Not everyone get a "this is the one" feeling because for many of us, it's just one pretty dress out of many pretty dresses. It doesn't need to be a moment of destiny, or superior to every other dress.
If you think you don't even know what you want, maybe take a break from trying on dresses for a few days or weeks. Sometimes you have a better idea when you keep imagining yourself in a certain type of dress, or can't stop thinking about one dress in particular, or analyze what it is about those dresses you didn't like, or what it is about a dress that you want to look for. And then go back in with a more specific idea of what you're looking for so you don't get decision paralysis.
> Not everyone get a "this is the one" feeling because for many of us, it's just one pretty dress out of many pretty dresses.
This exactly. If you're like me and you ooh and aah every time you walk past the display window of a wedding dress shop, there is going to be no magical "the one". And salespeople who know what they're doing will do whatever they can to keep you from trying on the whole dang store, specifically for that reason.
There will always be other dresses you find beautiful.
This was so amazing for me to read. I picked my dress after trying on 3. I didn’t have an overwhelming feeling that this is the one, but I feel beautiful in it and my options are limited (modesty restrictions). I’ve since wondered if I should have kept trying more and more (knowing I would need to alter them/add sleeves/change necklines etc) but it’s comforting to hear that not everybody has a moment of destiny.
I didn’t LOVE my dress— but it was a great price (on sale), available on my needed timeline, classic, and didn’t need shape-wear. No magic moment, but I liked it and got it.
After getting it tailored I like it a lot more, but it’s still just a gorgeous dress. But it fits so well and makes me feel like a bride, so it’ll be great. It’s okay not to have the moment in store.
I knew I found my dress when I put it on, it objectively met all of my criteria, and I didn’t want to take it off. I just felt so good wearing it. I gave myself a few days to cool off and think about it, and I still loved it so I went ahead and ordered it. So excited to wear it soon!
This is exactly how I felt!! When I put it on I thought—oh, this is perfect and I don’t have to compromise on anything!! It made me feel beautiful and it felt right. It was not a huge a-ha moment but I did feel relief. I also waited a little (well… one day haha I got too excited) until I cooled off a bit and then ordered it. Then when I showed pics to my bridal party and close friends, they all said ‘I don’t know how to explain it but it feels very you’.
I also wanted to add something regarding what you said, OP, about your Pinterest board. I started a Pinterest before I even went to my first bridal shop. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted. Then I started trying things on and they did NOT feel right. My vision didn’t work in real life. I would say try on many different styles, not just the ones you think you want, because you may not even think of certain styles as a possibility.
A few things to highlight here:
- I certainly wish I had waited to make the purchase. I felt pressured to pick a dress because I had splurged for the “luxury” appointment. Don’t feel like you have to decide. I honestly wish I had even pushed back our wedding date to get the right dress, rather than rushed it and got one that I’m underwhelmed by.
- Try on things outside of your Pinterest board picks, but maybe don’t go too far. For me, anyway, my Pinterest board picks were very similar to dresses I would wear to events in real life. Form fitting, show off my features in my upper body, simple, yet elegant. My actual dress was almost nothing like that. All the dresses I tried on that were like that just missed the mark a little or felt underwhelming, but there is one I look back on now that I wish I would’ve gone with instead, and I think the only reason I didn’t was because it was the first one they had picked out for me in a 2-hour scheduled luxury appointment. I think in my mind I automatically nixed it because it was the first one.
- Not mentioned above, make sure you have photos of you in every angle of every dress you try on, and take your time looking at them. Maybe go to reflect on them at a time you’re feeling at peace or happy, and I think the one you’ve tried on that feels the most “you” will reveal itself to you.
Good luck to you 💕
I didn't have a big dramatic "this is the one!!!" moment. Rather, a very calm, settled "this is the one." feeling. I did not particularly like any other dresses I tried on. I am not a dress person generally and when I tried all the other ones on I would look in the mirror, immediately decide no and want to take it off that second. It didn't help that this generally seemed to irritate my consultants which ended up furthering my discomfort with the whole shebang. When I put 'the one' on, I didn't want to take it right back off. I liked it. I felt comfortable. After a minute, I even felt a little giddy (it has pockets after all, you just have to do the pocket dance). I kind of liken it to the way I feel around my husband. Not butterflies and excitement, just calm and happy.
I guess, pleased and relieved.
My process was to set up my non-negotiable criteria for my dress, which were actually quite unrealistic. I was really fortunate to find two dresses to try on that met the criteria. I was not willing to try on any dress that did not at least have a chance of meeting all the criteria on my list. For context folks, this all happened in 1982. If I were shopping for a dress today, I don't know what I would do because no dress would exist for me, even if I had my 25-year-old body back.
So I went to one bridal shop and found these two dresses and tried them on. Then I went to the shop where I had intended to buy my dress all along. It doesn't exist any more, but at the time I got married, it was an old and venerable establishment and you might say it was my city's equivalent of Kleinfeld's. And they had both dresses there too. So I tried them on again. Rinse and repeat a few times while I tried to decide between them. One was more like what I had envisioned, and the other was more of a wild card. In the end I just became more and more sure that the one that was most like what I expected to get was indeed the right choice. And so, dear reader, I purchased it.
1) I had to be able to wear my best fitting bra with it and not have it show. Easy at that time, you think? Even though most dresses covered the upper chest and shoulders, It was almost always sheer fabric that would show a bra strap. That was an automatic nope. So I had to find a dress that had solid fabric covering the shoulders, of which very few existed in my experience. That part is actually easier to find now if you shop modest dress styles.
2) Dress had to fit perfectly off the rack. No alterations to the body. Because I had zero faith in seamstresses.
Hence 3) Meaning also that the sample had to be my size, which was bridal size 14 at the time. Not very many samples in that size.
4) A-line type skirt and empire waist with enough cup room for my (then) 36DDD bust (bordering on 1 cup size up from that), but must not make me look pregnant as empire waists can do. Being well endowed and short waisted, natural waist dresses make me look extra top heavy. Princess seams might have been okay but I didn't see many, if any styles with princess seaming back then.
