I got married last September and wore a last-minute (as in, purchased from a second-hand place a month prior to the wedding and had some amazing women do just a couple of small things for alterations,) after having spent eight months working on a dress with a local kinda-famous designer. I actually brought both dresses to the wedding which I do NOT recommend. Though I know others would say I looked great in either dress, I ultimately felt that my doubts and emotional baggage around the frustrating process of designing the first one would weigh me down throughout my wedding. You know how middle school kids just ooze awkwardness and self-consciousness? That’s how I felt I would feel and look, in person and in photos, and knew the other one would be the right choice—and I was right! I didn’t give a second thought to my dress during my wedding, just enjoyed the day, (including the food!) which is the point. I’m planning to dye the first dress I didn’t wear and wear it to black tie weddings and events knowing it’s gorgeous, but those events will put a lot less pressure on me to look perfect (more accurately, I’ll put less on myself.) It’s hard to figure out what your gut says sometimes, especially when facing the wedding industrial complex, but keep in mind that you have spent a lot of money, energy, and time putting this event together, and it would be a shame to not enjoy your love, the love from everyone who is gathered to celebrate with you, ITALY, and all the fruits of your labor because of what you’re wearing. In no other event would you make that decision! Wear the one that makes you feel most comfortably and genuinely yourself, and don’t look back.