Weddingbee boards

Let me start by saying hello, I'm rather new here. Been lurking for a while, absorbing information and the such. Thank you all for your kind replies to my sporadic posts!

I'm getting married in September - have known since last spring, and put my wedding off for my family. That was a mistake. But, oh well. When I got engaged, I ran out and bought the first Princessy, Confectionary, Poofy, Jeweled dress I could find. It was stunning! With a corset top and chapel train, it was all yards of blinding white satin lovingly sprinkled with swarovski beads in silver and blue. And, oh, did it look gooooood on me! 

But, it just wasn't me. Visions of Claire Pettibone gowns dance through my head; I dream of being able to design and sew my own Kittychen Brier Rose, or something equally regal. I live for reworked lace on column, empire-waisted gowns.

Sooo, to make a long story short, I returned my fairy tale gown. Yep, I took it back and exchanged it. After arguing with the bridal shop (not a large chain one, a small local one) attendant for 2 hours about why I didn't want this one, what I wanted instead, and what we could get in time, I found one that I felt I could settle on that was in stock and could be altered.  It was a grecian-ish silver gown, and though it draped wonderfully, it wasn't the Twilight or Bella dear old Claire had thought up *just for me*. With heavy heart, I signed the papers and receipts, and designated this new gown as mine.

Then, on my way out the door, a flash of blue crinoline caught my eye. Tucked away in a corner was an aqua blue Alfred Angelo prom gown - a flirty yet sophisticated creation with a corset top, low slung waist complete with belt and rhinestone brooch, and a floor length crinoline skirt. Hating myself, and loving it all at the same time, I took it into the dressing room to try it on.

Eureka!

Here! Here was my dress! I loved it, simply loved it! It made me feel like a fantasy character out of Swan Lake - there was reworked lace appliqued on the crinoline skirt, and swarovski crystal beads on the bodice and belt. This was not what I came into the store looking for, not at all, but it was love at first sight.

And that, ladies, is how my love affair with my blue tutu began.

Now, I have a lovely birdcage (bandeau, I think is the exact term) veil, with rhinestone clips to hold it in my hair, and the elegant Lilly sandals from Touch Ups, to wear on my wedding day. I'm so excited, I can't wait to see it all put together in professional pictures!

Phew, long story. Thank you for listening. Now, I have one question for you all.

As much as I don't care at this point how much people are going to approve of the bride not wearing a white dress to her wedding, I can't help but have a few small misgivings. What do you think?

All opinions are welcomed!

Oh, and the dress is Aqua, and I can't find any extra fabric to buy to make sashes or wraps for my bouquet. I was told my the dress store that because this dress was technically a prom dress, it's out of stock and they (Alfred Angelo) don't keep the extra fabric past the season. Any ideas?