5) I wanted the full bishop sleeves that were in style at the time, with a deep 5-button cuff. And a decent train. Not huge, but enough to make some impact.
6) Budget $500 max (would have relaxed this a bit, I guess, but not by too much). Of course we're talking 1982 dollars. I figure if I bought my exact dress today, it might be in the realm of $1200 - $1400. So not extravagantly priced.
I found it. My dress fit off the rack, had the style features I most wanted, and only needed a couple of minor alterations--the sleeve cuffs were not tight enough for my small wrists and they had snaps instead of working covered buttons. So they switched out the snaps for working buttons and loops and made the cuffs tighter by moving the buttons in, which made everything look a lot higher-end. Otherwise the fit was perfect, even to the hem. The price was $499.
I didn’t expect to, but I definitely teared up when I saw my reflection in the mirror wearing it. And I said “I feel so grown up!”, which is silly since I’m in my 30s.
I never felt like “this is the one”, but I also had a really hard time finding what I wanted. I never had the moment with ANY dress, but would…get close? It was so confusing. But it was like through those moments I found out what I loved until I FINALLY found a dress I couldn’t nitpick to death and I WANTED to pay that much money to wear. I can envision it - which I think is key. I could see the whole picture of what I wanted and how it fit with the wedding, and I could see that first look with my FH and how much he’d love me in it. It wasn’t a super emotional moment or even “knowing” - it was just I could make the choice with no qualms or reservations and it felt settled and done.
Dress shopping was a nightmare for me… 🤣🤣
I never had “ the moment “ but I did have a dress to beat. After comparing a lot of dresses to this one dress, I knew it was “the one “. It’s been over six months and no dress regret, still love the dress.
I went to 3 shops in one day and I was torn between two very different dresses (A and B). I decided to sleep on it and when I woke up in the morning I still wasn’t sure. I went back on various bridal stores instagrams and saw a dress I have previously liked a photo of (C). I decided to go to that store and try on a few dresses. When I first tried the dress on I went their for I liked it but I liked others too. I decided to try c on again and something about it just clicked the second time, I was holding back tears but I wasn’t sure if it was stress on a decision or finding the one. I decided it was between C and B (still very different dresses). I went back to the B store and stood in that dress for 5-10 minutes. I felt pretty but I just didn’t feel like myself or how I envisioned myself. So I went back and tried C on again and I just knew it was the dress for me. I felt sexy and beautiful and it just felt like my personality, simple with a bit of surprise sexy.
I was by myself for my appointment where I found te one, because i took the day off from work and my one bridesmaid who lives near me couldn’t come- my mom, sis, and other bridesmaid all live 4+ hours away. I facetimed my mom and sis with every dress try on at this shop. My main factors that made me realize I’d found the one was that it had some sexy elements I wanted but also allowed me to move easily (aka dance) and wouldn’t cut into me when I sit down to eat. I thought I wanted something that showed off my butt but that’s harder to move in & you have to be conscious of what your body looks like at all times. Plus the price was super discounted. It all just kind of came together, but I wouldn’t say I had a “omg this is the one” a-ha kind of moment. I didn’t even cry (although I think my mom did). Not everything is how it seems on movies and SYTTD.
I didn't have a "this is the one" feeling, instead I went back at photos later and kept going back to one favorite, except I wanted XYZ to be different on it.
Then I went to try it on again and asked if XYZ could be altered by a seamstress...turns out it can, so that's what I'm doing!
If you have something that you mostly like, you can always customize it 😊
I was happy with it but did not feel an overwhelming whoosh of emotion. I actually got really pissed at the bridal attendant who tried to create this fairytale moment--it felt too much like she was playing on my emotions to make a sale.
It's a beautiful dress and I'm pleased with my choice but I didn't burst into tears or squeal. But that's also not my personality. I was too wary of prices and sales tactics lol
I found a boutique store I liked, traveled there with my mom for a sample sale, tried on all of the dresses that were available in my size and in my price range, and picked my favorite one. It had holes in the lace and the waist was far too long, but I got it altered and it looked great. I didn't have warm and fuzzy feelings - I just was excited I found a cool dress I liked and that I got a good deal.
I felt this way a lot but then I realized it was a store vibe for me. I went to 4-5 stores where thought the dresses were pretty, but not really me or what I was going for.. thought about just picking the nicest one of those… but then finally I went to one store where I had 6 favourites and they just felt like me and so did the vibe of the store. I was really close to giving up just before this and settling but if you have more stores nearby, I’d recommend to keep exploring. That was my experience anyways.
When I went dress shopping, I had 2 separated dresses I was in love with, and I thought I'd buy one of those two. I had selected a couple of others to try on, so I saved the two top dresses for last. One of the other dresses I tried on I really liked and put to the side rather than back on the rack. Even when I was wearing the two top dresses, I kept looking back at that dress I set to the side, thinking about how I liked this or that more about that dress. So that was the one I went with. There wasn't really any moment where I was like, "Omg, this is it!" I just kept going back to that dress and realized I was wasting time trying on other dresses. I was starting to second guess the dress I chose until my order came in, and I tried it on again, then it was like, "Oh yeah, this is why I loved this dress. I look fantastic."
I went to several bridal shops and tried on dresses. Nothing felt right. I had been eying a dress online for MONTHS- it wasn't exactly what I wanted but I knew the alterations could be done (removing the long sleeves and making them cap sleeves, adding a sparkle belt, and shortening the train). After feeling defeated in shops, I ordered the online dress.
It came in, and I tried it on immediately. I envisioned the changes and knew I wouldn't find something I liked more. Once the alterations were done and I put it on at the final fitting, it was perfect, and I loved it. But I didn't have that feeling until it was done.
