Dress fittings and why you should always have emergency money in the budget.

  I knew that when I got alterations to my dress it was not going to be cheap... I thought I only had to get my dress taken in 1 size then I ended up losing some weight and we ended up having to take the dress in almost 4 inches on both sides... THAT IS 8 INCHES...
    There are some very important tips that you should always remember when going to a dress fitting.

• Wear ALL the undergarments that you are planning on wearing on your wedding day. (I didn't put on my longline bra for my first fitting meaning I had to get the dress adjusted again on the second fitting)
• Wear the shoes you are planning on wearing for the wedding. They will be heming your dress so you want to make sure that your hem is the right length with your shoes. (Your slip/crinoline will also affect your hem so wear your slip/crinoline at all fittings)
• If you are worried about your dress being pinned too tight or too loose do not be afraid to speak up. You are paying for this service don't say ok until you are happy with the way you are pinned.
• Drink lots of water. If your wedding dress is anything like mine you are going to be HOT so make sure that you drink LOTS of water my seamstress told me stories of brides fainting at their fitting when I was asking my bridesmaid for water.
• Make sure you have someone with you at your last fitting. If your dress is a lace up you will need someone who knows how to lace it up. Or how to do the buttons or how to just make sure it is on right. 

   My good friend told me that alterations were not cheap. I thought she was overreacting until I started calling around to get price quotes. 

   When I first went I was a bit in shock at the price I was given to take the dress in (I need to learn how to sew wedding dresses) Then after 3 fittings I got the bill and wanted to cry.... It was almost DOUBLE the price they quoted me.
   Always make sure to have extra money in the budget for unexpected expenses. If not you could be scrambling at the last minute to cut some costs or get more money because there will be at least one thing that goes over budget.

I bought a dress without trying it on!

   The title says it all! Yes I feel like I am just a little crazy right now. How could I buy my wedding dress without trying it on?

   I fell in love with a dress! I found it on Etsy, if you haven't checked out Etsy before run don't walk over to check out all of the amazing items and sellers!

   The seller I got my dress from is Ouma. I bought the Allison! Tea Length, strapless sweet heart neckline, and a pretty sash it was everything that I was looking for in a dress! And actually my original dress inspiration that I lost and finally found when I wasn't looking . 

    I wont be getting the dress for another 5-6 weeks but I will post pictures when it comes! 

   But now I have a question would you buy a wedding dress without trying it on? Or am I crazy? And what has your Etsy experience been like? (If you cant tell I love Etsy!)

My newest dream dress....

Bonny Bridal 123

I have a wandering eye when it comes to dresses I will most likely be a 2 dress bride and I am OBSESSED with looking at wedding dresses! My newest love is Bonny Bridals 123! Picture here ---->
Why do I love this dress so much? Probably because the neckline is EVERYTHING I want and my newest wedding dress love is lace! plus I want a sash. Mine would most likely be Hot pink... But still not 100% sure on that...
But I keep wondering would lace be too heavy for a august outdoor wedding? (I am planning on having a 2nd dress to change into) and If i got this dress would I even want to change into a second dress... Probably not.... There is no one in Oregon who sells this dress (this seems to be my BIGGEST issue when dress shopping) But I can find something like it right? Ill have to try on a similar dress to try on and find a Pre-owned dress or get one made for me... But I am so afraid that getting one made for me it wouldn't look right....
Well look for a dress shopping post soon because as soon as I can get my girls together we will be doing another shopping trip! (the last one didn't go to well)

Anyone with wedding dress shopping tips? I think I am going to need them...

My name is Shanda and Im a Wedding Addict

 Never did I think that I would become a wedding planning addict... (I'm sure I am not the only one out there) 2 1/2 weeks is a LONG time to stay away but I did make it a week and a half!

    So now I am exactly 1 week until my birthday and birthday BBQ. You think I would be planning that right? Well I really am not I hope Juan knows what he wants to do what food to serve etc... Because I haven't been much help...
    I still find myself stalking Wedding bee (And posting too...) I am a Wedding be addict also... Those of you who haven't put 2 and 2 together I am MsPanda on Wedding bee!


Isadora ann by Maggie Sottero

     But My biggest Wedding obsession right now is Wedding dresses I found a store that has the dress I want to try on! Maggie Sottero's Isadora Ann I LOVE IT! I am head over heals for this dress and I am so afraid that I am going to have the "I loved it until I tried it on moment" So I still haven't made a appointment. (I know I'm a chicken)
    I do feel like the Isadora Ann Is perfect for the Garden/Back yard wedding. But I hope It will still make me feel like a bride. I do love that it is tea length! and that I will be able to dance in it! I just have to get over my little fear and make the appointment.
    Did anyone else get "addicted" to wedding planning? And did/do you have a fear of trying on "the" dress?