On January 31st, I tried a wedding gown for the FIRST time in a shop. The experience was awful…ya, you are reading it correctly…it was AWFUL! I thought I was gonna faint in that dress. Everyone in the shop said it's supposed to feel that way, so tight that you could barely breathe. I was also told by the sales that most girls wear at least two sizes bigger in a wedding dress. I finally understand why bride has to starve for the big day, not only to look skinny and pretty, it's also because fitting into that tiny dress (already two sizes bigger) requires major effort. All the moms walked over and told me how beautiful I looked in the dress, but still that didn't make me feel good at all. I know I have many pounds to lose. Now let's look at the price tag, the wedding dress I tried on cost £1,025 brand new, even the soiled sample dress full of black patches cost £800. I think it's totally insane to pay for a dress, even at £800, that I would only get to wear once. For sure this dress will sit in the closet or under the bed and never get to see the light again.
After I walked out of the shop, I asked BMM why weren't there any men in the shop? Then he reminded me the groom is not supposed to see the bride in the dress before the wedding. Ha, I have completely forgotten about it! Actually I prefer BMM to choose my gown with me because his opinion is the only one that matters. All I care is that BMM thinks I look pretty in the dress on our wedding day. So we have decided not to follow the tradition and shop together.
I spent several days searching on the internet to see if there are any wedding dress rentals in Vancouver. It seems rental is not at all a popular option; I could only find 4 shops for rental. Some brides mentioned rental cost at least a few hundred dollars, it's probably still a good idea to buy one instead. I found a few shops highly recommended by Vancouver brides for less expensive wedding dresses. Also, I found a few sites that offer custom made wedding dresses, the costs are quite reasonable. Fortunately my mother is an expert in textile manufacturing, alteration is one of her many talents. She has agreed to help me alter the gown for a perfect fit.
Shops in Vancouver that sell less expensive wedding dresses (shops in light blue have links to their websites):
MJM Wedding Services (requires appointment) - 17363 26th Avenue, South Surrey
Action Liquidators - 1850 Renfrew, Tel: 604-255-4577
Shops in Vancouver that have wedding dress rentals available:
Vancouver Bridals - 2677 W. Broadway, Tel: 604-518-6358
Lilianne's Bridal Salon - 250 W. Broadway, Tel: 604-873-4529
Lisange Wedding World - 8188 Granville Street, Tel: 604-263-1700
Tiffany's Bridal Salon - 3548 E. Hastings Street, Tel: 604-568-0599
Here are some of the styles that I like =)
