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I went bridal dress shopping for the first time this Saturday. I picked David Bridal's just because it was the closest option. I'm a size 14/16 in street clothes and I felt like the biggest slob out there that day in that store. The saleswoman kept bringing me things that didn't fit, and dressses I didn't like. Not only did they look horrible on me, It made me feel bad about myself. And I don't usually have that problem. Am I overweight, thick, full-figured, etc..etc..? Yes. But I've never minded it before. And then I saw how wide I looked, and how sumo-like my arms looked and seriously, it was so demoralizing! It made me realize that I need to get my weight in check. I think I'm one of those people who think they're smaller (in their minds) so I have a different perception of how I look--and than I saw the reality and was like WTF??? Who knew I was SO wide? THat I have no waist? That my back fat hung over so? Even the dresses I (thought) would look good on me, didn't.
It's just so depressing. I know David's Bridal probably sucks as a salon anyways, but that doesn't make up for the fact that I didn't fit into their normal sizes, yet their women section was too big for me. I saw other brides parade back and forth with no problems looking tiny and cute. Why couldn't that be me?
Anyways, I just needed to vent. Apologies for those who could care less. Skip to the next post if that's you. Now I'm motivated to start working out to feel better about myself. And hopefully you ladies have suggestions on some nice plus size dresses I can try on. NYchica
How quickly are you wanting to pick out a dress? I see that you are getting married in Oct, but if you start now, you could lose a considerable amount of weight before then and then maybe you would have more dress options and/or feel better about yourself?
Don't be so down on yourself. I can tell you I felt like a slob when I went to David's Bridal and I am a 4/6. If you never had any issues with your weight b4 this trip don't start doubting yourself now. I also think it's a little normal for any bride to want to look fit and their best on the big day. Don't drown your sorrow in carrots and water hun! Just keep searching for your dream dress. David's Bridal didn't have anything that I loved on my body either. Keep your head up and Happy Dress Hunting!!! FYI I'm a NYChica too
FWIW, I would not call that picture yuck. There is definitely some nice waist and curves going on!
Tell her Entangled! Curves are sexy!!!
i was going to say that the dress looks wonderful!
now unfort. we don't have davids bridal here in canada, so i don't know their service, but i can say i've heard more bad than good. i would recommend going to a more reputable salon, maybe something smaller where it'll be more focused attention and bring pictures so that they can find you what you're looking for?
ok i just saw a waist!!
personally i've had bad experiences w/davids bridal too, so if its not the salon for you then its not, try another. although i think you said it backwards (i think you look better than in your mind!) nearly everyone is trying to lose weight/tone up before the wedding, so make a plan too if you don't feel comfortable w/your body right now!
btw that dress IS gorgeous on you. good luck!
thank you ladies, I appreciate the kind words! I love my curves, just not the fat that goes along with them. And yes, okqueenbe--I'm getting married in Oct, so I'm hoping to get in way better shape and tone up by then. But man, if I could get lipo on these arms, I would! lol
You don't look bad at all! You definately have time to lose a little & tone up, especially your arms (since that's what you focused on in your post!). I've read that the arms are one of the easiest parts to slim down! I wouldn't go crazy on carrots and water though because you're going to get tired of that really quick, plus it's just not healthy. If you really want to lose some weight, go for a 1600 calorie a day plan with lots of protein (i.e. lean meat) & veggies. Grab some 3 lb weights and do arm exercises while you're watching tv. You will be very happy with the results! I'd say you could do this and wait a couple months to pick out your dress and still be just fine time-wise :)
When I read your description of yourself I was prepared to see the worst. Then I saw the pic posted and I was confused?!?! Why did a hottie post a pic on here? To tease this poor girl?? Then I saw that YOU were the hottie! You totally have a waist girl! Don't be so down on yourself. David's Bridal has horrible service! Go to a different dress shop that actually knows sizes and will give you thinks that fit and are flattering for your body type :) If you want to lose a little to boost your confidence go for it, but you're great the way you are too :)
Side note: If I was brave enough to get lipo on my lower belly & thighs, I would have done it years ago - ugh.
LOVE the dress on you! So pretty!
Although we don't have a date set, we are talking about getting married in Oct, and I definitley have weight to loose!!! We should start an Oct weight loss challenge!
FYI- I haven't been dress shopping yet because I am scared of feeling that same way.
Ok... that dress looks beautiful on you!!! I was seriously confused, your post did not describe the girl in that dress!
Oh, one more thing. After seeing your pic, I'm appalled that you used the word 'sumo' to describe your arms. Can we say 'exaggerate'? lol :P
I would be down for an october weight loss challenge! I need to lose some weight for my best friends weddings. I dont want my arms to look like sausages in the dresses she picked out for us lol
edit: we could start a sparkpeople.com group for us! The october wedding countdown!
Aw, you guys are the BEST bees ever! Forget the other forums!
THanks for compliment, ladies! Yeah, I think my arms are the worst part for me,
but I definitely have a double chin I need to get rid of as well. Believe me, my waist is almost non-existent. But I'm trying... No water & carrot. I was just wallowing in self-pity. I'm definitely stocking up on the lean meats & protein. You're right about the arm exercises queenbee.
Let's do it, Ablet!
I've heard sparkpeople is good!
@ Honeybear- would you want to set it up? I'm assuming since you mentioned it you know how to set up a group? Or at least have been on the site since you know that is an option! 
October weight loss challenge! woohoo!
