Post # 1
Member
49 posts
Newbee
Hi fellow brides! I’m newly engaged, and already got a lot done (venue, photographer, DJ, dress), and I’m having some remorse over my (perhaps) impulsive choices, not that I don’t like any of them, but because I’m a perfectionist and let’s face it, there is always something better out there. Once my wedding date gets closer, I’m sure that remorse will go away…I hope. The one thing I am not remorseful about is my dress. I fell in love with it the moment the consultant zipped it up.
Going in to my appointment at the boutique, I had a vision in my head – off-the-shoulder neckline with 1/2-3/4 lace sleeves. Sleeves were important to be because I had weight loss surgery last year, and I’m self-conscious about my flabby arms. Well, as it turns out, I felt rather comfortable in strapless gowns, and the moment I put on Casablanca 2201, I knew it was the one.
However, now I’m wondering if I should have sleeves added. I don’t want anything taking away from the dress. Thoughts?
Post # 2
Member
1169 posts
Bumble bee
Personally, I’m not a fan of sleeves added to strapless dresses. They end up looking like after thoughts, or worse, drawing more attention to the arms – which is what they were trying to cover up! I find they just don’t look good, unless they’re part of the actual dress. You knew the dress was the one when you put it on, so don’t stress! It will be even more gorgeous once it’s tailored to you 🙂
Post # 3
Member
302 posts
Helper bee
meghandolores : I was obsessed with the fact that I HAD TO get a dress with sleeves. I would not wear a strapless gown, I refused. Well fast forward through countless shopping trips and trying on over 100 gowns and what did I end up buying? A strapless gown!
Post # 4
Member
329 posts
Helper bee
Dress twins! I bought sleeves but I may not wear them.
There’s a thread about Casablanca 2201 (just google Casablanca 2201 weddingbee and it should pop up) there’s a bee who added bell sleeves.
I’ve found one on Instagram too
Post # 5
Member
49 posts
Newbee
gracendrake : Your dress is actually what brought on this desire for the cap sleeves! It’s beautiful. I love the back. I’m going to keep my dress as is and perhaps find a bolero that will compliment it. My fiance’s aunt is kind enough to let me borrow her ivory mink wrap, so I plan on getting some great photos with that. I’ve come to the conclusion that I love my dress far too much to alter it.
Post # 6
Member
329 posts
Helper bee
meghandolores : aw thank you! I personally don’t even know if I’ll use them as the previous poster said they can look like an after thought.
But im happy there’s another bee on here with this dress! There’s not a lot of us on here! 😊
Post # 7
Member
287 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: November 2015 - Ballroom
I am like you, OP, and at four years post-WLS, I still felt a lack of confidence in showing off my upper arms. I bought a strapless gown because I loved the style and had illusion sleeves added. I disagree with the PP who said that added sleeves end up looking like afterthoughts or draw attention to the arms. I think my seamstress did a flawless job at creating the illusion sleeves – in fact, nobody knew they were added on, and were shocked when I told the friends who commented about my dress. We were able to use tulle and chantilly lace from the dress manufacturer. I know that I would not have been comfortable with a strapless gown. 
Post # 8
Member
49 posts
Newbee
EMDEsq : You made a STUNNING bride!!!
Post # 9
Member
49 posts
Newbee
Post # 10
Member
329 posts
Helper bee
meghandolores : you look beautiful!!
Post # 11
Member
1936 posts
Buzzing bee
What time of year are you getting married?
I was obsessed with sleeves! I just find them so gorgeous, but I got married this summer and it was hot (35 degrees, lol) so sleeves just made no sense for that time of year.
Post # 12
Member
49 posts
Newbee
WesterosBarbie : December 3rd, 2017, so I think sleeves would look beautiful. But I want nothing taking away from my dress, so I’m going to opt for a complimentary bolero to wear for the ceremony.  Either that or my fiancé’a aunt is giving me her ivory mink wrap to wear. Sleeves were my original vision, so it’s kind of hard to let it go! Â
Post # 13
Member
49 posts
Newbee
gracendrake : thank you sooooo much!!!
Post # 14
Member
8589 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
EMDEsq :
Beautiful dress . The sleeves are the nicest I have seen I think and in no way look like an afterthought.
Post # 15
Member
8589 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
meghandolores :
Beautiful dress and you look so happy in it . The bolero, so long as it is not too detailed would be great idea I think, best of both worlds . The mink wrap would probably look wonderful, but , you know , murdered animals ……
ETA, I am very envious of your hair, shall you wear it down?
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