$$$ Dress I or $$ Dress II?
I just went dress shopping with my parents and am struggling to make a choice, which I likely need to do by Monday to take advantage of one boutique’s Memorial Day sale lol.
I’ve always wanted sparkly and glamorous, with ornate lace and/or sequins, beading, that kind of thing! However, I thought I wanted a ballgown, which turned out not to be the case when I actually tried things on.
These dresses are my top two contenders - the first one’s base price is $6100 before tax (Sydney by Blanche Bridal), but I’ve asked for a few additional customizations that I’m waiting to hear back on - changing the skirt lining to nude to match the bodice, and swapping the pearl details for clear crystal details, because culturally the bride shouldn’t wear pearls due to them representing tears (although my dad really liked the pearls and suggested I could keep them because they’re really beads and not natural pearls lol). The extra overskirt also costs $1500 on top of the base dress price, although I’ve looked into getting a different overskirt from an indie vendor to see if I can save in that area.
The second dress (Bobbie by La Premiere) would have similar customizations - adding matching off the shoulder sleeves and a matching lace overskirt, plus changing the skirt lining to nude to match the bodice. This dress is also eligible for a 10% discount through Memorial Day, so its full price with tax would be $7145, or $6519 with the sale.
I realize the samples were a bit too small on me and emphasize my tummy, but in speaking with both stylists, I was reassured that in my correct size and with alterations, we can better hide that sort of thing. Please be gentle! I have lost 120 pounds and am still working on losing 15 or so more, but even with all that weight loss, I have loose skin in the tummy area, especially the lower tummy.
Both dresses are pretty similar, but I think the more expensive dress has more striking details that catch the light better. But this might just be due to the different lighting between the boutiques? The second dress is a lace base with corded details over top, and it does have sequins and seed beads scattered throughout. The second dress would also have a perfectly matching overskirt, while the first dress is shown with an overskirt from a different designer that we just thought coordinated well. I like the idea of a voluminous overskirt for the ceremony (~drama~) but a fit and flare for the reception. I will also have a different dress for the latter portion of the night/the afterparty. My tentative budget was $6k, but my parents are very generous and are fine with additional costs if I truly love the dress.
I would love any and all feedback on these dresses please! Thank you so much 😊