:: wedding gown blues ::
[ more images from our Friday trip here. ]
A few weekends ago when I did the bridal photoshoot with Kate, I noticed while packing my dress that it had a few stiff spots on the lining and skirt overlay. I honestly didn’t think too much about it: if nothing else I thought it would hold up through the shoot and my wedding. But afterward, it became apparent that the dress was beginning to dry rot at an alarming rate. So, much to my sorrow, I decided that the stress of wondering whether my dress would hold up through the Big Day was just something I didn’t want to deal with!
However, that left me in a bit of a pickle: I definitely didn’t want to go buy a modern bridal gown because they’re not my style (nor can I afford one). So that left me with only one alternative: vintage scavenging! Mom and I blocked off the entirety of Friday to go on our Wedding Gown Hunt.
This isn’t exactly the best thing that could happen 6 weeks shy of the wedding, but it certainly isn’t the worst! In a way, I’m very thankful that I discovered the problem now, and was actually excited about the opportunity to go shopping for another dress. I happily ran into my favorite vintage dealer while shopping, and she brought about 8 gowns out of storage for me to try on. I tried on everything from a regal 1940s piece to a mid 60s yellow gown that would’ve been very nontraditional! The one I ended up with is from the same decade, but quite different. It’s very elegant and simple (no lace): the style and way it fits me reminds me a lot of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. (Sorry: no photos of my gown, since L. still peeks at my blog from time-to-time!) I’m just trying very hard not to second guess my choice; I have a tendency to have massive “buyer’s remorse” at times, and now is just one of those moments. *sigh*
Hope you all have had a splendid weekend!
Posted on October 12th, 2008 to wedding.
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:: the switch-up :: »22 lovely thoughts to “:: wedding gown blues ::”
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kate says:
Oh no! At least your photos are gorgeous (and I need to photoshop that little tear under the arm, so you are smart to find something that won’t rip on your big day!)
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Lana says:
Hi, I’ve recently started reading your blog and am finding it so inspiring! I just had a quick question. What would cause a dress to dry rot so quickly? I’m just stumped and curious. I just got married last year and am getting ready to finally have my gown cleaned and preserved and didn’t want to do something that would cause my beautiful dress to dry rot in the future. I’m so sorry about the dress by the way, I can’t imagine if I had had to find another dress “six” weeks from my wedding. YIKES!
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mick says:
It sounds lovely, Casey. I had a really hard time finding a sleek, vintage style dress (since I couldn’t afford the really nice vintage styles I wanted!), and ended up going with a bridesmaid’s dress. If, heaven forbid, anything goes wrong or you do change your mind, I bet you could find a simple, sleek, vintage-looking design that you could embellish, for nice and cheap.
I hope this one works out better!
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ambika says:
I’m sorry to hear your dress didn’t hold up! It sounds like you made the best of it–who wouldn’t want to go dress shopping again after all?
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Lauren says:
Hi!
I feel your pain! I had a vintage gown I found that was perfect for my wedding, but it became all too apparent it would not make it all the way through the day. I ended up wearing it only for the ceremony, with a gown underneath for the reception (the other dress was all lace), and I’m SO glad I did, because it would have been heartbreaking to see the dress die just for one day of wedded bliss. I’m sure you’ll be happy about your choice as well! I just love reading your blog, and am thrilled to see how your wedding goes!
Cheers!
Lauren -
Megan says:
Oh dear! I’m so sorry that your first dress didn’t work out but at least you had those wonderful pictures taken in it. I’m sure you look sensational in the new dress! I’ve always loved that gown from My Fair Lady. I hope the following weeks go smoothly and without any more hitches!
-Megan -
elizabeth of course says:
Oh my! That’s awful!
But it is a little funny, (not ha-ha funny) I was in an antique store just today looking at a beautiful dress that made me think of you. I’ll email you the photo I took. -
Jen says:
October 12th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your dress!! It was a very lovely piece indeed but at least you got to go shopping for a new one and you still have those pictures you took of it. Perhaps you could wear the first to the ceremony and change into the second for the reception? Just a thought so that you can still show it off just a little? The reception is probably where you’d be most worried about it falling to pieces with all that dancing and cake eating
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Caf says:
October 13th, 2008 at 12:27 am
How dramatic to be dress shopping so close to your wedding…although your shopping trip sounds like a scene from a film! I must admit, you picked such a lovely dress last time that I’m sure you will spot another beauty
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Kerry says:
It sounds beautiful!
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thevintageyear says:
Aw, I am sorry to hear about your dress! But I have to say, that My Fair Lady dress is one of my favourite dresses of all time, and I’m sure you’ll look just charming in one that is similar! (in fact I love that movie, it’s one of my favourits from when I was little, so am really excited to eventually see your dress!)
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Lena says:
oh, that’s both bad and good news in one post.. it’s really sad that your first dress won’t make it, but then also, a second wedding dress sounds wonderful! i do hope to find either a lovely vintage pattern to make a gown for my wedding (in case he ever asks) or a vintage wedding dress. it’ll be exciting to see pictures of that second dress!! i’m looking forward to it (and i do hope you’ll post the one or other after the wedding?)..
have a great week! -
Marmielu says:
No second thoughts! You will look beautiful in that dress – I just know it. The more I think about you in it, the more I am convinced of it. I even give on the gold one – more me than you. Hugs!!
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Natalie says:
So sorry to hear about your dress! But I’m sure the Audrey Hepburn style is just gorgeous! I have often dreamed of owning a dress like the one from My Fair Lady. Can’t wait to see pictures your new dress!
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Angelique says:
October 13th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I don’t think you should feel buyer’s remorse about your new dress. A simpler dress just means you can be a bit more extravagant with accessories! (your pretty floral shoes for example? Maybe a fascinator in your hair?)
have a lovely day! -
Jenny-Rose says:
October 13th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Oh no! I’m glad you found another gown though! I’m sure it’s perfect, your fashion instincts are great – trust them! Buyers remorse be gone!
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Joelle says:
sorry you had that worry about your gown but I`m glad you`ve found another that you`re happy with. If its like that Audrey Hepburn dress, you have nothing to worry about!
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indigorchid says:
Oh, the woes of vintage dresses… I’m sorry to hear about the original dress slowly dry rotting, but I really think it was a good choice to get a new dress and not have to worry about it falling apart. That should free you up to enjoy everything happening on your big day!
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Sal says:
Oh, lady, I am just SO GLAD to hear that you found something you liked! I had visions of tears and anxiety just weeks before the wedding. Thank goodness you were able to locate a lovely gown this weekend.
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chelsea says:
sounds like you are really keeping your chin up during what could potentially be a very stressful set back to wedding planning. good for you!!!
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Jennifer says:
sorry, what a thing to deal with so close to the wedding! i’m sure you’ll look beautiful in your new dress – and i’m not just saying that!
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melissa says:
October 14th, 2008 at 10:11 am
it sounds lovely! and any dress that is very audrey hepburn – esque, is loverly! (hehe) (i looove audrey hepburn).
i love how you decided to go vintage for your dress. that is something that i would like to do as well…they’re just more appealing and beautiful!
i can’t wait to see photos of your wedding and the dress! you will for sure be a beautiful bride!
