What To Do If You Fall Out Of Love With Your Wedding Dress
BY LUCINDA TURNER
It was the dream wedding dress. It fit perfectly in the shop, you felt a million dollars and your mum shed a tear. But what do you do if, in the cold light of your own home, that dream dress doesn’t feel quite right? What is the wedding dress you thought you wanted isn’t the one?
First things first don’t panic!! Unless it’s the morning of the big day, there’s still time. Welcome to the Brides guide to ‘What to do if you fall out of love with your wedding dress.’
Can it be altered?
Really think about what you don’t love about the dress. If it’s a sleeve that’s falling on an unflattering part of the arm, a hemline that’s an inch or two short of stylish or a waistline that is less than defined, then fear not. Alternations can be done in a heartbeat to take your dress from drab to fab. If the shop you bought it from doesn’t offered alternations then talk to a local dress maker, they might just turn out to be your fairy godmother!
Can you add something to it?
A whole look can be changed with a fantastic accessory. A dull dress can be made incredible with a brilliant belt, a bridal shrug or a stand out piece of jewellery. Failing that, think about the shoes! Even if they can’t be seen underneath a full-length gown, a pair of to-die-for shoes can change everything; the way you stand, the way you walk and definitely the way you feel.
Can you change your hair and make up?
As important as your wedding dress is, your big day beauty has a big impact on the whole look. Maybe trying the dress on with a clean face and your hair in a scrunchie isn’t giving off quite the right vibe. Book a hair and make up trial with your wedding dress and ask the team you’re working with for some advice. Maybe your dress is just crying out for a smoky eye to toughen it up or long flowing braids for the free spirit vibe you need?
Can you get another dress?
Don’t ditch the first model completely, but how about adding a second wedding dress to the mix? Not only will it give you another sartorial choice to look forward to (and make you feel like a total celeb) but it could even make you love your first dress more. If you’ve splashed out on the first dress, then head to the high street for some more budget conscious options for the second. Plus a second dress means a party dress, opt for a short wedding dress or something with feathers, sequins and sass to counteract a more traditional first gown.
Can you take it back and start afresh?
If all else fails and it really is that bad, a new dress might be your only choice. It is your special day and being in anything that makes you feel less than fabulous is not an option. High street and online shops should offer full refunds. If you purchased your dress from a bridal boutique, take it back and explain the situation, chances are they can exchange another dress in stock that is far more up your street. You may have to compromise and have an off-the-peg dress altered to save time, but if the end result make you happy, it will all be worth it.
Can you sell your dress and start again?
If the boutique won’t offer a refund or exchange, head online to bridal gown resale websites for another way to get your money back. Many sites will resell luxury dresses for you a take a small cut to save you the hassle or head to the likes of eBay for a DIY option. You may not get all of your money back, but whatever you do can go towards the dress of your dreams.
Can you live with it?
Whilst wedding dresses are a key ingredient of the big day, there are other things that are just as important. Ask yourself, if I look back at photos and see my friends, family and new spouse having the best day of their lives, can I live with a dress that’s not 100% right? After all, your thoughts on the dress may just be sartorial cold feet, and you can certainly live with that kind.