Wedding Blog
I know I have gained weight since I bought my wedding dress, but I never knew how bad it was until I tried it on again a few days ago. Not long after I bought the dress, I decided to stay FAR away from it until I started going to the gym because I honestly didn’t think it would fit me anymore. Everyone has been telling me, “You have so much time, you have so much time.” So when I stuff my face with burgers I tell myself that I have so much time, and then I freak out every time the calendar reminds me of how close the wedding actually is. So as you can imagine, my dress has been locked up, untouched in my parents’ walk-in closet carefully wrapped in a bed sheet.
But then…
Mr. Martini, please don’t read further!
Two sashes I recently ordered online came in the mail a few days ago, and I couldn’t wait to try them on!
Yep, I’m wearing a sash for a part of the big day. When I tried on my wedding dress at Kleinfeld, my panel of judges (aka awesome buddies that came dress shopping with me) were 50/50 about me buying a dress with pickups, until the consultant suddenly wrapped a champagne sash around my waist. That’s when everyone agreed that this dress suited me the best. But after I came home with the dress, I got a few mixed reviews on whether or not I should wear a sash at all—it seemed most people loved the dress by itself. I decided to keep it as simple as possible for the ceremony without a sash, and then put one on for the reception.
A part of me wanted to go purple, but then I thought that maybe with a purple bouquet and purple shoes, it just might be a little too much purple. In the end I decided to order one thinner champagne sash, and one thicker purple sash, JUST in case.
I carefully unzipped my wedding dress, slipped my feet in and brought the dress up to my chest so that my mom could help zip me up. And then the zipper stopped halfway. No joke! We were both grunting; my mom totally made fun of me the whole time while I did my best to suck in as much air as possible. I wondered what would I do if my dress ripped? She was finally able to get it up all the way but I couldn’t breathe! Here’s proof, taken by one of my BMs later that night when she stopped by to check out the sashes:
Because I could barely breathe and I was terrified of bending over, risking ripping the dress, I quickly wrapped the sash around me and tied it in a halfhearted bow. Sorry for the strange yellowish color in the pictures below. Using flash made the pictures come out weird, so I opted not to use the flash and tried my best to color correct the picture using Photoshop (obviously, it didn’t work out so well).
On the left is the thinner champagne sash, and on the right is the thicker, plum sash.
Someone suggested I wear both—the champagne sash during the ceremony, and the purple sash during the reception. Unfortunately, this particular purple sash actually does not match the bridesmaids’ dresses. I think we’re nearing a decision on the BM dresses and if we end up choosing the one I think we’ll be choosing, I will be buying the same fabric to create my own Aubergine sash. But you get the idea!
Which do you prefer? Should I go no-sash during the ceremony and yes-sash during the reception? Or should I go for both sashes?
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Share this post: To Sash or Not to Sash?
I like the purple sash.
I love the purple one!
I like the sash Idea! I think it finishes off your dress nicely. I like the thickness of the purple sash a LOT! i would say, wear a champagne sash for the ceremony, its very light and not that noticeable, but make it as thick as the purple one. Wear the purple sash for the reception, at that point it wont matter if the sash matches the BMs dresses or not, you wont be taking pictures with them and standing together the whole time.
I say champagne sash for ceremony and purple for the reception. You won’t be holding your bouquet as much during the reception, so it won’t be so much purple and the champagne is so close to ivory, that it still looks bride-y enough for the ceremony. Good luck!
Honestly (I’ll probably get beat for writing this), I think the darker color sash cuts you in half visually. I say either go with the champagne or no sash at all.
I love the champagne sash, but am really not feeling the purple one. I feel it’s too thick, and too much colour (sort of cutting you in half, as what the previous poster said).
I like the champagne one as well. For me though it may have to do with the thickness. I think the thinner one lookes better for the bow.
By the way — about the fit of the dress — be very careful to get the fit right before your wedding. You can probably have the seams let out a little bit if you don’t end up losing weight so that it fits you right. I wouldn’t try it on any more while the zipper is strained — my cousin’s zipper broke because she tried to do this — 2 days before her wedding — and she had to have an emergency seamstress appointment! Just wouldn’t want you to face the same stress.
BTW you look BEAUTIFUL! And I vote for champagne. 
Champagne, for sure. And I can’t believe you’ve gained that much weight - you look super-healthy and gorgeous in those photos.
I think you look awesome with the sashes! I prefer the thicker sash, but I like the champagne color. Maybe that’s cause I’m a color wimp, though
The bouquet will def. stick out more if you have the lighter sash, I think! I love your idea of no sash for ceremony, and then sash for the reception!
You look amazing! But I know how you feel. I gained some during the winter leading up to our spring wedding.
I think you should go no sash during the ceremony, and then the colorful (the purple looks amazing!) sash during the reception. You could also try adding a pretty brooch for an added touch.
