Six months into our engagement and what I have learned is that my bride friends weren’t kidding when they claimed that wedding planning is a bitch. While it is neither rocket science nor life or death, the decisions are endless, expensive and emotional—particularly when it comes to the dress.
When I entered the Wedding Salon of Manhasset, I had no intention to purchase a gown. I was there for fun, on an exploratory mission to see what was what in bridal fashions at this classic bridal shop. My gown would be edgy and modern, yet soft and bohemian—and likely from an off the grid boutique in the West Village. And then we met Vera…
First Dress Syndrome
When I put on that first dress, ivory with vintage lace and tulle underlay, my tastemaker-mother and grandmother immediately burst into tears. Declaring it THE DRESS, my entourage insisted that no other gown compared to the impact of the first. Caught up in the excitement of the moment, we impulse purchased.
Later, in a fit of Googling the dress, I realized that two girls of my acquaintance wore it to their weddings—and the look was all over Facebook. Suddenly I saw the dress as the traditional gown that I didn’t want. If I loved it, I wouldn’t care that two Jewish girls from Long Island had already rocked it, so we cancelled and continued the chase.
Second Dress Psychosis
Several weeks later, I was back in the bridal dressing room, half naked with a strange older woman helping me into an even more giant frock than the one that preceded it. Although bewitched by the star power a full skirt, I also swooned for a more delicate, antique-looking beaded number that seemed to fit more with the vibe of my wedding. Tormented by the saleslady’s statement that I’d never again in my life have the opportunity to wear a giant, white ball gown with cascading sculptural ruffles, we pulled the trigger on bold and striking Dress #2. Following the purchase came a familiar panic only alleviated by the Wedding Salon’s patience and understanding that this decision was going to require some additional deliberation.
We shopped on.
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