There are often receptions or parties after the wedding. But I have never seen anyone wearing a bridal gown at one just so those who weren't at the wedding could see it. I'm assuming you are talking about a traditional wedding gown. But it was a small ceremony; perhaps you wore a terrific "regular" dress? If so, I absolutely would go ahead and wear it again for the party. That you wore it for your wedding doesn't mean it needs to be enshrined forever! If it's a traditional gown and veil -- well, you know your group, and we don't. So I don't know if they really are all that worked up about seeing you wearing a wedding gown, or if they will be thinking it seems a bit silly, or some of each. In any case, I assume all these people love you, so I don't think you have a problem with anyone permanently thinking anything bad. If you have your heart set on wearing your gown again, who is it hurting? I think the bigger issue is how YOU will feel. The fact that you are asking here makes me suspect that you feel uneasy about it, and if you plan to wear it, you will be second-guessing yourself from now until the party and all through the party, worried that you will feel foolish, which will reduce your own pleasure. If you wear a terrific regular outfit, you will for sure feel confident. Believe me, you will still be The Bride! Maybe wear some flowers, too. Best wishes on your marriage, and have fun at your party whatever you decide to wear.

I'm not sure it's an east/west coast thing that's determining what people wear as much as it may be a social class thing. I'm on the east coast and I've been to formal events with more white collar folks and everyone was dressed very formally. And then I have been to, eg, a wake with a more blue collar group and saw cut off shorts and sandals and cowboy boots and jeans. Then there was my uncle from FL whose only apparent suit was a mustard polyester leisure suit from the 70s which he wore to his mother's funeral...I guess I can give him credit for still fitting into the thing decades later...

Annie, you are right... and that was my thinking in ordering it even after I discovered that the daisy dress now fits. However, where it is a little too big now is in the bodice.. for a surplice dress that means some gaping. At my current weight, i can tack it or pin it... but as I lose more weight (knock on wood), i imagine I will lose more through the bust and back which could make the gapping more than a pin can manage. IDK. I do have wide shoulders and a large rib cage -- meaning the bones, not the fat on top lol.. so it may not be too bad. I think the waist/hips etc will be fine and very adaptable-- though the waist and tie are sewn in vs an elastic band. This is part of what makes it attractive IMO.. it looks more presentable AND it cinches in more than an expandable elastic band. I tried it on yesterday "as I was".. hair in a ponytail, slippers and (ahem) no bra. I thought it looked flattering and nice even then. I will try it on this weekend with proper undergarments and shoes and see what I think. It isn't terribly expensive so if it looks great when done up, I will likely keep it. I think it could work for a lot of occasions ... and since my weight loss is slow/steady, I would imagine it would work for awhile without alterations-- but weight loss is a funny thing. You can't always predict what will change. (Also, I will continue to watch to see if the smaller size comes back in stock) Thanks all for your thoughts, encouragement and recommendations!

Such pretty dresses posted here. I love both, jojoco. I was actually leaning toward the floral for a November wedding, but both are stunning. The SPLC is so very elegant, you cannot go wrong with it. I like the advice to take both and see how you feel that day. The green and black dress your friend is wearing for the rehearsal dinner is gorgeous.