Are Designer Dresses worth the $

Original post by Tivogliobene

Jul 12, 2004 11:31 AM

I am not going to lie, up until now, I couldn't imagine myself with anything less than a Reem or a Lazaro....

But...as I tried on dresses last week, I might be changing my mind....for example, I tried on a GORGEOUS gown by 'Mary's' and I am just flat out confused.

This dress was under $1000 and its material was beautiful, its beading was sewn on, not glued like other cheaper dresses, and I honestly thought it was just as fantastic as a Reem....yeah hard to imagine, I know!

So I guess what I am wondering is, have any of you been in this dilemma? I am not sure if I am more concerned with saying 'My dress is by Mary's' (when my family is notorious for the $6k Reem's) or just regretting not buying a designer dress....petty and stupid....I know! But I would love that other $5K to go towards our home!

help:)

PS this is what I get for looking at dresses when my wedding is 16 months away!!!

jill13bean Posted: Jul 12, 2004 08:18 PM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I tried on no name dresses and it just wasn't teh same to me.... JMO the material makes a HUGE difference in how the dress looks

if you love the less expensive one and thing it looks great than sure why not... all that counts is that you are happy

Mary's dresses look beautiful

FoxHollowbride0617 Posted: Jul 12, 2004 08:23 PM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I think Designer Dresses are beautiful but personally I can't justify to myself to spend that much money on a dress. I think there are other very beautiful dresses for much less

bluetank Posted: Jul 12, 2004 10:06 PM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

You have to get the dress that you love. If it is 1000 I say even better. A lot of times you are just paying for the designers. Dont get me wrong they do use finer fabrics, but if you love the dress, get it. Worry about everyone else later. You will look beautiful either way. Remember it is one day- think of what else you can use that money for---after the wedding. Good luck

julz33 Posted: Jul 12, 2004 10:10 PM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I tried on dresses without looking at the designer or the price. The one that is 'the one' is by mon cheri and was very inexpensive. So for me the name wouldn't matter if it was 'the One'.

littlewilson Posted: Jul 13, 2004 12:40 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I was willing to spend up to $1000 or so on the dress, but after trying many on, the obvious standout choice for me was about $350. I can't imagine considering spending more without liking the dress better, just for a particular name...let alone in the price range you're talking about. But then again, I can only speak for myself. I'm not at all label-conscious, and only care about the style, fit, and comfort. Perhaps for others, the label provides a certain level of emotional/subconscious comfort.

August2004 Posted: Jul 13, 2004 07:32 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

My gown was $4500 and I believe it is worth every penny. I had been to stores with the $1000 dollar dresses and I personally felt the material on the more expensive dresses is much better.

However, if you are happy with that dress, get it. I wouldn't buy a dress based on how much it cost, it just had to do with the look and feel of the material for me. If you are going to feel like a million dollars in a 1000 dollar dress, why spend 6k on a dress you don't?

eroxgirl Posted: Jul 13, 2004 07:52 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I wore a Reem that I had a love/hate relationship with until the day of my wedding, when I finally decided I loved it. I found it at a sample sale, because there was no way I was paying the $6k it retails for. Most of my guests had NO CLUE who or what Reem Acra was - especially one person who shocked me because she didn't know what couture meant even though she has a couture budget and will go out of her way to make sure her wedding gown is $$$$ when the time comes . I didn't even know my gown was silk until I looked at the tailor's receipt, I just thought it was pretty Point being, if I had found a gown for under $1000 that I loved and looked fabulous on me, I would have happily worn it.

FLaCaTaCa Posted: Jul 13, 2004 07:57 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

Hi! My dream dress (or supposedly) was a Demetrios dress. Not as expensive as dresses can get but not as inexpensive either. I tried one on and I looked like a marshmallow...the material was too heavy and I couldn't even stand right. I continued trying on top name brands and I just didn't like them. I am down to a Mori Lee and made an appt for David's Bridal. I am also not sure if I want to pay a whole lot more for a better material, when I am truly only going to wear this dress once. JMO

Tivogliobene Posted: Jul 13, 2004 08:49 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

ooh I was so happy to see more responses to this, this morning!

I agree with everyone, it is my choice....I wish I can find a salon that sold both Mary's and Reem so I can try them both on back to back...decisions, decisions!!!!

CubanBride Posted: Jul 13, 2004 09:02 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

Posted by Marisa&Brian
To be honest though, I know a lot of people say 'Oh you're paying for the name' - but I think that is untrue - the more $$$ gowns are different material, are made differently etc. -

Actually, it depends. Often many of the designer dresses are made inthe same factories that the $500 dresses are made at.

prncssrachel Posted: Jul 13, 2004 09:05 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I think a dress is worth as much as you are willing to think it's worth. Does that make sense? Put me in a 6,000 dollar dress that I don't love, and it won't be worth the money. Put me in a 10 dollar dress I bought that I DO love, and it's worth so much more. It's kind of like the dollar, only backed by faith at this point.

cocoa Posted: Jul 13, 2004 09:08 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

honestly, i felt more pretty in a jessica mcclintock dress than i did in a more expensive one. after being on here and seeing others post dresses that are worth so much money, i second guess my decision, but i couldn't justify spending all that money on a dress i would be wearing for 8 hours and the dress i picked is me. it is simple but pretty and that is what i wanted. plus, it was one of the few dresses without a train.

