Wedding Blog
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I may have mentioned that I did not like dress shopping very much, but I felt like one of the easier places to go shopping in the early stages was David’s, as the store carries a lot of styles and silhouettes in a price range I knew I could afford on the spot. At the end of my initial experience, I felt like Arnold from Diff’rent Strokes mumbling under my breath, “Whatcha talkin’ about, David?” as I tried on some of these dresses (by the way, who’s David?). I felt like David was trying to straight up play me with some of these dresses. I came to find out over the course of time that I really wasn’t into most wedding dresses AT ALL. Looking back at the process now, I will say that I did like having a range of styles to try on at first, especially since me and my picky self had some criteria for the dress (y’all know I’m gonna write a list, so sit back and enjoy): 
Anyway, here are some of the dresses that I tried on at first that did not make the cut.
This dress wasn’t so bad…
BUT it had this!!!!
In my mind I was channeling Faye Dunaway in “Mommy Dearest” - NO. BEADING. EVER!!! In my very early dress shopping stages, I was completely and adamantly opposed to beading. Of course, how I did rectify that? I bought a dress with some beading. Sigh…
Then my very sweet consultant put a veil and a tiara on me. Wrong move… I’m still trying to figure out if I want a veil right now.
I look pretty happy here, don’t I?
The next dress had more of a “Va Va Voom” quality to it. This dress was the beginning of my love affair with mermaid style dresses. I always envisioned this kind of dress, since I figured I should try to show a curve or two.
I was kinda into this dress, but my (ahem!) Bonita Applebum was kinda sticking out there. That the dress was tight (not “tight” as in “good” or “cool” but as in actually tight!) is an understatement.
Alas, this dress looked as if the Bead Fairy had had its way with it too, so I moved on.
This dress was the type of dress I thought I wanted before I started shopping. Something light, airy and simple.
However, I didn’t think this dress was really doing anything for me.
So there’s a sample of some of the types of dresses that I tried on during my first trip shopping. I think I got a quick sense of what I liked and what I didn’t, and it guided me well through the rest of the process.
How was your first trip wedding dress shopping? Did you realize what you were looking for in a dress pretty early on in the process?
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Share this post: Whatcha Talkin’ About, David?
I didn’t want beading or a train or a veil or strapless either. I ended up with all of the above!
Haha I hear you on the beading. I was absolutely opposed and then ended up with a dress with beading anyway. Eventually I got too exhausted refusing 99% of the dresses I saw!
I also didn’t want beading, a train, a veil, and ESPECIALLY NO lace. I ended up with a lace with individual beads, long lace train. Oh….and a veil trimmed in….yep…lace. Apparently I don’t know my tastes as well as I thought?
I ditto all of the above. When I first started dress shopping, my thoughts were exactly yours, and I thought I wanted a light, airy, halter dress with no beading, lace or train. I ended up with a strapless, hand-beaded-and-embroidered princess dress with a chapel length train. And I originally was adamantly opposed to a veil. Now I have an elbow-length one. Go figure.
I had bad luck at David’s. While the dresses were very pretty, they put me in one that my mother LOVED. They jumped on that and put me in a veil as well. I wasn’t thrilled about the dress but did so grudgingly. The saleswoman was pressuring me to buy the dress because it was the last day of a sale, but I didn’t think it was very flattering. I stood my ground and said no and ended up finding one 2 weeks later at a smaller boutique for LESS than David’s Bridal. wahoo!
I also thought I wanted something simple with straps.
What did I buy? Strapless with lace and beading!
I love your post! You actually look great in the first 2 silhouettes!
That mermaid style looked GREAT on your Miss Swan! I thought the beading was pretty but totally get that it’s not your style.
Oh funny! I loved the mermaid on you, but you also want to be comfortable.
