Wedding Blog
Alright, I had a little talk with Mr. Tulip about not reading this post…. Which means I can finally show off my wedding, uh, dressES…!
Mr. Tulip, here’s where you stop!
OK. So. Once upon a time I searched the Internet for dresses and fell in love with the style of Alfred Angelo 1839. But it was $700 when new, and even the cheapest Web discounters listed it for around $430. And this budget bride thought she could do better on eBay.
I ended up buying an eBay dress for around the same price as the discounted Alfred Angelo. But in this case, it was an Italian silk designer gown (sample dress) by Lucrezia Sposa that originally retailed for over 2,000 euros. It’s beautifully made, fits my mental picture of a 1920s-ish wedding, and has the interesting feature of an attached mantilla veil that can drop down as a sort of bustle when you’re not wearing it.
The only trouble was, I never really felt attached to the gown. Part of the problem is that I’ve gained weight in recent months, and I looked a little stuffed in. And the top was a bit big, which I know alterations could fix. (But not much they can do about the first problem!)
Meanwhile, I had a “saved search” on eBay for my original Alfred Angelo. In all these months, exactly ONE showed up — in my size and for only $215! I dithered back and forth based on the fact that I already HAD a dress, and feeling snobbish about the idea of trading in designer Italian silk for mass-market American polyester with a zipper back…. But eventually I decided to bite the bullet.
So, here’s the thing. I love the Alfred Angelo dress. I love the way you can just unzip it and step in, and I love that it’s roomy and comfortable on me. When I first got it, I thought, “Yes, this is the one!” But in looking at photos today, I think the Italian dress just looks so much richer and prettier. Now I can’t decide.
Dress #1 — Lucrezia Sposa
Dress #2 — Alfred Angelo
(Pardon the self-timer photos. And the dogs, who were fascinated with the whole process!)
(Veil borrowed from the Lucrezia, just to see whether I wanted to wear one.)
So, time to take advantage of the combined wisdom of our WeddingBee community: Of course I’ll ultimately pick the one that feels most “right,” but I’m interested in your opinion.
|
Share this post: A Tale Of Two Dresses
I love the Alfred Angelo.. it just looks so romantic. You look lovely in both, though.
I am also partial to the Alfred Angelo because it is very similar to my dress.. with the layered overlay. 
Hey Tulip!
I think the Lucrezia Sposa is very nice (the back is super cute), but I totally love the Alfred Angelo on you. It’s completely eye catching and original and it still works with your 1920s vibe (I’ve been watching the BBC show, the House of Eliott, about two fashion designer sisters in the 1920s and was struck by how much that dress reminded me of the show).
Anyway, good luck with your decision. I’m sure you’ll rock whichever of the dresses you decide on. 
I think the angelo looks stunning on you. And from the pics, it looks like you feel more beautiful in the angelo. Your posture is different and your expression…
Ultimately you should go with the one that makes you feel most beautiful and comfort definitely plays a part in that!
They are both beautiful, but I think the Angelo is more ethereal and the front is more interesting. I think the Angelo dress is younger and more modern looking in general. Are you wearing your hair down for the wedding? It looks gorgeous!
The Alfred Angelo is really lovely. They are both very pretty but I love the tiered lace on the Angelo. It’s very ethereal but still classic.
By the way, I also bought two ebay wedding dresses: an Amy Kuschel and a Pronovias (one was $450 and the other was $200). I have a similar dilemma!
Lovely! I think to some extent the LS is wearing you. It’s a beautiful dress but it looks disjointed; whearas the AA looks like part of you. I just read that back and I hope it makes sense, I’m not sure I’m expressing it the right way…. Essentially, you shine through in the AA.
Best of luck choosing!!
They are both beautiful dresses, but I actually think that the Lucrezia looks better on you - the boat neckline is more flattering and the ivory fabric seems very complimentary to your skintone. It looks lovely on you!
