Post # 1
Member
57 posts
Worker bee
The first dress is a Watters gown. As I’m having a religious ceremony I would have to get straps added and a lot of coverage added to the back, which the bridal stylist told me would be very expensive, probably $1500-$2k here in NY if not more, which more than double what I paid for the dress. In person, the bronze lining is very dark and I worry washes me out. But it’s bridal with a long train and fluffy and fun.
The second dress is from etsy. It is perfectly modest, needs hardly any alterations, and is originally what I wanted – simple, a little boho, and cool. But I worry my fiance wont have a reaction and that everyone will be disappointed. I WANT the etsy dress to be the one, but I also don’t want to miss out on the only opportunity to wear a real wedding dress.
Its so hard because I recently moved and don’t have anyone to help me in person 🙁
I also needed to start alterations like yesterday.
First dress is the Watters gown with some of the extra lace tucked in to look like straps. It would look way better professionaly done, obviously. It looks way better without, but again, I would have to add them. Second dress is the etsy one.
Post # 2
Member
349 posts
Helper bee
Defintely the second! That’s very pretty and flattering. It catched my eye more as I find it more appealing. The top one reminds me more of lingerie. Not that it isn’t pretty. Just I think you should go with your first intinct here. Good luck!
Post # 3
Member
1743 posts
Bumble bee
Honestly Haley, I really like the Etsy boho one. There’s just something slightly off about the first one, although it could be the two tacked on sleeves, hopefully a seamstress will be able to make it more seamless.
if you aren’t sure which dress, I’d keep looking. Although, i think your future husband will be wowed by you in either dress so I wouldn’t make that a consideration.
Post # 4
Member
57 posts
Worker bee
Thank you guys! I do love it, maybe I just feel like the Watters one looks more expensive in person? Which is funny since it was less. Here is a photo of the Watters gown without sleeves (it’s also too big for me). I love it way more without, so maybe I need to just get over it since I wouldn’t be able to wear it like that anyway.
I also totally understand the lingere sentiment, especailly since the top is lined in nude. Which actually makes me feel better about not going with it!
Post # 5
Member
685 posts
Busy bee
The second dress looks lovely. I think it suits you and you’ll look like an angel on your wedding day.
Post # 6
Member
1278 posts
Bumble bee
i strongly prefer the etsy dress.
and tbh your fiance is going to be wowed by you, not your dress, so def go with what you love best.
Post # 7
Member
3786 posts
Honey bee
- Wedding: November 2019 - City, State
haleythelady : Hmm I’m going to go against the grain here and say I much prefer the Watters gown. I do think it’s important to shop within your budget and you didnt say if the alterations blow your dress budget but that gown seems much more bridal to me. I also prefer that gown with the lace straps!
Post # 8
Member
169 posts
Blushing bee
Get your dress! If you dont feel like people will be captivated add some nice pieces of jewelry or a floral crown or even just a gorgeous bouquet to accentuate your dress! I love dress #2. Dress #1 is too ordinary. Plus the alterations are not worth it. You can easily buy a bolero to cover up for the ceremony. I say get dress #2 and if you are still unsure, buy a bolero. Still cheaper than the alterations on the dress you dont really love.
Post # 9
Member
2829 posts
Sugar bee
haleythelady : I’ve always loved the Etsy dress bee, it’s stunning. Could you leave the first as it is without alterations and wear it to your reception, and the Etsy dress for your ceremony, since you already have both? No way would I spend that kind of money to alter the Watters, and I like it better strapless anyways.
Post # 10
Member
6318 posts
Bee Keeper
I think you can definitely go with the second dress or keep looking (if you don’t already have both as a PP mentioned). Otherwise, absolutely DO NOT pay more than you paid for the dress to make alterations that you don’t sound happy about.
Post # 11
Member
359 posts
Helper bee
haleythelady : Omg i love them both! With your slender figure pretty much any dress will look awesome on you . I think the 2nd is even more perfect. I go with #2
Post # 12
Member
8916 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
haleythelady : That second one is totally a wedding dress! It looks beautiful on you. If you want to amp up the brideyness, a flower crown with or without a veil, or a sparkly comb or something will do the trick.
Post # 13
Member
11574 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
haleythelady : just FYI, you can get a long-sleeved nude mesh bodysuit to wear under 1, or a topper, for much less than these alterations.
But frankly, The boho dress suits your body better, but the top of it feels a little less than bridal to me. Does that seller have other options?
Have you tried BHLDN? Your body would totally rock a BHLDN dress.
BHLDN topper examples for the Watters dress (you could still have little straps put on to help hike the dress up a bit, with the last 2 you lose the lace of your dress obviously)
:
Post # 14
Member
539 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: May 2020 - Clarksville, VA
The etsy dress is gorgous!
Post # 15
Member
3511 posts
Sugar bee
haleythelady : i prefer the Watters gown. Instead of the extensive alterations that you don’t even want, how about just buying a modest topper? You could wear the topper for the ceremony, but take all your pictures and spend the reception in the gown without adding a whole bunch of lace.
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