I know that many buds have dreamed of their wedding dress from the time they were little girls. Cathedral train, A-line silhouette, Vera Wang, the works. I did not do this. A wedding dress had always seemed more like a necessity than something to hope and dream about.

After we got engaged, people immediately told me to start looking for “the dress”, that I would find the perfect dress, and not to give up until I did. I started looking at dresses in magazines and finally found one I sort of liked:

Alfred Angelo Style 1148

None of the other dresses looked right to me. I found a local bridal store that carried that line and went to try it (and a few other dresses) on. Even though I knew the “other” dresses weren’t right, I still wasn’t sure about that dress. The one they had at the store was about 6 sizes too small, so I still really had no idea how it would look on me. I started showing the pictures to anyone who would look at them, and it was unanimous – everyone agreed it was the one. And yet, I didn’t feel it. It didn’t feel like “the” dress.

I started to doubt myself. Why wasn’t I excited about the dress? Was there something wrong with me? Did that mean I shouldn’t be getting married to Iris Dude?

I drove an hour to another bridal store that had a sample of the dress that was closer to my size. I tried it on, and suddenly… I started to feel something. I couldn’t quite describe it, but something felt a little special about the dress. I still wasn’t sure if it was “the” dress, but… something felt different.

Finally, I took a leap of faith. I ordered the dress, and had it shipped to my apartment. Earlier this week, I arrived home to find a FedEx delivery slip. I retrieved my package, went home, closed myself in my bedroom and opened the box.

Instantly… I was in love. Something about seeing the dress in MY size, MY color, holding it in MY bedroom, looking in MY mirror… I just knew. It was right. It was mine. It was “the” dress. Now, I can’t stop imagining myself wearing it down the aisle. I can’t stop planning what I’ll do with my hair and what jewelry I’ll wear and what pictures we should take. Suddenly, I’m so excited!

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with any of you other buds who might feel the same way I felt about the dress. It’s completely normal! Don’t rush your decision. You will find “the” dress. Just give it time!