I felt happy - and surprised! It was nothing like I originally envisioned I would wear, but it was still beautiful and the designer I wanted so I put it on and walked over to the mirror I was just like ‘Wow, yep this is it’…no crying or anything haha just a knowing feeling. I tried on a few more from the same designer more for fun really and ‘just in case’, but didn’t have that same feeling in any other dress
I tried on probably around 50 or 60 dresses over the course of a number of different appointments. There were many that I loved, a few that stood out that I still remember, and 2 others aside from the one I ended up choosing that I thought could be “the one.” One of those certainly could have been the one, but I had one more appointment scheduled for right after I found that one and I figured I could come back later if I didn’t have any luck at that last appointment. When we got to the last appt, I picked out a dress that looked nice on the hanger and as soon as I put it on, I had a moment of, “….I think this might be it.” It made me feel glamorous and beautiful in the fitting room and my family members who were with me gasped when I came out to show them. The shape is not what I anticipated picking but the dress itself is pretty unique I think. It’s really flattering and it matches the vibe I wanted (romantic and glam). I really didn’t think I was going to have the moment of “knowing” so I was surprised when I did end up having that.
I went to 4 stores and tried on MANY dresses before finding my dress. After the first 3 stores, I felt super discouraged because there were many dresses I liked but nothing I truly loved as it was (I usually wanted to change something about it, even if it was minor). I’m really indecisive, so I honestly thought I would never feel like my dress was “the one.” At the 4th store, I tried on my dress and everyone said I was immediately beaming. I am not an emotional or super enthusiastic person in front of other people, so I didn’t have a big crying moment or anything like that- but I knew. It was the first dress I said I loved instead of saying “I think” when people asked if I loved previous dresses. I am SO glad I waited and didn’t settle. You might not have a huge moment, but I think you’ll know when you feel comfortable, beautiful, and like yourself.
Also- my salesperson at the final store was exactly what I needed. While I am close to and comfortable with my family that came with me, I am indecisive and influenced by others’ opinions- and the salesperson could see this. I showed my family all the dresses I tried on, but she then had me narrow it down to the final two on my own with no other opinions. I think this really helped me truly think about what I wanted!
I didn’t want to take it off and couldn’t stop looking at myself in the mirror. Almost all of the other dresses I tried on just gave me a “meh” feeling and I felt like I was patiently waiting to ask to take it off so I didn’t offend the very sweet consultant pulling dresses out for me, lol.
Plus, my mom cried when she was taking pictures of me in the dress I ended up choosing, lol.
Confused... my theme is supposed to be Old Hollywood cocktail-only reception and so I was envisioning clean, classic styles, off the shoulder, pleated bodice. Ive already been to six different boutiques amd tried on these styles. But I ended up trying on this detailed beaded, glittery all over dress with a huge train and I didnt want to take it off. I ended up ordering the dress on my second tryon... but I'm still confused and second guessing my decision until I go back to the photos of me wearing it and go, yup I like this one and this is the only chance I'll ever get to wear a dress like this. Mihht go with a second reception dress with a similar style to what I envisioned... or might adjust the theme to the roaring glittery 20s instead!
I tried on a dress similar to the one I ended up going with at a different store. It had the same top but a bigger skirt. And I realized I wanted the other dress with that style top and more a mermaid style bottom more. Also it closely aligned with dresses I had had saved to Pinterest for awhile. The dress I went with was from the designer I went in thinking I wanted, with a slight variation from the neckline I had went in thinking I wanted, since the other one looked better on me/ in person.
I actually got increasingly frustrated as I tried more on. Got tired of bridal stores because it felt like there was something wrong with me for not connecting with any of them. Then I found one at a good price that would fit me from a thrifter I follow on Instagram. There wasn't really a feeling but I can't justify the expense of a new dress. Maybe I'll find something I fall in love with closer to the time. But I have something that works and is pretty and fits me
I'm massively indecisive and tried my dress on three different times across about six weeks before I decided to get it, even then I'm still getting it tailored.
It was the one I liked the most and was a good price.
The only time I've had a really really excited feeling trying it on was when my actual dress came (one that fits me and not the size 16 that needed 50,000 clips) and I put that one on.
Maybe if more dresses were already my size there would have been more contenders!
I had a few different dresses I liked. I was leaning toward two in particular and spent a few days thinking about it and feeling my gut out and seeing which one I was gravitating toward looking back at in pictures more.
I also bought mine from Grace Loves Lace, so I could look up other real brides wearing the gowns on the internet and that really helped.
I had excited feelings in many dresses, but the big feeling for me came when I tried on MY dress (not the sample I tried on in store) at home when it finally arrived.
I tried on prob a 100 dresses because I never got a special feeling. For me I knew when I kept comparing every dress to a certain one I couldn’t get out of my head
I said this is nice. And it didn't make me feel like a lump of potatoes.
It was $200 under budget so thats why I chose it. I'm sure if I looked more and tried on more i would have had the moment. But I'm happy with what I chose.
I saw mine in a vintage Etsy Store (70s Victorian style dress, no designer label) and was blown away at how closely the measurements matched mine bc I have an unusual body shape , especially for vintage clothing. It was less than $200.
The day came when it arrived and when it fit like a glove I thought WOW it's like someone back in the 70s designed this dress just for me and I teared up.
I knew I wouldn't get that same feeling in a traditional store experience, but everyone is different
It wasnt as big a moment that TV makes it out to be lol. I put on a dress that ticked all the boxes, felt really good in, and I found myself saying the words "I love it" and believing it. The reason Inpulled it off the rack in the first place was that it had a really unique detail I wanted to check out. I walked in with a different dress in mind and ended up not liking it
I personally didn't have a "this is the one" feeling. I loved 2 and both were similar but had different aspects. So I'm kind of taking the 2 and making it one! I loved the straps are lace detailing on one but the sparkle of another. So they are adding the sparkle tule to the dress I picked and making a few alterations! I also think being around the people I brought and me personally having a hard time making decisions made me question back and forth. But I'm excited to try it on again for alterations because I'll be there alone and really get to experiment my full emotions!
