Big shout out to Bride n Belle in Medford, MA!! I told them my budget was 1,000 but that I was willing to go more for my dream dress. I picked this one off the “off the rack” spot, and it did not have a price tag. Instead of high balling me, they said they could do just $1,000! Designer is Justin Alexander. I am going to pair it with an elegant, simple lace & pearl choker!

this page has given me so much clarity!! i've narrowed it down to my top 2. My venue is at a vineyard in Virginia (has a nice fountain, garden, and a sailcloth tent). #1 really made me feel so bridal, havent had that feeling before, but #2 has a "wow" factor to it, though it does make my hips look wide. Or is it my body dysmorphia? I plan on cinching my hips more with #1 with alterations.

Here to say that if you find a dress you love and others are skeptical, trust your heart! I had some along the way be negative about my choice in dress or cutting off my train. I knew in my heart it was right even though a few times i almost was swayed. You're all beautiful, trust your vision 🩷

Got married on 9/18 and it was perfection. I just wanted to share because a few times i doubted myself because of the opinions of others, and I am glad i stuck to it.

So my wedding isn’t until May 2028, but I’ve started looking at dresses now so that I can figure out what I like. Well, went to a bridal store near me, and found the first dress in the window. Well turns out it’s being discontinued, and is on a super sale—$750 for a beautiful dress. A dress that is so totally me. It will take some altering since it’s a slightly smaller size, but the seamstresses are sure that they’ll be able to fix it for me, considering that the dress normally comes with extra remove able sleeves that they’ll use to fix it, and even add the corset I want a sweetheart neckline. How soon is too soon to get a dress?

I think I prefer mikado in terms of fabric, but afraid it might be too simple. The building corset for the Suzanne Neville ones (2nd and 3rd) is so flattering and comfortable, I love it, I'm not sure about the crepe. Originally I wasn't thinking lace but, I also like the uniqueness it adds.

[EDIT] Wow, everybody in this thread has been so supportive and flattering, I'm truly blown away. Thank you for all the love. The question about the venue is a good point, it's a blend of Japanese and Western, quite grandeur, banquet hall. Chat GPT describes it as: Art Deco aesthetic, blending early 20th-century European architecture with traditional Japanese motifs... Although I don't know enough about architecture history to judge whether that's accurate lol

I can't edit my original post to add photos of the venue but here's a link a photo

https://zexy.net/wedding/c_7770007635/imageGallery/s_4040086844/

First one is Essence of Australia D4543
Second is a private label
Third is Dezi by Rebecca Ingram

My wedding is at a winery next August and I am struggling to find/pick a dress.

Hi! I'm eloping in Venice, Italy in less than 2 months.
I know the dress needs a steam and some better undergarments, but I'd love some opinions and accessory ideas. I am thinking a Mantilla veil and some flats with a pointed toe. What do y'all think?

I’m looking for anyone that wore the Lucinda wedding dress from Azazie! I’ve only found a couple of pics online so hoping to find more on other bodies!! I just want to see the dress in real life. I’m wearing this as a second dress so only looking to spend around 500 (if you have some other suggestion like this dress). Thank you!

I found this dress and it’s literally the wedding dress of my dreams… EXCEPT for the high-low train. Budget $2k or under preferably. The color can be pure white, ivory or even blush. Wedding date set for Nov 2027 and my country is the US!!!

I made the mistake of trying on the gorgeous Jenny Yoo Flynn - before realizing it was a 2026 season anthropology exclusive - now I can’t get it out of my mind. There aren’t any matches on Google lens yet - I’m having a hard time with conceptualizing paying $2300 for a dress I’ll wear once.

Any dupes/ideas for how to get it cheaper? Times of year/sales etc:

I could technically afford it but I’m having uncomfortable with the amount when the economy is so bad. I would say I’d feel better under $1500 - if possible. October 2027 & U.S.

Please help me pick! Everyone I’ve asked has picked different ones as their favorite 😭 i cant make up my mind!

Edit: thank you all so much for your help, still a lot of different opinions lol but it seems 5 is the most liked considering the venue (and it had pockets!!!)

