Hi Gals, So i went dress shopping with my mom yesterday. it was ok. I brought a list of dress #'s that i got on line to the stores and tried on dresses. I really want to stay in budget. and of course everything i liked was so out of my budget. the dress i liked (picturee below) is jasmine couture at $1500. a friend of a friend's sister paid $1100 for that same dress at another store. I'm definitly gonna shop around. they said they would try to match prices if i found it lower. two of my co-workers each got dresses for 3k and 5k!!! I can't see spending that much for a dress i wear once. i'd rather the money go toward something else. I've been to David's bridal where the dresses are cheaper, but i didn't find anything that i like. Am i living under a rock that i don't know what the average cost of a dress is??
Any thought or ideas?? Any sugestions on where else to look?? Thanks
hesMyWorld
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
i found my dress ranged from 800$ - 1500$ and then alterations had to be factored in.
2 of the dress shops I called also required me to buy my undergarments from them or they would not do the alterations.
I found the best price and the lowest cost for alterations and thats what I went with.
good luck!
PegaLega
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
I gave myself a budget for my dress, I refused REFUSED to spend more then 1500!
I spent ALOT less but that came with stress and people screwing up as alterations went on.
Definitely shop around, you will find alot of dress stores will price match. You can use this to your advantage, go back and forth, we were able to negotiate my dress down a very large amount of money.
JUST be careful and go with your gut, negotiating price down doesnt necessarily mean you will get great service. I got a cheaper dress and I would trade the stress for paying more for the dress anyday!
HTH
Sweeteey51
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
I got mines from RK Bridal and the dress was quoted at a couple of places for like 1600+, i got it from them for $650.
stinenandy2010
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Posted by KSquared
Posted by mrsdraskin2009
Posted by yswedding
I'm going to sound like such a snob, but I have to say this, when I tried on dresses the 1k dresses felt like 1k dresses, they were poorly shaped, beading was done very slopy in haphazard patterns, or the lace was cheap, the fabrics where the poorest quality, and the colors seemed off. The whites look too stark and the ivories looked very yellow.
Maybe for wearing it for one day, its not a big deal.
I also had issues with my size and shape, so very few things worked.
But when I tried on my dress but
there was no turning back
it was like made for me
Yes. You sound like a snob. I guess I will wear my poorly shaped, sloppy, cheap lace dress on my wedding day.
I can't afford to go overboard on my dress, and I know that I will find the most beautiful dress within my budget. There are so many beautiful and affordable dresses out there.
I completely agree. That comment was out of line and you came of extremely snobby. My 'cheap' dress looked amazing and was not poorly or sloppily made. Fortunatly most things fit me well so my options were very open. I would bet most of the girls on here fall into that 'cheap dress' category.
I am not agreeing with the original comment but I can relate. You pay more for the more expensive fabics and I could tell the difference. I think all bridal dresses are gorgeous and it depends on personal taste. I ordered my dress and did go with something more expensive bc this particular fabic fit me the best. I think she might have come off wrong.
ant090608
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
First have a set price range in your mind of what you are looking to spend. Then have some ideas of what you are looking for. When you find something you like- shop around. See where you can find that dress for cheaper.
I did the complete opposite. I went into the first bridal salon and fell in love with the dress- over budget and all. I convinced myself that it is the most important dress- now that I am thinking back I wish I shopped around a bit more, and worked out better pricing. I guess you learn from your mistakes. Don't get me wrong- I love my dress- I wish I shopped around I am sure I could've got a better deal.
mmm117
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Just like everything else in planning a wedding, people have different budgets and different tastes which affect the choices they make. I don't think it's right to say that dresses under a certain dollar amount are all universally cheap or poor quality but nor do I think it's right to call someone crazy for spending $3000+ on their dress (which I've seen a lot of people doing on these boards). It's all relative based on your budget and your desires. To each his own.
