Even before we got engaged I looked through thousands of wedding pictures online. I read about what looks good on my frame...I'm 5'2 so certain dress styles swallow up my tiny frame. That narrowed my silhouette down to A-line, Empire Waist, and Sheath. Which is totally fine, given that I don't really like the others :) My neckline was definitely strapless, color was ivory because of my olive tone skin, I wanted full length, and the train was debatable. My criteria was a simple dress with detail on the bust, easy!
That being said, I grabbed my sister MOH and headed off to DB with my list. The sales rep had me bookmark dresses I liked in the magazine and she picked them out. I told her I was on a budget too. I tried on about 10 dresses and loved about 8 of them. There were about 3 under $200 that I liked! However I "splurged" and went for the second dress I tried on, since as soon as I walked out my sister and I both said "This is the one!" The dress was originally priced at $500, I had a promotional discount of $50 off, and I opted for another $50 off without the train, so it came to $399!
I figured, even though I liked the train I would have to pay for bustling to add on another $50-100 (which may I add, I do not like the look of) It's beautiful without the train anyway :) Because I'm always looking to save money I almost went for one of the $199 dresses, however they did not come in a petite size so I would have to get it hemmed, which after the alterations would bring it up to $300. My sister told me to spend the extra $100 and get the petite, train-less dress of my dreams. Thanks Natalie!!!!
Instead of renting a slip I just bought one there for $41.65. I got the Fit-n-flare slip since I didn't want it to poof out as much and...because it was cheaper (not wearing it in the picture)
I bought a blusher veil for $17 to wear on the back. I like the seem-less way it just fades into the dress. I made a compromise with the FI on this one. I actually wanted a more traditional approach to wear a blusher in front of my face, but the FI wanted to see my face. I assured him he would still be able to since it's see-through but he wouldn't budge. He also likes my hair naturally straight but I told him I was curling it for wavy hair, since my hair NEEDS body for pictures. So I made a deal: I'm wearing my hair the way I want, but I'll wear a veil in the back for you honey. It's all about compromise!
(ignore the stupid face my sis took the picture mid-smile)
So after taxes I got my dress, slip, and veil all for 485.11! I'm super happy about it!!!
FYI this dress style is Empire Waist and is flattering on ANY body type!
My sister tried on the BM dress, and loved it. It's on sale for $99.99 So we are all set!
The great thing is that it's the same chiffon material as my dress and it has the matching pleating on the bust. The halter straps set it apart from the gown, so we won't be too matchy-matchy. They can wear any neutral strappy heels they already have.
Wow who would have thought we'd get it all done on our first trip to a bridal salon?! YAY!
*TIP* DB has these great color swatches for $1 of any color of the Bridesmaid dress. I got a regency swatch and I can't stress enough how helpful it is to know the exact shade of the dress color when coordinating other things.
I carry it around with me.......all. the. time.
