First comes love

Showstopper

It would take a special kind of bride (one with big cojones) to pull this one off but WOW:

 

From Style Hive, via CrafyStylish.

Dress detail: The french bustle

The first time I went wedding dress shopping with my friend Kris is when I learned about the importance of the bustle.  For the uninitiated, very simply, a bustle is when you take some extra material of the dress and gather it in a variety of ways.  It not only helps keep extra fabric out of the way (ie for walking or dancing) but it can aesthetically transform the dress as well.

I thought this illustrated the concept beautifully:

(wedding images from here and here)

Like the rest of the dress, there are endless ways of doing the bustle and it really depends on the dress and the bride's style.  I think the one above is an example of a "multiple point french bustle" (also known as an under-bustle), where you secure the fabric underneath at, well, multiple points and you get the little poufs. (For contrast, compare with a single point french bustle)

I'll keep an eye out for pictures of other types of bustles because I think they're a super fun way to personalize the dress.  In case you're wondering, I haven't decided what kind of bustle I want for my dress because I haven't even bought The Dress yet. Still.  Urgh.

Found The Dress... now what?

I may have (intentionally) "forgot" to mention that I found what very well could be The Dress!  Although I have been much more leissez-faire about linking to dresses that I've tried on, the fact that I'm keeping this one under wraps should clue you in on how seriously I love it.

Interesting story on how I found it, which I don't mind sharing at all.

On our trip to Scotland to secure the venue I had also booked an appointment at a dress shop.  I had gotten them to secure a sample of Accra for me because Craig's mum would be with me and I really wanted her opinion.  I also figured while I was there I would try on their other dresses as they had a wide range of Enzoanis and it looked like they were the ones I was liking the best.

So I picked out about 7 other dresses and tried on Accra first.  I still loved it.  It has such a pretty sillhouette and intricate detailing!

I tried on the other dresses I picked off the racks and ranked them against Accra as I tried them on.  Accra kept coming out on top.

Then I tried on the last dress.

Of course it was the last dress.

Of course it was wildly different from every other dress I'd tried on before.

Of course it was the dress I agreed to try on only to be "polite" (which is why it was last in order).

And of course I couldn't wipe the smile off my face and Craig's mum cried. (awww, I know!)

So the hunt is on!  I've found various stockists for this dress in the UK and they are all offering it at the same price.  What do you do in that sutation?  There are several factors I want to consider:

1) Alteration/fitting packages - how much do they charge for them? Do they do it "in house" or do they use an external seamstress? Who is it?

2) General personality - Am I comfortable with them on a personal level?  Do they seem like they understand what I'm going through and what my worries would be?  Basically, are they nice?

3) How will they deliver the dress - Since I'm getting married in Scotland can they ship it up there for me or would I have to pick it up and drive it up myself?  Either case, how will they make sure I feel good about it?

Other things to think about:

• Do I have to go to a bridal shop and would I even think about using an online retailer?
• Could I take the risk to see if it comes up in sample sales later in the year?
• Would I even consider having a professional dressmaker make something similar with my own touches?
• Would I even imagine buying a pre-worn dress assuming I was able to find it in such condition?

Thank goodness I have a few more months before it gets to crunch time for the dress! (Most people recommend finding a dress between 6-9 months before the wedding).

First dress hunting results

Just got back from a trip to Boston and New York, thus the relative inactivity here this past week.  One of the highlights from the trip was that I went wedding dress shopping with one of my bridesmaids, Kris!  She has a pretty good write up about her view here, and I thought I'd expand on that and share my personal take home messages:

• I liked wedding dress shops with natural lighting.  It's such an obvious thing, but you really don't want to be contemplating the difference between ivory and diamond white under harsh fluorescent lights if possible.
• Discount/sample wedding shops are an absolute bargain but also an absolute hit and miss.  I totally missed but it was a good experience to have.  If there was such a thing near me, I would consider going every weekend to  check out new stock.  You also have to be prepared for less than perfect dresses so make sure the shop offers free repair jobs.
• Service goes such a long way! My best experience was with a place I didn't find anything but the lady was very sweet and helpful.  In contrast, the place where I found a possible dress, I would think twice about using.
• David's bridal definitely fills a niche but I didn't enjoy the shopping experience at all.  It was really impersonal and I didn't like having so many strangers seeing me try on dresses and make comments.  No one said anything bad!  (although one lady said I looked like a geisha, hmmm) But really, it was unnecessary noise and distraction.
• A higher end designer store does result in fabulous, personal, princess-type service.  Of course, it also comes with a princess type prices.  That said, my two favourite dresses came from here and another brand that cost half as much.

And what were my favourite dresses?

Craig, avert your eyes!!

My faves were Cosimma from Melissa Sweet and Accra from Blue by Enzoani (go here, click Collections -> 08 -> Top row, third one)

I don't think those pictures do them justice as I didn't even bookmark them when I was pre-investigating for the trip. 

Cosimma had beautiful and clever ruching and draping. The flower details were just perfect and the kind of unique detailing I'd love for my dress.

The Accra dress had a bit of everything, ruched bust, Swarovski detailing, and tulle over asymetrical lace (creating a particularly stunning effect).  I've actually found a Scottish supplier and am trying to fit in a fitting for when we're up up there next week!

Dress hunting is by no means over.  As different as those dresses are, I really really liked them both.  Really! I have an all day dress day this Saturday with my maid of honor. We're ending the day at a desiger dress sale so who knows what's in store for us!

Bridesmaid dresses: The LBD

I am fairly sure that I am going to ask my bridesmaids wear black dresses and maybe not even the same exact black dress.  For my particular situation, I feel this is the best route.

• My bridesmaids are scattered across the US and England, getting the same "official" bridesmaid dresses (ie like Watters) would be far too complicated.  We'd have to find an international brand, a very common style, find local vendors to organize fittings, etc...
• I know the bride is supposed to shine, but I really do want all my attendants to be happy and comfortable because I want them to have a great time.
• I don't feel comfortable with the idea of using a dress that will never be worn again.

So the ubiquitous Little Black Dress seems like the solution.  I won't say this is absolute because you never know, miracles sometimes happen!

While I have yet to start dress shopping for myself, we've been having fun collecting pictures of black dresses that we love.  Black definitely does not have to be boring!

The one shoulder dress has been an early favorite:

A bubble hem adds some interest to a simple strapless dress:

A halter dress is super versatile to suit any shape:

Black dresses also allow for the possibility of mix and match, so long as the general style and materials complement one another:

The best part is, I just might find a fun dress (or two) for myself!