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Mrs. Mary Jane, Grand Forks, ND Age and Occupation: 26, Instructional Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Lead Programmer Engagement Date: February 28, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: City Hall About Me: I'm a career woman on the surface and a homemaker at heart. I love fast cars and high heels, and my favorite food is cake. Mr. Mary Jane and I are both full-time employees and students, and we just bought our first house. We love to curl up on the couch with buttery popcorn, Sour Patch Kids, and the latest Netflix arrival -- whenever we can get a break from everyday life.
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Because with less than three months to go, and very little checked off my wedding “to-do” list, I couldn’t just stick with one of the few decisions I’ve made and move on from there. Oh no. Dresses are just too pretty!

First of all, to those of you who commented, PM’d, and emailed: thank you so much for your suggestions.

I am not even going to pretend that I was able to keep straight who sent me what dresses. I am not that organized. All I know is that I received dozens upon dozens of beautiful, wearable white and nearly-white inexpensive dress suggestions from a wonderful community of style- and sale-conscious women!

This post showcases some of my favorites.

First, the Etsy options.

Seller cherrypievintage will tailor this sweet little dress to fit any shape:

Finding a Courthouse Wedding Dress: Part 6 (Of Course!) :  wedding wedding dress Cherryp


I’m loving this dress by Clairelafaye, but if I chose it I’d definitely have to convo her first to see if she’d customize it in a longer length:

Finding a Courthouse Wedding Dress: Part 6 (Of Course!) :  wedding wedding dress Clairel

Now Belk. We don’t have Belk stores in my region, and to be honest I’ve never actually heard of Belk before. But that’s OK! The internet is awesome. Plus, no store in my state equals no sales tax by me! And look how cute all of these are:

Finding a Courthouse Wedding Dress: Part 6 (Of Course!) :  wedding wedding dress Belk Dr

They were a little more than I was willing to pay, but I loved every dress Lilly Pulitzer had. Here are a few examples:

Finding a Courthouse Wedding Dress: Part 6 (Of Course!) :  wedding wedding dress Lillypu

Watters had a few cute options too, but I have actually searched out these dresses before and let me tell you: they were NOT cheap. At all. Unless you want the “custom” Chinese reproduction. (Which I’m not against, but I’m not exactly clamoring for either.) But aren’t they sweet and romantic?

Finding a Courthouse Wedding Dress: Part 6 (Of Course!) :  wedding wedding dress Watters

Many of you mentioned that bridesmaid dresses are awesome because you can often customize the color or add pops of your wedding colors. I had a little too much fun playing with the color options on the Dessy site:

Finding a Courthouse Wedding Dress: Part 6 (Of Course!) :  wedding wedding dress Dessy

My number one complaint about many of the dresses out there (some that you sent, and some that I’ve found on my own) is the length. In a time when we Americans are chubbier than ever: Why, oh why, are they all so freaking SHORT? Why is it so hard to find a cute dress that covers my thighs? Granted, I am tall. Dresses that hit just above the knee on the models usually translate to mid-thigh on me. It may be sexy on some, but I generally find myself looking and feeling like I raided some pre-teen’s closet and found a bunch of too-short dresses to wear. Mini-dresses that hit mid-thigh on the models? Forget it. I’ll be flashing my undies all day (not to mention blindingly white flesh!). Meanwhile, floor-length dresses are usually more of an ankle-length on me, and that’s without shoes. It works for some girls but I personally think I look weird.

I love tea-length. Am I alone in this? A commenter on my 5th part of this never-ending dress series told me she liked the knee-length American Living sundress better on me because (basically) my tea-length Bisou Bisou made me look short. She said it was an unflattering length, and that knee- or just-above-knee-length dresses are most flattering. I just don’t agree. First off, I like it when a dress makes me look shorter than I am. Second, I’m knock-kneed and all scarred up. My knees are one of my least favorite body parts.

OK. I guess I’m done with the “poor me, nothing fits me” rant that I’m sure all of you have experienced in one way or another. :D

All in all, you gals presented me with a lot of great options, many of which I seriously considered buying. In fact, after much consideration, I did fall in love with and buy one of the dresses above. I’ll fill you in on the deets when I receive it!