Future Mulligan
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
my dress was around $1,500....i saw dresses that were 3K that looked cheap and dresses that were 1K that were beautiful - it depends on the designer, the fabric, the design of the dress, and of course how many people tried it on and how old the sample is....shop around, the girls gave you great suggestions, you will find something in your budget....on your wedding day nobody is going to be looking at your dress label - KWIM? dont stress it!
mandab
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Posted by yswedding
Posted by mandab
I'm not sure if this was a reply yet, but I have to mention
www.houseofbrides.com
I found the dress I love in Estelle's, and it was $899, I went on houseofbrides and found it for $519. House of brides carries all kinds of designers that you find in stores and most of the prices are listed and listed by MFG # so there's no funny business with MFG #'s...haha!! I've heard from a couple of girls that have ordered from there and haven't had a problem. For me that works because my aunt is going to do my alterations anyway. Here's the other dress I'm looking at...I think this is the one, no one has it so I can try it on, but I think I may order it...it's $519 or $539 online, but I haven't seen it in the stores so I'm not sure how much they carry it for, but I'm sure that it's more than $519!!! Check it out on this link:
http://www.marysbridal.com/bridal/5709.htm
Has anyone else ordered from houseofbrides.com?
I would go with netbrides.com they will beat any houseofbrides quote and are way more reliable.
I ordered flower girls dresses from them.
Also, sorry didn't mean to offend with previous post, just my opinion for myself.
None taken YSWedding!! I'll have to check them out. I've never heard of them...I LOVE finding a bargain so I appreciate the tip!!
ammie1016
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Village Bridal and Boutique in Babylon Village have AMAZING Prices. My dress with Alterations was $880. YAY!, LOVE MY MAGGIE DRESS. The Bustle is going to be another $125. Not too bad.
misswitty
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Posted by blondietam
Posted by IrishBrideASmiling
Maggie Sottero makes some beautiful dresses in your price range! There are a bunch of shops that carry her line.
i must agree! Maggie has BEAUTIFULLY made dresses in many different styles for under $1k. i tired on like 15 maggie dress, all under $1k and all beautiful and well made, bright white, not cheap looking.
my dress is a maggie and it is $625 and its just beautiful!
I AGREE!!! I'm wearing Maggie and mine was $660! It's gorgeous, with Swarovski crystals all over the bodice - not cheap looking at all! Lace detail and more crystals all over the skirt and train. I LOVE IT! Got it at Renate's in Lindehurst cheaper than 4 other stores I checked out for the same dress.
Espo22
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Posted by mmm117
Just like everything else in planning a wedding, people have different budgets and different tastes which affect the choices they make. I don't think it's right to say that dresses under a certain dollar amount are all universally cheap or poor quality but nor do I think it's right to call someone crazy for spending $3000+ on their dress (which I've seen a lot of people doing on these boards). It's all relative based on your budget and your desires. To each his own.
i agree completely, i think its wrong to say either or to say anything bad about what anyone is doing. Whether you buy a dress that is 1k or 5k it doesnt matter as long as YOU are happy with it. If you spent 1k and someone else spent 5k and both are happy with your dresses then what does it matter how much you spend, and everyone is different so as long as they got what they want in the end thats all that matters. We dont need to understand why others spend more or less, or question it. Not putting anyone down just saying that it doesn't matter, when shopping for a dress just go in there with whatever your budget is and get whatever you like, who cares if someone disagrees with your choice.
Celeste617
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Posted by Espo22
Posted by mmm117
Just like everything else in planning a wedding, people have different budgets and different tastes which affect the choices they make. I don't think it's right to say that dresses under a certain dollar amount are all universally cheap or poor quality but nor do I think it's right to call someone crazy for spending $3000+ on their dress (which I've seen a lot of people doing on these boards). It's all relative based on your budget and your desires. To each his own.
i agree completely, i think its wrong to say either or to say anything bad about what anyone is doing. Whether you buy a dress that is 1k or 5k it doesnt matter as long as YOU are happy with it. If you spent 1k and someone else spent 5k and both are happy with your dresses then what does it matter how much you spend, and everyone is different so as long as they got what they want in the end thats all that matters. We dont need to understand why others spend more or less, or question it. Not putting anyone down just saying that it doesn't matter, when shopping for a dress just go in there with whatever your budget is and get whatever you like, who cares if someone disagrees with your choice.
I think that's so true. I am on a very tight budget and I was able to find a dress that I love and looks wonderful on me for much less than 1K. But I hate that sometimes I feel embarrassed to say it cuz there are people that will put that down, since I can't afford to spend more money.
zoe282
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
I think the real trick is to not even try on dresses outside your budget. I made sure when I went in I told them where I wanted to be and everyone was pretty good about it....if you let them they'll give you expensive dresses and it's just not right or fair...
erika99
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Posted by stinenandy2010
Posted by KSquared
Posted by mrsdraskin2009
Posted by yswedding
I'm going to sound like such a snob, but I have to say this, when I tried on dresses the 1k dresses felt like 1k dresses, they were poorly shaped, beading was done very slopy in haphazard patterns, or the lace was cheap, the fabrics where the poorest quality, and the colors seemed off. The whites look too stark and the ivories looked very yellow.