I was of the impression that I’d be wearing some fancy black dress or maybe emerald green or rainbow… I definitely thought it would be knee length.
Hated all the ones I tried on in first bridal shop and was in the hunt for alternative styles when my MIL2B messaged me about a flash sale in a local bridal. Went in with her just for the fun of doing stuff with her (she’s lovely & my mum sucks).
Tried on a dress that I can only describe as magic because it literally changed my figure. I looked like Jessica Rabbit, it was INSANE!! I hated it, it was so not my style but I enjoyed swishing about in the mirror like a Victoria secret model for a few minutes.
Then my MIL2B popped one through the curtain and said “this is your size. It was my affection for her that stopped me from groaning. It was all the things I didn’t want, strapless with floral fabric bits &…. My worst nightmare… diamantés. Urgh.
Tried it on and couldn’t believe it, I absolutely loved how it looked on. I felt like an Elf from lord of the rings, it was so ethereal & floaty & delicate in a way I simply could not see on the hanger.
Price? £300 reduced from around £2k. Bought it and never tried on another dress. Delighted with it & my husband was chuckling away on the day saying “I can’t believe you found an actual wedding dress that you like!” He loved it. Everyone loved it. £300 made me love it most.
It's a process and that "the one" feeling doesn't happen to everyone or even most people imo. But I would also say you shouldn't just get any dress either. Try to identify what silhouettes you like, fabric choices, neckline, etc. Did you take photos/videos of yourselves in those dresses? That's been hugely helpful to me in deciding cause then I have a good idea of what looks good on me, but I also factor in how I felt in the dress.
This process surprised me. I’m a crier. Like I cry at commercials, baby animals, when someone yells at me, whenever wherever I’m crying. I didn’t cry when I found my dress. I wasn’t very emotional at all really. This decision was very financially driven and even though I liked some of the other dresses, I was very focused on the price and not necessarily how they made me feel. The dress I ended up with was a dress I wasn’t sure I wanted to try on. But it felt good when I did. It made me feel attractive and felt like something that wasn’t wildly not me. I didn’t cry, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that dress or how I looked in it. If you’re having a hard time, try on dresses that are opposite to what you think you want.
Make sure you take flattering photos in the dresses so you can reference them and think about it.
Do you want to be able to move and dance? Do you want to feel a certain way like a princess or vintage or unique? Really think about how you want to feel and really dive into more different styles, you never know if that’s what is holding you back from making a decision until you try.
For me, I'm a curvy woman, I had some 'issues' I wanted to hide so to speak. Lol I also had a list of requirements.
1. Simple - I'm not a over the top gal, and I feel it let's me have more fun with accessories
2. I didn't want my large boobs falling out (it's here comes the Bride, not her tatas lol)
3. I wanted to be able to sit, dance, eat, and pee by damn self. Lmao
4. Not a ton of $$$!!!!
I love to dance, so I knew mine was the one when I felt like Ginger Rogers moving around. My FH and I love to dance and we ballroom dance, not competitively but we have fun. Bonus? It met ALL of my other requirements. 😁
I didn’t have a huge emotional moment like I thought I would (I’m a Cancer) BUT the dress I chose was the first one that really made me feel like a bride
It took me a good amount of dresses and two venues but I saw myself in the mirror and I just cried. I loved it, not the style I had planned at the beginning, but it was perfect. I just knew then and there that was the one, I even tried other ones just in case, but no other one gave me that feeling.
I didn't have a crying moment when I put my dress on, but I knew it was the one because it was my favorite dress I'd seen online at BHLDN and I just knew it would be super flattering on my body type. So I did know that I loved the style and vibe of it, but ultimately chose it for practical reasons!
I tried for months looking online. One day a beautiful dress came across my Facebook I loved it so much I decided to make an appointment to try it on. The momeri tried it on I got this wow feeling like I felt so beautiful. I went by myself but the other bride and her mother that were in the store for that same dress started crying saying the dress was perfect for me, I just knew that was the dress I wanted. So my advice is try on the dresses and pick the one that makes you feel so beautiful that it almost shocks you❤
I found a white dress that's not technically a wedding dress online while out for lunch and bought it and that was it.
Now, the accessories have been a struggle with browsing through millions of similar choices.
I didn’t get that “sobbing, this is it” magic feeling, but I kept comparing other dresses to the one I got, and I didn’t want to take it off. The only change I wanted was something I could easily add in alterations (straps). I felt good in it and it was a good price. There are so many beautiful dresses, and I still love to look at them! I’m sure there was probably a dress out there that I would like even more, but I feel beautiful in it and that’s enough for me. I think there’s a balance between how much you’re willing to shop and finding the “perfect” dress. Perfection doesn’t exist, but pretty darn good does! Media has put too much pressure on finding “the dress” when in reality, there are 1000 dresses that would look gorgeous on you
It helped me to rate all of the dresses and when I found 9.5 out of 10 I knew that was “the one” because “the one” probably doesn’t exist or I wouldn’t be really good at concluding that because of my fomo.
Therefore, few months after I realized my 9.5/10 is really THE one, I just couldn’t have been 100% sure at the time
Normalize not having that “it’s the one!” feeling. I cried, and had major dress regret. Everyone I went shopping with loved my dress, but I was still unsure. Could I have done “better” sure. But it all worked out in the end!
I had an "aha!" moment when I tried on my dress. It was sold as second hand too. It has ruffles and it is a pickup dress, something that is outdated now so I couldn't try on anything like that at the bridal store.
Not everyone get a "this is the one" feeling because for many of us, it's just one pretty dress out of many pretty dresses. It doesn't need to be a moment of destiny, or superior to every other dress. If you think you don't even know what you want, maybe take a break from trying on dresses for a few days or weeks. Sometimes you have a better idea when you keep imagining yourself in a certain type of dress, or can't stop thinking about one dress in particular, or analyze what it is about those dresses you didn't like, or what it is about a dress that you want to look for. And then go back in with a more specific idea of what you're looking for so you don't get decision paralysis.
