'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)

Option 2.
Mine (got married a couple of months ago) was very ornate, think fully beaded ballgown with a long train -there's a thread with some pictures somewhere.
I was so worried that it was too much, that it was going to be very gypsy bride etc. But I am glad I stuck to my guns because I felt AMAZING on the day. Our venue was an old castle so it didn't feel out of place an whilst it was a BIG dress it felt a lot more vintage than tacky. And I had so many very positive comments from guests (and colleagues/clients who got photos) about the dress. Go with your gut, you only get married once.

option 2. Number one is like a nightdress, you are not too old for option 2 at 33!

You are too young for option 1 but I think you should keep looking if you also have doubts about number 2. You'll find the one and then you'll know.

It must be the princess dress. It is stunning. Of course you’re not too old, what?! I’m very conservative and the first dress is nice and definitely more my style but strangely there is something cheap looking about it and I can’t put my finger on it. But the second dress is special and that’s what you want for your wedding. Even though it’s more revealing it is so well done that it is delicate rather than revealing if that makes sense so is perfect for a princess bride. I would pick the second dress if it were me, even though I normally wouldn’t. Don’t sell yourself short with the first dress.

Yes, as pp say, the first dress is like a nightgown and too old looking. It’s a style a 60 something would wear. And I say that as someone who likes fairly conservative clothing.

They're both lovely styles.

I think you should wear the dress you feel comfortable, confident and the best version of yourself in, so I'd go for dress one.

It's your style, why dress up as someone else for the day, worrying about triping up, or your boobs falling out, or how you'll manage to go to the loo?

I’ve always loved Monsoon, I’ve shopped there for over thirty years …. And number 2 knocks spots of that dress.
It is absolutely beautiful, and if you can carry off the strapless look, then go for it - I just wish that I could

You aren't too old at all.
Wear what makes you feel most confident.
Personally I prefer 1 but only because I have seen several other friends wear something similar to 2.

I ordered two bridesmaids dresses from JJshouse made to measure and they were nice.

It really all depends if strapless works for you.
Personally I love number 1.

Very sophisticated. Matched with flowers and a long veil it would look amazing.
It’s a more fun relaxed look than number 2.

2 ❤️

If you love no 2, get that one!

I personally prefer no 1 (I find princessy dresses on any adult woman a bit cloying, and not because of you're 33!), but it's not my wedding! Wear what will make you feel special!

I very nearly went for the 'safe' option for my wedding, it was pretty and similar in style to other dresses I've worn so I felt very comfortable in it. But fortunately I changed my mind just before committing and chose the more pretty dress which was quite outside my comfort zone but I felt amazing in it, rather than just quite nice. So my vote would be option 2!

I love the first one, much more elegant.

No 2 is lovely I think .Lets face it if you cant go "Special" on your wedding day when can you?

If you're having a separate evening do you could get both. That's if you can afford ut. Wear the Monsoon one for the evening do if you would feel more comfortable dancing in it.

Number 1 is beautiful but I can understand why yuo felt more special in number 2 it's more bridal, it's the kind of dress you can only wear when yu get married.

I do think though that if you have boobs and carry fat around your arms, the style of number 2 is not a good option.

I've seen quite a few brides who have gone for this look and obviously feel special but if being honest don't look great and could have had a more flattering dress.
I think all that expanse of back is only a good idea if you have a well toned lithe back ( I know because I don't!).

So I think what you need is neither.
You need something that makes you feel like a princess bride but which flatters you.

I wonder if it's the floaty skirt and off the shoulder that make you feel so great? If so you can do this look without being quite so exposing and still covering some arm e.g something like these:

https://www.kikiprom.co.uk/products/a-line-off-the-shoulder-simple-sweetheart-ivory-beach-wedding-dresses-bridal-gown-pst10409

https://www.landress.co.uk/luxurious-princess-bridal-dress-off-the-shoulder-crystal-ball-gown-dress-12220/

I've not had chance to read all the comments and I'm sure others have said this but I was in the exact same position. Small wedding not much time to plan and ended up with two options. Right up to the day I was second guessing myself and thinking I should go for the simpler option. I was and am so glad I went for the fancy/ special dress didn't doubt it once on the day and now I have two girls who are both in awe of the "princess" dress! (Although it had a corset top and my youngest keeps asking why no top!)
Go for it! Pick the one you feel special in. You will never regret feeling great!

I work in weddings and 9 out of the last 11 weddings have had a version of dress 2! The memorable ones are long sleeved, plainer and embroidered/crochet white cotton, or floaty mesh floral.