Maybe for wearing it for one day, its not a big deal.
I also had issues with my size and shape, so very few things worked.
But when I tried on my dress but
there was no turning back
it was like made for me
Yes. You sound like a snob. I guess I will wear my poorly shaped, sloppy, cheap lace dress on my wedding day.
I can't afford to go overboard on my dress, and I know that I will find the most beautiful dress within my budget. There are so many beautiful and affordable dresses out there.
I completely agree. That comment was out of line and you came of extremely snobby. My 'cheap' dress looked amazing and was not poorly or sloppily made. Fortunatly most things fit me well so my options were very open. I would bet most of the girls on here fall into that 'cheap dress' category.
I am not agreeing with the original comment but I can relate. You pay more for the more expensive fabics and I could tell the difference. I think all bridal dresses are gorgeous and it depends on personal taste. I ordered my dress and did go with something more expensive bc this particular fabic fit me the best. I think she might have come off wrong.
She defenetly came off wrong. I'm on a tight budget as well but, fortunately the dress I found is within my budget and I love it. However, when shopping I saw dresses that were over my budget and you can absolutely see the difference. Just do a lot of research and shopping around. You'll find what you're looking for within your price range.
Brendanzgirl
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
$1000 is about average. I bought mine around that for a Maggie Sottero gown.
lanamanitta
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
It's funny, because on so many things I'm a super-budgeter, but this was one of the most important things to me, and I had my 'ideal dress' picked out and got it. I have now looked at hundreds more and don't regret one penny spent on my 'crazy' priced dress, because nothing I've seen for any other price has every element I want.
I agree with the poster who said you can't judge what someone spends -- high or low -- on a dress. For me, flat screens and club lighting mean nothing and will not be in my wedding photos my kids will see, and the money for that went into my dress, which will be. At the same time, you only wear it for one day.
Spend what you want and can. . . the 'average' depends on your priorities and what you want your dress to feel like. For instance, satin is much heavier than silk, so if you have to wear your dress for a long time, spending more might make your whole day more comfortable.
I bought my dream dress because chances are, the only photo anyone will look at for the next fifty years will be my and my husband in our dress and tux . . . not the food, the flowers, the invites, the favors, the lights, the music, or anything else. I am not 'skimping' on those, but they are passing memories, while your dress is really forever, no matter how quickly the day goes by.
If it serves as a good example, my Mom was married 13 years before I was born, and I can describe her dress in detail, and I've never ever seen it in person . . . she gave it to a cousin, just as my aunt gave it to her.
MrsLarrea2B
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
I think it's fair to say that we are all wasting a s h i t load of $$$ on our weddings period. I mean here we are spending all this money for ONE day. But nonetheless we all feel that 'We HAVE TO HAVE A WEDDING!' and lucky for us, we are having a wedding !
For some of us 40K might seem like alot but for others it may seem average. What you do within the budget is all up to you and FH. I chose to splurge on my dress and veil. The same way people cant understand why we would spend so much on a dress that we wear only one day, there are people who also dont understand why some people would spend $10 on each favor, or over 1K on invitations, over 3K on flowers etc. or why we are even wasting money on a wedding Everyone has different priorities. Nobody should call anyone here a cheapo or a snob.
When we got engaged, I thought the same way. I never thought I would spend that much $ on my dress. But after trying on my dress SEVERAL times, I knew I had to have it.
I was very specific in what I wanted, and unfortunately what I wanted did not come in the 1 - 3K range.
In regards to the original post: Your budget for a dress seems reasonablea and def. do able. Good luck.
***IF I said anything here that may p i s s people off.... Dont get pissy. No drama please. This was meant to diffuse the situation. If I did a poor job, well my bad. ***
MrsLarrea2B
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Re: My dress cost WHAT??!!!!
Posted by lanamanitta
my 'crazy' priced dress, because nothing I've seen for any other price has every element I want.
Don't you just love EOM ??? I almot feel as if she designed the gown with me in mind.I can't wait to wear it!
