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Mrs. Toucan, Boston Age and Occupation: 25, Full-time Research Assistant, Part-time Graduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Actuary Engagement Date: February 18, 2007 Wedding Date: June 7, 2008 Blogging Since: November 07, 2007 Venue: St. Catherine of Genoa, Jin Asian Cuisine Restaurant About Me: I’m a Gemini to the extreme. On one side, I’m a girly girl. I read countless bridal and fashion magazines, and have an obsession with keeping up with the latest Hollywood gossip. On the other side, I’m a sports fanatic. Despite being a full-time bride-to be, full-time research assistant, and part-time student, I’m also a full-time Red Sox fan from spring training to October, and a full-time Patriots fan from mini-camp to February. I devote almost as much time researching my for fantasy football team as researching for our wedding!
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I NEED Another Dress?

March 27th, 2008 @ 3:58 pm by Mrs. Toucan

Traditionally, the Chinese bride wears 3 (or 4) dresses on her wedding day. The first is the traditional white wedding dress which is worn during the ceremony. The second dress is the traditional Chinese wedding dress, or qipao, which is worn throughout banquet/reception, and the third dress is the going away dress (usually a ball gown), which is worn just before leaving the banquet. (When a bride wears 4 dresses, usually another dress (perhaps a kwa/cheongsam) is worn during the tea ceremony or for part of the banquet.

Originally, I thought I had all my outfits for our wedding planned. White wedding dress - Check! Qipao - Check! And, I thought that this would count as my third outfit:


I originally planned on wearing this kwa during my tea ceremony and cocktail hour, until my dad found out my plans. Apparently, this “doesn’t count” as one of the “outfits” because I wasn’t planning on wearing it during the banquet. So, Daddy Toucan said that I only had 2 dresses, and that I NEEDED another one “to say bye to people in.”I mentioned before, that I had a particular affinity for shopping for dresses and shoes, and here I was given a great excuse to go shopping - “Daddy said I needed a new dress.” :)

So, I went out and bought this:

Er… Mr. Toucan and I went a little crazy with our fashion shoot.

What do you think? Like I said above, this last dress is usually a ball gown, but I didn’t really want to buy another dress that I’d only wear once. Additionally, even though it’s my “end-of-the-evening dress,” it really won’t be the end of my evening. Most likely I’d change into this dress when I expect the first of the guests to leave (older relatives and those with children will probably leave after dinner). I think that a lot of the guests will stay and dance, and I wanted to wear something that would allow me to shimmy and shake!I think my only concern with the dress is that it might be too casual.

What do you think? Do you think this dress will be good for the end of the night? Or do you think this dress would be better used the following day at our farewell barbecue?

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28 Responses to “I NEED Another Dress?”

1.
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Guest
Go Amie

I think it is gorgeous and amazing and perfect for the end of the evening. I am very jealous and I want it!

 
2.
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Member
pinky55 (message)  64 posts, Worker bee

I love this dress! Very cute and perfect for dancing.

 
3.
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Bee
Miss Dahlia (message)  412 posts, Helper bee

I think that your dress is super cute, and absolutely perfect to wear.

 
4.
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Guest
jen

It’s perfect! I wore a short shift dress as my dress #2.

Plus, it looks like the other dressed might be tricky to get in and out of - this one, you can just thrown on like a t-shirt.

 
5.
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Guest
beanchar

I love it! It’s cute and fun and still “bridal” b/c it’s white. It’s a keeper… as long as Daddy Toucan is okay with it not being a ballgown.

 
6.
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Jenny

Hmmm have you run this by your Dad yet? He might say that you need one of those big pouffy pink dresses.

I have my white dress for ceremony, my lia for evening, the qua for tea ceremony and my farewell dress is the cheong sam.

 
7.
Miss Toucan
Bee
Miss Toucan (message)  984 posts, Busy bee

@beanchar and Jenny: Daddy Toucan hasn’t decided yet. He says, “might be okay.” He wants to ask my big aunt to see what she thinks… but for now, it’s okay. :)

 
8.
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Bee
Miss Canary (message)  636 posts, Busy bee

Oh it’s so cute! I plan on wearing a short dress to see guests off too. I don’t think you need the requisite ball gown. Plus it’ll be easier to dash off to a fun after-party in a short dress than a long one. :)

 
9.
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Bee
Miss Lovebug (message)  714 posts, Busy bee

Hello, I’m a representative for Wedding Dress Models, Inc., and I have to say, I am VERY impressed with what I see. You show great versatility. I particularly like the “kick the heels up” pose, and I’m wondering if you can reproduce that? Say, under immense pressure and with no lunch?

Get back to me.

 
10.
Joanne
Member
Joanne (message)  258 posts, Helper bee

i think it’s cute and great for dancing, but it might be a little too casual. i think you could still go for short and cute, but something that stands out more since you’re the bride. i don’t know about you, but after the change, it’s like an unveiling. the dj makes an announcement and introduces the bride and groom again. at least that’s what i’m doing. it depends on what you want though.

