Weddingbee boards

Hi Bees...

I'm currently shopping for my dress, and I have some firm ideas about how I want to look... which are being met with some confusion by the staff at my local bridal stores.

I want a coloured dress, light pink, lavender, or even icy blue, so I'm technically shopping for a bridesmaid's dress instead of a traditional gown.  I'm planning to buy a fabulous floral sash, and dye my crinoline a contrasting colour.

Problem is, every store I go to they assume it's a budget concern  and basically blow me off.  I'm willing to spend up to $2000 for this outfit, so it's really not about that, I just want to look different on my day.

Has anyone else been through something like this, and do you have pics of what you went with?  Or am I the lone crazy Bee here?  :)

Sorry pics are small.  To search larger pics they are Dessy 2758 in Rosewater and Alfred SUng d422 in cameo respectively.

I'm open to prom/pageant dresses in theory, but they all seem to have a *bit* too much going on for my taste.  I want to still look bridal, but with a twist. 

I guess my main concern is the reactions I am getting from sales staff.  For example, if a store carries a manufacturer of a dress I like, but not the specific style, no one suggests a special order, alternatives etc...  Wondering if anyone else who veered off the map has had similar experiences.

@BackyardLoveBird:  I'm thinking I'll have to do the dressmaking route too... Once I get an idea in my head it's hard to compromise :)  Thanks!

Have you considered a place that specializes in evening gowns instead of bridesmaid/prom?  Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, etc. as well as one-brand boutiques (BCBG) might have what you're looking for.  

@Melini: sigh.  I'm Canadian :P

I agree with Melini.  I'd get out of the bridal stores altogether and look for a show-stopping evening gown at a nice department store or non-bridal boutique.

@MissNoodles:  A fur gown?  How 'bout a girls' shopping trip to Toronto or Vancouver...or NYC?  If you order a gown online, unlike wedding dresses, you can usually send them back if they don't work out too. 

I think the bridal salons will have too hard a time pulling themselves out of the "bridal box." :)I agree you should seek out alternative sources, like high-end department store websites.

These are all from Saks.com:

These are from NeimanMarcus.com:

Good luck!

@bells: I'm having a pretty small wedding, so the VW's are a little too formal for me, but I die a little inside every time I see the blush VW351011.  To. Die. For.

@missmouse29: HEY missmouse... are you actually in WPG?  I see your location is Ontario...  We'll have to keep track of eachother to for local planning tips/stories ;)  Have you ever been to LA Collection?  I'm supposed to hit a sample sale there with my Mom tomorrow.