Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Weddings

Chat to other Mumsnetters on our Wedding forum.

Original poster

Is this wedding dress too fussy?

82 replies

booksandballet · 05/12/2021 09:55

I fell in love with this gorgeous Eliza Jane Howell dress after stumbling on it in a bridal boutique website, even though it isn't the style I had in mind. It's a heavily discounted sample. The consultant showed it me on video and the photos don't do it justice. The underskirt is covered in sequins that create a subtle shimmer effect, and I love that the skirt is full without having a train. My one concern is the ruffles around the shoulders and collar. Are they too much? Am I going to look like I'm in a costume? I wear a lot of Victoriana/Edwardiana inspired clothes, so the style is quite 'me', but as I'd gone into the shop picturing myself in a plain ankle length gown with a simple juliet or bandeau veil it feels like a bit of a stretch! Honest opinions please!

Front view: www.elizajanehowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Domenico_0399_E.jpg

Back view: www.elizajanehowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Domenico_0411_E.jpg

OP posts:
Exhausteddog · 05/12/2021 10:23

You necessarily need to "tone it down" or "keep to simple accessories" if you can't be full on or OTT on your wedding day, when can you ? (If thats your style!)

I've actually thought that some people (in RL and celebrities) have looked quite underwhelming in very plain or simple dresses for their wedding, especially when they've had an amazing figure and could pull off almost anything!

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 05/12/2021 10:28

I’m not one for ruffles (I’d look like one of the hippos in fantasia).

But that dress is lovely and for a Victoriana lover, it looks perfect. I do think it would look best on a willowy figure though. There would be no room for heavy underpinnings.

clockwatcher247 · 05/12/2021 10:29

Do you have a photo of the front?

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 05/12/2021 10:30

Cross post OP!

I hope when you try it on, it feels as magical as you think it will 🙂

OhMyCrump · 05/12/2021 10:32

@booksandballet

It looked much nicer onscreen in the bridal shop so I suspect you're right and it's the fancy background and all the accessories that make it look overkill. If I buy it I wouldn't have a veil, just a simple headband. I'd dial down the jewellery too and wear stud earrings. I'm fairly tall and skinny with smallish boobs, so I think the style would work for me. I'm excited to try it on!
Sounds like it will look beautiful on. Will you return to the thread to let us know? Even better post a pic!
HairyToity · 05/12/2021 10:34

Love it.

Toddlerteaplease · 05/12/2021 10:34

It is nice but spoilt by the frills. But if you love it. That's all that matters.

Enko · 05/12/2021 10:35

I think its Stunning. Dd (age 20) says it's soo beautiful

inigomontoyahwillcox · 05/12/2021 10:35

I think it's gorgeous, and if you go for that victoriana vibe regularly then even better. They've not styled it particularly well, I get that they've gone for the whole "Downton Abbey" kind of thing - but it really detracts from the beauty of the dress.

Derrymum123 · 05/12/2021 10:36

Not my style, however, this is your wedding day, so you get to choose the dress. Go for it. Don't settle for second choice on your day.

FingersofFish · 05/12/2021 10:40

Not my style but I like it. What's it like on? I think it would be tricky to alter so you really do need to know how it sits on you. I like their styling but you could tone down, I don't think it needs anything else and a veil would look a bit odd and I think detract from the lovely detail on the top. What's your venue like as I always think a dress looks better when it fits a venue too.

Greyhare · 05/12/2021 10:40

Love it, the ruffles give it interest and make it imo, don't cut them off as then they dress will just look like all the other wedding dresses.

scooterbear · 05/12/2021 10:41

The only bit I don't like is the ruffles on the shoulders. Without that it would be perfecto!

minipie · 05/12/2021 10:44

I like it and I even like the ruffles on the shoulders.
The ruffle on the neck would drive me mad however so I think I would get that removed. No biggy to do.

SexyNeckbeard · 05/12/2021 10:47

If you search for Eliza Jane Howell "domenico" including the speech marks you'll see some photos of real brides wearing it. Not sure it would be for me the ruff is an intrinsic part of the dress but it's a bit OTT in my opinion. I hope you love it when you try it on though OP!

Beautiful3 · 05/12/2021 10:49

Stunning. Best on a slim lady with a small bust a/b bust.

MarshaBradyo · 05/12/2021 10:50

It’s beautiful

It’s wouldn’t have been right for me (as have more subdued taste) but on someone else it could be really lovely

Gorgeous dress

Flowers500 · 05/12/2021 11:13

The ruffles are my favourite part! It’s gorgeous and special and elegant, there is no need to be a plain Jane!

Whingasaurus · 05/12/2021 11:17

I love it and your figure sounds perfect for it

Dozer · 05/12/2021 11:21

Yes, sounds like it’d suit your figure, when you try it on get pics!!

domesticslattern · 05/12/2021 13:48

It's really beautiful OP, so nice to see a bride in something a bit different

RobinPenguins · 05/12/2021 13:49

There’s a lot going on but it’s a beautiful dress. I’d sack off the gloves and wear with simple hair and accessories.

Totalwasteofpaper · 05/12/2021 13:53

The description made it sound a bit over the top so was pleasantly surprised when I clicked the link.

I really like it.

MrsMoastyToasty · 05/12/2021 13:54

@inigomontoyahwillcox I was thinking Downton Abbey too!
I wonder if the frills have just been made to stand up for the photos and whether you could get them made of a more floaty material.

mamaoffourdc · 05/12/2021 13:55

It's stunning!