Post # 1

Member
385 posts
Helper bee
Before I got engaged, I found a dress online that I loved (dress A), was reasonable, fun,and very "me." After I got engaged, I spent a day shopping with my mom and sister and walked away with another gorgeous dress (dress B). It was one of those "eek" moments when I tried Dress B on. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, and think I look fantastic in it, but I can’t stop thinking about Dress A! I’ve never tried on Dress A, and because it’s online, I’d actually have to order it in order to try it on. I could return it, but hate to go through that hassle, really. (I’m kinda lazy) Our wedding is next spring, casual, and maybe in a garden (TBD). My mom thinks the short dress is pretty but "not a wedding dress." I think it’s super cute, but could get some fabulous accessories with Dress B that wouldn’t work as well with Dress A (b’c it’s got more going on).
Which dress would YOU go with?
Post # 3

Member
2475 posts
Buzzing bee
I like both dresses, but I’m more drawn to the long one. I agree with your mom that it’s more "bride-y". Could you maybe get both dresses and wear the shorter one to your rehearsal dinner? I believe these dresses are both available at Nordstroms… maybe you could call around your local Nordys and see if they have the actual dress for you to try on. Good luck! ๐
Post # 4

Member
26 posts
Newbee
Ha, same thing happened to me… I bought dress A and when it arrived I tried it on for my mom and sister. Walked into the room, and…. dead silence. They had the same reaction: not bridal. Since they were the first ones to see it and the reaction was so not what I was hoping for, I started to second guess my choice. I ended up going to a local dressmaker to have a dress made. I still wonder, though, if I should have just stuck to my guns. I guess I’ll have to wait and see if I love the dress I’m having made as much as I love this one ๐
Post # 5

Member
578 posts
Busy bee
Well. I know one of the bees ordered dress A and didn’t like it on. I can’t remember who and since I also can’t remember where the dress is from I can’t find it sorry. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try it on. Maybe you will like it and it will be the one if not maybe it could be a rehersal dress. Or you could try to send it back. But I love dress B I think it would look amazing in a garden wedding!
Post # 6

Member
1037 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: May 2010 - Carlouel Yacht Club
I like ddubzz’s suggestion of wearing the shorter one to the rehearsal dinner, and the longer one to the wedding! I think that Dress A is fun, but I guess I just think its really casual.
And honestly, if you are ordering through Nordstrom, I would NOT stress about having to possibly return them. They will not give you any hassle or problems whatsoever for returns! Also, a suggestion for you…if you call your nearest Nordy’s and ask if they have it in the store…if they don’t, then sometimes they can just transfer one in for you, and then you can just try it on at the store without making a purchase! Otherwise, I usually have lots of luck with them waiving the shipping cost (if you let the salesperson do the transaction over the phone on their computer, they’ll get the commission for the sale, so they are definitely inclined to do so).
Post # 7

Member
14181 posts
Honey Beekeeper
they’re both adorable and i’d be tempted to get the shorter one in another color, jaybe black? so i coudl wear it over and over.
That being said, i do feel the long one is more "wedding" unless you’re having a casual wedding.
Post # 8

Member
665 posts
Busy bee
I would always vote for a longer gown… b/c its a wedding. Both are kinda trendy… the short one more so than the longer one, which is the second reason why I chose the longer gown.
Post # 9

Member
418 posts
Helper bee
I voted for dress B, because it looks a lot like my wedding dress, which I love! But here’s a solution – wear dress B for the ceremony and change into dress A for the reception! Then you can have both!
Post # 10

Member
150 posts
Blushing bee
I love the short BCBG (I debated it briefly myself!) but I agree that the longer one is more bridal–but not because it’s long rather than short (I’m wearing a tea-length dress) … it just looks so special and flowy. If you find yourself increasingly drawn to the short, though, maybe it’s meant to be. ๐
Post # 11

Member
595 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: October 2009 - Ceremony: The Kraine Theatre, Reception: Midtown Loft & Terrace
I like them both, but you have to keep in mind how different Dress A might look on! I think you should try it on before you make a decision!
Post # 12

Member
175 posts
Blushing bee
I like them both! Can you wear one for the ceremony (B) and one for the reception (A)?
Post # 13

Member
250 posts
Helper bee
They’re both lovely! I agree with Kalibaba – wear both of them!
Post # 14

Member
1044 posts
Bumble bee
I think that the short dress would be great for the rehearsal dinner, but I would prefer the longer dress for the ceremony. Are you getting married by the beach or somewhere more formal because that also makes a difference in what sort of dress you should get as well.
Post # 15

Member
385 posts
Helper bee
Thanks so much for your thoughts – I really appreciate them! And I guess I should have included that they’re both from Nordstroms, by BCBG.
I never thought about wearing one for the Rehearsal Dinner, or maybe for the reception – I’ll have to check the budget again, and see if that’s really a possibility, but oh baby, if it is… ๐ Our wedding will be very casual – we haven’t decided on a venue yet, but we’re wavering between a garden and a restored theater. Both are beautiful, and both would be pretty relaxed affairs – we’re just not formal people. ๐
And I’m so glad to hear that Nordstroms is good to work with. I bought dress B in a BCBG store, and they don’t allow returns, which was a bit of a surprise. But after reading all of your thoughts, I think I’ll probably stick with it – I just needed some reassurance on this! (Psycho bride attacks!)