You know, since it is such a shame that most of us only wear our wedding dresses once, I think that whenever we finally converge on the DBL offices in NY we should all do so in our gowns!  OMG!  How are we not crazy enough already??

Thanks for all of the support guys. 

I wish I could say that I'm now perfectly happy with the situation, but I just can't.  I went from not being worried much at all about the dress to being incredibly nervous about the whole situation. 

I'm just afraid that even if it turns out perfect, I'm still not going to be happy because I had no say in the matter of picking out my own dress.  I haven't even seen the pattern yet, and it's like it's a completely done deal!  I know I'm probably being over emotional about the whole thing.  I didn't care all that much about the dress to start with, so why should I now?  My mom's just trying to do the best thing for me, and I should be appreciative, but I really feel left out of the process.   

Sorry to be a downer ladies.

Annie...you are not being a downer!!! It's your wedding and you should wear the dress that you want!!! I think alot of women go through their mothers trying to help a little too much for their weddings. My mom did the same thing. It was hard at first, since she gave DH and I some money to help with the wedding costs (although DH and I paid for the majority of it), but it was enough that I wanted her to be involved and didn't want to hurt her feelings by disagreeing with her about certain things. It worked out overall, and actually, I think we have a much better relationship because of it. It forced us to talk about things and discuss them thoroughly before making decisions. I'm sure you'll find a way to make it work out, but I agree with Ronda...having a back-up dress is a good idea! How about finding out about the return policies of some of the places that have the dresses you like? It might be worth the shipping costs to order one, try it on and keep it "just in case" then return it if you don't use it.

Annie, I like the idea of having back up dress. Just in case.
Since the dress you want is not a traditional wedding dress anyway, You can use it for other occasions if you decide to wear you mom dress for the wedding. 

Oh Annie, I think that is such a sweet thing for your mom to do but I can see how it might get a little awkward.  It will probably pay to be a little upfront with her now.  Just tell her what you've told us - that you love that she wants to make a dress for you but you are feeling left out and want some say in the most important dress of your life.

Everyone is right - well intentioned mothers can come across as hard-nosed dictators when it comes to their daughters' weddings!   

You know what, Annie? You are going to look beautiful in the dress that your mom makes. Ok, call me crazy lady, but I kinda have this image in my head - I read this thread last night and I actually dreamed about it. I have the strongest feeling that you will look (and more importantly, feel) like the most beautiful woman in creation when you take your vows.

I hope you are planning on posting an awful lot of pics!

Jen

There is a run for domestic violence where the women wear wedding gowns..

That's a great way to look at it Annie...After all, the most important thing about the day is that you and FH are getting married and committing to spending the rest of your lives together. He's not going to give a rats a** what you wear, heck, he'd probably prefer you wear nothing at all  !!! You're going to look gorgeous no matter what because the happiness that you feel about marrying your man will be shining through and you will be the most beautiful woman in the world!!

The idea of a back up dress is a good one.  I love the dress that your mother is thinking of making and if she is a perfectionist it should be great. 
The e-bay site would be great for the back up dress I think as long as you can wear it again.  I quite agree with less on the dress more on the diamond.  I am sure you will look absolutely beautiful.
Now I have been trying to think of a film where the bride was given her mother-in-law´s dress to wear and she ended up bolting or something, it is driving me nuts.  Please anyone know which film it was?

OMG Amy I watched that just recently......the 'monster in law' turns up to the wedding in a white dress.......oh dear!

Annie, you know what, you are going to look STUNNING...you'd look gorgeous in a sack cloth.  I've got no doubt about it. 

Thanks for checking in DJ.  Progress is slow, but it's being made none the less.  I like the color of the fabric, and the pattern (with some slight modifications) looks nice.  I'm staying positive about the whole deal, and I think it will turn out well.