The Dress part 1

I like to be very thorough. And when it comes to My Wedding Dress, I had to be sure that it was perfect. But in case you haven't noticed, there are a million options when it comes to a wedding dress! A-line or ball gown? Sweetheart or jewel neckline? Silk, taffeta, or chiffon? The best way to narrow my options down is to try dresses on. So, I made my way to all my local bridal stores to find out what my perfect wedding dress style is. Below is a list of the bridal stores that I visited, and what I thought about them.

1. Vals Bridal had a very large selection of designers, prices, and sizes, to accommodate many different brides. The store was a little crowded, but the consultants were very helpful, and they didn't rush me. Overall, I was very pleased with this store.

2. Bliss Bridal had a pleasant atmosphere. The variety was limited to 5 designers, and they only offered sample sizes in 8 and 10, which could be frustrating to petite brides, or brides over a size 10. Overall, I was satisfied with this store.

3. Everlasting Memories has been around for a long time and I'd heard good things about the store. However, my bridal consultant was not very knowledgeable and I found that the store had limited variety. On the plus side, I didn't feel pressure from anyone, and everyone in the store took the time to understand what I was interested in. Overall, it was a nice store.

4. Bridal Desires had a fairly small collection of gowns. The sample sizes were all in the 14 - 16 range, which was frustrating to me, being a size 8, as I couldn't get a clear picture of what a fitted gown would look like. Although I was the only customer in the store, the consultant made me feel very rushed. She did not give me a chance to look at the dresses myself; instead, she picked out 3 dresses for me, and ended my fitting after having only tried on the three dresses, none of which I loved. Also, I realize that the dresses in the store are sample dresses, but still I was not impressed to find that the dresses were very dirty. Overall, I was disappointed with this store.

5. San Jude Bridal was definitely my least favourite. I was excited to go to this bridal store, as I had read some very good reviews online and I was excited about some of the designers that they offered. Unfortunately, I found it to be a big let down. First of all, the store is located in a home, which might sound nice, and comfortable, and homey, but I just found it to be uncomfortable, picking out dresses to try on right beside someone making dinner. I came to this appointment prepared, having browsed through the designers collections, but was disappointed to find that none of the dresses on the rack were dresses from either the 2009 or 2010 collections. I don't know what collection they were from! And although the owner was definitely trying to be helpful, it seemed as though she were pushing dress after dress on me, in styles that I told her I would absolutely not wear. I realize that she's a professional, but it's one thing to encourage a bride to try on something different, and it's a totally different thing to push numerous dresses on a bride who flat out says that they don't like it. And lastly, I was very, very uncomfortable there. The "change room" was an empty, dark room, with a full wall mirror on one side, and a curtain on the other side. I was very uncomfortable changing in that room, and I made sure before I took my clothes off that the dress was ready, so I didn't have to spend any more time naked then necessary. (I would like to point out that this was my personal feeling.) Overall, I would not recommend this store to anyone.

So, after trying on many, many dresses, I didn't fall in love with anything. But I did learn some things. Fabric really does look different on every person; I'm definitely a taffeta and chiffon girl, but not a silk or satin girl. A sweetheart neckline is the most flattering on me. White washes me out. I should choose strapless. And lastly, DRESSES ARE STUPID EXPENSIVE!