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?

I don't know anything about wedding dresses but wonder if you separated top from bottom and had the skirt slightly shorter and dip dyed so it had an ombre effect it might be nice and more interesting/edgy.

I would go back and change it while you still can - I think they're likely to go back on the credit note offer as it becomes older stock. They will definitely have something that is more modern and edgy than that, and you might still need some alterations and adaptation from a seamstress - they might not have something you love just as it is - but that'll be easier even if you just start with something more neutral. Boring is a much easier problem to fix than too Disney-y. And it sounds like you don't like the colour, in which case no seamstress can fix that.

Oh no, OP.... that is such a shame.

And so understandable.

Wedding dress shopping is so hard. Dresses can be so different and magical in the shop, it's so easy to get carried away, especially if someone else is ooooing and aahhhhing.

At least you've realised straight away. Imagine if it was a typical 4 month order time 🙈🙈 how many times in our life do we have to put such pressure on on choosing one garment - it's impossible 🙈

It is a beautiful dress and would be easily customisable.

One option is keeping the bodice section and making cream silk cigarette pants with the chiffon overlaid.

The other option is taking the credit and keeping it for bridesmaids, evening dresses or keep it framed as a reminder!

You have an amazing figure and plenty of time to get a wedding outfit that makes you feel amazing.

Good luck and let us know how you get on 💕💕💕

What about adding some more colour to the skirt? Either with dye or by taking out some of the layers and adding a stronger pink tulle underneath instead. Or take out one tulle layer, buy some dye, experiment and see what it looks like put back in?

You have a great figure ,but i think it needs to be more fitted around your waist with a similar lace fabric of the top part or a belt / sash / tie type thing.
I think it looks slightly unfinished as it is , but its a lovely colour and i think you could make it look special , its nice to see a 'different' wedding dress .

God the armchair psychologists on MN make me laugh.

Sometimes a dress is just a dress.

Take your own insecurities elsewhere you negative Nancies.

I think it would fabulous shorter, or maybe shorter at the front and longer at the back. You could add some flowers/embroidery to the dress like the ones in the dresses you liked.

I agree with pps op, making this into a 2 piece would looks great on you, you’ve got w banging figure. I’m not sure about grey …(it’s such a boring and bland colour). You seem like you want a fun and unusual dress. Lots of appliqué could look great on the bottom and add colour and bling (if your thing). You’ve defo got the figure to pull it off. Speak to a wedding dress seamstress, it’ll mean more money but I don’t think all hope is lost

Could you get the store credit then try to sell it to another customer

Sent you pm

If marchesa is out of budget have you tried marchesa notte? Or straight marchesa somewhere like vinted or vestaire collective? You'd probably want to try it on first though!!

you've got a cracking figure but the dress doesn't fit properly. a proper seamstress could make it look fabulous. it is Disneyish but you could make it work.

I don’t like the dress on you. The bodice looks incomplete and the ‘invisible’ lining is too thick / not sheer enough.

I do hope you find something you like. I’m glad they’re issuing you with a credit note. As others suggested you could then sell the credit note or if you find something you like but not perfect in the shop, you could get it custom altered. Mumsnetters have such great ideas.

I think you can adapt this, it's a gorgeous shape that fits you wonderfully. But I agree it's missing the edge that you're craving.

Search for 'floral applique tulle fabric' loads of options and they're gorgeous.

You could add a layer to the skirt, you could add a dramatic veil, or even rework/add embellishments to the bust. Really make it your own.

It is important that you find the right seamstress or maybe even and indie designer to work with who can help you realise what you want. I don't think you'll get this from your bog standard wedding boutique. So it might not be cheap.

Here are some ones I've just found:

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1009540573/heavy-embroidered-tulle-lace-fabric-with?ref=share_v4_lx

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1086839889/colorful-embroidered-tulle-lace-fabric?ref=share_v4_lx

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1022146792/5-yards-iridescent-red-pink-multi-color?ref=share_v4_lx

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/536933518/sale-gorgeors-lace-fabric-floral?ref=share_v4_lx

OP this is probably no help whatsoever with the dilemma, but if you are trying to work out what you do want/like your link to that Marchesa dress reminded me so much of joanneflemingdesign.com/home

I considered it for my wedding but in the end went for something more boring, which I slightly regret! I still go back to Joanne’s page now and again to gaze at the utterly gorgeous dresses. Best of luck with your decisions!

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/marchesa-notte/dresses/gowns/strapless-embellished-floral-print-organza-gown/43769801095243052?tp=175320&utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=eu_laurenlyst&clickref=1101ljj5evHW
This might be similar.

Another cheaper alternative is needle and thread.

I've linked this one as I quite like it but it might be a bit similar to the current one! hardlyeverwornit.com/products/marchesa-notte-tiered-polka-dot-offshoulder-gown?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ZeUBhDyARIsAOzAqQI2vq1fQ30AiS4xLVdge0-21ynvfVh1RlnZMvvYcIDAuN9CBCN1WRsaApZlEALw_wcB

Definitely look at using the credit note for accessories, bridesmaid stuff, and maybe grooms things if possible.

Is your issue the the poofy skirt? I too personally don't like such fluffly skirts and hate these pleats on adult dresses. If you do go for getting it changed then here is what I would have done 1- shorten the bodice or put a belt to break it from skirt, change the skirt pleats to box pleats in high low design or 2- change the poofy skirt to a slim/fitted aline skirt with the lace on bodice extending to the skirt.

Sorry but I think you could find a nicer dress, there must be something in the shop you could swap it for ? Bridesmaid dresses, mother of bride outfits ? You need to feel special on your wedding day. Maybe you could sell the credit note ?

I was like this, hated my wedding dress when it arrived I the shop, and every time I went for a fitting I felt the same. I was trying to decide what to do. In the end I kept it but still didn't like it and even now when I look at photos regret wearing it.

Chotronette is always good for a bit of inspiration.

Sell it?

You can have A LOT changed about a dress, I was amazed when I started down that rabbit hole. I’m getting married at short notice in a very fitted dress but I’m having an over skirt just half way at the back added that can be detached for the evening reception. Is it a style like that you could have changed? They can do a lot to it

If it’s the bottom of the dress you aren’t keen on, bridal overskirts are usually a lot cheaper than a full dress and can totally change the look of a dress.

It needs fitting properly - can you find a good dressmaker to fit it properly to your torso. As PP say, cinch in the waist - and then - what about chopping off quite a lot of the skirt so it sit just on the knee or mid-knee (not above) and putting a big petticoat under it to make it puff out Fifties style? You could get a dressmaker to do a different colour underskirt. A sort of flouffy bombshell style dress.

Or dye it?

Re-modelling is fiddly and won't be cheap though. Is it made in quality fabrics ie silk and cotton lace? If it's all cheap polyester it won't be so robust and won't be so amenable to remodelling.

Not hugely helpful but wanted to say this happened to me.
i ended up biting the bullet and selling my first dress on eBay and buying something much more me. You’ll only get your day once so have to love what you wear