Stressed about finding a dress, date: september 12,2026 budget: 3-5k
Ive been engaged for a year and a half, but due to some personal reasons, we have not gotten much done as far as wedding planning goes. We have a venue (thank goodness) and a photographer but that is it. I have a few dresses I like from anthropologie, but I feel like I don't LOVE them. Every time I look online at dresses, I can't picture myself in any of them or they are insanely expensive. I don't really have a set budget, but I even spending 2-3k on something makes me feel anxious/sick to my stomach. I'm very fortunate to have some money from my mom to buy a dress, but the whole wedding is mostly being paid for my my fiance because I am unemployed right now. I think if I put on a dress I loved, I'd be willing to spend a bit more.
I am so overwhelmed by all of the silhouettes and styles to choose from, so many fabrics i've never heard of and shades of white oh my gosh. I am so indecisive. I also don't love my body right now, which is something I can work on a bit, but it makes dress shopping more stressful.
I'm not even sure where to begin, but would love if anyone has any designer/store recommendations that have quick turn around times for dresses. for example, anthropologie & grace loves lace have standard sized dresses that ship relatively quickly.
Also would love advice on how to figure out what style of dress to get... I don't really know my personal style, as I dress in mostly oversized sweatsuits haha
Lastly, any general advice or regrets you wish somebody told/warned you about before purchasing your dress.
I'm based in Seattle if anyone happens to be local and has dress shop recommendations.