Sonicstef Posted: Jul 13, 2004 09:15 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

Actually, it depends. Often many of the designer dresses are made inthe same factories that the $500 dresses are made at.

$6K gowns are usually made by hand using delicate fabrics...while cheaper dresses are manufactered using polyester or other man made fabrics. The same machinery would not be used. Also, a couture dress will be made to your specifications and the designer will alter it as you want it (and you probably get to meet with the designer to discuss the changes, etc..)

Again, that doesnt mean someone should or should not buy a certain kind of dress. I think everyone is in agreement that everyone has different priorities and if you love a $100 dress, that is the one and thats the important thing.

But I think its fairly insulting to those who have spent a great deal on their gowns to say that they are just paying for the name. Everyone may not appreciate the differences but there is a difference!

nov.bride Posted: Jul 13, 2004 09:49 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

not to be poiltically correct but-
whether the dress is $$$$$$$ or $$ it needs to make you feel like $$$$$$$$$$$$. Thats whats important.

Go with your gut- feel like a pricess like when you were 4 years old and got that fancy dress you would twirl around in

Sassyz75 Posted: Jul 13, 2004 10:13 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I wore a moderately priced dress, but not from a Reem, Vera or Amsale..
My parents paid for our wedding, and I wasn't going to make them buy me a $5k wedding dress, nor could I afford a 5k dress on my own.
I was very happy with my dress and tried them on not looking at the label, but noticing how they fit me and if it was in my overall budget.
If you're OK w. spending big bucks- by all means, go for it.

CubanBride Posted: Jul 13, 2004 10:17 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

Posted by Sonicstef
$6K gowns are usually made by hand using delicate fabrics...while cheaper dresses are manufactered using polyester or other man made fabrics. The same machinery would not be used. Also, a couture dress will be made to your specifications and the designer will alter it as you want it (and you probably get to meet with the designer to discuss the changes, etc..)

This is often a misconceived notion. While that is how it SHOULD be, that is not how is ACTUALLY is on the most part. It's the same thing how Dasani water was supposed to be spring water, but it was realized they were using tap water.

But I think its fairly insulting to those who have spent a great deal on their gowns to say that they are just paying for the name. Everyone may not appreciate the differences but there is a difference!

I agree that no one should ever say that. It IS rude and insulting.

tina_cuse01 Posted: Jul 13, 2004 10:22 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

Posted by fashionhag

I tried on a Ramona Keveza dress that cost $4000 and hated it, although I loved it in the photo. I wound up buying the one I cost less than $700.

I love Ramona Kevesa's dresses. The wedding I was in back in June, the bride wore one and looked incredible.

Ok, to the subject - I couldn't agree more with the ladies. You should buy a dress based on what you love, not on who made it. I was in a similiar position myself, so I totally understand. My sister spend $6k on her dress and wore a Reem at her wedding last summer. I started looking at Vera Wangs, Ramona Kevesas, Reems, etc and just didn't LOVE anything. I found my dress (which wasn't cheap, about half the cost of my sister's), but it wasn't a 'Name' dress. I always thought I would wear a Vera Wang, but you know I LOVE my dress and who cares what the tag says.

LImom Posted: Jul 13, 2004 10:38 AM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

When my daughter was looking for a gown we saw a couple of really beautiful ones that were relatively inexpensive. She didn't have to have to have a high priced one to make her happy, but we did some research and found out the cheaper ones she saw were a polyester blend. Just be a wise consumer and go with what you love. If people ask what you paid, you can respond by saying 'too mcuh', and they don't have to know labels or prices.
Good luck.

ckgmwedding Posted: Jul 13, 2004 02:20 PM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I think the wedding dress stuff is crazy but then again I am a famous bargin hunter for clothes. I plan on shopping around and probably buying my dress on the net. I just found a great seamstress so I am all set. I just don't see it for one day. If anyone asks I plan on telling them I got in California where I live. No lies, just none of their business.

This is just my opinion and feelings about his not a condemnation on those brides who did spend a lot of money on their dresses. I spent way too much on my band and if I really cared about budget I would have gotten a DJ

lullabella Posted: Jul 13, 2004 02:31 PM

Re: Are Designer Dresses worth the $

I say go with what you like and can afford. If I you can't afford a designer dress then if I were you I wouldn't get one because it is not worth going into debt over.