This recent dress purchase - if it pans out - will make me a “Four-Dress-Bride”. Wow, go me. Are you having trouble (or did you have trouble) finding a dress you really, truly want to get married in?

And, in case you want to review the entire series thus far:

Part One: I hit the stores.
Part Two: I go nuts at Nordstrom.com.
Part Three: A brown suit becomes my wedding dress. (That’s dress #1!)
Part Four: I ditch the suit for a $14 Penney’s sun dress (Dress #2!)
Part Five: Goodbye, new sun dress, hello, old sun dress (Dress #3!)
Part 6: (This post!)
Part 7: …Coming soon.

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27 Responses to “Finding a Courthouse Wedding Dress: Part 6 (Of Course!)”

1 2 

1.
Miss Marine
Member
Miss Marine (message)  655 posts, Busy bee

Those are some beautiful choices Miss MJ! I can’t wait to see what you’ve picked. I’m excited to see you find something that you TRUELY love. You’re only (hopefully!) getting married once and you should LOVE your wedding dress. So, be a 12 dress bride- if that’s what it takes to find the right dress! Good Luck!

 
2.
Guest Icon
Guest
KS

I have to say that while Lilly Pulitzer can be pricey (and is, at times, too preppy even for me), her dresses are really high-quality and fit nicely. Many are short, but there are always a few that are below-the-knee. I’ve had luck finding previous years’ styles on eBay for a deep discount in the past…if you’re still looking, may be worth a search!

 
3.
Amberdawn28
Member
Amberdawn28 (message)  129 posts, Blushing bee

I totally understand about length. I also like it when the hem hits below my knee, anything higher and when you sit, you show your undies off. lol.
I usually can’t make up my mind, but I went into one bridal salon and the second dress I tried on I bought. I wish I would of looked around a little bit more now (not that I don’t love my dress, but I think I could of gotten it cheaper) Oh well! I plan on hemming and dying the dress to wear later! Can’t wait to see the dress you got!

 
4.
eileen marie
Member
eileen marie (message)  1,662 posts, Bumble bee

I LOVE the first dress (actually ALL of her dresses), & the 3rd Belk dress w/ the sash. (Yeah, what in the hay is Belk?!) Btw, you have a great figure & you can rock any length–tea-length is good on tall girls, not shrimps like me. Plus, it’s elegant & modest-class, class, class. I’m lucky in a way. I saw my dress on CL in a size TWO-hahahahaha. I trolled the Internet for A YEAR (it’s from a 2005 collection) & finally found it (a new sample-One good thing about not being a stick figure is being a sample size.). I pointed, clicked & in two weeks I will be walking down the aisle in it. Go me!

 
5.
Member Icon
Member
Ace (message)  37 posts, Newbee

I think you have some really good options. I recently purchased this dress in white from Overstock:

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Calvin-Klein-Womens-Cotton-Wrap-Dress/3943838/product.html

It is definitely long enough (it comes to my knees and I am 5′5″). Best of luck to you.

 
6.
bellenga
Hostess
bellenga (message)  7,536 posts, Bee Keeper

First dress is what I’d choose. Perfect!
I also love Lilly (she has wedding invitations folks too!) but not really as wedding-y as I’d like to see.

the first dress is the perfect combo of sundress, wedding, bride!

 
7.
midwestelle
Member
midwestelle (message)  175 posts, Blushing bee

Hey Ms. MJ!
…I don’t know what to say anymore. I’m completely overwhelmed by all of the beautiful dresses, too…

Although, that etsy dress on top is pretty wonderful–I wish I could pull it off, but I need more support on top.

Therefore, I’m jealous.

Best wishes! I can’t wait to read: Finding a Dress Part 7. :-)

MidwestElle @ iowabride.blogspot.com

 
8.
RobinBananas
Member
RobinBananas (message)  256 posts, Helper bee

Hey MJ - just for perspective, what your commenter said wasn’t just her opinion, the standard rule is that knee length or just above is the most flattering length to most women. Tim Gunn loves loves loves to tell women that, and he has a whole explanation for it too. You should check out old episodes of his show, Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.

