Weddingbee boards

Ok Bees. First post and needing some serious help with the issues I am having with my dress. I apologize in advance for how long this is. First, some background:

Last week I went up to NYC with my mother for a few days. When we were planning the trip she asked me what I wanted to do while we were up there. Knowing she is a huge SYTTD fan, I jokingly suggested that we stop by Kleinfelds to try on dresses. Well, no sooner had I said it then she wanted me to get on the phone with them right away to see if they had an appointment. Not to buy anything of course, just to try things on - we didn't expect to find anything there that would be in our budget (less than $1,000) it was really more for the experience.

So off I went to call Kleinfeld. We would be in NYC Monday through Wednesday. Unfortunately, Kleinfeld is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays BUT that particular Tuesday, they were having their Blow Out Sale. No appointments would be given, but each shopper would receive a number and be called into the store to try on last seasons discounted samples.

My Mom freaked! She loved the idea of going to the sample sale - loved the idea of standing outside the store with the crowd in NYC and generally just flipped over the idea of the whole Kleinfeld Blow Out Experience.

So fast forward to that Tuesday, we got a number - we stand outside and a few hours later our number gets called and we get to go in. I have to say, it was a fun experience. Since we were well into the higher numbers (150s) we weren't with all the super serious brides that were on a mission to get THAT dress and would elbow you in the face for it if they had to. It was relaxed and we had time to browse without feeling like we were being herded like cattle.

We casually walked around and found some dresses to try on. My consultant (Paula) was the absolute best! She helped me in and out of the dresses I had chosen, but none of them were better than the one I had found previously (at another shop) and thought I would order later if I couldn't find anything else I liked better (the Maggie Sottero Cleo).

The last dress I tried on was what I called the "Wild Card." It was a ball gown that my mother had picked out. I immediately vetoed it because it was a ball gown and had flowers on it, but my mom insisted that I at least put it on because I had not tried on a ball gown at all during my 3x dress-hunting. I agreed.

I tried on the dress and it is figure flattering and fun and young and has POCKETS! It was just a fun dress. My mom loved it, once the veil was on, she started crying. She just loved it on me and loves everything about it. I never had the "OMG" moment but I do think it is a nice dress. It's a Maggie, so it's well made and beautiful. . .

If you've made it this far - I'm sure you know what happens - I bought the dress. It was in the higher end of my budget. I know I would not have been able to purchase it had it not been for the sale. But now I'm freaking out because I feel like the dress isn't ME. It's not what I originally envisioned. It's much much much more elaborate than the Cleo and more busy. But I do feel like it's younger and more figure flattering than the Cleo.

Another issue I have is that my wedding is in downtown Philadelphia. In a loft-ish space (Front & Palmer for anyone familiar). It's going to be black-tie optional, so I am not concerned that it is too formal - just that it won't go with the space. . . I feel like it isn’t modern enough. . .

I just don't know. . . part of me thinks that I feel this way because I bought it under pressure and there are no returns so I can't undo it. The other part of me thinks that I feel this way because it really doesn't go - or look good - and people will think "what the hell was she thinking!?"

I cannot sell this dress. In addition to not having the budget for another one - the story that comes with it is just too cute - my mother has been telling everyone about how the Blow Out Sale just happened to coincide with our trip and loves to tell everyone how we had to travel back home on the train with this 300 pound wedding dress during rush hour. And to top it all off, it came from Kleinfeld - a fact that she loves telling all of her friends.

I attached a picture for you. It's the Maggie Sottero Merielle. Pardon the picture - they don't allow photos at Kleinfeld and I had to have my mother take the picture back at the hotel room - so I am standing on the bed which of course makes the dress look like it is 3 feet too long on me (and much more poofy). (maybe taking out some of the crinoline will help it lay flatter once it is hemmed?)

I just don't know what to do/think. Has anyone else been in a position like this?? Has anyone else felt like their dress didn't "go" with their venue only to feel like they were being silly later on??

Oh my gosh ladies. Thank you SO much for all the nice comments. I knew that I could find support on here :)

@Bearlove: I love that you've been to wedding at F&P. How was it?? I qam relieved to hear you say you think it will go with the space nicely!!

@Mkim: it seems like we had identical dress buying experiences!! I think its difficult to go shopping during sales because you keep thinking - what if I pass it up and can't find another one like it and then I blew it because I can't get it at that price anymore!! The pressure is just so great as it is because its WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING and the sale creates even more pressure to get it right.

@ Miss Aardvark: You are totally right. This is my chance to wear a once-in-a-lifetime dress. I need to start thinking about it that way. It should make a statement, not fade into the background. I loved the Cleo and its architecture, but it just didn't have that "oomph" factor. I think that as a more shy bride I was happy just going with something that looked nice but wasn't too loud. This is just totally on the opposite end of the spectrum. Thank you for your comments!!!

@Andilene: Thank you so much, you're a sweetheart! I haven't seen any other brides posting photos of the Merielle - I wonder if there are any others there?!? I scoured the boards looking for photos of other brides in it (perhaps I should make a new post asking for pictures?)

I never thought I'd get married, much less wear a huge ballgown - so it's been a lot to take in, I think I'm just overwhelmed - but us girls have to trust our Mommas right?! That's what they're there for :)

I love how unique is your dress I love the material and how flattering is on you. but you are the one that has to love it so if you dont get a different one i think

Oh wow! I've been away for a while and didn't realize there were sit bees leaving comments!!

Thank you so much for all of the extremely nice comments! It has been super encouraging to hear feedback from people other than my mother :) I really am excited about the dress and can't wait to take it to my seamstress to get it hemmed and bustled. I think once it is the appropriate length it'll look even better. I'll be sure to post an updated picture when it's all said and done - I still haven't seen any other real life brides in the Merielle - any out there!?

@MrsB2012: accessorizing is going to be fun! I was thinking a double veil . . something dramatic, definitely. And for jewlery, no necklace, but dramatic earrings? . . I pinned a fun pair on my Pinterest board (username! purplejello)

i LOVE this dress! I bought it in October for my July Wedding. There is a matching veil to it, which is SO gorgous! You should get it too! you can see it on the maggie site: http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?keywordText=merielle&keywordType=any&page=0&pageSize=15&style=R1128V

what shade of white is your gown?

Love it!  Plus it's a wonderful story!

Thanks ladies!

@TripleDiamond: The dress color is alabaster.