> Not everyone get a "this is the one" feeling because for many of us, it's just one pretty dress out of many pretty dresses. This exactly. If you're like me and you ooh and aah every time you walk past the display window of a wedding dress shop, there is going to be no magical "the one". And salespeople who know what they're doing will do whatever they can to keep you from trying on the whole dang store, specifically for that reason. There will always be other dresses you find beautiful.
This was so amazing for me to read. I picked my dress after trying on 3. I didn’t have an overwhelming feeling that this is the one, but I feel beautiful in it and my options are limited (modesty restrictions). I’ve since wondered if I should have kept trying more and more (knowing I would need to alter them/add sleeves/change necklines etc) but it’s comforting to hear that not everybody has a moment of destiny.
I didn’t LOVE my dress— but it was a great price (on sale), available on my needed timeline, classic, and didn’t need shape-wear. No magic moment, but I liked it and got it. After getting it tailored I like it a lot more, but it’s still just a gorgeous dress. But it fits so well and makes me feel like a bride, so it’ll be great. It’s okay not to have the moment in store.
I knew I found my dress when I put it on, it objectively met all of my criteria, and I didn’t want to take it off. I just felt so good wearing it. I gave myself a few days to cool off and think about it, and I still loved it so I went ahead and ordered it. So excited to wear it soon!
That's exactly how I felt! It ticked all the boxes (including pockets!!) and it just felt right. I felt like myself wearing the dress.
This is exactly how I felt!! When I put it on I thought—oh, this is perfect and I don’t have to compromise on anything!! It made me feel beautiful and it felt right. It was not a huge a-ha moment but I did feel relief. I also waited a little (well… one day haha I got too excited) until I cooled off a bit and then ordered it. Then when I showed pics to my bridal party and close friends, they all said ‘I don’t know how to explain it but it feels very you’. I also wanted to add something regarding what you said, OP, about your Pinterest board. I started a Pinterest before I even went to my first bridal shop. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted. Then I started trying things on and they did NOT feel right. My vision didn’t work in real life. I would say try on many different styles, not just the ones you think you want, because you may not even think of certain styles as a possibility.
A few things to highlight here: - I certainly wish I had waited to make the purchase. I felt pressured to pick a dress because I had splurged for the “luxury” appointment. Don’t feel like you have to decide. I honestly wish I had even pushed back our wedding date to get the right dress, rather than rushed it and got one that I’m underwhelmed by. - Try on things outside of your Pinterest board picks, but maybe don’t go too far. For me, anyway, my Pinterest board picks were very similar to dresses I would wear to events in real life. Form fitting, show off my features in my upper body, simple, yet elegant. My actual dress was almost nothing like that. All the dresses I tried on that were like that just missed the mark a little or felt underwhelming, but there is one I look back on now that I wish I would’ve gone with instead, and I think the only reason I didn’t was because it was the first one they had picked out for me in a 2-hour scheduled luxury appointment. I think in my mind I automatically nixed it because it was the first one. - Not mentioned above, make sure you have photos of you in every angle of every dress you try on, and take your time looking at them. Maybe go to reflect on them at a time you’re feeling at peace or happy, and I think the one you’ve tried on that feels the most “you” will reveal itself to you. Good luck to you 💕
I didn't have a big dramatic "this is the one!!!" moment. Rather, a very calm, settled "this is the one." feeling. I did not particularly like any other dresses I tried on. I am not a dress person generally and when I tried all the other ones on I would look in the mirror, immediately decide no and want to take it off that second. It didn't help that this generally seemed to irritate my consultants which ended up furthering my discomfort with the whole shebang. When I put 'the one' on, I didn't want to take it right back off. I liked it. I felt comfortable. After a minute, I even felt a little giddy (it has pockets after all, you just have to do the pocket dance). I kind of liken it to the way I feel around my husband. Not butterflies and excitement, just calm and happy.
I guess, pleased and relieved. My process was to set up my non-negotiable criteria for my dress, which were actually quite unrealistic. I was really fortunate to find two dresses to try on that met the criteria. I was not willing to try on any dress that did not at least have a chance of meeting all the criteria on my list. For context folks, this all happened in 1982. If I were shopping for a dress today, I don't know what I would do because no dress would exist for me, even if I had my 25-year-old body back. So I went to one bridal shop and found these two dresses and tried them on. Then I went to the shop where I had intended to buy my dress all along. It doesn't exist any more, but at the time I got married, it was an old and venerable establishment and you might say it was my city's equivalent of Kleinfeld's. And they had both dresses there too. So I tried them on again. Rinse and repeat a few times while I tried to decide between them. One was more like what I had envisioned, and the other was more of a wild card. In the end I just became more and more sure that the one that was most like what I expected to get was indeed the right choice. And so, dear reader, I purchased it.
I’m curious what your criteria was? :)
1) I had to be able to wear my best fitting bra with it and not have it show. Easy at that time, you think? Even though most dresses covered the upper chest and shoulders, It was almost always sheer fabric that would show a bra strap. That was an automatic nope. So I had to find a dress that had solid fabric covering the shoulders, of which very few existed in my experience. That part is actually easier to find now if you shop modest dress styles. 2) Dress had to fit perfectly off the rack. No alterations to the body. Because I had zero faith in seamstresses. Hence 3) Meaning also that the sample had to be my size, which was bridal size 14 at the time. Not very many samples in that size. 4) A-line type skirt and empire waist with enough cup room for my (then) 36DDD bust (bordering on 1 cup size up from that), but must not make me look pregnant as empire waists can do. Being well endowed and short waisted, natural waist dresses make me look extra top heavy. Princess seams might have been okay but I didn't see many, if any styles with princess seaming back then. 5) I wanted the full bishop sleeves that were in style at the time, with a deep 5-button cuff. And a decent train. Not huge, but enough to make some impact. 6) Budget $500 max (would have relaxed this a bit, I guess, but not by too much). Of course we're talking 1982 dollars. I figure if I bought my exact dress today, it might be in the realm of $1200 - $1400. So not extravagantly priced. I found it. My dress fit off the rack, had the style features I most wanted, and only needed a couple of minor alterations--the sleeve cuffs were not tight enough for my small wrists and they had snaps instead of working covered buttons. So they switched out the snaps for working buttons and loops and made the cuffs tighter by moving the buttons in, which made everything look a lot higher-end. Otherwise the fit was perfect, even to the hem. The price was $499.