I was a “no beading, no lace” bride. I’m pretty sure one consultant wanted to shoot fire at me from her eyes when I told her that. Hee. It was also hard because I only shopped at stores where they sold sample dresses, so needless to say my choices were limited based on what I wanted. But seriously, just because I’m a bride it doesn’t mean I want to be all sparkly. I did find a fabulous dress though
Can’t wait to see what you ended up with!
LOL your posts make me laugh…”Alas, this dress looked as if the Bead Fairy had had its way with it ” HAHHAA! I love the dresses on you as well, but I know your point about the beading. I was adamant about no beading…and I didnt end up with any!
My first trip of wedding dress shopping was aweful!! I have quite the saga that goes along with my dress hunt, as most brides do! It’s all in my blog, if you’re curious.
Isn’t that funny how you go into process thinking you want (or don’t want!) a certain style of dress, and come out with something completely opposite! I would have to say that was my biggest lesson learned - keep an open mind. Oh, and don’t take too many people along! Looking forward to hear about the rest of your hunt and see what you chose!!
P.S. You look GREAT in the mermaid style! I totally understand that that dress wasn’t right, but that sihloette is super flattering on you!
haha I love that first pic of you in the veil. hilarious!
My fave is the mermaid style on you. I also love your A Tribe Called Quest reference, LOL!
Ha! You crack me up, Swan. Love the idea of the last one, but I just realized (and I think this is true for you), that I can’t wear empire waist dresses! If you have a more traditional hour glass shape (yea!), you must always show off your waist!
The dresses are all great and you look beautiful in all of them. It’s hard to find the right one. I understand about the beading, you just want something elegant, and simple! Maybe you could try Pricilla of Boston, or another local dress store. Look online, or go to wedzilla.com and post that you need a simple wedding dress, maybe a vendor will come to you! Good luck!
I knew exactly what I wanted before I even set foot in the bridal salon! My dress was actually the first one I tried on (however I tried on others too). I only went to one salon once to find my dress…I lucked out. I absolutely LOVE the mermaid style on you!!
miss swan….i’m a mess! i started my dress shopping at saks (i dont know why i even bothered going there cause i cant afford a damn thing) but luckily it was the first day of their bridal sample sale. i tried on one dress and loved it…well the whole idea of being in a wedding dress. so i was there in the fitting room on the phone crying to my fiance contemplating on buying the dress until the fitting room people kicked me out of the dressing room cause the store was going to close. lol! i ultimately didnt get the dress and went with something completely different. very simple in a trumpet/mermaid style (exactly like your list!).
lol, your face w/the veil on is awesome. you’re like “buhhh, whaaa?”
anyway, the mermaid style looks smokin’ hot on you…if you can find one without beading, i say go for it, because you definitely have the body type to pull it off! 
I just realized I never said in my original response that you are rockin that mermaid style (beads or no-beads)!
miss swan–i had the same ideas as you when i went into david’s–no beading, no train–something light and airy. but when i tried those dresses on i didn’t like the way i looked. i also tried on that last dress you have on.
i ended up with a mermaid style dress (which by the way is a style that looks awesome on you) with lots of lace, beading, and a train. i wouldn’t have tried it on because i thought it was UGLY on the mannequin–but alas–i loved it once i had it on.
Miss Swan, your post cracked me up! I love the look on your face in the 3rd photo! I am also a “no lace, no beading” bride. With all the glitter and lace out there it’s sometimes hard to keep the faith that you will find “the one” but don’t back down, simple and elegant dresses DO exist without lace and beading! Oh, and I love the trumpet cut on you!
They stuck a veil on me at David’s too and my brain kept screaming “get it off, GET IT OFF!!!” so as soon as I could run myself back to the dressing room and pull it off I did. I’m definitely in the no beads, no lace, category but if its minimal and doesn’t drive me nuts I’ll at least try it on. I am definitely finding that a v-neck, straps, a-line works best on me. Now I just have to gear myself up for trip two of dress shopping… I can’t wait to see the dress you chose!
That mermaid-style dress looks amazing on you!
And I am another bride who was adamant about not getting a beaded strapless dress with a train and then ended up falling in love with a beaded strapless dress with a train.
