Mar 19, 2009

Non-wedding wedding dresses


So far I've had a pretty decent go at the whole wedding dress shopping experience, and I'm completely overwhelmed. The most important thing I've learned is to not start bleeding at a very nice dress store. I accidentally cut my finger (right on the knuckle—it was really bleeding) and walked away from the experience with the amount of guilt I imagine one would have if they murdered a puppy. So lately I've been thinking maybe I'll just get a white dress that isn't a wedding dress—like the above Dolce & Gabbana number? Or below: Oscar de la Renta, ChloĆ©, Donna Karen. What do you think, would any of you wear these to your wedding? Too short?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I prefer longer lengths for a wedding dress; partly because I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to weddings, and partly because a bride always wants to look like a bride at her wedding, not a bridesmaid. I tend to prefer dresses that fall below the knees.

I do, however, like the idea of getting a white dress that isn't a "wedding" dress...who says that it has to come from a bridalwear store for it to be perfect for your wedding?

I do think the top lace number is very lovely. The bottom three strike me as more casual, party-dress types, though.

Bottom line: you want to wear something that when you look back at the photos, you still love how you looked 20, 30, 50 years from now.

Anonymous said...

I think the short style is super cool. Its all about what works for you, what reflects who you are and what works in the overall context of your wedding day.

Don't get discouraged - I know you'll find the perfect dress! Also, if it makes you feel any better about bleeding on a dress, I was in a really ritzy dress shop and tried on a sample gown... the size was a bit (or really) tight, and after they zipped it up the side seem burst.

Anonymous said...

If you're going to be coughing up that much $$ for a dress it might as well be one you can wear again. I think they're all cute - if you're comfortable with the way it looks then it's perfect.

Unknown said...

I especially LOVE the Dolce & Gabbana and also the Oscar de la Renta. I think it's a great idea. The Donna Karan seems a little too casual or something.

Literature Crazy said...

I've always said that I'd wear a shorter dress (cocktail length) at my wedding. All of those dresses you featured were ADORDABLE and can be worn again (like on anniversaries when you want to relive the wedding magic).

Go short!

thefoodinista said...

I hate to be the bad guy, but I'm going to be the bad guy. Mostly because I was going down the same road - had decided between a fantastic creamy white Oscar de la Renta above-above-the-knee a-line dress with cap sleeves or a gorgeous knee-length white Carolina Herrera cocktail dress that was very similar to the Dolce & Gabbana shown. Then Vincent browbeat me into getting a wedding dress. His advice? You only get married once (hopefully), and it is your day, get the dress. If you're going with the whole wedding tradition in the first place, look like a bride! I am so happy I did, and as you know, it wasn't exactly a pretty princess bridal dress. Which is why I totally agree with the first poster who said she likes the idea of a white dress that isn't necessarily a wedding dress. My friend JIll wore a stunning goddess Valentino in white chiffon that was incredible. I'll email you pictures.

Anonymous said...

Hey Lizzie! I think you should go short. My mom went short and I always loved the style. It's so young and fresh looking.

K said...

I'm wedding dress shopping now and going thru the exact same dilemma. I am inevitably attracted to short dresses - always always always! However, I started trying on some long ones and I suppose there is something fun about a swirly white (or ivory) dress. But I'd say who cares - if you love short, go short! I think they're so fun and classy. Congrats and good luck on your hunt.

(And the Max Wanger photos are lovely :) )