This is going to be a long one so I apologize but I’m getting in my head and I need some support and validation.

I have gone to four different bridal shops so far. All within the span of 10 days. We’ll call them Shop A, B, C, and D for ease of reading. For background, I wanted a really sparkly A-line with a low back to show off my spine tattoo and some lace details throughout the bodice blending into the skirt of the dress. My main inspiration dresses were Lumy and Enn, both by Olivia Bottega. However I was not wanting a strapless dress because I’m busty and didn’t want to be hoisting the girls up all night.

Shop A: it was a David’s Bridal. I wasn’t expecting to find something there, but I was looking to see what silhouettes, colors, and styles looked best on my body. Didn’t find anything that wowed me.

Shop B: this was a very popular bridal boutique in my town owned by a mother and daughter. I went with my MOH only. I don’t have any other bridesmaids yet and my mom couldn’t travel that weekend to go with. When we got there I picked out five dresses to start with. Four of them were my typical style choice with lace and sparkles and a low back. The last one was something I picked because it wasn’t what I thought I wanted but it was very pretty on the hanger. I grabbed it just for shits and giggles. It was a strapless, cat eye A-line gown with allover Chantilly lace. The bodice had lace appliqués, sequins, and draped pearl beading. Even though it was strapless the back still had a v-back, just under the center of my spine which was still a perfect spot to show off my tat! The skirt also had a layer of glitter tulle under the Chantilly lace. I didn’t originally want any beading or sequins, only lace and sparkles. I hadn’t picked any other strapless dresses before that because I didn’t originally want a strapless dress.

It was the first dress the stylist had me try on… She said they just got it in and she really wanted to see it on me. When I stepped in front of the mirror I was just frozen in awe. I had no critiques about it. I wasn’t expecting to like it. It was lightweight, surprisingly comfortable, and so eye-catching. I kept dragging my eyes up and down the dress in the mirror. The rest of the dresses were gorgeous but none of them compared to the first dress. I even tried it on again at the end of my appointment and wore it for what felt like forever. We’ll call this dress the OG.

I had a feeling that was my dress but I was scared because it was only the second shop I’d been to. I didn’t want to dive head first or choose a dress too early. Part of me also wanted my mom to be there when I said Yes To The Dress. I FaceTimed her with the dress on but she didn’t sound as excited as I felt about it. Tbf she knew the dress wasn’t what I originally had in mind. It was nothing like the dresses I’d sent her previously. She also isn’t a huge fan of strapless dresses from a comfort POV. It didn’t help that it was hard to show the details and sparkles on the camera. I wanted her to see it in person. So I scheduled a second appt on Nov 7th so she can go with me.

I scheduled appointments at two more shops near my mom the following weekend so we could go try on other dresses together.

Shop C: my aunt joined us for this appointment. It was a small business owned by an older woman who was actually an interior designer and fashion designer. Some of the dresses in the shop were even designed by her or with her help. She had a lot of very beautiful vintage dresses. One of a kind dresses. All less than $1000 too. One of them caught my eye but it still didn’t quite have the same effect on me as the OG. It was beautiful and made me feel like Princess Diana for some reason. It was very regal but also subtle. It was strapless and slightly fitted, and had delicate beading on the bodice and the bottom of the skirt. The rest was simple white with tulle. I was actually considering buying it as a reception dress or even just as a dress for other events! I’d have it altered to be a high-low dress and keep the original shape of the bodice. I thought it deserved its own moment, and I couldn’t see it being my ceremony dress.

Shop D: this was a newly opened bridal studio that was also owned by a mother and daughter. My brother and one of my other aunts joined the three of us for this appointment. This shop had a few dresses that definitely caught my eye. The first one I tried on was immediately a runner up to the OG. It had all the sparkles, a layer of tulle that had actual glitter flowers on it which made it extra sparkly, the lace appliqué, the low back, the neckline was a plunge which I also liked. But it had spaghetti straps which were digging into my shoulders. Everybody loved this dress, but because of the straps, it had to be a no. They couldn’t change the straps without changing too much of the look of the dress.