Don’t worry ‘too’ much about your weight! I didn’t believe my girl friend on this, but it turned out so true. You’re going to lose weight in the final month or two from stress alone. You’ll be running around like crazy and the pounds will just melt away. It’s a small miracle! : )
I think the thick one (purple) makes your waist looks smaller, but the thin one (champagne)makes your chest look bigger (at least in comparison to eachother).
The purple colour makes the dress look like two pieces (cuttng you apart like a few other people said already). It looks like an addition rather than part of the dress. The champagne looks like part of the dress and more “wedding-ie”.
If you’re in love with the purple one, wear it for the reception.
But you look FANTASTIC in both!!
I think the idea of wearing the champagne for the ceremony, and the purple for the reception is the best idea. But I do think the purple one would look better if it were thinner, as another reader mentioned the bow looks better with the thinner sash.
definitely the champagne sash!
I like champagne sash best, but I love the idea of wearing the purple one for the reception.
Champagne!!!
I love the champagne sash. If your heart is set on the purple sash then I would wear it during the reception.
I love the champagne sash. I am planning on wearing a blue sash, but am slowly becoming nervous about a dark blue sash distracting from my dress!
Can you do a thick champagne sash? I think that would look lovely!!! Personally, I think the champagne looks much for elegant. You look beautiful in your dress!!
I agree with Our_Special_Day, the dark sash cuts you in half. I had this same issue bother me with my 1st dress (two dress bride, eek!) that had a black sash, and ultimately decided to nix it cause I thought with a veil on, it would look even weirder. I say no sash, the champagne will clash with the purple accessories…..IMO.
I wore a lavendar sash all day on my wedding day - and loved the fun pop of color! I had purple bridesmaids dresses ( a very different shade) and purple in my bouquet, and it wasn’t too much. Plus, everyone was so surprised by the pop of color, it was fun to wear! I loved it and can’t imagine it any other way. Photos on my blog….xanga.com/fromms2mrs
I’m a huge fan of sashes in general! Both look great on you. I had a green sash with my dress, and I got tons of compliments on it. Go for which one you like better!
I love the purple sash big bow and all. I think it would look great for the reception. I would go champagne for the ceremony. How about a picture without a sash just to make sure?
I had a similiar dress and wore the sash for the ceremony and formal photos and then took it off for the reception (along with my bolero), so that is my personal preference. I also prefer the champagne sash, but they both look good and if you want the color pop go purple.
I like the champagne sash. I think the purple is too dark and distracting.
I prefer the champagne sash. I think it’s a nice accent to the dress. The purple draws a lot of attention away from you and the rest of the dress.
Beautiful! (I do like the champagne sash just a teensy bit more, but I think both look great)
I think the champagne sash is a nice complement to your dress without overriding it or making you look cut in two. You have to remember that the human eye is naturally drawn to the darkest or lightest thing in a photo meaning that if you wear the purpe sash, as pretty as it is, it is going to be the first thing your eye is drawn to in every single picture of you in your dress.
They both look great, but I think I prefer the champagne sash. My dress has a champagne sash and I like the look.
I love both!! but i think the champagne color sash will be a nicer compliment to the dress for the ceremony.
champagne. that color purple is waaaaay to stark. i ONLY see the sash, not you or the dress. champagne makes you look like a soft, blushing bride and the purple screams “let’s party”.
I agree w/ Pengy on the champagne sash - it will definitely help to bouquet pop more
But I also like the plum more and think you should wear it for the reception.
I am also doing a sash. A dark blue sash, to match blue detailing in my tiara. But, I’m removing the tiara and the sash for the reception. Actually, I’m hoping my groom will remove the sash during our fun first dance 
I agree with everyone that says the sash cuts you in half. I felt the same way about my sash… I’m 5′2″ and can’t afford to lose any height next to my 6′2″ groom, but alas, the tiara will look funny without the sash.
If done right, a sash (regardless of color) can add a touch of elegance to the dress, IMHO.
The purple definitely screams ready to celebrate 
Love your dress, by the way! I got stuck in mine the first time I tried it on 
The zipper caught on one of the hanging ribbon things.
I love the champagne sash. It’s a lot easier on the eyes, visually, and gives you a softer look (if that’s what you’re going for, that is). The purple stands out and almost takes away from the beauty and the appeal of your gorgeous gown.
I would recommend you wear the champagne sash during the ceremony, to maintain the romantic and surrealistic aura of it all, and then if you really feel strongly about the purple sash, throw it in for a little fun color at the reception.
Good thing you aren’t just asking me because I am no help. I like both. I would probably do the champagne for the ceremony, purple for the reception. I really like the idea of custom matching it to match your BM dresses.
love the purple and love the dress!! you look gorgeous!
both sashes look really great although i’m leaning towards purple sash. and if you can’t decide, being a two sash bride is a very fun idea
Depends on the vibe you are going for. Personally, I would like it better with no sash - I think the dress looks pretty beautiful on its own. That said - YOU want a sash (which is all that matters), I would say it depends on the vibe you want. The purple is quite loud and causes people to look at the sash more than you - it draws the eye a lot. You might be all for that But if you want it to be an accent and not the main event, I would go champagne. Your flowers, shoes and Bridesmaids will all give you a lot of purple
I like both too. Evidently Mrs. Avocado and I are both just here as the cheering section.
thanks sooooo much for all the advice!
