Wedding Dress Shopping

The next big planning event on the list is my dress shopping.  I have very mixed feelings about this.  As time goes on since we have been engaged, I am getting more and more anxious and excited to go dress shopping.  That being said, I am also really nervous about it.  I will be IN a wedding dress...the only wedding dress I've ever had on is my mom's (and that's not gonna make the cut, sorry mom).  Putting on a dress will make this all so much more real.  In all of my "visions" of my wedding day the strangest thing is that I have never, ever been able to see myself or a dress in them.  I envision the colors and the sites, what I'd want for decor and cake, but I have never been able to put myself in the bridal shoes.  {This has always puzzled/worried me a bit, to be honest.  Like maybe I am not seeing it because I am not supposed to be in that role...}  I think the first store we go to for dress shopping will be in for a emotional bride-to-be!


The other challenge with dress shopping is the where.  I absolutely want my (twin) sister and my mom there - and no one else!  I want the dress to be a surprise for everyone...  The problem with that is that I live in VA and they both live in WI.  So, would it be easier for me (one person) to fly home to shop then either have a dress shipped here for alteration or find it there and order it here?  Or should they (two people) come here so we can shop, order, and have alterations at one store?  Another thought we had was cost.  Things out here have been trending more expensive, so would it be worth my trip to WI to shop and save money?  We decided to call a boutique in WI and in VA and ask the cost of one particular dress, to see if there was a difference in price quote.  There was a difference - $100, cheaper in WI.  That, to me, was not a significant difference, especially when you consider shipping costs.  So, what to do?  I thought about it for a few days and, honestly, was only considering going to WI to make it easier and cheaper for my family.  I decided that this was an important enough decision and part of the wedding that I need to do what I think will be best and easiest for me.  That ended up being shopping here in VA so that when I find my dress, I have a relationship with the staff at the store and, hopefully, I'll get better service.  I can't imagine how irritated the store would have been had I purchased a dress elsewhere and just brought it in for alterations!


So now, what style do I want?!  I think I have an idea, but I want to keep an open mind.  I've watched too much Say Yes to the Dress to go in with one idea.  They always put a girl in a style that she was sure wasn't for her and then - bam! tears and "the feeling".  Below are a few dresses I think are GORGEOUS!  Not sure of the cost, or if I really want any for me, but enjoy!


Alfred Angelo

Mori Lee - Most of my favorites from online shopping have been Mori Lee

David's Bridal  has some pretty dresses...and they are more affordable, but does the quality reflect that?

Not sure of the designer of this one...found it on Google...

Ok, after searching for a few pics to share, I'm really excited to dress shop!  July 10th - 13th (when my family will be out here for shopping) can't come soon enough!