Are you kidding me? That dress looks awesome on you! As a matter of fact - I have total dress envy because I LOVE that dress!! Don't worry about fitting into the "bridal mold" I have yet to see a bride, no matter her size, that didn't look FABULOUS on her wedding day.
(((hugs)))
PS - I'm on Weight Watchers and love it!
I just made a page for us! This will be a good way to stay accountable for what we eat and when we workout. I hope we can keep up with it!
First of all............you are not alone!!!!! I had the same feeling that you expressed when I first went to try on dresses. I was crying in the first bridal boutique. but alas, don't worry, you will find a dress that will flatter your body and one that you feel great in! it is your first boutique and fitting~~~!
I think if you are concerned about your arms, perhaps choosing straps or have a little sash or fake fur covering your arms at the reception (not during the ceremony) can help. Also, I ended up with those 'corsetted' type (i'm not very good with wedding gown terminology lol) that can fit any body type is also a good idea - you just need someone REALLY good at adjusting it- it can really flatter your figure, shrink your waist and emphasize curves! my problem was my mom who was there to watch the bridal boutique fasten it for me didn't really pick-up on the technique, so I didn't look as good as I could have. (i rented a new gown, btw! very economic for me,....!) The corset also helps if you lose or gain weight because it's adjustable, and not a 'fitting' nightmare
Another 'sliming' visual trick is having the beading or a belt right under the bust to slim the waist.
Good luck! just know that you are not alone~
Yay! I joined the group! I am going to play around on that site later tonight and check the info out.
Thanks!
Are you set on that princess style? Honestly, I swear by my dress! I felt like a fat cow in everything I tried on, but this Alfred Angelo totally changed my mind! I think every plus sized girl should try this baby on! LOL It's got a bit of a train on the back...I dunno, maybe I'm bias becuz I'm in love. :)
Your "yuck" dress looks really pretty too though! You totally have a waist...and atleast you have boobs!!! I got jipped :/
Thanks, Skyla and Sandiego Ali! I used to do weight watchers too. I lost 40lbs and it was awesome. Over the years it crept back on. But since then, I've joined like 4 more times, and it just doesn't click anymore. I think I'm just not focused.
lovebug, I'm not set on any dress shape at all actually! That was just one they gave me to try on. I always thought I would love a mermaid shape more, but I tried on one there and it wasn't flattering to my non-existent waist--so now I'm not sure. I'm certainly open to trying anything on. I love your dress! It looks fantastic on you and hugs all the right curves!! And I'm SO envious of your arms! They look nice and proportionate! What model name/number is your Alfred Angelo?
I must be almost exactly your size. Here is a picture of me on my wedding day.

I felt like a snowbeast in almost everything I tried on too. I think part of it is wearing head to toe white - and all the expectations that wedding dresses carry. Felt to me like they were preying on every insecurity I had.
And I'm a size 8. :(
You're not big at all, girl! I am sorry you had a not-so-magical experience at your first dress shopping experience but seriously, beauty comes in all sizes and if a salon is so stupid to not make you feel like a princess, they don't deserve your business!!
I know how you feel! I'm full figure and had a not so great experience at DB when it came to trying on dresses my size. They tried to put me in things that looked so bad on me. I think you look great in that pic that you posted! My suggestion is to just keep looking, I found so many other dresses out there that made me feel great.
That dress looks great on you! You're overexaggerating! Dress shopping is HARD. It's so, so hard and so depressing even for the smallest of girls.
Hey - size 6 here. And when I went to David's, all the dresses I loved either came in a size 2 or a size 14. So I ended up trying on the size 2's and felt like a slob all day. Honestly, an ill-fitting white dress is one of the least forgiving things a girl can wear! I mean, white pants - AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Make yourself a plan. Schedule a dress appointment for March 3rd. That gives you one month from today to kick your rear in gear :) And if you don't like what you see March 3, then go to April 3. Just a word of caution, don't put off dress shopping until too late, you don't want to limit your options because you only have 30 or 60 days.
(((((((((HUGS)))))))))
You look great! You've got plenty of time to feel more healthy and then you can ROCK THOSE CURVES!
Thanks again ladies! I'm on a plan and in mission mode. I'm doing eactly what pvaulter said to do! And 2Bride, I envy your shoulders and arms! :)
Thanks again ladies! I'm on a plan and in mission mode. I'm doing eactly what pvaulter said to do! And 2Bride, I envy your shoulders and arms! :)
I am hopping on your October challenge board even though Im getting married in July! I know I'll still have more to lose after the wedding and could use the support! See you there!
I think that dress looks awesome on you!! I think Crebre tried it on too and there was someone else who posted it as well - it's a great dress and really accents curves so well.
If I had the $$$, I would get my thighs & bubble butt lipo'd in a hot second.
I got two lines into this and went back to get MY thread about the exact same thing for you to read so you know you aren't the only one who felt that way :)
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/dress-shopping-leads-to-sad-face
And OMG @daydream - SNOW BEAST! That is flipping awesome!
On my way to join your SparkPeople group now - I'm Oct 22nd :)
I know that shopping from wedding dresses can be frustrating. But when you find the best cut for your body - I promise you, you will fall in love. You will look amazing and it will be wonderful.
Here is a secret: The key to a GREAT shape is your undergarments. I suggest getting a really good corset bra that offers support and tightens you tummy forming a perfectly curved sillhouette. Also, don't limit yourself to only certain designers. You might be surprised to learn that many designers make gowns above the normal size 12. I fell in love with my Jim Hjelm gown and was thrilled to find out that they made it in my size (street size 16).
Keep and open mind.
P.S. I think that dress looks lovely on you :)
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