LOL really what is with Davids and putting veils on?? They did that to me too! and YUCK!! I even told th chick no. BTW the mermaid is sooo pretty on you!!
the Mermaid looks hotttt… but I’m kind of partial to that style. You’ll find something that looks perfect- you have a great body for dresses!
Omg I used that whatchu talking bout Willis line all the time, I didnt think most people remembered it. Your going to be a stunning bride no matter what you pick!
I also started my dress search at David’s. I had a bad experience there, but at least it gave me an idea of the different types of dresses. I was able to identify what I didn’t want right away!! And I also had the veil experience. I was in a dress I *hated* and the consultant put a veil and headpiece on me–explaining that I could just wear to “take away” from the parts of the dress I didn’t like. Um…yeah, cuz that works…not.
I love the mermaid silhouette on you. Very flattering!
Girl, you should rock Bonita Applebum!! She’s hot. I love you in the mermaid-style! That top part looks really good too (without the beading, maybe?).
the mermaid one looks fab!!!!
wow I am so jealous of how good you look! When i wear white white i sort of look like a tomato…
I hear you on the beading - I wanted none of it… but my dress has some in a good way
I had the same criteria! You might like my dress:
The best part is that it was about 1/5 of my “budget”.
Do they realize how PAINFUL some of the beading can be? I tried on several dresses, for only a few minutes each, that had beading in the bodice, under the arms, and when I put my arms down, the beads would dig into my arms. Can you imagine dealing with that for 4-6 hours?
I can’t stand all the strapless options either but that’s what I ended up with due to lack of very few other options.
Enough with the pick-ups also! I saw some beautiful dresses but couldn’t take all the ballgowny pickups. Ugh. Also, they need a dress section for 30+ year old brides who don’t want to look like princesses. At 21 I wouldn’t mind living that fairy tale, but I’m 38 and I’m over it.
LOL - your expression in the third pic completely sums up my experience dress shopping! Not my favorite task.
I had nearly the same criteria - particularly the beading! I was hoping for non-strapless, but ended up with it. It was a tedious task that took five salon visits, too many hours, and countless dresses, but I eventually found a dress I loved!
BTW - as for finding a lightweight dress: Silks are MUCH more lightweight than polyester. It’s worth looking at higher-end gowns. Sample and used gowns are typically in the same price range as Davids.
Strapless dresses are driving me insane…! If I wanted my boobs to look like an inner tube across my chest, I’d just wear a sports bra…eek.
(I know not everyone’s breasts look like an inner tube in sports bras…mind just happen to)
haha! Your face in the third picture is priceless…I hope that makes it into your wedding album.
Since you live in the city you should try RK Bridal. They have a huge selection of designer dresses that are super reasonably priced. My experience there was way better than David’s Bridal and they aren’t pushy at all!
My MIL couldn’t understand why I would constantly rail against the strapless dresses until I finally sat her down with a bridal magazine and told her to let me know when she saw a sleeve. Ever.
Total number of sleeves: zero.
I cannot be the only woman with big ol’ flabby upper arms. Yet not a sleeve to be found! Clearly it’s the bolero/cardigan industry keeping me down.
Miss Swan, you must get to Jenny Yoo, stat. They are over near Penn Station and the dresses are mostly all under $1000. No beading, really classic and simple with tons of silhouettes to choose from. I got the “mira long” from Jenny Yoo. I really suggest you look at the website (jennyyoo.com) and click on “wedding alternatives,” and see what they have to offer. I think it might be just the thing for you!
Your trip to David’s sounds a lot like mine. I too made the what are you thinking face when my consultant ambushed me with a veil (no tiara thanks) and I tried on your third dress with the same high hopes for it’s lightness and simplicity but it also did nothing for me. I ended up with beading and more of a bodice style with a portrait neckline but never tried on an mermaid style dresses and the more I see other people in them, they always look good. Good luck with your search, I hope you go with a mermaid dress, it looks great on you!
