Dresses and Sizes

Dress Shopping

Last weekend I went out dress shopping! Due to health and location reasons I ended up going with my other half and video call with a friend. My OH was amazing! We agreed I wouldn't tell him which dress I was choosing from where. My friend gave awesome advice and it gave him someone to talk to while I was wrestling my way in and out of dresses.

1st Shop

Would only let me try on 3 dresses! They had a dress minimum and only two in my size and 1 one below. I'm going to say I really liked the last one but I kind of felt like they didn't really care if I found a dress or not. They did recommend I tried their sister store that had more in my size.

2nd shop

Was the above mentioned sister store. However, when we got there they were closed for lunch so instead of waiting the hour my other half wanted to go and said we'd come back. I did talk to the manager and she was super apologetic and explained how she was the only was manning the store. It honestly wasn't a problem and I reassured that we still were interested but the timing wasn't right that day was all.

I was the one that reached out and called the second store, which is how I received all that information. Don't be afraid to call and get info. 

3rd shop

Was the perfect shopping experience!

My OH's favorite dress was at this shop. The customer service was outstanding. I went in this knowing to try everything on even if you think you won't like it so when the sales associate pulled a dress I bypassed because of coloring I said "why not". It turned out to be everyone's favorite. I'm not sold on it and it's price really makes me cringe! But I have time to wait for it to go on sale or out of season and onto clearance. 

Sizing

Yep, I'm going there.

As I mention I am a plus size bride. Street size between 20 to 24.

Now everyone has some theory about bridal sizes but I have come to the conclusion the designers base it on what their prefer small size is and then goes from there.

The first shop I went to I was fitting into 22 and 24 but they wouldn't disclose the brand. 😕

The last dress did teach me a few things. I can't wear Stella York (my ego hurts). Her brand I would require a 28 or 30! She makes some lovely dresses but I cannot go up 6 sizes. Maggie Sorrento I might have to go up to 26 in some dresses (I can handle that).

Rest for the Wicked.

It happened...I got sick.

Not COVID (the fact that this is the first thing I say tells you how the world is), just a common cold. It took over a week to fight it and I now have bronchitis (normal for me). Now everyone can imagine what happens when I go into a place (even in a mask!) and start coughing. 😄

I am better in time to go dress shopping...

This appointment was free since it was booked at the expo (one more reason to go to them). This place wasn't even on my list of places because it DID charge for appointments but now I can see what they have to offer. Fingers crossed they have a good variety in my size to try. 

I have no real idea what kind of dress I want and I haven't looked that much. I am a plus size girl so it's usually harder to find something to try on. The only fully plus size store in Jacksonville, FL has really nice associates but they still won't let you in the store without agreeing to a minimum of $1500. 

I'm starting to wonder if after this I should open a business for brides that bring in $35,000 or less a year. A business that specializes for those brides that can't afford a fancy wedding but want some frills and lace. Put all my research into good use!

January where?

 Has anyone else just have January fly them by? With everything wedding January flew past us and time doesn't seem to be slowing down soon. 

Last weekend we went on some tours and actually found a possibility! It's nice not to mark another venue with red. 

It's a golf club on a river and is only 40 minutes from. It is just inside the reception budget but isn't all inclusive. We have other tours scheduled through March so it's a possibility and not a definite.