DS got engaged! Need some help finding a dress.

Jeanie

I am happy to report that DS got engaged a few weeks ago! We are all very excited. He is my oldest son and is the first child getting married so I need some advice. They are looking at an April or May wedding so I have plenty of time. I just need some direction on where to shop and should I look for a long or short dress? The wedding colors are pale yellow and light gray (if that matters??) The wedding will all be inside in a formal setting. I am not sure how formal the dress should be?

10 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

Anonymous

Congratulations! You must be very excited. I'd suggest talking to or emailing the future bride's mother to get her take on what she is thinking of wearing, length, color, how formal, etc. I'd suggest starting early because it may be harder than you think, especially if it means also finding a topper for the dress. Don't forget dresses to wear to the rehearsal dinner, possible bridal showers, and maybe a brunch the day after the wedding.

10 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

Oh yes, Joy, I forgot about the topper!! That can take some time. I hadn't thought about the other events either. My special events wardrobe is pretty dismal....especially for Spring.

My youngest son is graduating in May as well. Maybe I can find something that would work for a bridal shower and graduation...hmmm. I'm not sure what I might find now going into Fall.

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations!! What wonderful news, and now the fun planning begins. Joy has been through this and is a fount of wisdom. I know that others here (Unfrumped, Carole?) are also experts.

Great idea to talk to the bride's mother. And start thinking now about the associated events as well.

10 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations! You must be so so excited!

When I was getting married, my mother in law went to shop for her wedding outfit with me. It was a nice way to get to know each other a little more and enjoy getting each other's opinions.

I like Joy's idea. Talk to the bride's mother. And start pinning images of what tickles your fancy on Pinterest. I like the idea of buying a dress that will do double duty for bridal shower/rehearsal dinner and the younger son's graduation. Otherwise ---- dressy outfits sit unworn for years and years!

10 years ago

Ankita

(website)

Active Member

Congratulations Jeanie! What a wonderful news to share with us all...i bet you're super excited and nervous at the same time
You've got some great advice already, so i'll just say enjoy the hunt for the perfect dress and don't settle for anything less than what you'd imagined you'd wear on your baby's wedding day, hehe!

10 years ago

Colette

Veteran

Congratulations! How exciting. Oh, I just love shopping for formal attire. Have fun and wear comfortable shoes, both shopping and to the events.

I'm not sure where you live but in IL, Lord & Taylor always has a large assortment of formal dresses.

10 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

Thanks Suz! I have only briefly met the bride's mother. I am hoping that we can do a dinner when they are in town again and then I can talk to her about what she is thinking about wearing.

Maneera - I like your idea of shopping with the bride. We would have fun together!

Ankita - Thank you! I have so many emotions welling up! I do think the dress shopping will be a fun search!

Colette - Thanks for the tip. We don't have a Lord & Taylor but maybe Saks would have something? or I might just have to do a road trip to Chicago!!!

10 years ago

Elle

Veteran

Congratulations! What wonderful news.

I also suggest talking to the bride. She can tell you how formal things will be and if she prefers you to wear certain colors - coordinate with her bridesmaids (if any).

If you are uncertain, you can take pictures of possible dresses and show them to her.

My daughter got married last summer and most events were informal so I didn't need to buy anything except for the wedding (whew).

My other suggestions is to make sure you have a hankie or tissue - it's such an emotional day.

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Congrats, and look forward to seeing all the outfit options.

10 years ago

BethT

Active Member

When I got married, my mom found a black dress (with a bit of white) that she loved. Obviously, she was a little worried about wearing black to my wedding, but I didn't care--heck all the guys, including my dad, had black tuxes. I'm glad she went with that dress because the pictures of my parents, me and my DH all in black and white are my favorite photos. We are not a stylish family, but we were rockin' it that day.

So, don't overlook the non-traditional!

And congrats!!

10 years ago

Carole

Veteran

Congrats, Jeanie! This will be a very exciting and memorable time in your life! I had a hard time finding the "right" dress and posted all my trials here a few years ago.

My advice would be to let the Mother of the Bride and the Bride direct you as far as the style (formality, length, etc) and pick a color that compliments.

I actuallly was considering the same dress from a boutique that the MOB ended up purchasing...so it's essential to communicate,

I ordered many dresses from Nordstroms as the brick and mortar store just didn't carry that many options. I remember when I tried on "my" dress the first time I actually cried because I had had such poor luck. Hold out for the right dress...it's worth the wait and the $$$!

Good luck!
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10 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

Congratulations! My stepson #1 got married 3 years ago. I loved my dress. Now stepson #2 is getting married in a year. So I will be looking for another dress. I am actually considering renting a dress. My dress for #1 will probably never get worn again.

10 years ago

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