Someone I know who got married in VA had the same issue. They found out that it would be really hard for the friend they’d asked to officiate to “legally” marry them. So, they met with someone the day before, to do the legal thing and had him sign whatever had to be signed. Then they had their “real” ceremony when it was planned. They only consider the day their friend married them their anniversary.
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My kid got married in PA where they had a self uniting wedding, also known as a Quaker wedding
No officiant needed 
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I had a kid who wanted to marry on a mountaintop, just bride and groom (til convinced otherwise - they did a lovely 25 person wedding instead).
It is legal in Colorado
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Wedding 2 of 2 in less than a year is now done.
Thursday and Friday were projects at home which the groom’s parents and little brother were around to help and hang out which was fun. Friday evening was rehearsal at the church and dinner in our yard. The weather was perfect!
Saturday’s forecast was storms from 9-3 but we just had a bit of rain around lunch while no one needed to be out and about. Between ceremony and reception immediate family had pictures in our pasture so we were really happy the rain didn’t mess that up.
The reception was fantastic. DD and SIL swing dance so their first dance was so fun. The only issue we had all weekend was the bustle on her dress broke during their dance so I did several tries at safety pinning before I got it fixed up well enough to withstand all she put it through 
It really was the wedding of her dreams 
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I’m so happy for her (& for you) that this was the wedding of her dreams. Congratulations on pulling it all off!
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They look darling!! 
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Congratulations! 
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Best wishes to the happy couple and their families. It looks like a wonderful celebration.
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Lovely! Thanks for sharing.
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Argh… I told you I’m built more like a man. Call me Brienne of Tarth. I ordered 3 dresses, 2 different styles, 2 different sizes, 3 different colors. I wasn’t sure what size to order. My waist/hips are between 4-6. I like bigger and I have a very strong back, so I chose sizes 6 & 8. Well.. the two sixes fit fine over the hips and waist, but even the 8 won’t come close to zipping over my back.
I’m not sure what to do. I do actually like the navy color in the one style, but I have no idea what size to try (12? 14?) and can it even then be cut down enough. Never have I ever in 52.5 years altered anything. I just make do. So I don’t know anyone personally to ask. My coworker has a name for me. But I only have 5 days to return them before getting charged. Should I ask the store?
I’ll put all the pictures in another post. I added a couple of the second purple style. I like it ok, but I like the other one better. My calves are also very big and strong and I’d prefer if they were covered.
The black dress looks beautiful on you. I am wondering if you need to zip. I would take it to a good seamstress to see if the zipper could be take. Out.
FYI - I spent hundreds $$ to alter off the rack dresses for my kids wedding. I bought a dress o e size up because it was the only one left. A lot had to be done to get it fitted.
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Maybe ask in NextDoor or neighbors for recommendations of a good seamstress. I agree that the garment looks fine with zipper off.
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That is something I hadn’t thought of. But I think I’d like to neck to clasp? I have a name of a seamstress. I just don’t know if she could see me tomorrow or Thursday. We go out of town Friday and I have to return it by then or get charged full price. It was only $20 to try them on.
Going up one size doesn’t sound so bad. If I have to get a 14 for the back to zip, I’d be going up 4 for the waist and hips.
And technically it’s navy. The lighting in my old house is terrible for pictures.
But thanks for the idea! This whole thing just blows my anxiety through the roof. I’m a Walmart swears girl
I mostly do budget purchases (Kohls, ARC thrift shop -mainly workout clothes) plus a few nice things from small local shop that specializes in brands that prioritize sustainability and fair trade practices (usually in US). But… MOB/MOG dress shopping was an area I was willing to splurge a bit. Had a smaller tentative budget than some ($300 + maybe more for alterations)… eventually found a dress I loved at Dillards for about half that.
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I like the dress in the first two pics - a lot. And it looks to suit you! What is the problem with that one??
OHhhhh, is the third pic the back of the dress in the first two pics??
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It’s supposed to zip in the back all the way up to the neck instead of having a 4-6” gap 
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I get it now, so sorry!
Is time on your side? When is the wedding? I thought maybe send them all back now and see if you can find something that is just a better fit without such big alterations anyway. If you just can’t find anything you can reorder this is a bigger size and have an alterations person look at it as soon as it arrives (to beat the 5 day return)
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That dark navy dress is great. I think a low V cut in the back would look nice…but you definitely need to consult with a dress maker to see if that can happen.
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There are others here more fashionista than me, but to me, if you keep it open back (and you truly have a beautiful lean back!) the v looks to severe with the same angle of the straps.
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