'Safe' wedding dress or something a little more special?

[writeitonthewall]

Option 1 is very like this
Liz Embroidered Bridal Dress Ivory | Wedding Dresses | Monsoon UK.
I like that my arms would be covered, I would be able to dance in it easily, it would be lovely and very me. I do feel like I basically wear a coloured and knee length version of it every summer.

Option 2 is more of a princess style. It does show my wibbly arms and I'm possibly too old for it (33?) . I did love it on and it felt more special...
JJ's House Wedding Dresses (171937) | JJ's House (jjshouse.co.uk)

(these aren't the exact dresses, just very close to)

Have you tried both dresses on with a trusted friend/relative? I think #2 will make your face light up. #1 is lovely and elegant but if you were really happy with it you wouldn't be trying on other dresses

I like 1. More practical, fun, younger
I do dislike the whole falling off vibe of dress number 2
Plus the last two weddings I went to, had brides struggling to cope with heavy falling off dresses, when the first option looks young, chic and eminently more wearable

Option 2 for the ceremony and option 1 for dancing?

I agree with the others who say you have to think about the practicalities of the whole day.

The waist / skirt of dress 2 is beautiful (the fake sleeves are not my cup of tea, and while I love a laced-up effect in general, the back of that dress is very low) and I can well imagine you and it looked special standing looking in a mirror in a shop. But you have to consider how you’ll feel wearing it for a whole day, to eat and drink and dance in etc. While you be forever yanking the back up? Will it only stay securely in place that low if laced so tight you’ll be too uncomfortable to eat anything?

If the answer to those questions is “no”, then go for it - it’s your wedding, your style. But if it’s “yes” or even “hmmm, maybe” then keep looking.

That's really good advice.

They are both lovely. However, #2 runs the risk of you having to endlessly adjust parts of the dress & you might not feel relaxed. I really like #1 & agree with mathanxiety suggestions about adding more detail if wished.

I think very few women can really wear a strapless dress with ease - so many wedding dresses are, and I have seen brides pull & adjust the bodice throughout the day.

Number 2

your wedding day isn’t the time to play it safe

number 1 is soooooo boring

And don’t worry about the dancing. After a few glasses of champagne you’ll be able to dance in anything

Go for the one that makes you feel special.

And after a few more glasses you won't care if your boobs pop out on the dance floor in front of your new DH's Uncle Rodney because your dress is so low cut!

I much prefer option 1. It looks modern and classy. I don’t like option 2 at all, it looks cheap and generic.

@SoundTheSirens

probs not no! Part of a wedding is a great big party after all. Who cares?! The important thing is op going for the dress she actually really likes not a boring safe option that she will regret

Number one is much nicer. It's stunning.

I much prefer 1. I’ve been married 20 plus years and looking back realise I chose an outfit in a very similar style to what I wore already (just ivory silk for wedding) I felt very comfortable and me and have no regrets.

No 1 is lovely and elegant. No 2 just looks like its 3 sizes too big on top and you’d be faffing with it all day. I know it’s very much in at the moment but I don’t like it at all. But Im not you! Wear what makes you feel fab.

I prefer number 1. More classy IMO.

I don’t think we can decide this for you, but consider 33 is ‘young’ or what would be considered a ‘normal’ age to be getting married, so wouldn’t let that come into the decision at all.

Prefer the first style, as more vintage and consider the second to be more traditional or boring…but there are all different views here, which shows how it’s just a matter of personal opinion and preference.

It’s important to find something you feel BOTH comfortable and special in though, so would keep looking until you find something that ticks both boxes for you.

Take out any considerations of your age, what other people with think etc thought, as that will only cloud your judgement.

Hi OP, congratulations on your engagement. I think there’s something to be said for a wedding dress that suits ‘your style’, whatever that might be, and looks like you, just extra wedding-y. There’s also a good argument for something out of the ordinary that feels really special. Both dresses are lovely.

You mentioned dancing easily, and if really dancing is important to your celebrations I think it’s worth finding a dress that lets you do that. If money were no object, I’d be very tempted to have a very special wedding only dress for the ceremony, and something more like my usual style to change into for the dancing- possibly wearable again as black tie, possibly not white or to be dyed later.

On the other hand if you really want to have just the one wedding dress (and either turn it into christening gowns or pass it down the family?) I would say think carefully about the things you want to do in it and how to make it work for the whole day.

I hope you have a fabulous time whatever you choose.

I dontvlike those boots over the arms on No 2, it looks like straps that have fallen down to me and would really irritate me if I was wearing the dress.

No 1 is classic & elegant, I love it.

But it's your wedding. Try them both on and choose the one that you love

Definitely a style like the second then!

@writeitonthewall it’s your day, so pick the dress that makes you feel the most bridal.

Both are lovely but if #2 is the one you love, do it.

Personally I love 1 but I think you should go with 2 as you feel more special in it! They are both lovely.

Neither are 'not safe' I don't like the 1st one at all.

2 is nicer but I don't love it - but it isn't my wedding.

The only thing I'd be very careful of, you mentioned wobbly arms. I find if you have a larger chest these sorts can look a bit tarty. Also if you have a 'fat crease' in the circled area it can be an unforgiving cut. Something with the shoulder drop going up your arm can be nicer

I really don't like Option 2 because of the hanging off sleeves thing, from the back it looks as though the whole dress is falling off. if you could find a version with a higher back and sleeves that are more level with the top of the bodice I think that would be the best option. Option 1 is a bit meh.

Number one is beautiful, and probably the one I would choose, but so is number two and if that's the one you feel special in it thats the one you should go for.
Incidentally, if anyone is looking at a bride and noting "wibbly" arms, then that is a person whose opinions are irrelevant 😁

I prefer number 1 but that’s because it’s much more my style. If the 2nd dress made you feel special then that’s the one to go for. If you can’t dress up and feel special on your wedding day when can you? You’re certainly not too old at 33!