The dress is lovely and while it looks very appropriate, the shape is somewhere between flowing and structured, as though it doesn't quite fit you correctly, or suit you? It isn't overpowering you but the effect is a little as though it's "on" you, rather than that you're wearing it.

I'm voting you keep looking and think that previous advice to consider the heat when choosing fabrics is excellent.

Congratulations!Your daughter looks enchanting and very happy.I m excited for you.My thoughts on the dress are probably not going to say anything different from what’s been already said but my main concern is the fact that it’s nylon.l personally can’t stand anything nylon in the heat and I run cold.l can see why you like it though ,the sheer overdress is very pretty.l would get the sleeves adjusted if you do decide to keep it.

Congratulations! How exciting! Your daughter and her new husband look wonderful and happy! I like the dress but my biggest concern is the heat factor. In heat and humidity you really want natural fabrics.

Wow, what a lovely story and a gorgeous couple! I love the dress but agree with shevia re natural fabrics in that climate...

What a wonderful event, congrats to your DD and Family! The new couple looks so happy-and elegant-love DD's choice of a shorter hem and the groom's shirt&vest(+brown shoe) combo! Congratulations!
Your embroidered dress is gorgeous and perfectly appropriate Jenni but to be fair, I would immediately hack the sleeves. I mean not only for shorter but elbow length at least-and perhaps a bit taken in -or even to short or caps sleeves (then you can leave the hems wider). That way will be airy and no fuss. Now off to read other's comments!:-)

Hi Jenni --

Congrats to the happy couple! What a great time you'll all have celebrating and getting to know his family and vice versa.

Onto the dress. I'm supporting your first instinct...not the right one even with the sleeves tailored. I do like the shades in the flowers against your complexion, though, so I see the appeal.

However, special occasion dresses are often worn once, and deserve to be something you'd *like* to wear more often!

I wish I had more ideas for where to look. I'd focus on warm-weather cocktail or evening wear and see if anything you truly love pops up.

[Do you have any bridal-centric resale shops there? Here they often carry some MOB/G and bridesmaid dresses and you can get gorgeous high-end dresses for a nice bargain.]

Thank you to all the later commenters. Although I fell in love with the dress in the magazine, when I saw it in person the fabrics of polyester and nylon put me off for the heat, and I didn’t like the V neck ( prefer scoop necks on me) and I didn’t like the sleeves. All the comments helped with crystallising those thoughts. I called the store and got them to take the hold off it. I thought about what I DID like- the floatiness and the raised embroidery- and have started an online search for those things plus thought of other brands in NZ that do that sort of thing plus boutiques I can look in. I do have time but want to have it sorted well before the event so I don’t get anxious. Have also asked more about the venue and Vietnamese wedding culture, thanks Staysfit for the suggestion.
FOMO is real but there will be a better dress out there! Will show you further options as they appear x

Jenni, well done for having got to a decision, no easy feat. Next!

What a gorgeous dress! I can see why you fell in love, but I prefer #3 (the cobalt on you). (Just off to check #2~)

Rebecca and her husband look amazing! So lovely.