Re: Did your mother-in-law.............?
^ You went out and bought another lehnga on your mehndi day? How'd your parents feel about that? Although I am certainly happy for you that you got to wear what you liked eventually, I still think if it was that important to you that you wore something you really liked on your valima and you went as far as getting one you liked overnight, why didn't you talk to your MIL ahead of time about it? I'm sure you weren't shy since you did have the guts to tell her straight up at the 11th hour you weren't planning on wearing what she got you.
I say this because I know the Valima is mostly the guy's side's day. They put in much effort and thought in their hosting as the girl's side does for the baraat. And of course, MILs and SILs go through the process of picking out a dress for the bride (however ugly their choice maybe).. Plus that is their day for face keeping and showing the world what they gave the baho and maintain their egos to an extent.
So then perhaps if you had mentioned you wanted to be part of the process, they would've included you and neither party would have had to waste money on a new dress.
I do believe wedding planning in Pakistani culture should include all parties. I would've preferred your MIL/SIL asked you exactly what you wanted and have that made but I guess it wasn't as easy as that when you got married. Things have rapidly starting changing only in the last 2-3 yrs.
Anyway, I recall you saying you have 2 boys? Correct me if I'm wrong. Mashallah, boys are such fun beings..! My nephews are devils though! Haha... drive me insane when they visit..!