Anonymous wrote:Priscilla of Boston. Not sure if they still have a store in the DC area.

Priscilla of Boston closed as a company in 2011.

https://www.si.edu/object/archives/sova-nmah-ac-0557#:~:text=Priscilla%20Kidder%20actively%20participated%20in,to%20create%20various%20dress%20styles.

Priscilla of Boston. Not sure if they still have a store in the DC area.

I love dresses with architectural detail:




https://www.lesposedigio.com/it/collezioni/classic

This is lovely:

https://www.tadashishoji.com/bridal/tenley-satin-jacquard-gown

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. I really like the Anthropologie link.

My advice is don't do strapless in a pure white. I think it looks too young. Maybe you already reached that conclusion.

I think "1930s evening gown" is a good visual metaphor. Women of all ages wore those looks so they do not have age associations.

I also like chic wedding suits with either regular or longer length skirts.

Don't underestimate the impact of accessories on making a simpler dress into a wow. Particularly any headpiece/hat and a bouquet with very striking flower choices.

I appreciate your advice! I agree that white strapless or spaghetti straps will look too young. Of the options above, I do love the Anthropologie link but was hoping for something under $1000. I think I'd like a long dress with a bit of structure.

I've started to go through the links on the other thread and wish I could go shopping and compare wedding planning notes with the other bride.

In the DMV area, you could probably price out a made to order gown if the silhouette is simple and the fabric uncomplicated. That Anthropologie gown might be possible to duplicate for less.

If there are any decent wedding fabric stores left, they might have a list of local bridal seamstresses. You could try this store:

https://gstreetfabrics.com/

It's okay to look at patterns and fabrics even if you can't sew. I spent $25 buying headband materials then chickened out and bought a $200 veil because experimenting taught me I couldn't get close to the look. But at least I looked into saving $.

Anonymous wrote:NP. I really like the Anthropologie link.

My advice is don't do strapless in a pure white. I think it looks too young. Maybe you already reached that conclusion.

I think "1930s evening gown" is a good visual metaphor. Women of all ages wore those looks so they do not have age associations.

I also like chic wedding suits with either regular or longer length skirts.

Don't underestimate the impact of accessories on making a simpler dress into a wow. Particularly any headpiece/hat and a bouquet with very striking flower choices.

I appreciate your advice! I agree that white strapless or spaghetti straps will look too young. Of the options above, I do love the Anthropologie link but was hoping for something under $1000. I think I'd like a long dress with a bit of structure.

I've started to go through the links on the other thread and wish I could go shopping and compare wedding planning notes with the other bride.

Anonymous wrote:There was a thread a few weeks back with a lot of suggestions.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1289069.page

I thought the dress below was a really good option.

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/soutache-lace-cap-sleeve-trumpet-gown/8388208?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&fashioncolor=White&color=903

Thank you!

There was a thread a few weeks back with a lot of suggestions.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1289069.page

I thought the dress below was a really good option.

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/soutache-lace-cap-sleeve-trumpet-gown/8388208?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&fashioncolor=White&color=903

Here are some historically-influenced styles that might be nice to shop for.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1873427213/wedding-skirt-suit-women-white-blazer?gpla=1&gao=1&

https://www.dresstells.com/products/ivory-a-line-boat-neck-midi-tweed-homecoming-outfits-with-belts?sku=18070623826609921464541560&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopline-feed&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22728157195&gbraid=0AAAAA90vy59mZ_EGxt7J-xz43nIwAKRv7&gclid=CjwKCAjwz5nGBhBBEiwA-W6XRF6Sf3lfEDPGHv6G7QQLDNTrlOZw4GXxdW3104vkisxn9vS-1NAGphoCZ3wQAvD_BwE

https://www.dresstells.com/products/ivory-long-sleeves-tweed-a-line-midi-pageant-interview-dress-with-pockets?sku=18070623825388875686231560&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopline-feed&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22931315179&gbraid=0AAAAA90vy594JKjjJycr_2iBvR5feJBWF&gclid=CjwKCAjwz5nGBhBBEiwA-W6XRMaoLJXarpy6l3ho8AC8AhGBuCA9k7UTRbEgget2PggL5nopVpp3XxoC8YEQAvD_BwE

Wedding Ceremony:



https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/rachel-gilbert-clara-stretch-crepe-wedding-gown?color=011&inventoryCountry=US&countryCode=US&creative=&device=m&g_acctid=482-329-5162&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=BHLDN+-+US+-+Shopping+-+PMAX+-+Maids/Formal&g_campaignid=20252448378&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&g_type=shopping&matchtype=&network=x&utm_campaign=BHLDN+-+US+-+Shopping+-+PMAX+-+Maids/Formal&utm_content=&utm_kxconfid=vx6rlxuie&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=Google-Mobile&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20261448841&gbraid=0AAAAADnwqi6aM_DptWhYkeCGYZkNBL42O&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsJ_nztjYjwMVOElHAR2udAMTEAQYCCABEgI-VPD_BwE&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

Reception:


https://www.thereformation.com/products/mika-two-piece/1317262CRM.html?fbvar=brandedgoogle&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22455095249&gbraid=0AAAAADmLagW1pSTxQTnkpf2KMUGGYYliP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj73EidjYjwMVlERHAR2HxQBnEAQYCCABEgJjvvD_BwE

NP. I really like the Anthropologie link.

My advice is don't do strapless in a pure white. I think it looks too young. Maybe you already reached that conclusion.

I think "1930s evening gown" is a good visual metaphor. Women of all ages wore those looks so they do not have age associations.

I also like chic wedding suits with either regular or longer length skirts.

Don't underestimate the impact of accessories on making a simpler dress into a wow. Particularly any headpiece/hat and a bouquet with very striking flower choices.

Budget? Body type? Style preferences? Formality level?

Here are a few that I think are age appropriate and classic, maybe if you look at these and give feedback, we can start narrowing it down a bit:

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/jenny-by-jenny-yoo-nessa-high-neck-draped-open-back-satin-wedding-gown

https://www.davidsbridal.com/product/satin-ruched-bodice-wedding-dress-with-overskirt-wg4107?Color=Ivory&Size=10&Customisation=NO_CUSTOMIZATION&srsltid=AfmBOooEP49hP1-yReJagtdfnAPYH1-zMGvs4lBthfoSXievkhPIIYUTAGE

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/simkhai-julia-floral-lace-maxi-dress-0400022854257.html?dwvar_0400022854257_color=IVORY

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/chiara-boni-la-petite-robe-gosia-one-shoulder-gown-0400010458977.html?dwvar_0400010458977_color=WHITE

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/brandon-maxwell-the-blair-silk-sheath-midi-dress-0400022741771.html?dwvar_0400022741771_color=PEARL

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/milly-kait-fleur-paillette-embellished-midi-dress-0400022924646.html?dwvar_0400022924646_color=WHITE

Is it a church wedding or an officiant? What time? Do you want an elegant dress or an actual "wedding gown" and long or short?

I'm 52 and getting married next spring. It's the second marriage for both of us. Our plan is to have an elegant, but low-key wedding ceremony and dinner with about 50-75 family members and close friends. I've just started looking for a dress, and I'm having a really hard time. Everything either seems too young or too mother-of-the bride-ish. Any suggestions?