overkill for a courthouse wedding?

Dear ESB,

Future husband and I are getting married at the courthouse in Montreal in April and then having a big party in a mountain chalet in August. 

What do you think of these dresses for a Saturday courthouse ceremony? Too much black? Overkill in some other way? Your opinion is much appreciated!

Michael Kors Lace-top Dress

Diane von Furstenberg Crystal Scoopneck

Uber thanks,

Questioning black on white

*****

Hate the Michael Kors, love the DVF. (Not an overkill thing really, more of a taste thing.)

Seeking: rehearsal shooz.

Hi ESB,

FH husband and I are getting married on Miami Beach in March and I've relied heavily on your blog for wedding advice and etiquette. We'll be having a non-traditional rehearsal dinner that will involve rooftop cocktails and dancing. I'll be wearing this DVF dress [pictured above] but can't seem to find shoes that are fun and under $250.  

Any chance you and your awesome crew can help?

Thanks!
Just Missing the Shoes

*****

While I'm on an Emerson Fry kick (thanks, ladies)......

How bout these nude leather ankle straps?

They're a teence over your budget, but look how great her legs look!

G-R-E-A-T

And I feel like they might actually be *comfortable.*

Seeking: Rehearsal Dinner Dress, Size 16

Dear ESB,

I had a fight with the woman who was making my rehearsal dinner dress and we decided that canceling the order was the best course of action.

She made changes without telling me and then when I asked her to undo the changes, she told me that she would rather sell the dress to someone who would appreciate it.

Anyway, my wedding is about a month away and I am trying to find a dress. I am looking for a reasonably priced (under $200) white lace shift. I am hugely busty and generally wear a 16 everywhere else. I have looked around and not been able to find what I'm looking for in my size.

I was hoping you might have some ideas for me. I ordered a couple of things from ASOS, but they're not quite right. Oh, also I'm 38 and need something age-appropriate, but not frumpy.

Thank you!

*****

DON'T WEAR WHITE TO YOUR REHEARSAL DINNER.

Gah.

Will this peaches and cream Diane von Furstenberg fit you??

Because it is awesome.

Five MOTB dresses that don't suck

I pored over all your suggestions, and I decided to include nothing with a price tag over $800 (I MEAN). Also, nothing in champagne or blush.

Here are my faves...

(Badgley Mischka Portrait-Collar Peplum Dress, $440)

(Podolls Collins Dress, $440)

(DFW Maja Two Dress, $445)

At a comfier price point:

(Our old favorite J. Peterman French Film Star Travel Dress, $198)

And then there's this one:

(Badgley Mischka Asymmetric Drape Gown, $650)

Whose mom would not look good in this?

Please help me dress my boobs (Part 4: Wedding Dresses)

Here's Celia with the cherry on top of our BOOB-O-riffic series:

So, you're getting married AND you have big tits... let's find you something awesome to wear. You guys, I have not been on a hunt for a wedding gown in about three years, but BY GOLLY it looks like the bridal industry knows what's up. It's a shame that you only seem to find big-busted brides in halter and strapless silhouettes, because there are hundreds, if not thousands, of dresses that are right for you. I had my dress custom made, which I highly recommend as an option, but I had so much fun doing the research for this post that I might just go try on some gowns sometime in the near future for shits and giggles. I really don't care how cuckoo bananas that is either.

Basically, all the same rules apply as dressing for non-wedding life. You want the right neckline, you want the right fabric, and you want the right cut that will help create balance. I know all those newer dresses coming out with all those fun embellishments on the bust line are oh-so-adorable, but you have no business wearing a big taffeta bow across your tits, OK? Other than that, like I said, the wedding gown world is your oyster, so let's explore it.

(left, right)

If wrap dresses look great on you for everyday life, then you better believe they'll work just as splendidly on your wedding day. I think really toned down silhouettes are so good for big boobs. Your knockers are such a great accessory, so you really don't need to be adding too much to them, you know? That being said, please do not let me catch you wearing a necklace that's long enough to fall between your cleavage. Como se dice, "looks really fucking stupid"?

I'm thinking backyard/potluck wedding for the dress on the left, and City hall wedding with your sister as the witness for the DVF dress. Am I right, or am I right?

(left and right)

Big boobs are awesome in all those romantic silhouettes. You'll look straight off the cover of some sex-a-fied romance novel, but in a good way. I know busty girls seem to be over empire dresses, but they DO work for you if that's a trend you're willing to take on. I wore an empire dress when I got married, but more than anything, I chose that style because I really wanted to EAT at my wedding. 

I saw at least five dresses on the Saja site that would be beautifully worn by a busty lady.

(left, right)

So, looking like a bride is simply not your thing, but you still want to look like THE bride. You lucky ladies have so much to choose from. If you're not planning on buying a wedding dress or even a wedding-y dress, just make sure you still choose something that will knock your socks off when you try it on. Personally, I don't believe in the concept of "The Dress," but if you're going to wear it for the most important day of your life, you better be in love with yourself in it. 

A great alternative to strapless and halter silhouettes are one-shoulder dresses. They compliment bigger boobs fabulously, and although *I've* never had luck with one of those convertible-type bras (I'm not saying they don't exist for big boobs), you can wear a one-shoulder dress with a strapless bra or bustier. Call me crazy, but I think adding even one strap to a dress when wearing a strapless bra helps add a fair amount of support. 

The dress on the right looks like it was MADE for humongous Big'uns. It's ultra sexy AND you can wear a regular bra with it? That's a major winner in my book. 

(left and right)

Alright, so you're getting married AND you have a hot body. Poor you. It's pretty safe to say that having a killer rack doesn't always equal a killer body. But if it does for you, then you've got to flaunt that shit, home chicken. I know I tried to sway you from strapless dresses, but let's say, for example, your figure is pin-up worthy (think Scarlett Johansson or Salma Hayek) and you want to show it off. Well then, you should! The Elizabeth Dye dress above will accentuate all your amazing curves, but will also keep you from looking like the Skank Bride of the Year. 

Thank you for having me, ESB and all her rad readers. This series has been tons of fun for me and I've gained so much knowledge in the process. Now lets keep our tits strapped in, and our wardrobes looking bangin'.

xo -Celia

Photo at top: Scarlett Johansson by Peter Lindbergh for Vogue China, April 2011 via Glamcheck