I think i’m more confused then before. how hilarious is it that with every comment, i change my mind with the suggestion of the comment. LOL. to be honest i probably wont make a final decision until five minutes before i walk down that aisle. but i have a feeling i’m going to be a two dress sash!
@Manda: omigosh i loveeee your sash! i love that its tied in the back and the super long length! and i loved the color, and how it matched the men. you looked so gorgeous!
Purple sash! Such a pretty color. and everyone else uses champagne colored sashes.
I like the idea of the purple sash, but i think that the champagne looks best on you. It is elegant, and it really lengthens you. The purple makes you look shorter-waisted than the champagne. Either way, the dress is gorgeous, and you look beautiful!
As for the weight, just try drinking lots of water, for about 7-10 days. A lot of time you’ll hold water, making you bloated. Once you flush your system with water, your body lets go of the extra fluids, which might help that zipper just enough! [I don't mean ONLY water, of course. Eat normally, just drink EXTRA water! 
]
Champagne sash, all the way. You look gorgeous. Purple is funky, but the lighter one still completes the dress without distracting from it. This was a look I toyed with before picking out my own dress. Kind of Little Bo Peep meets Southern Belle. Love it!
Based on your title I was all ready to launch into my general opinion on how awful most sashes are.
Your pictures ruined that plan.
You really are able to wear a sash without it wear you! I LOVE the bold, plumb color. It goes with your dress wonderfully! You look great!
Definitely wear the purple sash for your reception! You seem a little unhappy with it not matching your bridesmaids dresses, so skip it for the formal pictures.
I think you should for sure wear the champagne for the ceremony so your bouquet stands out more. Then, switch it up for the reception and wear whatever sash you custom make just to give your dress that fun and funky little pop of color.
I vote for champagne sash…it adds accent without drawing attention away from your face. Your wedding is about you and not so much “dress” even though the dress is a big part of it. I just think that if you did the purple, all you’ll see in your photos is the purple and not you. Just my 2 cents.
I really like the champagne one for the ceremony, then maybe the purple for the reception. Great idea! <3
i like the champagne one but i love the bold color also! the bold one gives more definition to the dress.
may i ask where’d you purchase your sash? i think i might need one. thanks!
@lisa c.:
@Kate:
I got the sashes from ebay, believe it or not! there’s an ebay store called “your dream dress” they sell sashes in every color. i saw it while searching for monique lhuillier dresses because at the time i had my heart set on a monique dress. but here’s the store link!
http://stores.ebay.com/Your-Dream-Dress_Monique-Lhuillier_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ8QQftidZ2QQtZkm
def. purple sash at reception.
I say champagne or nothing at all! The purple is too distracting of your BEAUTIFUL dress!
[...] have to say that it completely changed the dress. I love it much more! So much, that I’ve decided not to wear a sash during the ceremony. Instead I will be wearing a purple sash (made from the same fabric as the BM dresses) during the [...]
Hello! I design vintage inspired crystal embellished sashes for a reasonable price, available at http://www.KirstenKuehnDesigns.Etsy.com !
Recently featured on Style Me Pretty and LA Style Unveiled
where did you buy your sash? ( i am looking for some to add on my bridesmaids dresses)
@Joanna:
hi Joanna, i actually bought these two sashes on ebay, but i wasn’t very happy with the quality because i wanted something softer and silkier. i also bought these sashes before i bought the BM dresses, which was a mistake. in the end, i ordered a matching sash when i ordered my BM dresses so that my sash can match my girl’s dresses perfectly, and i was really happy with how it looked on the wedding day. If you’re in the NY area, i bought the dresses and sash at RK bridal.
good luck!
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Mrs. Martini, New Jersey
Age and Occupation: 30, Telecom by day, Superhero by night
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Investments & Finance by day, Hip hop dancer by night
Engagement Date: May 24, 2008
Wedding Date: March, 2009
Blogging Since: August 18, 2008
Venue: The Venetian
About Me: Things that make me happy: Haribo Happy Cola gummies, TV shows on DVD, buying books although I never read them, 80’s rock ballads, ramen, and of course Mr. Martini! He is the calm, logical and number crunching finance guy. I can’t even multiply double digit numbers in my head and I am so indecisive that trying to choose between light green or slightly lighter green paper stresses me out (Wedding planning is going to be soooo much fun). We both find great joy in nabbing great seats at the movie theater for a blockbuster movie on opening weekend, and we are both absolutely crazy about snowboarding. And he loves to cook, I love to eat!
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