Western and Chinese Bridal Dress and Attire
The most important Outfit(s) of the Day. Shopping for the wedding dress and the rest of my attire was delightful, albeit stressful. I scoured the earth to understand all of my choices before making final decisions. I do not even want to divulge how many hours I spent researching (in-person and online shopping). My research made me more confident knowing I selected the best option for me out of everything that was out there. Some choices came naturally - like falling in love and having that “moment” with my wedding dress. Other choices were harder and I wanted to make practical decisions. At the end of the day, I am happy with everything I wore and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Please read on to see what I wore on my wedding day and any advice I have.
Wedding Dress
L’Amour Bridal by Calla Blanche 20107 Amayah (discontinued)
Explore L’Amour Bridal Wedding Dresses here and store locator
I definitely experienced that moment when I tried on this dress. Tears welled up in my eyes and I knew it was the dress I wanted to wear when I got married to the love of my life. I love my dress, but I wish I knew some things beforehand so I had more of an informed decision when purchasing my dress.
The sleeves aren’t made of a stretchy material. After getting the sleeves tailored to fit me, I could not fully raise my arms. I was worried if I fully extended my arm that I would rip the sleeve at the armpit area.
The dress isn’t made of a stretchy material. I was hoping to get the dress tailored and snatched under my butt. My tailor pointed out if I did that I wouldn’t be able to sit down.
The dress dazzles and shines with glitter, which means you will leave a trail of glitter everywhere you go.
Many dry cleaners will refuse to dry clean your dress because of the abundant glitter. It’s too messy and difficult for them to clean up.
You can read more about my wedding dress shopping experience and advice I have about wedding dress shopping and tailoring your dress!
Wedding High Heels
Lulus Taylor Ivory Satin Ankle Strap Heels
There are so many reviews that claimed these heels were very comfortable. Lieza Minelli. I tested out a different pair of Lulus Taylor heels for my bachelorette party and my toes got torn up. I still had scabs on my toes by the time my wedding came around. I altered my wedding heels by adding two strips of foam tape under the toe strap and Dr. Scholl’s ball of foot cushions. This allowed me to wear my heels all day with no blisters or cuts.
Veil
Blue Sky Bridal - English Net Veil in Diamond White, Cathedral Length
I found beautiful and affordable veils through Etsy and was tempted to buy one. However, I wanted to be able to try on the veil with my dress and get a feel for it before committing, which is why I chose to buy a veil from a local bridal boutique.
Material - I love the english net material because it was so soft and silky, but I wonder if I chose tulle if it would’ve fanned out more and held its traditional shape. You’ll notice how the english net veil naturally falls long and skinny when it’s not positioned in the second photo.
Placement - I used bobby pins to secure it to my head. It felt like it was stable and comfortable. On the wedding day, I used four bobby pins to secure the veil, but it kept sliding. If you are wearing your hair down and plan to wear a veil, I recommend looking into how to securely pin the veil to the top of your head.
Worth it - Yes! I loved the veil photos and wearing the veil for the ceremony. It felt magically bridal.
Chinese Tea Ceremony Qun Kwa
QiPao Mood Qun Kwa
The Qun Kwa fit me perfectly. I appreciate how simple the ordering process was and that I didn’t need to tailor the dress. You can message the owners your measurements and confirm the right size for you.
Reception Qi Pao
Qi Pao from Susana Wedding Centre in Yaohan Center
Loved my Qi Pao as it was a hand-me-down from my sister. Had it tailored nine months before the wedding since I wore the Qi Pao in our engagement shoot. Read more about Chinese wedding dress options locally and online.
Reception Dress
BHLDN Marchesa Notte Alesia Gown (discontinued)
Explore BHLDN Marchesa Gowns here
I bought this dress a month before the wedding. I was low-key freaking out I couldn’t raise my arms in my wedding dress. How would I be able to spin for our first dance? Would I be able to wil’ out for our dance party? I didn’t think I was going to be that ridiculous bride that bought a reception dress, but I found myself in a pickle. If I was going to buy a second dress, I needed to find something I loved and less than $500. Luckily, I found this dress on sale for $300! It was beautiful, comfortable, and perfect to dance in. Bonus: It was a fun surprise to see my husband’s reaction when I came out in this dress!
Undergarments
Bra
NuBra Silicone 3D Bra Cups Pale Peach
I wore this with my Qi Pao and Marchesa Notte Dress. I wore a regular bra with my Qun Kwa. I went braless with my wedding down (freedom!!!).
Underwear
Dream Angels Lace Trim Thong Panty Evening Blush
This probably wouldn’t work for a dress that is crepe material and/or tight fitting. All the truly seamless thongs I had actually showed through the dress, because the color was too light. This thong ended up being perfect because the color didn’t show through.
Tailors
Wedding Dress Tailor: American Freestyle Alterations (Redmond, WA)
Qi Pao and Reception Dress Tailor: Adam Tailoring and Alterations on Rainier Avenue (Seattle, WA)
Engagement and Wedding Photography
You can ready my blog about how to choose the right photographer and videographer for your wedding day, and my wonderful experience working with Sam and Sola!