 
11.
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Guest
Red

Absolutely LOVE the dress!!……however, I have to agree with Joanne that it may be a bit too casual. After all, you don’t want to be dressed less formal than your bridal party and others in your “goodbye” line at the door…..or worse, be mistaken as one of the guests. Farewell BBQ would be perfect - just watch the BBQ sauce. :-)

 
12.
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Member
ocbride (message)  23 posts, Newbee

its cute but i think it’s better for the rehearsal or bbq as you mentioned. :)

 
13.
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Guest
anne

also agree w/joanne, red & ocbride…very stylish dress but since you’re the bride and will be center of attention, maybe go for something a bit more fancier?

 
14.
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swtlmt

You look very cute but I also think it’s too casual for a Chinese banquet. It’d be perfect for the BBQ though!

 
15.
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jnicholea

You will have yourself all done up and looking gorgeous, some fabulous shoes on your feet, no way anyone in that room will say that you don’t look perfect for the end of the night.

Of course I am not Chinese or that familiar with Chinese culture so if it will be off-putting to some of your guests maybe you should go with something a little fancier i.e. longer.

 
16.
stressgirl615
Member
stressgirl615 (message)  316 posts, Helper bee

Oh god, I was in the same situation a while ago w/my mom! I ended up renting a formal gown. I like your dress but I’m not sure how your “aunt” will react. I think traditionally, the evening gown is a bit more showy. Good luck!

 
17.
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Guest
chinabridal

WAY too casual for a Chinese banquet. It’s also quite shapeless to be formal enough. I agree with above, save it for a BBQ and keep looking.

 
18.
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Guest
sindy

you can be simple and elegant but that dress is waaaaaay too simple for your wedding. also, its not flattering at all.

 
19.
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Guest
fashionablemd

Awww…I thought that last comment was a little harsh. It is flattering and SUPER CUTE!! It may be a tad casual, though. BBQ, maybe? But it is ADORABLE!!!

 
20.
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Bee
Miss Gingerbread (message)  647 posts, Busy bee

to me, the dress says 1950s chic. you look adorable! i love the sleeves.

 
21.
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Bee
Miss Peacock (message)  374 posts, Helper bee

I just wanted to say that you have hot legs :) If not to the reception, you have to wear that dress somewhere!

 
22.
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Guest
kbok

cute dress! but personally i think it’d be better for a less formal event. a lot of asian guests go ALL out at chinese receptions and if your guests will be decked out in glittery and long gowns, you may look mismatched if they ask you to take a pic at the end of the night.

BUTTTTT its totally up to you (and the ‘aunties’) lol. i know how that is!

 
23.
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Bee
Mrs. Radish (message)  388 posts, Helper bee

So CUTE and it looks great on you!! You definitely have some hot legs :)

I think maybe it would work best for your farewell BBQ, though. But I think you should go with something knee-length for your reception dress for sure.

 
24.
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Go Amie

I have to disagree with those who think the dress is too casual for a Chinese wedding reception. I’ve been to tons and there is no way I would think it is not formal enough! It is classic and chic and sophisticated.

And did somebody really say it wasn’t flattering? Wow. I think somebody needs glasses and a few etiquette lessons.

P.S. Any chance you will tell us the brand name and where you found it?

 
25.
Miss Toucan
Bee
Miss Toucan (message)  984 posts, Busy bee

Thanks ladies, for all your input. I think I’ll definitely keep my eyes peeled for another dress, and keep this one as a backup and next day dress.

@Go Amie: The dress is by ABS, and I found it on the clearance rack at Macy’s. I’ve also seen it at Lord and Taylor, but it was full price there. :)

 
26.
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Guest
HayJ

Cute for the BBQ…maybe you could get a more formal short dress for end of the evening?

 
27.
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Guest
End of the Night Dress, Take 2 » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] while ago, I asked the Hive’s opinion on a dress for the end of the night. As I mentioned then, it is customary for Chinese brides to wear multiple dresses on her wedding day - the traditional [...]

 
28.
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Guest
CKu

I’ve been looking for a kwa for my wedding - would you mind telling me where you found yours? Rental or purchase? Thanks.

 


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Mrs. Toucan
Mrs. Toucan Mrs. Toucan, Boston Age and Occupation: 25, Full-time Research Assistant, Part-time Graduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Actuary Engagement Date: February 18, 2007 Wedding Date: June 7, 2008 Blogging Since: November 07, 2007 Venue: St. Catherine of Genoa, Jin Asian Cuisine Restaurant About Me: I’m a Gemini to the extreme. On one side, I’m a girly girl. I read countless bridal and fashion magazines, and have an obsession with keeping up with the latest Hollywood gossip. On the other side, I’m a sports fanatic. Despite being a full-time bride-to be, full-time research assistant, and part-time student, I’m also a full-time Red Sox fan from spring training to October, and a full-time Patriots fan from mini-camp to February. I devote almost as much time researching my for fantasy football team as researching for our wedding!
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