Awww...GORGEOUS! I heard of a bride who kept her dress and wore it every year on the anniversary of her wedding even if just for a little bit for her husband...there was a whole sweet story that went with it and I can't remember what it was, but she made it a tradition.

I've also heard of others altering it, like dye or removing the train (bottom) and etc to make it into an evening gown or cocktail dress??

Been looking at more and more dresses online since I leave for Las Vegas & Seattle this coming Saturday for a weeklong trip where I will spend some time trying on different dresses.
I know that I don't want a train and I don't want backless or sleeveless. Even if the sleeves are sheer, I want sleeves and I want my back covered and I'm taking the advice from you lovely ladies in the above^^ thread about getting a lace up rather than a button or zip...otherwise I'm clueless about what type of dress I'll be getting...UGH!

One thing I would say is make sure you try on a variety and if the price is right keep in mind that seamstresses can do a lot. I was sure I didn't want anything fitted and absolutely wanted some straps. Ended up with fit and flare fitted through the hips and strapless. Even if you're sure it's not what you want (or positive it isn't), it doesn't necessarily hurt to try it on.

If you particularly want your back and arms covered, you could look for a cute shrug or scarf to wear over a dress that may have a lower cut in back or less sleeves than you want. May open up more options (I had trouble just finding dresses that weren't strapless). If you don't want a train, you may even have options of getting a seamstress to take the fabric from the train and make a shrug so it matches perfectly.

Have fun!

Sarah, that is absolutely gorgeous! I love the beading and the shape!

I'm a big fan of poof and lace. Here's one look I'm really hooked on right now.

OOoo! Those are pretty! I like the Poof Shelby Also, although it's probably not your focus, I really like the hair pieces!

MsMariaJean, best of luck to you dress shopping! I definitely just want to recommend that you bring a bottle of water with you and perhaps some simple snacks (like almonds). Depending on how the day goes, it helps to keep yourself nourished

I found my dress, it's not what I expected, like many of you said...i need some hem alterations, that is not the veil nor shrug- I'll be looking for others and i am going to look into the dye dip to add some color, not really sure if it will take, but it was a very inexpensive dress and I loved the fit!

Geesh, sorry for the big picture! I don't usually do them directly from my phone so I can size them down a bit...YIKES!
it should look more like this (see below) but I can't edit the one above...

Your dress is stunning @MsMarlaJean
I actually love all of the dresses everyone has put up. I love when you find the Dress, you just know its the right one.
I'd love to show you my dress but I can't unfortunately, my OH is on MFP. I'll send you a pic from the wedding day in May. x

@fitfor30th I am SERIOUSLY considering your idea of Dip Dyeing the skirt (not the organza overlay), underneath with yellows or yellow and orange, do you have any internet links about it or information you could share? Are you planning on doing this yourself or did/will you find someone to do it professionally? Do you think I should get it hemmed first and then do it or dye it and then get it hemmed?

I am also considering searching and/or making my veil and shrug ( @brisingr86 perhaps using your idea about the material from the train, should I decide to remove it) in yellow or getting it dip dyed in yellow/orange to match the skirt...what do you ladies think? I REALLY want to incorporate some color and I DON'T want to add a sash because I don't want to draw attention to that area for one and also because I don't want to cover up the corset lacing in the back...I love that detail.

P.S. I have gone for bright red shoes, which is a nice easy low-risk way to add colour.