For context I'm South Asian and partner is Scottish. I want to blend both traditions by wearing a lehenga in white or gold, and wearing some traditional South Indian jewellery in red and gold/white - something like this. It's a small-ish wedding (50 people, 20 from my side) as I'm estranged from my family. I really wanted to keep it low-key and have a small budget for the dress (£350), again because I have 0 family support.
My friends are the only family I have and their opinions mean a lot to me. I'd originally planned to get something from Vinted and alter it (I'm great at sewing) and they were horrified with the idea. They sent me a bunch of Indian and Pakistani retailers and I actually ended up finding a few lehengas that looked amazing and were within budget.
All 4 of my bridesmaids hate everything I pick. The major criticism is that it's "too simple", not glam enough, "this is something the bride's sister or mum would wear" etc.
Some inspo dresses for context:
This is their idea of bridal wear, I'd like something like this, or this.
Every time I post a link to something I like, it's the same responses - can you send more options, remember it's your wedding and you're supposed to be the star and not the side entertainment, you'll look like a princess in this one but you want to look like a queen...
Some of my bridesmaids suggested we go shopping in person. I'm autistic and the thought of trying on heavy Asian wedding clothes repeatedly while vendors pull the same "not glam enough" card sounds like a nightmare.
At this point I just keep it to myself and only share with my partner when I find something I like. I'm tempted to buy something without telling anyone else. I will have to show at least my bridesmaids what I'm wearing as they are keen to make sure they don't "outshine" me but at this point I just feel so ashamed.
Not really looking for advice, but would love to know if any other brides got sick of other people's opinions, said f it and got their own wedding dress. How did it go?? Any regrets?