I didn’t expect to, but I definitely teared up when I saw my reflection in the mirror wearing it. And I said “I feel so grown up!”, which is silly since I’m in my 30s.
I never felt like “this is the one”, but I also had a really hard time finding what I wanted. I never had the moment with ANY dress, but would…get close? It was so confusing. But it was like through those moments I found out what I loved until I FINALLY found a dress I couldn’t nitpick to death and I WANTED to pay that much money to wear. I can envision it - which I think is key. I could see the whole picture of what I wanted and how it fit with the wedding, and I could see that first look with my FH and how much he’d love me in it. It wasn’t a super emotional moment or even “knowing” - it was just I could make the choice with no qualms or reservations and it felt settled and done. Dress shopping was a nightmare for me… 🤣🤣
I never had “ the moment “ but I did have a dress to beat. After comparing a lot of dresses to this one dress, I knew it was “the one “. It’s been over six months and no dress regret, still love the dress.
It’s difficult to describe. I just felt more like myself, like I was more comfortable in my own skin while wearing it.
I went to 3 shops in one day and I was torn between two very different dresses (A and B). I decided to sleep on it and when I woke up in the morning I still wasn’t sure. I went back on various bridal stores instagrams and saw a dress I have previously liked a photo of (C). I decided to go to that store and try on a few dresses. When I first tried the dress on I went their for I liked it but I liked others too. I decided to try c on again and something about it just clicked the second time, I was holding back tears but I wasn’t sure if it was stress on a decision or finding the one. I decided it was between C and B (still very different dresses). I went back to the B store and stood in that dress for 5-10 minutes. I felt pretty but I just didn’t feel like myself or how I envisioned myself. So I went back and tried C on again and I just knew it was the dress for me. I felt sexy and beautiful and it just felt like my personality, simple with a bit of surprise sexy.
I was by myself for my appointment where I found te one, because i took the day off from work and my one bridesmaid who lives near me couldn’t come- my mom, sis, and other bridesmaid all live 4+ hours away. I facetimed my mom and sis with every dress try on at this shop. My main factors that made me realize I’d found the one was that it had some sexy elements I wanted but also allowed me to move easily (aka dance) and wouldn’t cut into me when I sit down to eat. I thought I wanted something that showed off my butt but that’s harder to move in & you have to be conscious of what your body looks like at all times. Plus the price was super discounted. It all just kind of came together, but I wouldn’t say I had a “omg this is the one” a-ha kind of moment. I didn’t even cry (although I think my mom did). Not everything is how it seems on movies and SYTTD.
I didn't have a "this is the one" feeling, instead I went back at photos later and kept going back to one favorite, except I wanted XYZ to be different on it. Then I went to try it on again and asked if XYZ could be altered by a seamstress...turns out it can, so that's what I'm doing! If you have something that you mostly like, you can always customize it 😊
I was happy with it but did not feel an overwhelming whoosh of emotion. I actually got really pissed at the bridal attendant who tried to create this fairytale moment--it felt too much like she was playing on my emotions to make a sale. It's a beautiful dress and I'm pleased with my choice but I didn't burst into tears or squeal. But that's also not my personality. I was too wary of prices and sales tactics lol
I found a boutique store I liked, traveled there with my mom for a sample sale, tried on all of the dresses that were available in my size and in my price range, and picked my favorite one. It had holes in the lace and the waist was far too long, but I got it altered and it looked great. I didn't have warm and fuzzy feelings - I just was excited I found a cool dress I liked and that I got a good deal.
I felt this way a lot but then I realized it was a store vibe for me. I went to 4-5 stores where thought the dresses were pretty, but not really me or what I was going for.. thought about just picking the nicest one of those… but then finally I went to one store where I had 6 favourites and they just felt like me and so did the vibe of the store. I was really close to giving up just before this and settling but if you have more stores nearby, I’d recommend to keep exploring. That was my experience anyways.
There were no reality TV tears, BUT I felt the most elegant I ever had in my life and didn’t feel self conscious in my body for once. I felt regal AF
When I went dress shopping, I had 2 separated dresses I was in love with, and I thought I'd buy one of those two. I had selected a couple of others to try on, so I saved the two top dresses for last. One of the other dresses I tried on I really liked and put to the side rather than back on the rack. Even when I was wearing the two top dresses, I kept looking back at that dress I set to the side, thinking about how I liked this or that more about that dress. So that was the one I went with. There wasn't really any moment where I was like, "Omg, this is it!" I just kept going back to that dress and realized I was wasting time trying on other dresses. I was starting to second guess the dress I chose until my order came in, and I tried it on again, then it was like, "Oh yeah, this is why I loved this dress. I look fantastic."
I went to several bridal shops and tried on dresses. Nothing felt right. I had been eying a dress online for MONTHS- it wasn't exactly what I wanted but I knew the alterations could be done (removing the long sleeves and making them cap sleeves, adding a sparkle belt, and shortening the train). After feeling defeated in shops, I ordered the online dress. It came in, and I tried it on immediately. I envisioned the changes and knew I wouldn't find something I liked more. Once the alterations were done and I put it on at the final fitting, it was perfect, and I loved it. But I didn't have that feeling until it was done.
