- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee Blog
After my first trip to Madeleine’s Daughter, I needed to plan a second trip to bring my bridesmaids to help me make a big decision. Which dress to choose?
When we arrived in the store, eight months since my last visit, they no longer had samples for me to try of the two dresses I was deciding between. I was left with only my pictures and memories of how I felt trying them on. Luckily, I did have the pictures. One of the two is shown below, and I had thought this was the one. It wasn’t until getting home and staring at the photos of the two dresses that I knew I’d made my choice.
I loved this dress in person, but after looking at it in photos, I felt the bottom half was a little too flowy and not as flattering as the other one I liked.
Because I had asked my bridesmaids to travel a state away, I asked Kerry, my bridal consultant if I could try on other dresses for fun. She pulled about 10 dresses, and I tried on dress after dress feeling confident in my original choice. I tried on a few different styles just to see what they were like, since I was a little more specific with styles in the past. I tried on mermaid, trumpet, and ball gowns.
When I tried on the last dress in the group, I looked at myself in the mirror before going out to see my friends and family. My initial reaction was that Starfish Mom was going to love this. If any dress sways her decision, this will be it.
As soon as I walked out, jaws dropped. Everyone was saying that it was “the dress”, Starfish Mom especially. All of a sudden, I was confused. I had been waiting throughout the whole shopping experience for a reaction to a dress like this, but the reaction happened to the wrong dress… not my dress, not THE dress.
When I asked what they liked more about this dress, Starfish Mom said, “the other dress is so you, it’s something expected, but this dress WOWS you.”
I loved the reaction so much, I started to think it was a contender. I did feel beautiful in it, but I never wanted a princess gown. It actually overwhelmed me with material and it was hard to walk in. Plus, it had a train and I was against trains from the beginning.
I stared back and forth between my camera (looking at photos of the dress; the one that I thought was THE dress) and the mirror. Did I want the dress I loved, or a dress that would get this kind of reaction? Starfish Mom had to pull me aside and let me know that although she did love this dress, I had to feel confident with my choice. I am indecisive, and she knew I’d stress if I chose the wrong dress.
I ended up following my heart and going with the dress I had loved and stared at on my digital camera for the last eight months. I couldn’t even talk about dresses for the rest of the day. Bridesmaid M let me know on the way out that she was happy I chose that dress. I think they all realized how much I loved it. I just nodded. They tried to reassure me that they were both beautiful dresses and either one would’ve been a good choice, so I couldn’t have chosen wrong.
It wasn’t for another two days that I finally felt like I had 100% made the right decision. When I look at this dress I do like it, but I don’t love it. I don’t stare at it and think, this dress is so me. When I stare at the other one, I think “this is the dress, this is my dress, this dress is so me.” And that makes me happy.
So where is THE dress? Well it’s a surprise. I’m keeping it to myself, my bridesmaids, Starfish Aunt K, and Starfish Mom until the wedding. So, you’ll just have to wait and see!
Did you have a tough time deciding between two dresses? Did you choose something against the opinion of others?
I had the toughest time making a choice as well! I’m glad you are confident with your decision and I can’t wait to see it! 
Can’t wait to see the one you picked. I had dress regret after I bought it.. but I think I have that kind of reservation after every big purchase.. I love my dress. I didn’t see anything at all that was even close for me!
Congrats on finding one you love.
Wait, I’m confused - did you go with the first dress, or is there another dress we don’t know about yet? I am a 2 dress bride. I bought one that everyone else liked but it didn’t feel like “me.” When I finally found the “me” dress I didn’t really care what the others thought - though they loved it too, so that helped!
can’t wait to see your final choice, though I must say that second dress looks absolutely gorgeous on you! the top is so pretty!
Choosing between two dresses is tough isn’t it!? I was in the same predicament and I still am. I loved two gowns. I bought the one that seemed the most me and definitely was way more unique. The other gown that I did not purchase is still in the back on my mind. It was so pretty and so flattering but I felt like I’ve seen it a million times lately - strapless, sweetheart neckline, rouching and asymmetrical waist…sometimes I still wonder if I made the right decision by choosing the more me dress, even though the other was simply stunnning. It’s a hard decision, but I am happy to hear that you stuck to the one that is the most “you.”
P.S. That gown does look gorgeous on you, but you still gotta make the decision that is right for you!
I’m sure the dress you picked will be perfect!!!
My whole dress search was so difficult. I honestly liked almost everything I tried on (of course there was an exception or two). I could have chosen anyone and been happy. But then I ended up picking something completely different then what I was looking at..I actually almost didn’t try it on because I thought it was horrid in the garment bag…but for some reason, once it was on, I just loved it!!
For the kind of body you have, the second dress isn’t suitable. In fact, it makes your torso look waaaay wider and shorter than it is.
The first dress looks definitely better. However, as you pointed out, it might look too flowy.
If I were you, I would choose a dress with dropped waist (which makes your torso look longer) and WITHOUT horizontal rouches (better if it has more of a swirly/vertical “movement”).
I have the same problem (short torso) and my dress has vertical lace stripes, that makes my torso look longer, and my body more proportioned.
Go with the one that makes you feel the most beautiful! If these ones are maybes then go back and try on some others. Even try ones that you don’t think you’ll like at all as it might surprize you.
The second dress is very pretty, but I can’t wait to see what you finally picked.
I love that you are surprising everyone with your final choice like me! Haha, they’re going to hate us! I’m glad you followed your heart in the end, I had a similar situation. Can’t wait to see what you picked!
These are all lovely, but can’t wait to see your final decision!!!
I can’t wait to see your actual dress! Glad you went with the one you really wanted!
Your “wow” dress by everyone else has a VERY similar bodice as my dress! I too was a 2 dress bride and ended up purchasing the one that everyone else thought was The One. I still debate between the two dresses, but have to reassure myself the one I purchased is MY dress. Can’t wait to see your dream dress!!!
I tried on that second dress at Madeleine’s daughter too and really liked it! Do you happen to know who made it?
That second dress is the only thing in all of my 7 months of wedding planning that has made me cry. My first day dress shopping, I ended up in a bridal shop that seemed to enjoy torturing me with pressure. I loved this dress: it wasn’t quite the kind of dress I had expected to find, but it was beautiful. Also, a touch out of my budget. So, to try to get me to make a decision right away, the sales person promised me tax off if I could make a decision by the end of the week. I cracked under the pressure and the fear of picking the wrong dress on a whim.
It’s a beautiful dress, but I can totally understand your feelings of being overwhelmed by it Miss Starfish! One of the things that broke me down to it was the worry that there was so much skirt my new husband would hardly be able to get close to be and I’d be at arms-length to him all day!
For those curious about it, it’s the Georgia Pronovias. I still wonder sometimes if I should have gone for it, and sometimes have to remind myself that the dress I bought is just as beautiful if not more suitable for me.
@robinlinz: It’s Pronovias, but I am awful with names and don’t know the names of any dresses I tried on, but Literary bride says it’s the Georgia (thanks for that!)
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Mrs. Starfish, Boston/Newport Age and Occupation: 25, Operations Assistant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Sales Engagement Date: October 8, 2008 Wedding Date: October 2010 Venue: The Atlantic Beach Club About Me: I'm a perfectionist who is a planner at heart. I don't do well with surprises. I love planning, crafting, Newport RI, family and friends, and most importantly, Mr. Starfish---all of which will be big components in our October wedding in our favorite little city by the sea.
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 30 | 31 | 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 |
Latest Gallery Pics