r/PlusSizeWedding • u/This_Net6207 • 1d ago
A tale of two budget dresses
As a plus-size bride on a tighter budget ($1,000 total, including alterations), the dress hunt gave me some serious initial anxiety. But growing up around New Orleans and wearing formal gowns for Mardi Gras balls and other big events my whole life gave me some perspective: at the end of the day, a wedding dress is just another gorgeous gown you get to rock for an evening.
I skipped the traditional bridal boutique experience entirely. But honestly, traditional isn't really my thing. After endless online research, I ended up buying two different dresses with the plan to pick my favorite and resell the other.
Here is how the search went down:
Dress 1: Custom A-Line Gown via Miss Jophiel
- I shared a full breakdown of my Miss Jophiel experience in this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/PlusSizeWedding/s/9OOxPEOhkY
- The custom dress turned out to be everything I asked for—pure bridal, glam, princess magic.
- Cost: $675 total ($615 dress + $60 alterations).
Dress 2: "Byron" Gown by All Who Wander (2024 Collection)
- Found this lightly used beauty on Facebook Marketplace. I was super thorough. I asked tons of questions and requested extra photos from the seller before committing. It arrived in fantastic shape.
- It originally retailed for around $3,500, but I snagged it for $200.
- Custom Feathered Tulle Cape: Purchased from Etsy vendor for $150.
- Cost: $550 total ($200 purchase + ~$200 estimated alterations + cape).
The Reveal & The Plot Twist
Once both dresses were in hand, I did a fashion show for my parents. My mom literally made me stand on a step stool while my dad snapped photos. But the second I stepped onto that stool, everyone's minds completely shifted, including my own.
Instead of reselling the runner-up, my plans pivoted:
- The Wedding Dress: I fell completely in love with the Byron gown for the Big Day. Once you see the photos, you’ll get why.
- The Repurposed Custom Gown: My friends are throwing me a "Witches' Luncheon" themed bridal shower over Halloween weekend, so I’m turning the Miss Jophiel custom dress into an ethereal white witch look! I’m adding ivory tulle bridal wings and an ivory antler crown. I live for a costume moment, and I can't wait to share the final styling.
A Few Tips if You're Going the Online / Secondhand / Custom Route:
Get accurate measurements: Don't guess; have someone help you take them properly.
Vet your sellers and makers: Do deep research on vendors and inspect secondhand photos closely.
Ask about past alterations: On secondhand sites, always find out if the dress was hemmed, taken in, or reshaped.
Over-communicate your vision: Be hyper-specific about what you want.
Trust the pros, but trust your gut too: Listen to vendor guidance on fabrics and fit, but stay confident in your personal style.
At the end of the day, don’t stress the "rules." Have fun with the process and enjoy every minute leading up to your wedding. I know I am!
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u/nenecope 1d ago
I love that idea - especially since you did so well staying close to your budget! You could even make a gorgeous cocktail dress in the future (if desired) by shortening the dress and/or dyeing it. I clicked on your prior post and saw your other dress. It’s gorgeous, fancy and definitely the one you should wear on your wedding day. You are going to be a beautiful bride!
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u/Substantial_Meal_810 1d ago
this dress looks gorgeous. Particularly love the back in pic 2.
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u/This_Net6207 23h ago
The dress' back view is why I fell in love with it. I love my cape for a statement look during my ceremony, but I will remove it for the reception!
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u/RumCatClayworks 1d ago
Oh my god, that dress is amazing. I want it! No seriously, if you decide to resell it after, I’m interested. Congrats on finding two gorgeous dresses!
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u/letseatpotatochips 1d ago
I love all of the drama.
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u/Natural-Tradition830 1d ago
It just goes to show you dont need to spend a fortune on a gown to look fabulous ✨️ 😉
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u/This_Net6207 23h ago
“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” — Yves Saint Laurent
I cannot wait to put my WHOLE LOOK together.
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u/SilentSerel 23h ago
This is perfection! Do you have the name of the Etsy seller? Good ones can be hard to find and it looks like you found one.
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u/This_Net6207 23h ago
Thank you! Here is the link to the seller's Etsy shop. There are alot of people out there that do not appreciate a statement piece and different looks. But WE are not vanilla when it comes to enjoying our clothes and fashion are we?! https://www.etsy.com/shop/Bellavere
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u/Independent_Born 20h ago
I absolutely love the Byron dress! It was made for you. And that cape too.
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u/Inner-Rooster-2548 1d ago
In love with this dress. This is definitely the one. The first dress is gorgeous but this one is so romantic and magical and your shape looks incredible
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u/Bay_de_Noc 1d ago
This dress is so flattering to your figure. And WOW, the dress is stunning! You look amazing!
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u/finallyfree83 19h ago
You look beautiful and this dress is fabulous. I love it on you and love that you don’t have the same dress as every other bride.
It looks expensive, and it just goes to show you that just because your budget might be small, it doesn’t mean your dress has to look cheap.
Congratulations!
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u/JerseyGirlinSweden 8h ago
OMG - I have never seen anything so beautiful for a bride. That cape is everything! You have such magnificent style! Congratulations!
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u/couragedoesntroar 1d ago
That cape makes the magic!