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Original poster

How did your wedding dress make you feel?

48 replies

jendifer · 08/02/2021 22:46

Just had a cry that I’m shorter and fatter than my bridesmaids so I’m going to look terrible in a dress against them.

A friend has spent ages saying about how the bride wants to look amazing and we can find something that will make me look great but I’ve got off the call with her and cried about it.

Did you feel amazing in your dress?

OP posts:
Ohalrightthen · 08/02/2021 22:47

Yes. And very very clever - i made it myself.

nettytree · 08/02/2021 22:50

I hadn't worn a dress for years before I got married and I haven't worn one since. But I felt amazing when I got married in my dress, I was a size 18 at the time. It was my day and I was a princess.

Original poster
jendifer · 08/02/2021 22:51

I thought about making mine but I’m not sure I have time sadly. Maybe I just sew the alterations to one?

OP posts:
paintfairy · 08/02/2021 22:52

Firstly, most people have time to diet. Secondly - if you find the right dress, you'll look amazing! Honest. I still doubted mine was the right one right up to the wedding (just wish I'd tried more?) but I never did because it suited me so well. We took photos of me wearing different ones too and when I looked back at them later that day, I could see the earlier ones weren't right at all (even though they looked ok). I did manage to lose over a stone after buying a dress too. So I felt much happier about myself on the day. I think people overthink it?
But the other alternative is to pick fatter bridesmaids. 🤣

YukoandHiro · 08/02/2021 22:52

You will find something. You need to get a professional involved though. I knew I wanted a tea length dress (I'm also v short) so went to a shop specialising in tea style wedding dresses. I picked out a few to try and the manager of the shop picked out a couple - one of which on sight I just said "no". She said: "ok but just try it so I can get a sense of what works". It was utterly amazing on me - and it's the one I went for. And yes I felt absolutely brilliant. (She also upsold me a massively over priced hair piece, but I didn't care once I'd found the dress).

33goingon64 · 08/02/2021 22:52

I wouldn't say I felt amazing. I was conscious of my tummy showing and the train was so long I had to hook it over my arm to walk or dance which became really annoying. But I liked it and it felt like the right 'costume' to wear for a special day. If you're happy and glowing you'll look gorgeous, who cares if you're not the slimmest person there.

Greenevalley · 08/02/2021 22:54

When is your wedding op?
I'll tell you what I told my dd. Choose a dress that you feel good in. If you feel confident and happy in your dress then that will shine through on the day and thats what makes a bride look radiant.

So work out what style suits your body and try on all the ones you like.
Remember if you're short any pattern on the bottom will be chopped off so think about that.
And take someone you trust to be both honest and kind in their opinion.
Good luck.

Original poster
jendifer · 08/02/2021 22:55

Definitely time to lose weight (July wedding) but I have no idea if I should try dresses online now and alter them or wait till shops open and I’ll be thinner.
I wanted a short dress but bridesmaids have said no, don’t as they will be in long dresses and it will look odd.

OP posts:
AnneLovesGilbert · 08/02/2021 22:57

I felt a million dollars. And it cost about £40. I bought a bunch online and tried them on at home. I walked into the room and my step daughter gasped and said I looked like a princess and had to have that one. Bless her, I looked nothing of the sort, but I felt pretty and relaxed, it was flowy and easy to move in and comfortable and fitted my shape nicely. I’ve worn it a few times since and still adore it.

I made my veil, haven’t worn that since but loved every minute.

You’ll find your dress Smile

Original poster
jendifer · 08/02/2021 22:59

Thanks folks.

Although my friend knows a bit, I haven’t told anyone how worried I am about it so I appreciate your kindness.

OP posts:
SingleHandSue · 08/02/2021 22:59

I didn’t feel great in mine if I’m honest. It was a bit of a rushed decision and I didn’t think I’d be able to afford what I really wanted so just went with it.

I didn’t believe anyone who told me I looked beautiful that day, but looking at photos the dress definitely suited the venue and the gorgeous autumn colours in the grounds so I made peace with not really liking it.

2pinkginsplease · 08/02/2021 23:00

@jendifer pick the dress you want, don’t listen to other people. Try a few styles on and see which one you like the best.

My dress wasn’t a traditional white dress, I had a slim fitting gold silk dress. It sounds bizarre but it was plain and simple and just me. I loved it and felt good in it.

It was the only dress I tried on.

Greenevalley · 08/02/2021 23:14

I've never heard of bridesmaids telling the bride what to wear before!
Try on both short and long dresses, you may not like a short dress once you get it on.
My dd is short and she wore a long dress but she had an amazing seamstress who altered it for her.
Its worth getting it fitted properly.

minipie · 08/02/2021 23:16

Yes I did. I’m short and had something very simple as anything fussy overwhelmed me. A short 1950s style would have suited me too but it was a traditional church wedding.

I didn’t have bridesmaids which perhaps helped Grin no possibility of anyone outshining me!

custardbear · 08/02/2021 23:18

I felt amazing! I was a size 14-16 abs 1.73m - didn't care, loved my dress and day - still love my husband 15 years later - be proud of you snd enjoy your day marrying the man who loves you

Original poster
jendifer · 08/02/2021 23:25

Re the bridesmaid, she was definitely trying to help, she was talking about it in a “don’t settle, try on things” way.

Thanks everyone, it’s good to hear lots of opinions.

OP posts:
paintfairy · 09/02/2021 18:33

The bridesmaid is right though. If you are having a short dress, then they need short dresses too. Obviously that's up to you though?
I went to one of those off the peg dress places.

YukoandHiro · 09/02/2021 18:54

@paintfairy Why? Why can't everyone just wear what they like?

OP, it's your wedding. Choose whatever you actually want and ignore what you're "expected" to do

Emeraldshamrock · 09/02/2021 18:56

I'm sure you'll be beautiful and out shine them all the glow of a happy bride makes her extra beautiful.

paintfairy · 09/02/2021 18:57

@YukoandHiro because the photos would look very strange?! You do one or the other. Unless you want to look like you are all from different weddings.

Harpydragon · 09/02/2021 19:00

I was a size 18/20 when I got married, I was mooching around the sale section of a tiny shop, saw the dress, tried it on and it fit like a glove and made me feel fab. It was the only dress I tried on. When you know, you know!

paintfairy · 09/02/2021 19:02

And also- OP is worried about looking short and fat. Long dresses make you look taller, so her bridesmaids will make her look even shorter if she isn't in a long dress as well?

Lullaby88 · 09/02/2021 19:06

I loved my dress. Felt great in it. It was long with a trail. I wore a veil too that had a gorgeous design on it. I wasnt happy with my hair tho! But still felt amazing.

Lullaby88 · 09/02/2021 19:07

U have plenty of time to lose weight. Keep consistent and stick to a plan. Ul do it and ul feel amazing.

GlumyGloomer · 09/02/2021 19:16

I had a very hot and cold relationship with my dress. I actually donated it after my wedding because it was too bulky and I just didn't love it. But I have a photo of me with my slim and attractive bridesmaids, and I think it's the only shot of us ever where I don't look like 'the fat one'. I'm a 16/18, friends 10/12 for reference. Just don't get one that's completely the wrong shape and you'll be fine.