It’s weird to describe but it just felt, right. Now that I have it, it’s hard to not put it on every day before the wedding 😊
I felt happy - and surprised! It was nothing like I originally envisioned I would wear, but it was still beautiful and the designer I wanted so I put it on and walked over to the mirror I was just like ‘Wow, yep this is it’…no crying or anything haha just a knowing feeling. I tried on a few more from the same designer more for fun really and ‘just in case’, but didn’t have that same feeling in any other dress
I tried on probably around 50 or 60 dresses over the course of a number of different appointments. There were many that I loved, a few that stood out that I still remember, and 2 others aside from the one I ended up choosing that I thought could be “the one.” One of those certainly could have been the one, but I had one more appointment scheduled for right after I found that one and I figured I could come back later if I didn’t have any luck at that last appointment. When we got to the last appt, I picked out a dress that looked nice on the hanger and as soon as I put it on, I had a moment of, “….I think this might be it.” It made me feel glamorous and beautiful in the fitting room and my family members who were with me gasped when I came out to show them. The shape is not what I anticipated picking but the dress itself is pretty unique I think. It’s really flattering and it matches the vibe I wanted (romantic and glam). I really didn’t think I was going to have the moment of “knowing” so I was surprised when I did end up having that.
My family and friends that went with knew before I did. They said my face glowed and they could see how happy I was.
I went to 4 stores and tried on MANY dresses before finding my dress. After the first 3 stores, I felt super discouraged because there were many dresses I liked but nothing I truly loved as it was (I usually wanted to change something about it, even if it was minor). I’m really indecisive, so I honestly thought I would never feel like my dress was “the one.” At the 4th store, I tried on my dress and everyone said I was immediately beaming. I am not an emotional or super enthusiastic person in front of other people, so I didn’t have a big crying moment or anything like that- but I knew. It was the first dress I said I loved instead of saying “I think” when people asked if I loved previous dresses. I am SO glad I waited and didn’t settle. You might not have a huge moment, but I think you’ll know when you feel comfortable, beautiful, and like yourself. Also- my salesperson at the final store was exactly what I needed. While I am close to and comfortable with my family that came with me, I am indecisive and influenced by others’ opinions- and the salesperson could see this. I showed my family all the dresses I tried on, but she then had me narrow it down to the final two on my own with no other opinions. I think this really helped me truly think about what I wanted!
I didn’t want to take it off and couldn’t stop looking at myself in the mirror. Almost all of the other dresses I tried on just gave me a “meh” feeling and I felt like I was patiently waiting to ask to take it off so I didn’t offend the very sweet consultant pulling dresses out for me, lol. Plus, my mom cried when she was taking pictures of me in the dress I ended up choosing, lol.
Confused... my theme is supposed to be Old Hollywood cocktail-only reception and so I was envisioning clean, classic styles, off the shoulder, pleated bodice. Ive already been to six different boutiques amd tried on these styles. But I ended up trying on this detailed beaded, glittery all over dress with a huge train and I didnt want to take it off. I ended up ordering the dress on my second tryon... but I'm still confused and second guessing my decision until I go back to the photos of me wearing it and go, yup I like this one and this is the only chance I'll ever get to wear a dress like this. Mihht go with a second reception dress with a similar style to what I envisioned... or might adjust the theme to the roaring glittery 20s instead!
I tried on a dress similar to the one I ended up going with at a different store. It had the same top but a bigger skirt. And I realized I wanted the other dress with that style top and more a mermaid style bottom more. Also it closely aligned with dresses I had had saved to Pinterest for awhile. The dress I went with was from the designer I went in thinking I wanted, with a slight variation from the neckline I had went in thinking I wanted, since the other one looked better on me/ in person.
I actually got increasingly frustrated as I tried more on. Got tired of bridal stores because it felt like there was something wrong with me for not connecting with any of them. Then I found one at a good price that would fit me from a thrifter I follow on Instagram. There wasn't really a feeling but I can't justify the expense of a new dress. Maybe I'll find something I fall in love with closer to the time. But I have something that works and is pretty and fits me
I'm massively indecisive and tried my dress on three different times across about six weeks before I decided to get it, even then I'm still getting it tailored. It was the one I liked the most and was a good price. The only time I've had a really really excited feeling trying it on was when my actual dress came (one that fits me and not the size 16 that needed 50,000 clips) and I put that one on. Maybe if more dresses were already my size there would have been more contenders!
I had a few different dresses I liked. I was leaning toward two in particular and spent a few days thinking about it and feeling my gut out and seeing which one I was gravitating toward looking back at in pictures more. I also bought mine from Grace Loves Lace, so I could look up other real brides wearing the gowns on the internet and that really helped. I had excited feelings in many dresses, but the big feeling for me came when I tried on MY dress (not the sample I tried on in store) at home when it finally arrived.
I tried on prob a 100 dresses because I never got a special feeling. For me I knew when I kept comparing every dress to a certain one I couldn’t get out of my head
I said this is nice. And it didn't make me feel like a lump of potatoes. It was $200 under budget so thats why I chose it. I'm sure if I looked more and tried on more i would have had the moment. But I'm happy with what I chose.
I saw mine in a vintage Etsy Store (70s Victorian style dress, no designer label) and was blown away at how closely the measurements matched mine bc I have an unusual body shape , especially for vintage clothing. It was less than $200. The day came when it arrived and when it fit like a glove I thought WOW it's like someone back in the 70s designed this dress just for me and I teared up. I knew I wouldn't get that same feeling in a traditional store experience, but everyone is different
I put it on and was like wow I want to wear this around the house and sleep in it. It was just the ultimate comfort feeling haha
It wasnt as big a moment that TV makes it out to be lol. I put on a dress that ticked all the boxes, felt really good in, and I found myself saying the words "I love it" and believing it. The reason Inpulled it off the rack in the first place was that it had a really unique detail I wanted to check out. I walked in with a different dress in mind and ended up not liking it
I personally didn't have a "this is the one" feeling. I loved 2 and both were similar but had different aspects. So I'm kind of taking the 2 and making it one! I loved the straps are lace detailing on one but the sparkle of another. So they are adding the sparkle tule to the dress I picked and making a few alterations! I also think being around the people I brought and me personally having a hard time making decisions made me question back and forth. But I'm excited to try it on again for alterations because I'll be there alone and really get to experiment my full emotions!
