It was snug when I bought it. It was also winter. It is now summer and the dress is still snug. Perhaps even slightly snugger. ( ) And quite warm.
The forecast for our wedding day is 102 degrees - and although the ceremony is in the evening, it will still be hot. I am going to be so so uncomfortable in this dress - and very self conscious.
So - tomorrow I go looking for a new dress!
Really, all the planning was going way too smoothly. We needed something like this just to reach the appropriate level of (albeit slightly humourous) stress.
The good news is my shoes still fit, and I love them. Now, just to find a dress to match...
Posts: 4393 | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I should add - the original dress (Dress Mach 1) wasn't very expensive. Mum and I bought it because it fit (then) and was on sale - but we always had thought if we saw something else we could get that instead.
I just hadn't figured on making that decision with 2 shopping days to go!
Posts: 4393 | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey imogen, this is a long shot, but if a size 12 (wedding dress sizes) strapless a-line with a chapel train that's currently bustled would fit the bill, I'd be happy to ship you one... it's only been worn once!
posted
Ha, I just saw that you're in australia! Well, the offer still stands, but I'm not sure it would reach you in time. Good luck!
Posts: 1681 | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
imogen, don't worry. It'll all work out, I promise. And think what a great story you'll have.
My dress didn't fit on the first fitting, but it was entirely my own fault. It was hand-made in Spain and had to be ordered 5 months in advance. I purposely ordered it 2 sizes too small, with the intention of losing weight. At the first fitting, the dressmaker zipped it up and immediately yelled, "Don't breathe!" There were 3 weeks until the wedding, so I stopped eating and let the stress eat away at me. The dress fit after 2 weeks.
posted
I got my dress on Monday, got it altered on Wednesday, and got married on Saturday. It cost $100 for the dress (discontinued model at the discount store that didn't quite fit) and $65 for the rush alteration (gotta love friends of friends who have a formals business and just throw out a price because you drop a name) which consisted of letting it out from a size 8 to a size 9 and adding a higher back. Once I tried it on, I decided that the front was also cut too low for my comfort (and the Temple Matron's, probably), so the night before I got married, I tacked some eyelet lace in the front by hand. The short piece of lace was about $3.50. So, total cost for my last-minute dream dress (it really was the one I'd always dreamed of wearing): $175.50. Gotta love the garment district. While there, I also got shoes and a headpiece for $15 each.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Icarus and Christy - I would, except the dress is beaded all over with a crystal pattern.
I can't see how it could be let out without the pattern stopping abruptly before the seams - and I even doubt there is enough material to let it out.
Zeugma - thanks a heap, but I don't think international shipping is that fast. Thanks all the same though.
Mrs M - I thought I would lose weight. I actually have, but just not in the area that I needed to. And I am so not the non-eating type - but even if I was, I guess 3 days really isn't enough time. I will accept your reassurances that it will work out though.
Elizabeth - the wedding and the reception are outside, in a rose garden (an all in one cocktailish event). And wedding dreams - hoo boy. They're extreme wedding dreams at the moment as all my interstate/international relations are making regular (and quite bizarre) cameos.
Thanks for the congratulations everyone - I am sure it will be a wonderful day. I'm looking forward to it immensely. Posts: 4393 | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
When my bridesmaid dress came in for my best friend's wedding - I was five months pregnant. Needless to say, it didn't fit.
The owners of the bridal shop called the company, got some fabric specially shipped, and dismantled the skirt of the dress, added in a fabric panel to accomodate my belly, and did such an amazing job most people figured the dress had just come in a maternity style!
It's amazing what people can do with a dress, I'd encourage you, if you like your dress, to talk to a really good seamstress. What type of beading is the pattern? Beads can be sewn on, so there is no gap.
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
If you only have a few days, I'd suggest doing what I did: buy a new one. The garment district is a great resource if you have one in your city; otherwise, try a wedding dress resale business (there are lots). Bring someone who knows how to haggle, and you'll probably get a great deal.
The reason I was on such a short timeline, btw, is that I was supposed to wear my grandma's dress, which was being restored, and it didn't get to me until 2 days before the wedding-- not enough time for the massive alterations that had to be done before I would have been able to wear it!
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Good luck dress hunting! It really sounds as though you're taking it in stride and not freaking out. I'm sure you'll find something even more gorgeous.
That reminds me, though. I really need to find a place/person to donate my wedding gown to. It's absolutely beautiful, but it's just hanging in my closet. I'd really like it to go to a bride that *truly* needs it - not just someone wanting to save a bit of money so that it can be spent elsewhere. I don't know how to go about doing that, though.
posted
Opera, how about helping a fellow Jatraquera? I'll be in the middle of my time as an undergrad at the time of the wedding so I promise that I'll be needing it .
In all serious, I would very much appreciate such an offer but, if not, I suggest trying one of the many stores which will sell used wedding gowns as long as they're in good condition. There's also a website/group I've heard about that accepts old wedding gowns, touches them up or dyes them, and gives them as prom dresses to young ladies whose families are truly impoverished.
And congrats on the wedding Imogen! I'm just now looking at gowns so I don't really have any advice beyond to stay as grounded as you are now and to enjoy the next few days as much as possible .
posted
Pixie, if you need it you can most definately have it. It's a size 4; just let me know. It has spaghetti beaded straps and a beaded bodice with a cinderella-type skirt. I also have a matching pearl headband and veil.
posted
Hmmm . . . I think I'm probably a 4, but I really don't know . . . I need to figure that one out.
Pixie, I just started looking at gowns, too. I'm liking some of the cheaper ones on BrideSave.com, although I haven't gotten very far on it. I think ahmd839 is my favorite so far. I need to make sure that whatever I end up getting can be hemmed to fit a 5'0" woman.
*Needs dress for summer 2006, will probably be even poorer then than now, and is probably not getting any help from parents for wedding (although Ben's parents will probably help some).*
Posts: 3801 | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
*really wants to see pictures of imogen IN the dress, while blissfully enjoying her wedding*
*taps foot*
I know the wedding hasn't happened yet, but I can't WAIT for the pictures!! Congratulations and have a wonderful day!!
Posts: 6415 | Registered: Jul 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yay! Congratulations on the dress, best wishes for the wedding (and marriage). And calming vibes and happy thoughts for all the details of the big day. Posts: 9866 | Registered: Apr 2002
| IP: Logged |
Now that I've smugly congratulated myself, let me sincerely and happily congratulate you! Have a wonderful day.
Posts: 3037 | Registered: Jan 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
This is Imogen. I'm posting under Tony's login as I posted my last non-married post already.
Thanks everyone.
And yes - my dress is *much* nicer than my old one. I feel like a princess!
It's taffetta with a double silk lining, a train that I can hook up and it's soooo comfortable.
(My 8 year old sister keeps telling me I will be the most beautiful bride ever. Not entirely accurate, but a nice affirmation all the same. )
Posts: 466 | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
) And quite warm.
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Good luck!
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Thanks all the same though. ![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
![[Laugh]](graemlins/laugh.gif)
Icarus!![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)
![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