 
9.
D.Marie
Member
D.Marie (message)  2,484 posts, Buzzing bee

These are all so cute and unique so I dont think you can go wrong with any of them. I’ve checked out Dessy for my bridesmaids…how cute are their dresses?! We ended up getting a Mori Lee for them though…I dont remember seeing too much Dessy in the shop now that I think of it! Good luck…cant wait to see the one you picked!

 
10.
Lillindy
Hostess
Lillindy (message)  7,974 posts, Bee Keeper

Wow, there are some gorgeous options there! Can’t wait to see what dress #4 will be!

 
11.
Guest Icon
Guest
tiffany

i am actually wearing that dessy dress on the left to my courthouse wedding. Its a great dress, i paid about $260 from best price bridals - its very slimming on my which i love. i am no toothpick - im very short so the length is only an issue because i have to get it hemmed, but best price bridals offers extra length on this dress. i ordered it in ivory with ivory silk underneath and i love it. there is a picture of it on my site. goodluck with your hunting!

 
12.
Miss Foodie
Member
Miss Foodie (message)  14 posts, Newbee

This dress at Nordstrom is PERFECT! I’m having a vintage-inspired wedding also and I found this “jacket and dress” number that just screams Jackie Kennedy to me! It also screams “Hellooooo, birdcage veil!” lol

It’s classic with just the right touch of embellishment - and it’s under $200!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3005558?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=tahari+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults

 
13.
MaPo
Member
MaPo (message)  315 posts, Helper bee

There is a way-too-short epidemic on our on hands with dresses! I blame Gossip Girl. Haha. Oh lawdy! You have such adorable choices!

 
14.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Bruschetta (message)  5,565 posts, Bee Keeper

Oh, that first one is so cute — and would be awesome in a bright color for a summer shower or rehearsal dinner!

 
15.
Cole B
Member
Cole B (message)  1,362 posts, Bumble bee

you are crazy Miss MJ! I can’t wait to see your newest dress!

 
16.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss D'orsay (message)  2,272 posts, Buzzing bee

I have to say I’m all about the knee - just below knee dresses. I think you are right - you like tea length because you’re tall. If you’re ever having a bad day I’ll send you a pic of 5′2 me in a tea length dress, it’s sure to coax a chuckle out of you!

 
17.
mrspaetz
Member
mrspaetz (message)  3,805 posts, Honey bee

@Ace: that is so adorable!

wow 4 dresses already!?

 
18.
Melissabegins
Member
Melissabegins (message)  3,340 posts, Sugar bee

I am liking that last dessy one, with the green waist and neckline. You could definitely wear again, too!

 
19.
Member Icon
Member
NC Girl (message)  196 posts, Blushing bee

Belk is a department store (think Macy’s, Dillard’s) that is predominantly located in the south… big in the Carolinas. In fact, it’s THE store where all southern aunts and grandmothers expect you to have your bridal registry! lol

 
20.
MelissaB
Member
MelissaB (message)  438 posts, Helper bee

“I love tea-length. Am I alone in this?”
Miss MJ, I think that tea-length is only flattering if you’re tall and slim, with great legs — which you are, so no wonder you love tea-length! :-) It’s a great look for you, but not so much for most other women. Personally I avoid tea-length like the plague, the skirts always seem to hit me at the fattest part of my calves and make me look stumpy and boxy and 3 inches shorter.

So you may be in the minority on tea-length skirts, but rest assured that you are one of the few who can pull them off!

 
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Mrs. Mary Jane
Mrs. Mary Jane

Mrs. Mary Jane, Grand Forks, ND Age and Occupation: 26, Instructional Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Lead Programmer Engagement Date: February 28, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: City Hall About Me: I'm a career woman on the surface and a homemaker at heart. I love fast cars and high heels, and my favorite food is cake. Mr. Mary Jane and I are both full-time employees and students, and we just bought our first house. We love to curl up on the couch with buttery popcorn, Sour Patch Kids, and the latest Netflix arrival -- whenever we can get a break from everyday life.

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