Weddingbee boards

So, I just got engaged this week, and we've decided to get married in two months, in a simple, dinner party type ceremony/reception. I'll spare all the details, but the thing I'm most stressing about currently is finding a dress in such a short amount of time. This is where I need your help.

Here's what I'm looking for: Something simple, but elegant, and comfortable. I don't want a real bridal gown necesarily, I find them too heavy and big and there's not enough time for that anyways. The hard part is finding something flattering. I'm 5'2 and super hourglass. lol

Since the wedding is in February and it will be crazy cold where I live, I'm really leaning towards a "Kate Middleton reception outfit look". I've already ordered a long sleeved, short cashmere bolero to wear with my dress.

I've seen a lot of dresses on J Crew's website that interest me, but not sure which of their dresses would be most flattering for a petite girl with a 36C rack and curves. I would love to ehar some opinions on their dresses.

Also, does anyone have some suggestions of other department stores or places to look that's comparible to J Crew? Just any place that might offer dresses that can be used for a bride...

I hope this makes sense. I'll attach pictures soon of a couple gowns I'm looking at so you guys know the types I tend to like. Thanks so much for any suggestions!!!

Here's some pics of what I'm going for ladies:

The Kate Look I love:

The Sweater I've Bought Already:

Dresses I've considered:

Thanks for the help already!  I'll try both suggestions!

i second village_skeptic about bridesmaid dresses. here's one of my favorites:

for department stores, you can check out saks, nordstrom, and ann taylor.

there are a few other options:

1. you can look into buying 2nd hand dresses from here and here.

2. many brands, such as Casablanca and Maggie Sottero, have a "destination" line which has dresses that are more simple. you can see if you can find floor samples of those dress.

good luck!

I love you guys! This is helping. When you're petite and curvy, and having a small intimate cermony, you just don't want a huge dress. Typically the more fabric, the bigger I look. But I also need to find something that accentuates a smaller waist and minimizes my hips. Some of these dresses are real possibilities. 

Ok, so I'm starting to get some ideas thanks to you ladies! Before I start narrowing down and pressing "buy" buttons, one more question.

I think I mentioned this, but what I'm looking for is a non-wedding dress, wedding dress. Meaning, I don't necessarily want a true wedding gown, because I find them bulky, heavy, uncomfortable and expensive. (this is jsut my opinion and based on the fact that I'm super petite and curvy, and this is a small simple event)

I like the thought of getting a dress at Macy's or JC Penney or something along that line because the dress will probably feel much more like a regular night on the town gown with still being pretty and elegant.

Does anyone have some other places where I could find dresses along these lines? Am I missing a store or a website? I even think I could go the prom dress in ivory route.

Oh, and when you have wide hips that you're wanting to slim and mask, any suggestions on fabric choices and dress styles?

I feel like I'm being super needy, but you guys are rock stars at suggestions, and I love hearing from you. Hoping to make an initial purchase or two soon, since I can always send them back and I'm short on time.

Thanks again everyone!!!!

Oh, I suppose "effortless" is the best word to describe the look and feel I'm trying to achieve.