Oh, by the way, I have not stepped foot in David’s Bridal through all my searches. It just seemed so impersonal. I prefer small boutiques for this experience…a more small town atmosphere…less corporate. That’s just me. I’m a snob that way. :^|
By the way, I got a Paloma Blanca…VERY lightweight. VERY. However, I did get a strapless but I plan to get this far out bolero that will totally throw off the straplessness of it.
I had been looking at dresses from David’s online before I went to the store. I found one I loved online, tried it on, bought it. Never tried on another dress. Everyone thought I was crazy but I love it! They put a veil on me too and I am not wearing a veil… My dress has a very small amount of beading on one side but it doesn’t look too bad. I really don’t like beading either…
Haha, I love the look on your face with the veil! I don’t want a veil either (still a bit iffy) but when they put one on me a cried like a bitch because it made it feel “real”. lol
Ms. Swan,
I think you look quite pretty with the veil on. My first trip to the dress shop was at a designer sample sale. I dont recommend this because they encourage you to buy huge ticket dresses try ($10,000). Continue to shop around until you find the dress that you love so much that you dont want to take it off. I ended up buying 4 different wedding dresses at the end of the dress shopping and out of a huge amount of money. However I was able to wear two of the dresses on my wedding day. Here are a few great places to check out..
1) The bridal Garden in NYC this is where celebrities and designers donate their mostly never worn dresses for cheaper prices… Ex There were Vera Wang dresses never worn beautiful for half the salon price…
2) Filenes Basement has the running of the brides event… The dresses are wonderfully cost effective and ton of fun. I recommend it for every bride..
3) Mariposa Boutique in Anheim Ca Great designer selection. Great customer service
4) There are a few more in NYC that were fabulous.. Bridal Atlier,
Good Luck and happy dress shopping.
I really love the first one on you! If only it didn’t have the beading!!
When I first started looking at dresses online, I thought I wanted a whole dress with lace! Did my dress shopping, and I ended up choosing the simple, hardly ANY beading but still oh so elegant dresses. Go figure.
I totally agree with you on getting away from the strapless dresses! I wish there was more choices! I tried on one and didn’t like it immediately!!
Oh, and the dress I fell in love with was my SECOND dress and it’s not strapless!
I went with something completely different than what I originally thought - but didn’t know until I actually tried them on. I ended up with light and airy, which is totally ME.
But girl, that mermaid dress looks freakin’ HOT HOT HOT on you!!
I knew exactly what I wanted and didn’t want before I walked in the doors. And, I’m with you on the beading. I cannot stand it, or lace. I want a modern/contemporary gown with good lines.
And that mermaid looks great on you, just as Mrs. Quiche said. Great shape for you!
Totally feel your pain. I went in to look at dresses and told them no beading, no bling, no strapless. They looked at me as if I had 7 heads!!
I thought I would have to go to a custom dress tailor. Then I found a lace one (I’m a sucker for lace) with no beading and great straps. Best part…. it was at the brides against breast cancer sale so it was cheap and for a good cause. I must have done something great in a past life.
OH and for what it’s worth, I agree with everyone else. The mermaid dress looks AWESOME on you!!! You should definitely look for that style.
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Mrs. Swan, New York City
Age and Occupation: 31, Legislative Representative
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Finance Guy
Engagement Date: August 9, 2008
Wedding Date: August 2009
Venue: Battery Gardens
About Me: I am an un-crafty but resourceful, Caribbean-born but New York-raised woman who's been known to analyze "Dancing with the Stars" and “So You Think You Can Dance”, buy stinky cheese, and use way too many parentheses. I keep lists for fun, am constantly daydreaming of my next international travel adventure (four continents down, three to go), debating sports (let’s Got Mets/Giants!) and dancing around my apartment to stay sane. I am excited to share our wedding planning journey as I hope to plan a streamlined, personal, and fun wedding with the greatest life partner I could ever imagine, Mr. Swan.
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