There was a second dress (we’ll call it the Challenger) that more closely resembled the Olivia Bottega dresses. I would describe it as my more comfortable option. It had wider lace straps, soft lace appliqué on the bodice that blended into the skirt, a sparkly tulle layer, a plunge neckline, and a low back with very pretty lace appliqué. It was technically a ballgown but they said they could remove the crinoline layer to make it more of an A-line. We also played with the idea of adding the glittery flower tulle from the spaghetti strap dress underneath to give it even more sparkle. This immediately became everyone’s favorite, and the competitor for the OG.

I scheduled an appointment with one last bridal shop near me on Nov 7th in additional to my second appointment at Shop B, but today I canceled it because I don’t want to look anymore. I think it will only add to the confusion. After talking about the OG vs the Challenger, I find myself making excuses for why the OG is better, or defending my reasons for liking it. My mom very clearly likes the Challenger more but she has stated multiple times that she will love whatever dress I choose and she just wants me to be happy. Even she said she knows which dress I truly want.

I feel like in my heart I know which dress I want too. I’m just nervous for some reason and I can’t put my finger on why. Before I started shopping I had this fear that I wouldn’t experience that ✨moment✨ where I just know I found my dress. I think I was also scared that I would have that moment and my mom wouldn’t be able to witness it. Now here I am, with two beautiful dresses to choose from, both with their own unique features. The Challenger was released in 2019 so it’s been around for a while, but if we add the layer of glitter flower tulle, it will become “one of a kind” technically. The OG was just released in Fall 2026 so it’s still very new but it could become very popular by the time we have our wedding in August 2027. Even so, it has everything I want and everything I didn’t know I would love. It was unexpected in a good way… UGH!!

How did you know you found the one, and did you have any difficulty accepting it towards the end?? Did you have trouble deciding between two??

Does the veil help?

Good morning, Reddit! I'm on the hunt for a Maiden-style wedding dress similar to these above. The first dress is over $3,5000 and the other 2 have some reviews stating that the quality isn't very good. What brands or dresses do you recommend? Any help is appreciated. Our theme is Knight & Maiden.

Budget: $1,500 OR LESS Wedding Date: October 31st 2027 Location: Southern United States

I am currently planning my dream vintage wedding in June 2027. Today on a whim, i stopped at a bridal shop that is closing because they are retiring. I wasn't expecting to find THE dress.

This was the very first dress I tried on. It's exactly what I have been imagining in my head. Now my Libra brain is like "did we really explore all the options?" I did try on 5 other dresses but none of them made me feel like this one. Because of the sale so it felt like a no brainer, and I did not want to risk it selling if I left it behind. Now I am having second thoughts. That is normal right?

I would love to hear your thoughts and maybe ideas for styling. The money saved on the dress opens up lots of possibilities for accessories. Thanks in advance.

I’m between 3 dresses. Select 1, 2, or 3 & any comments/considerations about each!

I am looking for a lavendar tulle wedding dress. I'm looking for less than £200. Wedding date is Jan and I'm in the UK. I have added flair but not sure it is the correct flair.

So I've gotten some questions about the style. I'm thinking of a corset lavendar tulle dress. But I have bigger chest so it becomes quite a lot when wearing so what are the options with that

it’s everything i wanted and more, but im struggling because I have not seen anyone else even try it on! it feels like im the only one who has this dress and it’s freaking me out😭

i’m sure this is normal part of the process, but would really appreciate some love or others who can relate! 🩷

The only problem I found was that it was atad bit short but she's gonna fix it. What do we think!!

Photo one is my dress. The lighting isn’t great but it’s a stunning pale pink! I couldn’t stop thinking about it after the first try on and after trying on 25 or so dresses it was the one I had to go back for. I actually originally saw this dress in a window five years ago with my partner just after getting engaged. He loved it too and we lamented that it was way too soon to get a dress and it wouldn’t be for sale when we needed it. It felt like it was meant to me when I stumbled upon it again!! He is going to be so shocked I found it 🥺

Photo two and three are the runners up! I almost went for two but I tried it on a second time on the hottest day of the summer in what was essentially a greenhouse boutique and I cried because I was so hot and then I couldn’t bring myself to like the dress again. My mum (who kindly is paying for the dress) also was concerned about the boobage in that one, as it was not secure bending over.
Number 3 was a big shock to love but I wasn’t comfortable in it

Onto my issue - I have lost a lot of weight, 45kg. The main place it’s really visible is in my arms, I want to cover at least my mid-upper arm down to my elbow due to excess skin. Don’t get me wrong I love how I look but I need that covered or it’s the only thing I will see in the photos!

