After putting it off for months, I called David’s Bridal and grilled them on a lot of things: plus size dress selection, average size of plus size samples, and most importantly, what was the least busiest day of the week and could I make my appointment then.

When the day finally rolled around, I was still pretty nervous. I ended up bring both moms and all the bridesmaids except for E since she’s two hours away (I cut you some slack this time ). My mom and I got there early and I got all checked in, and gave my consultant all the vital stats. One thing I’d like to say right up front is that the staff at David’s was really wonderful. Everyone was friendly and went out of their way to help us out. I know it’s kind of the red headed step child of bridal salons, but I have NO complaints about the service they provided!

The thing I had the hardest time with was just, well, I guess the Way It Is. The bridal salon setup. The Wedding Industrial Complex. Whatever you want to call it. I had an uneasy feeling during a lot of the visit. I was trapped in the giant dressing room box listening to my friends arrive and introduce themselves to each other, and FMIL. All the while I’m stuck standing in a giant box in a crinoline that doesn’t quite fit waiting to be stuffed into a dress.

I tried on a bunch of dresses, and it was pretty educational – I found some that looked nice, some that looked terrible, and some that were just ok. I just don’t think I can go back with a big group again. It’s probably me and NEPA Mom, or MOH M, from this point forward, if I go at all. It was too many opinions, and too many disapproving looks from the moms. My style is not their style, and I felt a lot of pressure to conform. I know they mean well, but it was disheartening at times. It’s hard enough trying to imagine how a dress that’s 2 sizes too small will really look without all the background noise.

Either way, I’ll share the results and see what you think!

NEPA GROOM: This one is for real. You don’t want to look. Pictures of me in a wedding dress dead ahead. Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200.

1. A lot of people have liked this one. I thought it was pretty, but too fancified for my taste. A+ for sweetheart neckline and side runching. *was on my list*

2. The motherly choice. I like it a lot too, it’s probably my 2nd favorite out of all we saw. I’m not totally sold on the veil but what can you do! *was on my list*

3. ATTACK OF THE POOF. JUST SAY NO. *consultant pick*

4. I wasn’t sure how I felt about pickups, so I thought I’d try this one on. It wasn’t for me, especially with all the beading. But apparently my boobalas must have been looking good! *consultant pick*

5. I wasn’t excited about this. I think it was the flat strapless top that didn’t look good. *consultant pick*

6. I kind of liked the flyaway part of the front of the skirt, but again with the beads. *consultant pick*

7. FULL OF WIN! The short dress with white socks look. Le sigh. This made me really happy, even though it was wide open in the back. It had a few beads, which I could forgive since it was such pretty lace. *was on my list*

8. With the birdcage veil <3<3<3. The moms hated it. I think Bridesmaid E made a snooty comment on FB about it too (keeeeding. I love you!!), haha. I love them. This one was stiff and stood way up and it still made me crazy happy.

So all of that leaves us… still without a dress. I learned I don’t look good in ivory – white actually looks better, even though I am super pale. While I learned a lot, I found the whole ‘process’ of trying on dresses intimidating and exhausting.

But that doesn’t mean we’re not without a wedding dress in our future….

Did anyone else ever find the wedding dress process exhausting/frustrating/crazy? How did you deal?