Trying on dresses

Today was the first time I got to take the girls out to try wedding dresses.  We had a blast, but boy was it ever exhausting! 

The first shop we visited had truly beautiful designer gowns and lovely, helpful assistants.  The fitting area was roped off and as observers only, we were not allowed to peruse the dresses until the process was nearly finished.  A limit of 3 gowns in the dressing room was set, with a total allowed in the 2 hour time slot limited to 10.  The girls were quick, so passed their allotted 10 gowns fairly quickly, initially leaving the assistants with nothing to do and us standing there wishing we could continue the journey.  This shop didn't allow us to photograph in any way.  There was no flexibility in this rule, even in consideration of the fact that Christie's parents are far away in Oregon.  This was the only way Christie could share this really momentous occasion with them, and as such was not a popular stand to take with the three of us.  We did manage to keep a note pad with some basic information about the gowns, but the ability to compare photographs side by side was also gone - a distinct disadvantage to the store.

Note to self: Call ahead for appointments next time, and ask about photographing gowns for the sake of comparison and inclusion of parents in the decision.

The second store allowed the girls to go back and pull whatever gowns they wanted to try on.  There was a sale of 25% off, an additional incentive to us to find something that might work.  Unfortunately, the owner of the shop was the only one there, so offered virtually no help in the process of choosing, dressing or undressing.  I spent most of the time going between rooms helping both the girls slip into dresses, zipping dresses, lacing corsets.  Then they stood in front of each other and the mirrors and offered comments and critiques.  I then arranged trains and photographed and videoed their choices.  This was an exhausting process for me, but definitely a more satisfying and fun experience than the first shop.  The shop owner began to get peeved at us when she realized we were there to try several gowns and weren't ready to buy that day.  She offered no further help until she needed a fitting room, then insisted we needed to vacate one quickly.  Christie was done, so obliged her. 

Hopefully the girls will post links to the dresses they enjoyed trying on.

Elizabeth looked stunning in 2 different ball gowns, and although she didn't want a sweetheart neckline, found herself consistently picking out dresses that had them.  Her favorite in store #1 was an A line with a draped front and simply embroidered chapel length train.  One favorite in store #2 was a Mori Lee with navy blue trim, but was a little short on her.

Christie tried on a couple that made the lightbulb go on for Elizabeth and I, but she wasn't happy with the weight of the material, preferring airy fabrics and pleats to satins.   She did make a firm decision however - she definitely wants to wear white!