The v-neck of the Alfred Angelo dress is gorgeous on you! Overall the dress looks very classy and elegant. A definite winner! (Plus it gets bonus points for being comfortable)
I think both look great, but the neckline and the layers of the Alfred Angelo dress are beautiful on you, especially the way they fall on the back of the dress, it will give it that little something extra when you’re walking down the aisle.
However, I like the way the straps criss cross in the back on the first one, and I love the lace hemline… so I guess I’m not much help!
Honestly, I voted for the Angelo, but I don’t love the veil at all - I think it takes away from the dress — you should do with a plain veil.
The Angelo one is much much nicer and really suits you. The other one is nice, but not “wow!”, whereas the Angelo one is really stunning. It definately doesn’t look any cheaper or more ‘mass produced’ than the first one and you look comfortable in it which is so important. Good luck making a decision!
The Alfred Angelo is a more flattering cut on you. btw- I love how your dogs are in the mix! I love the layered detailing of the gown and think that it looks just as “rich” as the first. It may feel different on you because of the difference in materials but from the photos, I wouldn’t think that the first dress was of a better quality.
The Lucrezia is absolutely stunning on you. It really compliments your skin tone and your body shape. And that attached veil is fabulous!
Totally get your “snobbish” feelings. Just something else to consider: maybe adjusting the neckline on the LS can make it a littel more like the AA. GL!
I love the back and fabric of the LS but the AA in the front…maybe you can just cut themin half ha ha
They both look so lovely…but I too am for the AA dress. The neckline looks much, much better on you than the other dress…in the end, pick the one that makes you happiest
Lucrezia Sposa
You look happier in the picture. I think your wedding dress should make you glow; yet, the AA pic you look depressed.
Alfred Angelo.
The LS dress looks more like a bridesmaid dress for some reason; the Angelo is very romantic and bridal. It reminds me a lot of the tiered Titanic dress. Unless, of course, you hated that movie. In which case it doesn’t look anything like it.
Both dresses are nice. but the first one doesn’t look the greatest one you. It doesn’t sit/hang right. The Alfred Angelo sits perfectly and flows beautifully. You look stunning in that one.
I love the Angelo one on you, even though I am not at all a fan of lace. I think you really look amazing in it!
go for the Angelo!!! Totally rocking it!
Hello…I’m new to this so I actually made a comment about your dress in your blog about your adorable dog!! I think my vote here has to go to the alfred angelo dress….it is beautiful! Have you made a decision? I am wondering if you would consider selling the alfred angelo dress?? (even after your wedding if you are wearing it….provided it would fit me) Please let me know what you think…..my email is winfieldmel@hotmail.com. Thank you!!
I hope you went with the Alfred Angelo.. and question… what size are you and are you selling it? I am looking for it… jencw79@gmail.com
I was just wondering if you are selling your Alfred Angelo dress. If you are, what size/color? What would you charge?
Thank you,
Steph
miss.skinner@hotmail.com
@Stephanie: Oops, sorry to be slow in updating this, but I’m glad you liked the dress!
I donated my dress to Brides Against Breast Cancer, which I highly recommend to all as an option for giving your dress a second life while helping a worthy cause to boot. (Brides Against Breast Cancer travels to cities all over the country, so who knows where it will turn up and who will buy it?!?!) You can find out more at: http://bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/
| Visit our sister sites | Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Fertile Thoughts Infertility Support |
Mrs. Tulip, DC
Age and Occupation: 36, Retired
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Counsel/DOO for Small Gov't Contractor
Engagement Date: August 8, 2007
Wedding Date: March, 2008
Venue: Still Looking!
About Me: In all my dreams of the man I'd someday marry, I never pictured anyone as perfect for me as Mr. Tulip. So now we just have to make it through the craziness of the wedding and the moving in together! I love crafts, sewing, jewelry making, and photography, so am looking forward to this chance for DIY fun. When not wedding planning, I'm playing with our dog and 4 cats, Ebay shopping, or watching too much TV (often simultaneously!).
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 |
Latest Gallery Pics