
and get comfortable in it you''ll start to feel like a beautiful bride!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

love the strapless idea!

 

[merrymunky]

We''ll see. I am going to contact the bridal shop and ask them to leave the straps alone though for now.

Oh and...

For Loriken!

 

[House Cat]

Date: 6/14/2009 2:36:54 PM
Author: merrymunky

I am trying to reply to everyone here today but I am having trouble doing so. It might have something to do with a link I was trying to post, so I will try something else!

I am getting married at the Poole Guildhall. Poole is on the south coast of England. It is the registry office, but it is such a charming and historical building here in poole. It has only been used as a wedding venue since 2007, since refurbishment of the building. It has two wedding rooms. A very intimate room for 10 guests maximum, then the grand hall, for bigger more formal weddings, which is where I will be getting married. I will post some pics in the following posts for you.

Thanks for the feedback on the dress. I don''t know if I am just being daft or what. I NEVER wear dresses or skirts. I live in dark coloured clothing. So this is a total change for me. I don''t want to look like I am wearing a sheet. I want it to look special.

Pils, thanks for your honest opinon on the halter neck. I agree, it does nothing for the dess at the moment. I am really not sure what to do about it. I really do not want to go strapless. I think it would look ok if she folded the material over a few times and pressed it to make it look more neat, thinner and more sturdy. At the moment it is just a mass of material handing round my neck. My next fitting is August 15th, which is only 11 days before the wedding, so if it is still not right then, will she even have enough time to change it again? The only other option I can think of is adding spaghetti straps. Can that be done when they were not supplied? The cap sleeves looked too bulky so I don''t think I would even want to just wear the straps as they were when supplied. I was wearing my wedding bra to this fitting and didn''t take the straps off. It actually looked quite nice with spaghetti straps. They even matched the colour of the dress really well. Just a thought I guess.

There is NO WAY you look like you''re wearing a sheet! You look beautiful!!!! I DO understand feeling out of place in a wedding gown though. It''s not like we wear them every day!

I like the idea of strapless too. The gown is gorgeous on you!

 

[merrymunky]

Date: 6/15/2009 10:54:34 AM
Author: House Cat
There is NO WAY you look like you''re wearing a sheet! You look beautiful!!!! I DO understand feeling out of place in a wedding gown though. It''s not like we wear them every day!

I like the idea of strapless too. The gown is gorgeous on you!

Thank you hun. I am terrible when it comes to clothing, let alone a wedding gown. I guess I am not yet seeing the full picture, wearing a gown that is too big up top, that still needs taking in. Also, the hair and lack of veil don''t help.

I might ask them about the pick up in the skirt near the brooch too. They are already taking p the tulle in the front panel for me as I keep treading on it when I walk. I bought the shop sample and I think that it has tugged the broch a little but on one side of the brooch, it doesn''t look like it is hanging right, almost flat. Maybe she can put a stitch in it at the next fitting to create the pick up shape again.

I have emailed them to ask them to leave the sleeves unaltered for now until I talk to them properly about making a better strap/or spaghetti straps. They are taking quite a lot of material out of the sides of the bodice so maybe it can be used to mae the straps? I have NO idea how this works.

 

[mayachel]

You look curvalicious in your gown! The skirt has such graceful detailing. I think that you may want to take those straps off altogether and do a thin, 1/2" satin strap. From the photos it seems as though you have narrowish shoulders? That would make lots of material take over your decoletage and neck.

 

[merrymunky]

Date: 6/15/2009 12:13:45 PM
Author: mayachel
You look curvalicious in your gown! The skirt has such graceful detailing. I think that you may want to take those straps off altogether and do a thin, 1/2'' satin strap. From the photos it seems as though you have narrowish shoulders? That would make lots of material take over your decoletage and neck.

Aw bless you. Thanks

I always thought I was quite broad shouldered. It might be that they look more narrow compared to my hulkamongous fat arms!

I am thinking very thin straps might be better too if I don''t want to go strapless. My mother is not keen on strapless either as "everyone is doing it these days" as she says. As I say, they will be taking material from the bodice so maybe they could use that?

The only other thing I thought of is...and please tell me if it sounds crazy:

The bra I will be wearing on the big day matches the colour of the gown perfectly. The straps are a little ruched and about 1-1.5cm thick. Could they maybe use those and add a few little sparkly beads etc to match my dress? Then they could just add appropriate loops inside the dress for them to attach to.

Is that a crazy Idea?

 

[ams0124]

merrymunky...First of all your dress is no where near plain...and you definitely DON''T look like your wearing a sheet!

I think the detail on your dress is just beautiful and it looks wonderful on you...I agree with everyone (including you) that something about the halter doesn''t look just right...Maybe it is the poofyness of it right now. I do think that you would look stunning if they could turn in into a strapless...I can''t work photoshop to save my life....but maybe one of the other photoshop experts here could work a little magic to give you some sort of visual

...

Everything else looks great!! I think once you work out the neckline thing you''ll feel much better about the dress. It flatters you figure very nicely...and you should feel absoultely beautiful in that dress!!!

 

[merrymunky]

Date: 6/15/2009 12:39:30 PM
Author: ams0124
merrymunky...First of all your dress is no where near plain...and you definitely DON''T look like your wearing a sheet!

I think the detail on your dress is just beautiful and it looks wonderful on you...I agree with everyone (including you) that something about the halter doesn''t look just right...Maybe it is the poofyness of it right now. I do think that you would look stunning if they could turn in into a strapless...I can''t work photoshop to save my life....but maybe one of the other photoshop experts here could work a little magic to give you some sort of visual

...

Everything else looks great!! I think once you work out the neckline thing you''ll feel much better about the dress. It flatters you figure very nicely...and you should feel absoultely beautiful in that dress!!!

Thank you. I think the poofyness makes it look Much much worse than it should be. I also have a very short neck. It almost verges on no neck, and with my double chin, it does look non existant. I had a shot in profile that looked ridiculous. It was boobs, poofy material, face and nothing to separate the three!

 

[LadyBlue]

Merrymunky, the dress fit you perfectly. I really like it. Great choice

 

[merrymunky]

Date: 6/15/2009 3:22:35 PM
Author: gaby06
Merrymunky, the dress fit you perfectly. I really like it. Great choice

Not quite yet. The bust and sides of the bodice need taking in. They were pinned on these photos.

Thank you. I am glad people like it.