Not just any dress. A pretty, white lace one. "The" dress.
Yep, thats right, after blabbing on for months about how I was going to make my own wedding dress I've gone and purchased a very lovely 1950's lace affair off Etsy, and I'm so glad I did.
I was so set on DIY-ing the crap out of my wedding. I didn't (still don't!) want to spend thousands of dollars on frivolous things for one day. Centrepieces, programs, invitations - psh! Primary school stuff! Dresses for my bridesmaids - that shop wants HOW MUCH?? I can make it for half that! Dress for myself - there's no way I'll be able to find the Dress Of My Dreams in a store or online, only I can make my ultimate gown! It was this kind of DIY-or-die attitude, mixed with, I'll admit, maybe a teensy bit of pinterest-fueled one-upmanship.
Well, after months of anguishing over necklines and skirts and lace styles (which culminated in a mild anxiety attack in a fabric store where I was overwhelmed by choice) I've decided to put my pride aside and admit that I'm a control freak - I need to let go a little.
I realised it's less about finding the Dress Of My Dreams, and more about finding a dress that I am going to feel beautiful and comfortable in. If it gives me both of these feelings, then no matter where it's from or who made it, it will set the tone for the rest of my day. And there are many, MANY beautiful dresses out there that will suffice.
So, I went online, narrowed it down to two choices, one sold so I bought the other. Hoorah! I thought, thats done!
But the next day I got a message from the seller. At some point between listing the dress and selling it to me someone had visited her brick-and-mortar store and tried it on rather roughly, leaving the front shoulder ripped and completely unfixable.
Refund received, back to the drawing board.
I've just purchased another dress. It's vintage, beautiful and will suit and fit me very well. I'll wear my ridiculous cute shoes, a necklace that Eli gave me, do my makeup nice and have my hair done and then I will thoroughly enjoy marrying the Man Of My Dreams. I've got that part of it 100% right for sure.
P.S - I'm still making all my (7) bridesmaids dresses, invites and most of the decorations. Because I'm a crazy, control freak DIY-addict. But I also have my enormous bridal party and wonderful family to be my minions and help me out with stuff, so its going to be ok.
Aaaaw, I wanted to see it! :(
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately Eli read my blog so I can't show it, but there will be many photos after the day, I promise!
DeleteI got so crazy, control freak on my wedding that I gave up and we "eloped" with our closest family and friends along for the ride after planning the wedding in 10 days. The self imposed deadline totally worked ~ what we had time for, we got, what we didn't, we didn't. And you know what? I didn't miss or regret a single thing. Except some parts of the honeymoon, but that's a whole other story. ; )
ReplyDeleteIn the end, if you want to just be happy on your special day, that's all that matters right? I'm glad you found the right dress for you. : ) ♡
xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill
I would totally do that, but we've already sent invites out to our (giant) families haha. I've written myself a list of things that absolutely have to be organised before the date, and then anything else that works out after that is just a bonus.
DeleteWhen is your wedding? I'm getting married next Feb :) I also bought a dress from the 1950s from a vintage shop here. Nothing at all like what I had in mind but as soon as I saw it I loved it! First dress I tried on too. I'm doing a bit of DIY as well :) I think it adds a really nice personal touch. My mum and I have been collecting a lot of stuff from op shops, love a good treasure hunt!
ReplyDeleteIt's this October! The months are just flying by!!
DeleteThats awesome :) The one I've ended up with isn't really what I thought I'd end up with either, but thats part of the fun I think. I've been collecting some stuff, but I have to lug it up to Byron Bay with me so I have to control myself a bit haha
Wow! I can't wait to see it! I got my dress (a late 40s one) off of Etsy, too, and it was still much cheaper than buying a new one, so I'm sure you have saved money there!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, SO looking forward to see what yours looks like! It's gotta be fabulous.
Your dress is STUNNING! It looked absolutely amazing on you.
DeleteIt is so much cheaper to buy vintage and online, the ones I tried on in stores (just to get an idea of styles etc) were crazy expensive and not even very nice.
I can't wait to share it!
Save yourself the hassle on some things, the stress just isn't worth it. My friend got hers for £30 at a charity shop and it was this hideous puffy sleeved monstrosity. Her fiance altered it beyond recognition. Thank goodness for him
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree! It's hard for me to let go of the reins sometimes but I have to just face the fact that I'm not superwoman, I'm gonna have to ask for help occasionally!
DeleteOh how I wish I was marrying a tailor.