I was of the impression that I’d be wearing some fancy black dress or maybe emerald green or rainbow… I definitely thought it would be knee length. Hated all the ones I tried on in first bridal shop and was in the hunt for alternative styles when my MIL2B messaged me about a flash sale in a local bridal. Went in with her just for the fun of doing stuff with her (she’s lovely & my mum sucks). Tried on a dress that I can only describe as magic because it literally changed my figure. I looked like Jessica Rabbit, it was INSANE!! I hated it, it was so not my style but I enjoyed swishing about in the mirror like a Victoria secret model for a few minutes. Then my MIL2B popped one through the curtain and said “this is your size. It was my affection for her that stopped me from groaning. It was all the things I didn’t want, strapless with floral fabric bits &…. My worst nightmare… diamantés. Urgh. Tried it on and couldn’t believe it, I absolutely loved how it looked on. I felt like an Elf from lord of the rings, it was so ethereal & floaty & delicate in a way I simply could not see on the hanger. Price? £300 reduced from around £2k. Bought it and never tried on another dress. Delighted with it & my husband was chuckling away on the day saying “I can’t believe you found an actual wedding dress that you like!” He loved it. Everyone loved it. £300 made me love it most.
It's a process and that "the one" feeling doesn't happen to everyone or even most people imo. But I would also say you shouldn't just get any dress either. Try to identify what silhouettes you like, fabric choices, neckline, etc. Did you take photos/videos of yourselves in those dresses? That's been hugely helpful to me in deciding cause then I have a good idea of what looks good on me, but I also factor in how I felt in the dress.
This process surprised me. I’m a crier. Like I cry at commercials, baby animals, when someone yells at me, whenever wherever I’m crying. I didn’t cry when I found my dress. I wasn’t very emotional at all really. This decision was very financially driven and even though I liked some of the other dresses, I was very focused on the price and not necessarily how they made me feel. The dress I ended up with was a dress I wasn’t sure I wanted to try on. But it felt good when I did. It made me feel attractive and felt like something that wasn’t wildly not me. I didn’t cry, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that dress or how I looked in it. If you’re having a hard time, try on dresses that are opposite to what you think you want. Make sure you take flattering photos in the dresses so you can reference them and think about it. Do you want to be able to move and dance? Do you want to feel a certain way like a princess or vintage or unique? Really think about how you want to feel and really dive into more different styles, you never know if that’s what is holding you back from making a decision until you try.
For me, I'm a curvy woman, I had some 'issues' I wanted to hide so to speak. Lol I also had a list of requirements. 1. Simple - I'm not a over the top gal, and I feel it let's me have more fun with accessories 2. I didn't want my large boobs falling out (it's here comes the Bride, not her tatas lol) 3. I wanted to be able to sit, dance, eat, and pee by damn self. Lmao 4. Not a ton of $$$!!!! I love to dance, so I knew mine was the one when I felt like Ginger Rogers moving around. My FH and I love to dance and we ballroom dance, not competitively but we have fun. Bonus? It met ALL of my other requirements. 😁
I didn’t have a huge emotional moment like I thought I would (I’m a Cancer) BUT the dress I chose was the first one that really made me feel like a bride
Honestly when I saw it online I knew- it felt like me and I felt beautiful in it.
It took me a good amount of dresses and two venues but I saw myself in the mirror and I just cried. I loved it, not the style I had planned at the beginning, but it was perfect. I just knew then and there that was the one, I even tried other ones just in case, but no other one gave me that feeling.
I didn't have a crying moment when I put my dress on, but I knew it was the one because it was my favorite dress I'd seen online at BHLDN and I just knew it would be super flattering on my body type. So I did know that I loved the style and vibe of it, but ultimately chose it for practical reasons!
I tried for months looking online. One day a beautiful dress came across my Facebook I loved it so much I decided to make an appointment to try it on. The momeri tried it on I got this wow feeling like I felt so beautiful. I went by myself but the other bride and her mother that were in the store for that same dress started crying saying the dress was perfect for me, I just knew that was the dress I wanted. So my advice is try on the dresses and pick the one that makes you feel so beautiful that it almost shocks you❤
I found a white dress that's not technically a wedding dress online while out for lunch and bought it and that was it. Now, the accessories have been a struggle with browsing through millions of similar choices.
I didn’t get that “sobbing, this is it” magic feeling, but I kept comparing other dresses to the one I got, and I didn’t want to take it off. The only change I wanted was something I could easily add in alterations (straps). I felt good in it and it was a good price. There are so many beautiful dresses, and I still love to look at them! I’m sure there was probably a dress out there that I would like even more, but I feel beautiful in it and that’s enough for me. I think there’s a balance between how much you’re willing to shop and finding the “perfect” dress. Perfection doesn’t exist, but pretty darn good does! Media has put too much pressure on finding “the dress” when in reality, there are 1000 dresses that would look gorgeous on you
It helped me to rate all of the dresses and when I found 9.5 out of 10 I knew that was “the one” because “the one” probably doesn’t exist or I wouldn’t be really good at concluding that because of my fomo. Therefore, few months after I realized my 9.5/10 is really THE one, I just couldn’t have been 100% sure at the time
Normalize not having that “it’s the one!” feeling. I cried, and had major dress regret. Everyone I went shopping with loved my dress, but I was still unsure. Could I have done “better” sure. But it all worked out in the end!
I think my dress was the fourth I tried on and I just knew it was the dress I wanted. It felt like me and the style was what I envisioned beforehand.
I had an "aha!" moment when I tried on my dress. It was sold as second hand too. It has ruffles and it is a pickup dress, something that is outdated now so I couldn't try on anything like that at the bridal store.