Perfect Fit

I had my final fitting yesterday (which one of my awesome bridesmaids traveled down for to learn how to do the bustle) and everything was perfect.

I couldn't have been happier with how the dress turned out.  My seamstress also sewed in the blue heart into the dress as a last minute request and didn't charge any extra to do it.  (I decided to use an old blue shirt of my grandfathers, who passed away a few years ago, and have a heart cut from it to sew into my dress over my heart).

So now I have my dress back home (YAY!) and my something blue for the big day.

Note:  I had my heart done a little differently.  This was my inspiration picture.  I'll post mine later.  :-)

Alterations: Round 1

       Yesterday I went in for Round 1 of dress alterations.  First things first, after about 20 minutes in the dress I was SWEATING.  It was ridiculously hot in that thing.  I think I'm going to get an air conditioner unit installed.  On a more serious note, if you're worried about being warm on the big day I read a tip about putting a fan under your table to blow up the dress while you're eating to keep you somewhat cool.  I thought it sounded ridiculous, but now I'm seriously considering.

      Secondly, I won't be able to have the cups sewn in and will have to wear a bra, which means I need to go find a really awesome, strapless, push-up bra.  I also still have to find my flats that I will change into at some point in the night.  She wants to hold off on determining the length of the dress until I actually have both pairs of shoes.  Basically, it's time for another shopping trip.

     Finally, it costs a decent amount of money to have someone hack away at your dress!   I am having the length shortened, the corset top taken in a little, and a bustle put in and it's going to cost $220.  Anyway, I suppose I should get out and get shopping.  I need to get my bra and shoes and schedule another appointment.

Alterations Appointment

I've FINALLY made my first appointment for dress alterations.  I'm going July 10 - less than a month from now!  And I still have to find shoes and decide on undergarments.  I better get started.

I'm also considering having bra cups sewn into my dress.  I did ask what the seamstress thought over the phone and she said she usually only recommends that for people with cup sizes B or smaller, so that you get the necessary support.  Unfortunately, I'm a C cup, but I do have a corset top on my dress, so we'll see what she thinks at the appointment.

Things to bring to your alterations appointment:

-Undergarments you plan to wear on the day of

-Shoes you plan to wear (or those of a similar height)

It Has Arrived

My dress actually arrived earlier than I had expected (here).  I am very excited!  Unfortunately, I have no room for it in any closet in my apartment.  So, my dress is currently hanging in its garment bag in our spare bathroom.

I did get to try it on and it was just as perfect as when I found it in the store.  As I mentioned before, I bought my dress from a seller on preownedweddingdresses.com using Escrow.  I plan to review that service shortly!

Next steps:  decide on shoes and get a slip for the dress, so that I can get my alterations started!  :)

To Buy or Not to Buy?

So here's the deal.  You already know that I found THE dress: Alfred Angelo Style 217 (the premium Belle dress).   When I tried the dress on in the store it had a zipper back, so I didn't even consider any other option.  However, I found THE dress, new with tags and in the bag, on sale on preownedweddingdresses.com for exactly half of the price of buying it in store.  I can get the dress for only $800!!  The only problem is that it has a corset back instead of the zipper and I don't know how I feel about it.  Time to make a decision....any thoughts?

Engagement Party and Dress Shopping

My fiancé and I just got back home late last night after our engagement party.  We had so much fun.  It was so nice seeing all of our friends and family.  All of our immediate family was there, along with the majority of our wedding party (everyone but the best man was able to make it)!   Now that it's over, that means that we have just under a year until the big day- WOW!  Where did all of that time go?  We were talking on the flight home last night, and neither of us can believe that we've already been engaged for 2 months.  With that said, we are getting back into wedding planning mode.  As I mentioned here, I did go dress shopping while I was home in Maryland.  And, it just so happens, I found THE dress.  It's part of Alfred Angelo's Disney Fairytale Wedding Collection.  It's called the Belle Platinum.  I will add pictures later!  I can't believe how easy the whole process was.  I began my search at David's Bridal where I tried on about 15 dresses.  My next appointment was at Alfred Angelo's where this was the 3rd dress that I tried on.  I was supposed to have two appointments later that day, but I immediately called and cancelled.  Between the engagement party and the dress, everything is coming together and making me realize that this is actually happening.  Less than a year away, we can't wait!

Anyways, time to get to work on some Thank You cards for gifts from the engagement party.

http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/styles/217

EDIT:  Read about my dress shopping adventures here.