Wedding dress decision (long)

I've been to several bridal salons to try on dresses. Most of the women helping me keep saying that I have to love the dress before I buy it. However, I haven't fallen in love with any of the dresses I tried on; none have brought tears to my eyes. I think the reason for this lack of emotions is because I don't get too emotional over clothing. I'm getting nervous because I've been told that it takes most dresses 6-8 months to come in and my wedding is the first weekend in July, less than 8 months away. Also it is not easy for me to go to a salon after work because no one is around to help me.
I did try on a dress last week that looked great on me and I can see myself wearing at my wedding! The bodice on this dress is similar in style to several cocktail dresses I own, although I was looking for a style I usually don't wear. It is one of the few dresses that has met my criteria - very simple (ie. no beading or rhinestone, minimal lace) yet looks elegant. There are several bands of lace around the waist that makes me look thin (always a bonus point). The train is long, but detachable. Since my wedding is on an early Saturday afternoon in the summer, I do not want anything too formal. But, I am not head over heels in love with the dress, yet I do like it alot. I think I've answered my own question by writing this post, but I need some reassurance. Does every bride fall in love with her dress the first moment she tried it on?

The same thing happened to me! I tried on (no exageration) at least 75 dresses. the one I got was one of the last I tried on. Everyone in the shop was like that is the one. Keep trying you will find the one and you will know!! Also I got my dress at The Commack Wedding Center and it came in in 2 weeks. I also waited till the 6 month mark before purchasing. So try not to sweat it you will find 'THE' dress!

I found a magazine picture of an Alfred Angelo gown when we first got engaged. I carried it around with me and knew it was the style I really liked, but had no idea how it would look when I actually put it on. The first bridal salon I went to did not carry that particular dress - so I tried on about 20 different dresses in all different styles. I almost bought one that was very similar to the picture, but it was too much more than I could afford.

I then went to another salon, and they had the magazine dress! I put it on and it looked 'right' on me. At that point I knew it was fate that I buy the dress - which now (9 months later) I still am so happy with my decision.

But, just so you know - I never felt tears of joy trying it on. I just really liked it, and still do. Who knows, maybe there was something else out there for me, but I was happy enough with the dress, and that's what mattered to me. Even after my 2nd fitting, no tears. I think the tears will fall (of joy) when I go for my final fitting with my headpiece and veil and see the whole package - I truly believe it my heart that's when it all hits home!!

If I were you I would continue looking at one or two more shops. If at that point you don't find anything that made you as comfortable and secure as the dress you are describing, then that is how you will know your answer!!

Best of luck and keep us posted!! Sorry this was so long-winded!!!!!!!

I actually found my dress on the computer. If you have a idea what you want, you could go to www.weddingchannel.com
or www.theknot.com
and type in your criteria and about a hundred dresses will come up. I also tried on alot of dresses and never really found the 'one'. I kind of knew what I wanted from all the shopping I did, but nothing was ever perfect. My dress also couldn't be found anywhere on LI. I was about to go into the city to see it but at the last minute Bridal Reflections in massepequa special ordered one for me to try on and it was perfect. It wasn't easy but definitly worth the trouble. PS it also only took 4 months to come in so don't get to stressed about it. I'm sure salons can rush order something if they really had to.

I didn't cry over my dress, but I am excited to wear it, it looks great on me and I feel very special in it. well I think it looks great on me

You may have found the dress if you are comfortable in it.

One last suggestion. - I thought I had found the dress, but on the advice of many many people I went to see Geri at Lillettes in Baldwin, and picked out some dresses, and tried them one, and was about to change into my street clothes and she brought me 2 more dresses to try on - one of which I decided to order. My point here is (yes it is a long one) this woman - Geri - knew her job and picked one that she thought would flatter me - and it does.

I, like Stacey, tried on about 75 dresses. I had found ones that I really liked and thought looked good but I didn't 'click' with them. I didn't get that feeling that I just knew it was the right dress! Then I had tried on a dress that my mother had suggested I try (my mother almost NEVER picks out clothing I like!) and I 'clicked' with the dress instantly. I didn't have tears of joy, but I was excited. Then we shopped around and found it at a better price in a store with what I felt would have better service than the original store I found it in (also, Lillette's with Geri, like Dubliner).

My advice, keep looking and be open. Try not to pressure yourself too much. Also, try some styles you wouldn't normally think you'd like but aren't totally opposed to. Bring some pictures of gown styles you like to the shops.

Remember, you will be a beautiful bride no matter what you wear!

Dubliner and Sasha96 -
It's funny that you two should mention Gerri at Lillette's because she was the one that helped me last week. She pulled out a dress that I didn't particularly like, but I tried it on anyway. My FMIL cried when she saw it and Gerri said that it looked good (my FMIL didn't cry when I tried on dresses at another shop). I still wasn't crazy about it, but after about an hour of trying on other dresses and thinking about it, I tried it on again and decided that I liked it. The more I think about this dress, the more I like it (I'm even a bit excited thinking about it). But the tears are not coming and I was hoping to find a dress that showed a little more of my back. However, I do look good in this dress and it is very simple, which is what I want. Gerri is awesome, isnt' she?

I tried on a lot too. I started looking in June and made my decision at the end of July. I went to at least 9 salons and tried on at least 6-7 in each one.

I was getting frustrated because I didn't get as emotional as I thought I would. I thought I would find 'the dress' and it would have this huge spotlight on it like something out of a movie.

I bought my dress in the last salon I went to and it was the 3rd dress I tried on. It was simple, elegant and the longer I had it on, the more I fell in love with it.

So, keep looking and you will find the dress that's right for you!