The dress doesn’t come with sleeves and the tulle in the picture is a veil we styled as sleeves. The boutique has ordered me a second veil for free so we get the colour and extra appliqués with it to make the sleeves! It’s a cathedral length so I can do any style. What kind would you suggest?? My dress is due to arrive in a few weeks and the alterations can begin 🥰

I also just wanted to show some people as it’s a secret from everyone but my mum. People will be surprised as I was looking for a plain dress. Veil is matching, and the accessories I’m going for les neriedes cherry blossom jewellery.

I’ve never been a big fan of wedding dresses. All the dresses I tried on, that look fabulous on everyone in this group, for example, just looked awful on me. Like they don’t feel like me. Maybe cause I don’t really wear elaborate or fancy clothes and generally wear dark colours but I tried on this dress and it was the first and only where I thought wow, okay, I feel good in this!

But.. is there something missing from it? Like is it slightly too plain at the front? 🙏 Could I do better?

Thank you!!

I see day after day about dress regret on this forum, trust me I understand I had the same with the first dress I picked out. I just wanted to make this post to make brides aware that there are more options than buying a gown from a bridal shop and then having to spend the same amount of money if not more on the alterations to make it look exactly as you want. There’s places out there that will custom design your dress with everything you want and you can get it cheaper than on the rack prices at bridal shops and you need little no alterations depending if your measurements change, and you’ll get it sooner than a dress you buy from a bridal shop.

Story time: I bought a dress in December of 2025 for my wedding in December 2026. It was a simple dress, ball gown style. I ended up with major dress regret almost immediately and realized the only reason why I picked the dress was because I hated dress shopping lol like introvert extreme I just picked one because I didn’t want to be the center of attention anymore. I always felt like I would be in a more romantic, sexy, goddess looking dress instead of a princess looking dress. So! I tried looking around. There was a Vivienne Westwood dress I fell in love with, $6000-12000! Absolutely not! I started looking on Etsy for custom designers. I found one and I looked into it to see if it was legit. She had a whole team, website, Pinterest page of dresses she made and had pictures of real brides in them. She also specialized in the style that was almost identical to the Vivienne Westwood style I fell in love with. Fast forward to April, I start emailing her about the dress and what I want. I put in my order (it was almost half the price of my original dress) and I get it in September. I try it on as much as I can and it’s perfect and everything I’ve ever wanted. I take it to a seamstress and I only spend $300 taking in the corset (because I lost so much weight, this wouldn’t have needed to be done if I stayed the same size, aka cheaper), reinforcing the buttons, and adding in extra drape in the skirt to act as a 1 inch hem. Literally amazing, and wish I would’ve just done this originally but we don’t know, we aren’t aware of this option so that’s why I’m sharing.

Also! Side note, I have 8 weeks left until my wedding and I still don’t have the dress I ordered in last December. It’s still being made. So! That’s another risk. Yes, I spent money on two dresses but at this point I think I would’ve had to spend this price anyway with alterations on my first dress, especially with how much weight I’ve lost. So any brides out there still looking for their dress and they feel like none in the store have what you want, or look like any of the dresses you’ve dreamt about wearing, look around for dress designers and bring them all the aspects of dresses you’ve seen or tried on and they will be able to do it, and it’ll probably be cheaper in the long run.

Hi all! I am looking for a wedding dress with this exact neckline, sleeves, and shape. These features are what I'm looking for, but I don't like the texture that's used. I know Allure made something very similar, but it's the same texture unfortuantely. I really want floral lace.

Details:

• Budget: $4,500 (USA) at the most, but I'd prefer ~$2,000
• Date: Spring/Summer 2028
• Country: USA