starting with the dress

I love planning all the little details of my hair and shoes and other accessories, but you can't really decide for sure without starting with the dress. I went out and tried on a few back in January and found one that I really like. I finally found it online (around $600). (We'll call it dress 1.)

I loved wearing that dress, and I felt wonderful in it. It fit me very well, and it looked great. But it was at a very small store, so I wasn't able to try on very much. I do want to try on a few others, like these... (dresses 2, 3, and 4.)

#2 is one of my favorites!
Good structure and nice details without being overwhelming.

#3 has the split front as well (I like)
Unique neckline, but simple overall.

#4 Very simple sillohette, but pretty details.

I know that $450 - $650 for a wedding dress is an amazing deal (especially when a lot of brides pay well into the thousands), but I'm a little hesitant on paying that much for a dress. I might end up trying on a certain dress and suddenly be willing to pay that much, but in the meantime, I've come up with another idea.

After browsing these websites a bit more, and looking at the bridesmaids dresses, I came to find that many of them can come in white. Why not pay around $150 - $200 for a simpler dress? Since we are planning a summer reception for up in Canada, I could purchase a second dress if I wanted, and it would still cost less than purchasing one of the fancier ones. Even if I purchased (or rented) a full slip to go under the dress, to give it a poofier look, it would still be significantly less. So here are a few ideas for that. Although the pictures show dress in a variety of colors, all of them are available in white. (dresses 5 - 13)

#5 is nice, but has a large bow on the back.
We might have to get rid of that before serious contemplation.

#6 I like the details of the little flowers on the overlay.
In the light blue they almost look like snowflakes.

#7 Very simple, no fuss.


I love #8!
I'm just a sucker for the split.
Also like the detailing around the top.


#9 This one has a similar waist to #1
But not as detailed and not as expensive.


#10 I like the details around the waist.
I think it'd look nice with a fuller skirt.


#11 The way it puddles on the floor .. so pretty!


#12 This one is like the ribbon one I tried on.
Yes, it comes in floor length.

#13 Also similar to my original design for a dress.
Very sleek, and I like the sheer.

So then comes the task of actually trying things on. I can't decide 100% until I've tried it on. I have to know what it makes me look like! And can I move in it? I think the bridesmaids dresses would be a lot easier to move around in, but the gowns are also so very pretty. I'll update as soon as I hit the stores. Wanna go next weekend, Tawnia? (And anyone else in Idaho/Utah.)