To ask what you’d do? Wedding dress related.

[150poundrebate]

I bought a wedding dress on Saturday. I have decided that I despise it and would like to return it (or set it on fire). The shop (little boutique) only issues store credit. I don’t think it’s likely that I will use thousands of pounds of wedding boutique store credit.

What would you do? I’m screwed, aren’t I?

If you want to work with the dress, I would streamline it a bit by taking a few of the flounces out of the skirt and continuing the lace down onto the skirt so it's less 'marshmallow' (example photos attached).

If you're sure this isn't the vibe you're looking for, I'd definitely take it back and see if there is anything which appeals more in the store.

No advice other than I think it's beautiful and you look beautiful in it. It is unusual imo but I haven't been to a wedding in years.

Oh, dear. That’s an excellent point. This place is very small, so they’d definitely know.

I like the sound of this.

Thank you. That’s a lovely thing to say.

I like the examples much more than my current dress, but still don’t think that’s quite the look that I want.

You have a lovely figure OP and I think you would be right to change it.

It's definitely not the vibe you were looking for and as you say, a bit Disneyish.

I rang them and they weren’t going to let me return it at all, then they rang me back when the owner got back and offered my store credit. So, the situation was actually much worse, previously!

Your ideas sound great, thank you.

I think I'd try it with a belt and shoes, you may have liked it in the shop with those in place? You can also look at getting layers taken out and extra top things for weeding dresses, or maybe have it made in to separates to make it edgier? I think it'd be lovely as a skirt/ top combi, especially with a contrasting belt on the skirt and some jazzy earrings.

You have a fabulous figure! I think the skirt hits you at the wrong point and doesn’t show you off . A good seamstress could definitely fix it and make it suit your body better

Hahaha! Your annoyance on my behalf is much appreciated. And, thank you!

If you shortened the skirt length to mid calf or even shorter,if you have amazing legs, it could look far more modern and edgy. Fabulous hair abd a modern bouquet and it would look very sophisticated.

You’re all being so lovely and helpful! It’s making me a bit emotional, tbh. I’m clearly a bit stressed out, at the moment.

Is it just the underskirt that's pink? Could always try changing that to plain white and taking out some layers.

#4 sounds like a great solution. You get a dress you love and the shop doesn’t have to refund you.

A bride should love her wedding dress. I hope you get this worked out.

I also think shorten the skirt. I’d go for ballerina length.

I agree with pp that a beautiful belt in grey ribbon would really pull the waist in. You have a lovely figure but the waist is not defined enough at the moment. A shorter length skirt and fabulous shoes would make it look amazing. Modern, chic ,sophisticated city bride.

More edgy/modern?

Fwiw, I think you could work with what you've got and end up with a beautiful dress if it comes to it (the bodice is lovely!) but it sounds as if you need to try on a few more dresses to get a better idea of exactly what you're looking for (and what's wrong with the present dress).

Agree with a wide sash. It’s beautiful but a tiny bit high waisted.

Could you return it for store credit not, and then sell the credit note at a discounted price?

At least you'll get something back.

Yes, I think I’d like something more edgy and modern. Or, at least, something fun! I’m liking the idea of breaking it into separates, shortening the skirt a bit and adding a grey belt/sash to it. That sounds very fun to me. Playful, almost.

But I should probably try a few more dresses on before I start altering anything. Clearly, I don’t have a very defined idea of what I want. ☹️

That would work well. If it was mid calf it would look completely different. I think you look lovely in it too @150poundrebate for what that’s worth.

If you're into edgy and modern, then having now seen the pic to me this dress would be irredeemable. I'm also afraid I agree with you on the marshmallow colouring.

I'd try and go for the exchange, with some research beforehand. What's the range of styles at this place? Could you get e.g. a wedding jumpsuit, you seem to heave the right figure for it?

Can you use the store credit for eg shoes & other accessories?

Find one you like in another shop then ask the shop with credit to order it for you . Most wedding dresses come from china unless over £4k and there aren't that many 'designers' so you could certainly try .